WINDOW ROCK AZ
5/21/2007
A member of the Navajo Nation on his third tour of duty in Iraq was reportedly killed in action on Monday, May 14.
U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Neil Gonzales, 25, of Birdsprings, Ariz., was killed on duty, according to his mother, Judy Nez.
The Department of Defense has not yet issued any information, and his family said they were awaiting details.
Sgt. Gonzales is survived by his wife Tonita Gonzales and five-year-old son, Breenen. He is also survived by his mother, Judy Nez, and his grandparents, Julius and Betty Nez.Sgt. Gonzales is the eighth Navajo soldier to be killed on duty in Iraq or Afghanistan.
On Tuesday, Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr., issued a proclamation in honor and in recognition of Sgt. Gonzales¹ sacrifice. He also ordered that flags on the Navajo Nation are to be flown at half-staff from May 16 to May 20 in honor of Sgt. Gonzales.
“It is another very sad day that brings us the news of the loss of another of our soldiers, another of our sons,” President Shirley said. “Our prayers are with his entire family, his wife, his young son, his mother, and his grandparents.”
Article published by NativeTimes.com
Monday, May 28, 2007
Native American Women's Exhibit Opens at Women's Memorial
By Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service
ARLINGTON, Va., May 27, 2003 – Army Spc. Lori Piestewa didn't move a mountain, but her death on the battlefield in Iraq touched a nation and changed a mountain's name.
"Squaw Peak," the Phoenix summit with a name that's offensive and controversial to some, is now "Piestewa Peak" — a hero's name.
Among other tributes to the fallen warrior, Piestewa and five others are featured in "Voices," a new exhibit that opened at the Women's Memorial on May 26 to honor and highlight the contributions of Native American women who serve in the armed forces.
A Hopi Indian, Piestewa was given special honors by tribal representatives from across the country because she was the first service woman killed in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the first known Native American service woman known to have been killed in combat.
The 23-year-old soldier from Tuba City, Ariz., died from injuries when her unit, the 507th Maintenance Company, was ambushed on March 23 near Nasiriyah, Iraq, by enemy forces in Iraq. She was promoted posthumously.
To read more click here: http://www.pentagon.gov/specials/nativeam02/memorial.html
American Forces Press Service
ARLINGTON, Va., May 27, 2003 – Army Spc. Lori Piestewa didn't move a mountain, but her death on the battlefield in Iraq touched a nation and changed a mountain's name.
"Squaw Peak," the Phoenix summit with a name that's offensive and controversial to some, is now "Piestewa Peak" — a hero's name.
Among other tributes to the fallen warrior, Piestewa and five others are featured in "Voices," a new exhibit that opened at the Women's Memorial on May 26 to honor and highlight the contributions of Native American women who serve in the armed forces.
A Hopi Indian, Piestewa was given special honors by tribal representatives from across the country because she was the first service woman killed in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the first known Native American service woman known to have been killed in combat.
The 23-year-old soldier from Tuba City, Ariz., died from injuries when her unit, the 507th Maintenance Company, was ambushed on March 23 near Nasiriyah, Iraq, by enemy forces in Iraq. She was promoted posthumously.
To read more click here: http://www.pentagon.gov/specials/nativeam02/memorial.html
Native American Military Heroes
Many Native Americans have played a vital role in making America what it is today. For this reason, our country honors Native Americans during the month of November.
A presidential proclamation has set aside November as National American Indian Heritage Month every year since 1994.
Long before the first European settlers arrived, American Indians from numerous tribes throughout what is now known as North America inhabited the land. Free to practice their cultures and traditions, Native Americans lived off of the land and in harmony with nature. At that time, wildlife and enemy tribes posed the greatest dangers. However, the arrival of the first settlers brought a new danger.
As European settlements grew into colonies and colonies to states, many American Indians were forced west by Americans, and eventually onto reservations. Often they were stripped of their land, their culture, and individual ways of life as their new neighbors forbade them to practice their own form of government and religion.
Since European settlement, American Indians have distinguished themselves in numerous ways -- one of which is military service. In the 20th century, five American Indians have received the United States highest military honor: the Medal of Honor. Awarded for their military heroism above and beyond the call of duty, these warriors exhibited extraordinary bravery in the face of the enemy. They are; Jack C. Montgomery, a Cherokee from Oklahoma; Ernest Childers, a Creek from Oklahoma; Van Barfoot, a Chocktaw from Mississippi; Mitchel Red Cloud Jr., a Winnebago from Wisconsin; and Charles George, a Cherokee from North Carolina.
Want to know more? Click here: http://www.medalofhonor.com/NativeWarriors.htm
A presidential proclamation has set aside November as National American Indian Heritage Month every year since 1994.
Long before the first European settlers arrived, American Indians from numerous tribes throughout what is now known as North America inhabited the land. Free to practice their cultures and traditions, Native Americans lived off of the land and in harmony with nature. At that time, wildlife and enemy tribes posed the greatest dangers. However, the arrival of the first settlers brought a new danger.
As European settlements grew into colonies and colonies to states, many American Indians were forced west by Americans, and eventually onto reservations. Often they were stripped of their land, their culture, and individual ways of life as their new neighbors forbade them to practice their own form of government and religion.
Since European settlement, American Indians have distinguished themselves in numerous ways -- one of which is military service. In the 20th century, five American Indians have received the United States highest military honor: the Medal of Honor. Awarded for their military heroism above and beyond the call of duty, these warriors exhibited extraordinary bravery in the face of the enemy. They are; Jack C. Montgomery, a Cherokee from Oklahoma; Ernest Childers, a Creek from Oklahoma; Van Barfoot, a Chocktaw from Mississippi; Mitchel Red Cloud Jr., a Winnebago from Wisconsin; and Charles George, a Cherokee from North Carolina.
Want to know more? Click here: http://www.medalofhonor.com/NativeWarriors.htm
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