The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas is proud to have Tribal residents, who’ve served in the USA navy, heading to Washington, D.C. this week for the dedication of the Nationwide Native American Veterans Memorial. 

All through this nation’s historical past, Native Individuals have served in the USA navy — even earlier than they had been acknowledged as U.S. residents. “That is our nation and it’s our responsibility to serve,” stated Roland Poncho, an Military Veteran who’s a member of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Tribal Council. “After I first began working for the Tribe 1969, there have been seven Council members who had been Veterans.”

Tribal residents of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas have served in conflicts starting from World Wars I and II to Vietnam, and newer wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “There are about 10 tribal residents presently serving within the navy”, Tribal Council Member Poncho stated.

Each women and men of the Tribe have served in all branches of the navy. The Tribe has misplaced one citizen in fight: Marvin Ray Robinson, who was a tailgunner for a fight helicopter in Vietnam.

The reminiscence of those that have handed and respect for these tribal warriors nonetheless right here can be entrance of thoughts when the Tribe’s Veterans go to the Nation’s Capital for the dedication of the Native American Veterans Memorial. The dedication can be on Friday, Nov. 11 (which is Veterans Day) and can embody a parade by way of the streets of Washington to honor the service of Native Individuals within the navy.

The Nationwide Native American Veterans Memorial opened on November 11, 2020, on the grounds of the Nationwide Museum of the American Indian. This tribute to Native heroes acknowledges for the primary time on a nationwide scale the enduring and distinguished service of Native Individuals in each department of the US navy.

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas made a dedication and a financial donation to the Nationwide Native American Veterans Memorial venture in honor (and in reminiscence) of Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Veterans.

All through the Veterans Day weekend, the museum will host particular occasions in honor of the dedication of the memorial, together with performances by musical artists, presentation of colours by the Native American Girls Warriors, and hands-on actions.

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has the oldest reservation in Texas, situated on roughly 10,200 acres close to Livingston. The Tribe is a completely functioning sovereign authorities with a full array of well being and human companies, together with legislation enforcement and emergency companies. There are greater than 1,300 members, about half of whom dwell on the reservation. The Tribe is ruled by an elected Tribal Council and suggested by the Principal Chief and Second chief.