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2 November 25, 2015 Commentary BULLSEYE
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Celebrating National American Indian Heritage Month
By Dr. Robert B. Kane have greatly contributed to the heri- II, compiling an outstanding combat eighth Osage Indian. Tinker, the first
tage and culture of this country. For record. In November 1945, the U.S. American Indian to be promoted
Air University director of history example, many consider Jim Thorpe, Army Air Force’s Office of Indian to general officer, died on a f lying
whose mother was a Sac and Fox Affairs reported that 71 American mission after the battle of Midway
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Indian, one of America’s greatest Indians received the Air Medal, 51 in June 1942.
Ala. — During November, Ameri- athletes; and also Maria Tallchief, the Silver Star, 47 the Bronze Star,
cans celebrate National American whose father was Osage, received and 34 the Distinguished Flying During our history, 30 American
Indian Heritage Month. This year’s global recognition as America’s first Cross. Seven received the Medal of Indians (16 during the Frontier
theme is “Growing Native Leaders: prima ballerina. Honor, three posthumously. Wars, seven during World War II,
Enhancing our Severn Genera- five in the Korean War, and two
tions.” On Nov. 11, Americans also Additionally, American Indians Perhaps, the most famous group of in the Vietnam War) received the
celebrated Veterans Day. Through have honorably served in all U.S. American Indian servicemen during Medal of Honor, America’s highest
these two observances, Americans armed services since the Ameri- World War II was the Navajo Co- and most prestigious award for hero-
can celebrate not only the significant can Revolution. American Indians detalkers who served as Marines in ism in combat above and beyond the
contributions of American Indians served as scouts during the Frontier the Western Pacific. They provided call of duty.
and Alaska natives to our heritage Wars, fought on both sides during secure communications for Marine
and culture, but also their contribu- the Civil War, and were with Teddy ground operations, using a code de- American Indians and non-Amer-
tion to this country’s defense. Roosevelt’s Rough Riders at San Juan veloped from their native language. ican Indians lived, worked, fought
Hill, Cuba, in 1898. The Japanese military never broke and died together in the U.S. armed
The original idea to recognize the the code, and the Navajo Codetalk- forces. In doing so, they learned
American Indian originated with the During World War I, about 12,000 ers played a pivotal role in saving from each other.
Boy Scouts of America in 1915. By American Indians distinguished countless lives and hastening the
1950, several states had established themselves in the brutal fighting in war’s end in the Pacific. “There was a camaraderie (in the
an American Indian Day, and in France. Approximately 600 of these Air Force),” said Ben Nighthorse
1976, President Gerald Ford declared were Choctaw and Cherokee Indians Marine Cpl. Ira Hayes, a Pima Indi- Campbell, a Cheyenne veteran of
October 10-16 as “Native American who served with the 142nd Infantry an, was one of the six men who raised Korea and former senator and rep-
Awareness Week.” Finally, in 1990, of the 36th Texas-Oklahoma Na- the U.S. flag over Iwo Jima on Feb. 23, resentative from Colorado. “That-
President George H. W. Bush signed tional Guard Division. Four of them 1945, an event captured in the Marine transcends ethnicity when you serve
a joint resolution of Congress, of- received France’s Croix de Guerre Corps Memorial near the entrance to your country overseas in wartime.”
ficially proclaiming November as and others received Britain’s Church Arlington National Cemetery.
National American Indian Month. War Cross for gallantry for acts of As we celebrate National Ameri-
heroism in combat. Over the years, thousands of Air can Indian Month and Veterans
At one time, many Americans Force members and their families Day this November, let’s remember
thought only of “Indian” raids dur- Over 21,000 American Indians, served at Tinker Air Force Base, the thousands of American Indians
ing the Frontier Wars of the 1700s including 800 women, served in the Oklahoma, named after Maj. Gen. who have honorably served in this
and 1800s. Yet, American Indians U.S. armed forces during World War Clarence L. Tinker, who was one- country’s armed forces throughout
its history.
What motivates you?
By Col. Kirsten Benford when they seem to have lost their initial motivation, Motivation, enthusiasm and a positive attitude
enthusiasm and zeal. are just as contagious as negativity. They help us
71st Medical Group commander push through trials, unmet expectations, undesired
I entered the Air Force with a three-year com- jobs and other disappointments.
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — Motivation mitment back in 1992. I stayed in the Air Force
is an idea that is used to explain behavior. It is the because I appreciated the more level playing field When I walked around the 71st Medical Group
reason for people’s actions, desires and needs. and opportunities for growth and development. when I first arrived a few months ago, I couldn’t tell
those happy to be here from those simply riding out
What motivates you? Is it a pay raise, promotion, I have thoroughly enjoyed each job and “bloomed their assignment. Everyone appeared motivated and
family or friends? where I was planted.” enthusiastic about the role they were playing. I fed off
that enthusiasm and motivation and wanted to be a bet-
When I applied for an ROTC scholarship back It is hard to stay motivated when you don’t get as- ter leader and help each of my team members succeed.
in the early 1980s, my motivation was monetary. I signed the career field or base that you really wanted.
needed money for college. Many of us join the mili- That being said, it helps to keep a positive attitude I was ecstatic when I was first assigned to Vance.
tary for monetary reasons. Others join for travel, and belief that things happen for a reason. We all can Then I “caught” the medical group enthusiasm fever
adventure and to see the world. bring something to the fight if we stay motivated “in and was motivated to keep up with the team.
spite of ” our temporary circumstances.
Occasionally, we need to ref lect and reevaluate Now I am “committed to excellence,” and want
our motives for being in the total force. What is We need to remind ourselves of the choice we everyone I come in contact with to catch the fever
curious to me is the number of people who stay made to be part of the total force and get excited as well.
in the military beyond their original commitment about the fact that we can still serve.
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