REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Team Redstone's National American Indian Heritage Month observance on Nov. 24 is one of many such ethnic observances held monthly to educate employees to the contributions different cultures bring to the nation.
"Equal opportunity ethnic observances are conducted to enhance cross-cultural awareness among all Soldiers, civilians and families," Col. Todd Royar, the Aviation and Missile Command's chief of staff, told those attending the Nov. 24 event.
Native American Indians are the largest ethnic group serving in the nation's military branches. The contributions of Native American Indians to the nation's military include:
• The Army's Indian Scout units, established in 1866, served with distinction in multiple campaigns and were not disbanded until 1947.
• More than 12,000 American Indians served in the Armed Forces in World War I. Their patriotism and distinguished service resulted in Congress passing the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, which extended American citizenship to all born within the territorial limits of the U.S.
• More than 44,000 American Indians served during World War II, including the famous Navaho code talkers. Another 40,000 contributed by working in war industries. At the time, there was a population of less than 350,000 American Indians.
• Collectively, American Indian service members have earned at least 71 Air Medals, 47 Bronze Stars, 34 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 51 Silver Stars and 28 Congressional Medals of Honor.
• Today, there are more than 150,000 American Indian veterans and more than 22,000 American Indians currently on active duty.
In his comments to the audience, Bill Marriott, AMCOM's deputy commander, mentioned several American Indians who have contributed significantly to the nation's culture. Of those, he named: Jim Thorpe, considered America's greatest athlete who won two Olympic gold medals in 1912, and played football, baseball and basketball; Maria Tallchief, America's first major prima ballerina; and Will Rogers, an Oklahoma Indian, cowboy, entertainer, movie start and comedian. He named military heroes such as decorated Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Roy Benavidez, who had a commemorative G.I. Joe made in his honor and a Navy cargo shipped named after him; Navy commander Earnest Evans, who received a Medal of Honor for actions during World War II; and Marine Cpl. Ira Hayes, who was one of the six flag raisers at Iwo Jima in World War II.
History -- and especially military history -- is brimming with heroes who are Native American Indians, Marriott said, because they exude the seven Army values of loyalty, duty, selfless service, honor, personal courage, integrity and respect.
The culture of the Native American Indian "enriches every aspect of our country. They inspire and continue to inspire through their belief in self-governance and determination," Marriott said.
The following Team Redstone employees were presented with awards as winners of the National American Indian Heritage Month essay contest: First Place -- Marcia See, Missile Defense Agency; Second Place -- Tina Piztiz, AMCOM; and Third Place -- John Scott, Army Contracting Command. The following Team Redstone organizations were presented awards as winners of the National American Indian Heritage Month display contest: First Place -- Corps of Engineers and Second Place -- Space and Missile Defense Command.
Local school children were also recognized for participation in the National American Indian Heritage Month Art Contest. The winners at the high school level were: First Place -- Jackie Davenport, Huntsville High School; Second Place -- Anna Beth Zuga, Huntsville High School; Third Place -- Hannah Gwathney, New Hope High School and Honorable Mention -- Hannah Hill of New Hope High School. Middle school winners were all from Discovery Middle School and included: First Place -- Victoria Lee, Second Place -- Shiyeon Ku, Third Place -- Sherry Lee and Honorable Mentino -- Alivia Nguyen. Elementary school winners were: Horizon Elementary -- First Place: Christos Prapiadis and Second Place: Zoey Henry; Rainbow Elementary -- Third Place: Avery Adams and Honorable Mention: Millie Grace Hoksbergen; and Academy for Academics and Arts: First Place -- Teleyah Hester, Second Place -- Noah Beddingfield, Third Place -- Hudson Haynsworth and Honorable Mention -- Jayah Sales. After School Program winners were: First Place -- Naomi Burns, Farley Boys and Girls Club; Second Place -- Lucy Bausano, James E. Williams Boys and Girls Club; and Third Place: Amara Hare, Child, Youth and School Services-Redstone Arsenal.
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