Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall community celebrated Native American Indian Heritage Month Nov. 18 at the installation's community center. The guest speaker was Red Hawk, a Cherokee Indian from North Carolina.
The ballroom was filled with tables displaying Native American artifacts, including war lances, spears, shields, war clubs and more.
Col. Carl R. Coffman, JBM-HH commander, gave opening remarks and an account of the role Native Americans played in American history, especially as military personnel. He also introduced Red Hawk as the guest speaker to the audience.
Red Hawk used humor, personal stories and music in his presentation. The audience listened attentively and laughed at many of his anecdotes. Afterwards, time was made available for guests to ask questions.
''Diversity is not just about our differences," Red Hawk said. ''It's about our similarities as well. You cannot teach diversity without teaching the concept of how we are different and similar at the same time.
''Diversity is a dynamic that occurs when culturally determined ways of thinking are present and felt."
Following Red Hawk's speech, Larry Yazzie and Arlen Whitebreast, of Native Pride Productions, performed a men's grass dance dressed in authentic costume. Before and after each dance, Yazzie explained the significance of the clothing, certain dance moves and specific traditions.
''This was excellent. I think this was one of the best ethnic observances I have ever seen," said Lt. Col. Cameron Leiker, Headquarters Command Battalion commander.
Coffman provided concluding remarks and gave the program participants a commander's coin and a plaque of appreciation.
Guests lined up to enjoy an ethnic food sampling of bison chili, frybread, sweet kush, osage autumn stew and more. Soldiers and civilians who filled up tables laughed and talked about the cultural experience.
''I have Family that is Cherokee Indian from the Blackfoot Tribe, and I can tell you this food is authentic and it's good," said Sgt. 1st Class. Arthur Washington, U. S. Army Garrison. ''I enjoyed the frybread and the bison chili."
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