CAMP STANLEY, South Korea - Soldiers from Camp Stanley got a taste of Native American culture during a National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month celebration at the Camp Stanley Community Activity Center Nov 3.
A class also was given to the Soldiers describing the many different aspects of Native American culture at the Stanley Movie Theater as part of the annual event recognizing the contributions of American Indians to the nation.
Following the class, the Soldiers marched down to the CAC where they sampled Native American food such as cornbread, lamb stew, Indian tacos on fried bread, salad and honey covered popcorn.
"The food was delicious," said Cameron Pierce, Company C, 304th Signal Battalion. "I never tried the honey covered popcorn before, but it was pretty good.
After the Soldiers filled their bellies, Crystal Hagan, Stanley CAC director, treated them to music she performed with an American Indian flute.
"Ms. Hagan did a really good job with the flute," Pierce said. "It's good that the Army takes the time out to do these things and recognize different cultures, it shows that everyone is noticed."
Hagan said about 125 Soldiers attended the special emphasis program.
"We almost didn't have enough food," Hagan said with a smile. "But it's always good to have our Soldiers come together and have fun while learning something new."
"In doing these culture celebrations, Soldiers receive exposure and a new sense of understanding towards different cultures, which is good not only professionally, but also socially."
Pierce appreciates the events held at the CAC for Soldiers.
"I love the CAC," Pierce said. "They always have events or exciting things going on during any given day, and events like these really boost the morale of Soldiers and opens our minds up to learn and try new things."
Warrior Country has a direct connection to the celebration of American Indians.
The installation in Uijeongbu was named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient, Army Cpl. Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr., during Armed Forces Day May 18, 1957. Red Cloud was killed in action near Chonghyon in Gangwon Province Nov. 5, 1950 while serving with Company E, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division.
He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and was a member of the Ho-Chunk Native American tribe.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 339,515 American Indian and Alaska Natives are veterans of the U.S. armed forces.
For more information about upcoming events at the CAC, call 732-5366.
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