"I'm honored the Duke Brigade was chosen to host the Native American Heritage event," said Col. Bill Ostlund, commander. "I chose the word event purposefully as the next hour will include remembrance and celebration, education and demonstration, and perhaps caution and solicitation."
The ceremony reflected on the rich traditions and accomplishments, as well as suffering and injustices that marked the history of Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
Speaker, Maj. (ret) Ken 'Grey Feather' Phillips, chief executive officer and curator of the Kentucky Native American Heritage Museum, said they travel throughout the country with their mobile exhibit, educating the public about Native Americans including their role in America's military.
"Per capita Native Americans have the higher percentage of people who served in the military than any other race of people and people ask me 'how can you do that after what the government has done to your people?," said Phillips. "The answer to that is that we love this country. Don't necessarily agree with the government… but we love this country and we are willing to defend this country."
The 24-year Veteran enlisted into the Army Sept. 1, 1974 and became a commissioned officer May 13, 1978. Throughout his career, he served with the 1st Calvary Division, 2nd Armor Division, and the 24th and 25th Infantry Divisions.
"When I enlisted my father had been retired from the Navy for 4 years; I had two uncles in the Navy and one uncle in the Army. My family and all the families around us were military families," said the Pine Knot, Ken. native.
Phillips said he thought that everyone enlisted when they turned 18 unless they had a health problem that prevented them from serving. He did not realize how special serving as a Native American Soldier was until he became commissioned.
The pre-ceremony presentation highlighted decorative warriors from wars pass such as 1st Lt Billy Walkabout, 1st Sgt. Pascal Poolaw and Navajo code talkers from WW1 and WW2, who were all Native Americans who made impressive contributions to the military and society.
"I was the first officer in the family and the day I took my oath I had relatives who almost never left the reservation who attended. I think it really impacted on me when I looked up and saw my grandfather walk in. The last time he had left the reservation was when he reported to the Army for World War I," said Phillips. "It was then I realized that I wasn't just serving in the Army, but representing my entire family's honor and reputation in the Army."
Today Phillips expresses his pride through continued service to his people, both Native American and Army. Through his work with the museum, the Honor Guard, Amvets, etc. he said he works to help Veterans with their issues whether it be PTSD, housing, clothing, food or whatever their need.
"As a Native American I love this country and serving in the Army is just a natural way to protect and preserve it," Phillips explained. "The best way I can explain the pride of being a Native American Soldier is to say we still fight for the same reasons we've always fought. For us, protecting the country is the same as protecting our way of life, our families, traditions, culture and beliefs. Our people are part of the land just like the trees, the rocks and the grass. By protecting our land and our country we are protecting the very existence of our people."
Social Sharing