"Native Americans have served honorably in all our nation's wars despite the fact that they were not granted citizenship until 1924. About 12,000 Native Americans served our country heroically in World War I; 44,000 (of a total population of 350,000 at the time) served in World War II; and 42,000 served in Vietnam -- more than 90 percent of whom were volunteers.

Native Americans have the highest record of service per capita of all the ethnic groups in the United States. Perhaps the reason for these astonishing statistics is best explained by one of our own on Cheyenne Mountain.

"Many have asked why we fight in these wars. Our answer is that we are proud to be Americans and we are proud to be Native Americans," said Master Sgt. Leo Morales, 721st Communications Squadron. "I am a third generation Native American service member, and we are willing to fight not just for our family and tribe, but for our nation, which we now consider our new tribe.""

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November is National Native American Heritage Month (Air Force Space Command 10/31)