U.S. Marine Brett Lundstrom, Oglala Lakota, who died in Iraq.
When World War I erupted, young Native men enlisted in such large numbers, it surprised other Americans because Native Americans were still not recognized as citizens of the United States. The number of Indians serving in the military remained high during World War II, despite the fact that there was extreme racial tension and even incidents of violence between whites and Indians. The treatment of Native Americans mirrored the way Black Americans were treated in the South. Despite experiencing discrimination and prejudice, Native Americans proudly served with heroism and honor. Cousins Nelson and Louis “Piggy” Tapio, both Oglala Lakota, served in the Pacific Theater, Nelson with the U. S. Army in the Philippines and Louis with the U. S. Marines at Iwo Jima. Clement Crazy Thunder, an Oglala from Pine Ridge and a U.S. Marine, was killed in action on Iwo Jima. Mary Jane Giago served with the Women’s Army Corps or WACS in San Antonio, Texas. U.S. Marine Brett Lundstrom, Oglala Lakota, was killed in Iraq. These are only a few of the hundreds of Indians from South Dakota who served this country. During the last half of the 20th century, Native Americans were forced into situations meant to assimilate them into American culture, and because of these situations, many traditional ceremonies and practices were driven underground. Employment rates on or near reservations were at such low levels that often times leaving the family and seeking employment elsewhere was the only option, which is often true today. Serving in the military became a rite of passage for many young Native men. Today, this practice continues with hundreds of Indian men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The tradition many tribes have of protecting the community is still prevalent and these tribes continue to view service, sacrifice, and courage as important values and part of an individual’s journey to becoming a leader, protector, and agent of change for his/her family or tribe. The challenges facing Native veterans today are similar to those facing veterans of all ethnicities throughout the United States. These challenges include access to healthcare, substance abuse, unemployment, homelessness, and mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans of different eras experience different challenges and have different needs, regardless of their level of service. Often, World War II veterans may be hesitant to apply for benefits, feeling they were just doing their duty. Most of the veterans of World War II have traveled to the Spirit World. Korean Veterans may have health needs related to the cold weather endured during their service. Vietnam veterans may experience physical issues related to Agent Orange, and younger veterans may have symptoms of Gulf War syndrome. Upon returning home, Native veterans may face challenges in accessing care. Often, veterans’ hospitals are located great distances from the rural, remote reservation homes of many veterans putting a financial burden on not only on the veteran’s family, but also requiring the tribal government to get creative with their own resources in an attempt to get their veteran members access to the hospitals. Tribes and Native communities are responding to these challenges by establishing tribal veterans’ affairs departments that not only appreciate the unique needs of Native veterans, but also recognize the ways that cultural practices can be applied in healing veterans. Language, culture, and ceremony are being revived and acknowledged as integral factors in the healing process. Despite all the challenges facing Native veterans throughout history, the Native American population continually produces a high number of enlisted military personnel. Perhaps, the best reason for these astonishing statistics was explained in a statement made by Raymond Nahai, a Native WW II veteran when he said, “Many have asked why we fight the white man's war. Our answer is that we are proud to be Americans, and we are proud to be American Indians. The American Indian always stands ready when his country needs him.” The creed of the Indian societies on the Indian reservations is honor, courage, fortitude, generosity, and spiritual strength. These are the traits and virtues that helped many tribes survive and thrive despite the historical efforts to destroy them. Since this country’s founding, Native Americans have fought for and against the government of the United States and have always done so with courage. Their fight has always been to protect their homelands from invaders even if those invaders were Americans. In either case, Indians have been patriots of the highest order. (Contact Karin Eagle at staffwriter2@nsweekly.com)
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