"It is with heavy heart and shock that I send this letter.

To use the name Geronimo and attach it to the world’s most notorious terrorist Osama bin Laden is an outrage. Geronimo was an American patriot. He was a man of courage who defended his people against the annihilation of the Apache Nation and its people. He fought to protect his family, relatives and his people. He fought to protect his land and a way of life. He fought for freedom; freedom and liberty.

Your willingness to allow and endorse the use of Geronimo’s name is appalling. It demonstrates a complete disrespect for the first Americans. The use of Geronimo’s name in this context is unacceptable."

Get the Story:
Arizona Rep. Albert Hale Writes President on Use of Geronimo (Indian Country Today 5/5)

Related Stories:
Native Sun News: Veterans upset by 'Geronimo' codename (5/4)
Fort Sill Apache Tribe to President Obama about 'Geronimo' (5/4)
Seminole Tribe letter to President Obama about 'Geronimo' (5/4)
Navajo president's statement on 'Geronimo' as codename (5/4)
SCIA to address use of 'Geronimo' as codename at hearing (5/4)
NCAI statement on use of 'Geronimo' for Osama codename (5/4)
Steven Newcomb: US still treats Indian people like terrorists (5/4)
Lise Balk King: US drops bomb with 'Geronimo' as codename (5/4)
Military use of 'Geronimo' codename was apparently recent (5/4)
Onondaga Nation leaders criticize military use of 'Geronimo' (5/4)
Fort Sill historian doesn't think 'Geronimo' use is a big deal (5/4)
Opinion: Geronimo back in the news with Osama bin Laden (5/4)
Opinion: US slanders Geronimo's name with Osama mission (5/3)
Rep. Pearce: White House crowd celebrates Osama's death (5/2)