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MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2003

More than 12,000 American Indians and Alaska Natives are currently in the armed forces, according to The Arizona Republic.

Reasons for enlistment vary, with culture, economics and education all playing a part. Cliff Qotsaquahu, a member of the Hopi Tribe of Arizona, is a Vietnam veteran. He said he served to protect Indian Country and the United States.

Verrin T. Kewenvoyouma, a Navajo/Hopi student has several relatives who are war veterans or who served in the military. But he says he won't enlist due to mistrust of the U.S. government.

Historically, American Indians and Alaska Natives have served in the military at higher rates per capita than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States.

Get the Story:
Native Americans have noteworthy war record (The Arizona Republic 3/23)

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