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MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2003

The following is a press release from the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President.

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz.,---Vice President Frank Dayish Jr. has issued an executive order for Navajo Nation flags across the Nation to be flown at half staff April 7th and 8th, in honor of Pfc. Lori Piestewa, first American and Hopi woman to die in the Iraq war.

"Lori Piestewa’s military service is a reflection of the dedication of our Native American soldiers who are defending our nation and traditional homelands in this time of war," concluded Dayish.

Hopi officials reported the family was contacted late Friday by Washington officials with the news of her death. Piestewa, 23, a single mother, left her 4-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter with her parents in Tuba City when she was deployed for the Middle East.

"We should honor, respect and salute our committed military personnel serving in this conflict," Dayish said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Piestewa family."

Department of Defense officials reported Piestewa's 507th Army Maintenance Company was ambushed March 23 near Nasiriyah, and she was one of 11 soldiers listed as "missing in action."

Today on Indianz.Com:
Piestewa killed in action in Iraq (4/7)
Indian Country mourns loss (4/7)
Letters: 'Our nation has lost a great hero' (4/7)

Department of Defense News Release:
Piestewa ambushed Mar. 23 (Dod 4/5)

Related Stories:
Hopi Woman Confirmed Dead (4/5)
Readers react to Piestewa tragedy (4/5)
Letters of Support Lori Piestewa and Family(4/4)
Piestewa: 'When is his mom coming home?' (4/4)
Rescued soldier has no information on Piestewa (4/4)
Military begins difficult identification process (4/4)
Rescued soldier watched unit members die (4/3)
Fellow Piestewa unit member rescued in Iraq (4/2)
Vigil held in Ariz. for missing Hopi soldier (3/27)
Hopi Tribe prays for return of missing soldier (3/26)
Piestewa Family Letter: Thank you for prayers (3/26)
Ariz. soldier reported missing (3/25)