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TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2003

Ed. Note: Indianz.Com can be reached at indianz@indianz.com -- your e-mails will be sent to the Piestewa family. Cards and letters can be mailed to Percy Piestewa, P.O. Box 957, Tuba City, AZ 86045. Flower and other items can also be mailed, care of, to the Tuba City Unified School District, P.O. Box 67, Tuba City, AZ 86045. UPS or FedEx accepted at School District address.

More: Indian Country mourns loss of Native soldier | Earlier Letters

A Strong Woman
It hurts. I give you my deepest sympathies. Lori is a hero to me and many others, and especially to Native Americans that serve and have served in the military. She was strong and made us all proud. My prayers are with you and the other families that have lost loved ones in this struggle.

Perry M. Shell
SFC, USA, Retired
Eastern Band Cherokee

Pacifist Saddened
I am opposed to the war in Iraq for many reasons. I support the troops absolutely, but not the mission, and not the President. I am saddened by every death and every injury on all sides.

I was particularly saddened, though, to learn of the death of Lori Piestewa, because she is a woman, because she is a single mom, because she is a Native American and because she is Hopi.

My sincerest condolences and wishes for the safe and immediate return of all soldiers to their homes and families.

Mr. Claiborne M. Clark
Durham, NC

Role Model for Native Women
When I first heard, PFC L. Piestewa- Missing In Action, I was afraid for her. I prayed for her safe return as well as comfort for the hearts of her children and family/friends. After reading several articles about PFC L. Piestewa I learned of her strengths, the love for her children and family and the love for her Country. She has represented Native American Women and single mothers well, with a strong and courageous heart. Keeping her head up knowing what she was doing and why she was there.

My heart ached at the loss of PFC L. Piestewa, then I remember the articles and realize she lived her dream. PFC L. Piestewa was called to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice for others she did not know. She will not be forgotten. Stay strong during this time of sorrow.

Respectfully,

Stephanie J. Nelson
Gila River Indian Community, Arizona

True Warrior
My deepest sympathy goes out to the children and family of Army PFC Lori Piestewa. The news brought tears to my eyes and I feel sorrow for the little kids she leaves behind but I hope they will always be reminded that their mom died defending her country and she is and always will be a hero in everyones eyes. I prayed for a joyous ending to the waiting for Lori's return home and although it may not feel so I am still overwhelmed by a feeling of pride for her. She is a true Native American Warrior. My prayers are with you the Piestewa family. May God Bless you all and keep you safe.

Kristy Fallsdown
Billings, Montana

Sending Love
Upon hearing the news of Lori Ann Piestewa’s passing, my family and I were emotionally shattered…we followed the newscasts in hopes of news of her whereabouts and as many other Americans, we included her in our thoughts and prayers. We cannot know the depth of the heartache that Lori’s family is enduring, we only know that our ache is minimal in comparison. The heartache & loneliness will always be with the Piestewa family but so too will the Love, Pride and Memories of a True Heroic Native American Women Warrior! You, Lori, are the one who will forever live in our thoughts, prayers and history as a TRUE NATIVE AMERICAN HERO!!!

May the Great Spirit bless our troops and the Piestewa family and may the Great Spirit guide this conflict to a more peaceful resolve – no more tears!

From L.L. and Family

Heads High
I just wanted her family know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of them. They should be proud to have had her for a daughter. I also wanted them to stay strong and hold their heads of high. God Bless you all.

Rachel Ellenwood

A True Representative
Greetings,

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt condolences to the family of Lori Piestewa as well as the Hopi nation. When it was confirmed that she was killed in action, I cried for the first time in this war. I know that native people make up the largest proportionate ethnic group in the armed services, and are proud to be warriors. Lori was following in her father and grandfather's footsteps. The fact that Lori was the first U. S. servicewoman to be killed in this war somehow makes it even more poignant. She represented the Hopi people and female soldiers most honorably. I heard it snowed there the other day, and hope that began to bring some healing.

Lori Windle
Anishinaabe
Denver, CO

Support
Our prayers and love are sent to Lori's family. Our family has had POWs. It's always sad when we lose someone but we know her spirit is alive.

Karen Vigneault
Kumeyaay Tribe, San Diego, Calif.

Defending our Country
To the children & family of Pfc. Lori Piestewa:

I write to you with sincere sympathy in the loss of your beautiful mother, daughter, sister and Tribal member of the Hopi nation. Lori is a true warrior who was called to defend our country, and she exhibited her bravery in the face of the enemy and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country so we ourselfs can enjoy our freedom. My prayers and thoughts go out to you all, "There is always a hope of light, just listen to what your heart says, and the creator will make everything all right".

Sincerely,

Danile J.W. Henry, Arikara Nation
White Shield, North Dakota

From a Mother
I am a member of the Nez Perce Tribe and a mother of three (3). I would like to let the family or Lori Ann Piestewa know that they all will be in my prayers. Especially her daughters, I am very saddened about the death but also proud of this native girl who chose to serve in the armed services.

Love and peace

Josette Henry, Lapwai, ID

Thank you for your Service
My prayers and sympathy are with your family in your trying time. We are all proud of your daughter mother, sister, auntie, cousin and what she had achieved in her short life. God praise her and keep her in his loving arms. God Bless you and your families now and forever. As a native woman, I feel honored to be able to acknowledge her life and her service not to only this country but to native people. God Bless.

Irene Kipp
Blackfeet Tribe, Montana

Great Admiration
Dear Piestewa Family,

I would like to extend my condolences to you and your family. When I first heard that Lori was MIA, my heart was saddened. I followed the news reports praying that she would be found. Now I continue to pray for you and your family. I sensed that Lori was a strong person and would do what was in her power to provide for her family. As a Native American woman, I have great admiration for your daughter, I know the challenge of being female, Native, and the quest to reach for the goals that we set for ourselves. You have much to be proud of.

Pamela Daychild
Phoenix, Arizona

Courageous Warrior
I just wanted to extend my thoughts and prayers to this family and the courageous warrior that fought hard and diligently for our country, and what it stands for. As a member of the nez perce nation, i am deeply touched and proud that a fellow native american, as well as a mother, gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can continue to teach our young generation and generations to come, about our culture and indian ways of life.

May the Creator bless the Piestewa family, Lori's children, and continue to bless our troops who are fighting for the freedom which we all live for. May you find strength in your culture and/or religion. I am sure all of our ancestors, grandmothers and grandfathers, have greeted your daughter and she is in a world with nothing but peace and happiness. May she dance lightly and happily among the elders and angels.....

Yox Kalo'

Crystal Rabago
Nimiipuu Nation (Nez Perce Nation, Lapwai, Idaho)

Condolences and Prayers
I send my condolences and my prayers. There are no words to express how truly sorry I am during your loss. My heart goes out to your family. They will be in my prayers always. She truly is a hero among all native tribes. I also send out my prayers to all the soldiers who are fighting for our freedom. May the Great Spirit be with us all.

Kay

A Brave Fighter
I'm sorry for the loss of your daughter. She was a brave for her family as well as her country. May god bless you and the family. From my daughters Saya Marie Jose, 2 months, Lucia Valeyna Vavages, 7, and myself Germaine Marie Ventura. Take Care and God bless.

Tohono O'odham Nation
Sells, Arizona

Pride
1.) You can be proud of your Mom and daughter.
2.) The love and loyal is so evident in her conviction of beliefs.
3.) You know she took some of them with her to the grave.
4.) She has took the world by it's heart!
My prayers and love are with you.
i am Wintu. my spirit prays with yours!
Much Love.

Betty Ann

Brave Warrior Showed us a Brave Heart
To the family of Army Pfc. Lori Piestewa:

I pray that God gives you the strength each day and the days to come. As I think about how Lori put her Life in harms way, she showed this nation and Indain Country that she had a "Brave Heart" she will never be forgotten. A young Native American single mother anwering the call duty to serve her country.

The Wilson Family Glendale
Diné Nation, Arizona

Sacrifices
I would like to send my heart felt sorrow for the loss of your loved one in the struggle to stop the oppressor over seas. I served in the service and know the sacrifices made by our fellow warriors. I support there efforts and cry tears for the lose of blood that has to be shed to protect those that our not as capable.

My prayers and deepest respect.
Chip, Cherokee / Lenne Lenape

Lady Warrior
April 5, 2003 was a sad day. We had learned that Lori "Lady Warrior" Piestewa had been identified at one of the Fallen Heroes. Our Hearts were filled with sadness and grief. She was a brave young woman who ventured into a war to protect our freedom. We will pray for the Piestewa family and ask for comfort and healing. Keep her alive through your precious memories.

LeRoy Gashwazra, Sr., & Family
Vietnam Vet (68-69)

Your Angel
I just wanted you to know how sorry I am to learn of your loss. I am an Oglala Sioux from South Dakota and my friends and I have been keeping posted of the news on your daughter and have prayed for Lori, and her children and for the rest of her family. I am sure she meant the world to you as my daughter is my world. She is now your angel. Take care and God Bless all of you.

You are in my prayers

Sincerely,
Lynn Pourier