{"id":18018,"date":"2021-11-15T08:55:56","date_gmt":"2021-11-15T13:55:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianz.com\/News\/?p=18018"},"modified":"2021-11-15T08:55:56","modified_gmt":"2021-11-15T13:55:56","slug":"chuck-hoskin-cherokee-nation-honors-our-brave-veterans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2021\/11\/15\/chuck-hoskin-cherokee-nation-honors-our-brave-veterans\/","title":{"rendered":"Chuck Hoskin: Cherokee Nation honors our brave veterans"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9\">\r\n<div class=\" content_cards_card content_cards_domain_youtu-be\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"content_cards_image\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"content_cards_image_link\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Jm1muEbLtjk?list=PLZEkBhbUA_CWJnPwa6s0aC7kqlz7JT1MC\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/23\/hqdefault-11.jpg\" alt=\"Cherokee Veteran Vinnus J. Hilderbrand\">\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"content_cards_title\">\n\t\t<a class=\"content_cards_title_link\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Jm1muEbLtjk?list=PLZEkBhbUA_CWJnPwa6s0aC7kqlz7JT1MC\">\n\t\t\tCherokee Veteran Vinnus J. Hilderbrand\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"content_cards_description\">\n\t\t<a class=\"content_cards_description_link\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Jm1muEbLtjk?list=PLZEkBhbUA_CWJnPwa6s0aC7kqlz7JT1MC\">\n\t\t\t<p>An interview with Cherokee Veteran Vinnus J. Hilderbrand.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"content_cards_site_name\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/s\/desktop\/4a7aecfd\/img\/favicon.ico\" alt=\"YouTube\" class=\"content_cards_favicon\"\/>\t\tYouTube\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Cherokee Nation Playlist: <a href=https:\/\/youtu.be\/Jm1muEbLtjk?list=PLZEkBhbUA_CWJnPwa6s0aC7kqlz7JT1MC>Cherokee Veterans<\/a>\r\n<\/figcaption>\r\n<div class=\"h3-responsive font-weight-bold\">Celebrating the Commitment of Cherokee Military Veterans<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"date\">Monday, November 15, 2021<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"byline\">By Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. <A href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ChuckHoskin_Jr\"><I aria-hidden=true class=\"fab fa-twitter\"><\/I><\/A><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"source\">Cherokee Nation<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"source-links\"><A \r\nhref=\"https:\/\/www.cherokee.org\/\">cherokee.org<\/A><\/div>\r\n <p><\/p>\r\nCitizens of the <a href=https:\/\/www.cherokee.org\/>Cherokee Nation<\/a>, like most tribes nationwide, have a deep commitment to the American military.\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n That history and the bravery of Cherokee men and women are why we pay our respects to veterans not just on Veterans Day, but at every public event the Cherokee Nation hosts. We recognize those who have fought battles, those who have served, and those who sacrificed for our collective freedoms.\r\n <p><\/p>\r\nNative people have the highest per-capita involvement of any population within the Armed Forces, as well as a higher concentration of women service members. Our people have served with distinction in every major conflict for more than 200 years. That heritage of service \u2013 as soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen \u2013 is something we, as Cherokees, should all take great pride in. Cherokee people have been willing to answer the call to serve this country, even as this country often tried to eliminate tribes and tribal culture.\r\n <p><\/p>\r\n<div class=\" content_cards_card content_cards_domain_www-facebook-com\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"content_cards_image\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"content_cards_image_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheCherokeeNation\/posts\/254154610077481\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/plugins\/content-cards\/skins\/default\/content-cards-placeholder.png\" alt=\"Facebook\">\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"content_cards_title\">\n\t\t<a class=\"content_cards_title_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheCherokeeNation\/posts\/254154610077481\">\n\t\t\tFacebook\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"content_cards_description\">\n\t\t<a class=\"content_cards_description_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheCherokeeNation\/posts\/254154610077481\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"content_cards_site_name\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.xx.fbcdn.net\/rsrc.php\/y1\/r\/ay1hV6OlegS.ico\" alt=\"www.facebook.com\" class=\"content_cards_favicon\"\/>\t\twww.facebook.com\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n<P><\/P>\r\nMy father served in the U.S. Navy, working on the flight deck of the USS Independence. He stepped forward when the nation needed him to serve. I\u2019m inspired by him and all veterans who answered the call to duty. One of many lessons I\u2019ve learned from my dad is that veterans, by and large, are not looking for personal recognition, but they do deserve our thanks and utmost respect.\r\n<p><\/p>\r\nAt the Cherokee Nation, we are doing more than ever to ensure our veterans know how much we appreciate them. We have also increased the <a href=https:\/\/veterans.cherokee.org>services offered by the tribe to support our veterans and their families<\/a>.\r\n <p><\/p>\r\nWe have established multiple food distribution events solely for veterans and their families across the reservation. Battling food insecurity is something Oklahomans sadly know all too well. Under the leadership of Secretary of Veteran Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, we are making sure our veterans have access to nutritious foods. We are also committed to reducing veteran homelessness, and we have programs to ensure veterans have a safe and secure roof over their heads. We also are collaborating with the Department of Defense to build a division of 21 homes in Tahlequah earmarked specifically for Cherokee veterans.\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n<div class=\" content_cards_card content_cards_domain_www-facebook-com\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"content_cards_image\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"content_cards_image_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheCherokeeNation\/posts\/254187133407562\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/23\/470215242_992706222888979_3801230641447310929_n.jpg\" alt=\"Cherokee Nation\">\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"content_cards_title\">\n\t\t<a class=\"content_cards_title_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheCherokeeNation\/posts\/254187133407562\">\n\t\t\tCherokee Nation\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"content_cards_description\">\n\t\t<a class=\"content_cards_description_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheCherokeeNation\/posts\/254187133407562\">\n\t\t\t<p>Proudly honoring all those who served and continue to serve by attending Northeastern State University&#8217;sVeterans Monument and Dedication that the tribe helped sponsor. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief&#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"content_cards_site_name\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.xx.fbcdn.net\/rsrc.php\/y1\/r\/ay1hV6OlegS.ico\" alt=\"www.facebook.com\" class=\"content_cards_favicon\"\/>\t\twww.facebook.com\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n<P><\/P>\r\nThe Cherokee Warrior flight is one of the most popular veteran events annually. Sadly, we have tabled it for two years in order to follow COVID safety guidelines. However, next year we plan to reinstitute the trip and host a tour of Washington, D.C., again. Cherokee veterans who participate will see the debut of the public art piece devoted to Native veterans that the National Museum of the American Indian is dedicating in 2022.\r\n <p><\/p>\r\nRemembrance and reverence are a big part of Cherokee culture. This Veterans Day, I joined Secretary Crittenden on the campus of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah to dedicate a monument honoring NSU\u2019s military veterans. Because NSU is such an important partner to Cherokee Nation and our capital city, it is fitting for Cherokee Nation to have a significant role.\r\n <p><\/p>\r\nIn the coming months, I will be making more announcements about veterans\u2019 programs and services, including a new cemetery in Tahlequah devoted specifically to Cherokee service members. It is our tradition and our heritage to celebrate individuals who sacrifice for the larger good. It is the proper way to honor our veterans.\r\n <p><\/p><div class=\"mt-1 mb-1\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-8411603009680747\" data-ad-slot=\"6394965691\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/div><p><\/p>\r\nOur Cherokee Nation Veterans Center remains a hub of activity for those looking for assistance navigating federal applications or seeking any kind of health care service. It is also a place of camaraderie and friendship, where bonds are strengthened because of shared experiences.\r\n <p><\/p>\r\nThe best way for our veterans to stay connected with programs and services is through our Gadugi Portal.  Veterans can visit our website, <a href=https:\/\/www.cherokee.org\/>Cherokee.org<\/a>, and include their veteran status in their Gadugi portal profile. This better enables Cherokee Nation to communicate opportunities for veterans directly to them.\r\n <p><\/p>\r\nOur ancestors fought, endured hardships and persevered for our collective freedom. Our military heroes likewise fought and endured hardships so today we can remain free. That\u2019s why the Cherokee people have always respected any man or woman who has made sacrifices to protect and defend our nation\u2019s liberties.\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n<HR><DIV class=row>\r\n<DIV class=\"col-md-3\">\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/23\/chuckhoskinavatar.jpg\" alt=\"Chuck Hoskin Jr\" width=\"140\" height=\"140\" class=\"rounded-circle\" \/><\/a>\r\n<\/DIV>\r\n<DIV class=col-md-9>\r\n<EM><A href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ChuckHoskin_Jr\">Chuck Hoskin Jr.<\/A> \r\nis the 18th elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, the largest Indian \r\ntribe in the United States. He is only the second elected Principal Chief of the \r\nCherokee Nation from Vinita, the first being Thomas Buffington, who served from \r\n1899-1903. Prior to being elected Principal Chief, Hoskin served as the tribe\u2019s \r\nSecretary of State. He also formerly served as a member of the Council of the \r\nCherokee Nation, representing District 11 for six years. <\/EM>\r\n<\/div><\/div><HR>\r\n <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/15\/cherokeenationveterans.jpg\" alt=\"Cherokee Nation Color Guard\" width=\"0\" height=\"0\" class=\"invisible\" \/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Citizens of the Cherokee Nation, like most tribes across the country, have a deep commitment to the American military.","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18033,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_vp_format_video_url":"","_vp_image_focal_point":[],"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[9],"tags":[77,76,40,696,25,127,57,569],"class_list":["post-18018","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-opinion","tag-cherokee","tag-chuck-hoskin","tag-food","tag-housing","tag-military","tag-oklahoma","tag-veterans","tag-wars","no-wpautop"],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pcoJ7g-4GC","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/15\/cherokeenationveterans.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18018","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18018"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18018\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18033"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18018"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18018"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18018"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}