VOLUME 15 EDITION 13
Indian Child Welfare and Children’s Court Sponsors Angel Tree
Lawton, OK
December 2014
Assisted Living Center Officially Opens With Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Former NCAI Executive Director Suzan Harjo to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Submitted by the Comanche Nation ICW/Court Staff
The Comanche Nation Children’s Court and Indian Child Welfare are sponsoring an Angel Tree for children placed in ICW custody. Sponsors are needed to provide gifts of clothing, shoes, coats, and other items for Comanche children who are less fortunate to have a Merry Christmas. A Christmas Tree is set up at the Comanche Nation Complex’s Administration Building main entrance. The deadline for gifts to be turned in is Dec. 15. Gifts can be dropped off at the Comanche Nation Receptionist Desk, or at the ICW/ Court Offices, 1921 E. Gore Blvd., Lawton, Okla. The sizes and Christmas Wish List will be provided. The distribution of the gifts will be Dec. 19. Call (580) 492-3379 for additional information.
Presidental Medal of Freedom NCAI -SBeccio@ncai.org
Photo by Paula Karty/News Staff
Comanche Nation Chairman Wallace Coffey along with the Comanche Nation Business Committee and the Comanche Nation Princess and the Comanche Nation Jr. Princess prepare to cut the ribbon for the opening of the new Comanche Nation Assistant Living Center. RIGHT: Lindsey Early of the Comanche Nation speaks about the task put upon her by the Comanche Nation Chairman Wallace Coffey and all the work of getting the Assistant Living Center up and running.
OKC Christmas Potluck Dinner and other Holiday Events The Comanche Nation Oklahoma City Outreach will be having a Potluck Christmas Dinner, beginning at 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.; December 12 at the Outreach Center located at 7309 S. Walker Ste. C, Oklahoma City, Okla. Come out and enjoy a night of Christmas stories, food and song. Everyone is encouraged to bring a covered dish, drinks will be provided. Please RSVP by calling the Comanche Nation Oklahoma City Outreach at (405) 635-8999. Other holiday events in the area include the Comanche Nation Elders Council will have its Annual Christmas Party 10 a.m. Dec. 1 at the Comanche Nation Community Center in Apache, Okla. Events begin at 10 a.m. with Christmas merriment. Elder Day will be Dec. 12 at the Comanche County Coliseum, 920 SW Sheridan Rd., Lawton. Doors will open at 10 a.m. An array of entertainment is scheduled, and a afternoon meal will be provided. Arts and Craft Vendors can set up on a First-Come-First-Serve basis, and can begin setting up at 8 a.m. Vendors must provide their own tables and chairs. The Comanche Nation Elder Center will have its Christmas Celebration noon Dec. 18 at its facility in Lawton. Pat Koomsa of the Anadarko Schools will have students provide a Grand Entry in their Tribal Regalia for the elders. Other line ups of singers and performers is also on the agenda. Arts and Craft vendors are invited to set up at the event, and can call the Elder Center Director with the number of tables and chairs that will be needed.
LEFT: Assistant Living resident “Peaches” Tahdooahnippah enjoys visiting with tribal member while he attends the ribbon cutting ceremony. Tahdooahnippah is one of the first residents of the Assistant Living Center. The long awaited Edith Kassanavoid Gordon Assisted Living Center held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Nov. 10 at the facility to commemorate the approving of the license to operate from the Oklahoma State Department of Health. As tribal leaders, elders, staff, and the public gathered at the state-of-the-art facility in East Lawton, Okla., Lindsay Early, Project Leader of the Center and Intern to the Comanche Nation Chairman, Wallace Coffey, said, “Edith was a lifetime advocate of cultural and language
preservation. This is why the facility is named in her honor.” "It was an honor to be involved in this project. Together, we have created a facility that will emphasize Comanche values and culture while offering state of the art care," added Early. The idea of an assisted living center was discussed in prior General Council Meetings, and all the Comanche Business Committee members expressed their happiness and enthusiasm that the facility is fully operational with five
tribal elders occupying the nine-room center. “This is a dream of the Comanche People,” said Chairman Wallace Coffey. “I am proud to see the idea of having a place where our elders can live and be taken care of by other Comanches become what we are standing in today,” added CBC, Clyde Narcomey. The facility is owned and operated by the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma.
In November, President Barack Obama named nineteen distinguished individuals as recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Among the recipients of this prestigious award is Suzan Shown Harjo (Cheyenne & Hodulgee Muscogee), President of The Morning Star Institute since its inception in 1984. She was Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) from 1984 through 1989, and continues to serve as Co-Chair of the NCAI Subcommittee on Human, Religious, and Cultural Concerns. The Medal of Freedom, established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, is the nation’s highest civilian honor bestowed to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. Suzan’s career has spanned decades of involvement in Indigenous human rights issues and causes. Her traditional knowledge, extensive capacity for research regarding Indigenous cultures, and her indomitable spirit has led her to significant victories in non-Native arenas, including congressional and administrative venues. She is a founder of the National Museum of the American Indian and Guest Curator and General Editor of the exhibit and book, “Nation to Nation: Treaties Between the United States and American Indian Nations.” NCAI President Brian Cladoosby expressed congratulations to Dr. Harjo, stating, “We are extremely proud of Suzan Harjo and her continued and profound advocacy on behalf of Native peoples. Her commitment to preserve and protect Native human remains, cultural patrimony, sacred places, and sovereignty is well known throughout Indian Country. Today is a great day for Native Peoples, and we celebrate and honor our friend and colleague, a former director of NCAI, for her achievements and recognition by the President for her exceptional meritorious service.” Medal of Freedom recipients are selected by the President, either on his own initiative or based on recommendations, and this year’s list includes Alvin Ailey, Tom Brokaw, Patsy Mink, Ethel Kennedy, Charles Sifford, Meryl Streep, and Stevie Wonder. This year’s awards will be presented at the White House on November 24.
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Students at Cache Public Schools celebrate Native American Month the afternoon of Nov. 21, with other students and staff. Cache Schools have a high Native American Student population and tribal languages are given as a class for students to learn. Many dance categories were represented at the celebration. As Native American Month was celebrated across the United States during the month of November, students at Cache Public Schools and Apache Public Schools gathered to celebrate the rich culture of different area tribes. Both schools have a big Native American student population, and were eager to share their history, songs and dances with their fellow classmates and faculty. The Apache Native American Month Celebration took place November 20 at the school’s former auditorium. The Comanche Nation Youth Program staff members, and former Apache Alumni, Martin Flores, Rani Attocknie Santos, and Asa Attocknie, talked about the history of the Comanche Nation, the importance of family, and made a donation to the Apache Booster Club. The Cache School celebrated Native American Month the afternoon of November 21 at the former school gymnasium. Several students displayed their dance regalia and performed dance demonstrations.
Apache High School students participate in the Two Step during the Nov. 20 Native American Month Celebration.
Students at Apache Public Schools lead the students in the Round Dance Nov. 20 in Apache, Okla.
RECYCLING TIPS Start Small
Fancy Dancers rock the house with their dance demonstration at Cache Schools Native American Month Celebration.
Martin Flores explains the meaning of the symbols on the Comanche Flag to students Nov. 20 during the school’s Native American Month Presentations.
Want to Start a Business? Need Money to Expand Your Business, Including Arts & Crafts Businesses ? Call (580) 351-9951 Comanche Nation Revolving Loan Program
December 2014
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THE COMANCHE NATION NEWS The award-winning Comanche Nation News, the official communication of the Comanche Nation, is available at no charge upon request. The deadline to submit information for the January 2015 edition is noon December 15. Donations to help cover the cost of printing and mailing are welcome. Contact: The Comanche Nation News P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla. 73502-0908 Telephone: (580) 492-3386 Fax: (580) 492-3709 Emails: comanche_news@yahoo.com pio@comanchenation.com •
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TCNN Staff Jolene Schonchin, Editor, Reporter, Photographer-Email: jolenes@ comanchenation.com-Telephone Number-(580)492-3382 Paula Karty, Assis. Editor, Reporter, Photographer- Email: paulak@ comanchenation.com Telephone Number-(580)492-3383 Stacey Heminokeky, Reporter/ Photographer- Email: staceyh@comanchenation.com. Candace Todd, Administrative Assistant-Telephone Number (580)492-3386 News items of interest to the local and American Indian community are welcome. Photographs will be copied and will become the property of TCNN. To return original photographs, send a self-addressed stamped envelope. Do not send faxed photographs or newspaper copies of photographs. The Milestones Page (Birthdays, Anniversaries, Engagements,Memorial Pictures, Weddings, Births) are by submission only. The Passings are submitted by the Comanche Nation Funeral Home or by tribal members on a funeral home letterhead. The Milestones Page is for tribal members only. TCNN publishes all services conducted by The Comanche Nation Funeral Home without discretion. Obituaries are written for tribal members only. TCNN will print a Comanche organization’s annual event flyer once free of charge as a courtesy to our tribal organizations. The guidelines for flyer submission are: Pow-wow flyers have to be from an established Comanche organization. There has to be contact person and number on the organization’s annual flyer. We reserve the right to edit all material. Letters or articles that contain libelous information, slander, or personal attacks will not be printed. Letters to the Editor must be signed with a legible name. The letters to the editor or articles contained in the The Comanche Nation News does not reflect the views or opinions of the PIO staff.
The Comanche Nation News
From Toothaches to Headaches, Elderberry is Used to Help Many Ailments EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article was taken from Primitive Archor Magazine. There are three species of elderberry in North America, one or the other of which grow across almost the whole continent. American black elderberry or common elderberry grows mostly east of the Rocky Mountains. Blue elderberry grows in and west of the Rockies. Red elderberry grows throughout northern North America, with its range extending southward in higher mountain elevations. European elderberry grows throughout much of Europe and parts of western Asia. Elderberries are large shrubs (or sometimes small trees in the case of the European elderberry) in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliacaea). They have pinnately compound leaves with toothed margins and usually show a multi-trunked growth habit. The stems are hollow and filled with a soft pith. The flowers and fruits are borne in large clusters. Elderberry fruits are BB-sized and are blue-purple to blackish-colored when ripe, except for the red elderberry, which has red fruits. Most elderberries grow in moist places, often along streams or in swampy areas. Medicine The elderberry plant is a veritable pharmacy and has a long history of medicinal usage. Even though it is a healing plant, it must be used with caution, as parts of the plant can be toxic and cause adverse reactions in large doses. The medicinal parts used are the inner bark, leaves and young shoot, berries, and flowers. The berries and flowers are safer and have a more gentle effect, while the bark, leaves, and roots are much stronger and can produce violent reactions if overused. The roots are particularly toxic and are generally considered unsafe for use by most herbalists. Elderberry plants produce several active constituents-alkaloids such as Sambucine, glucosides such as Sambunigrin, triterpenes, flavonoids such
Elderberry as rutin and quercitin; and various oils, acids, vitamins, and tannin. The plant has diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, cathartic, emollient, antiviral, expectorant, astringent, antiseptic, laxative, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Elderberry has been used throughout the world to treat a wide variety of ailments. The bark and leaves have been long used externally as a poultice, decoction, or salve to treat burns, bruises, and wounds. It is especially well known for healing burns and scalds. Leaves and bark poultice on the cheek were used to relives toothache, on the forehead to treat headaches, on the joint for rheumatism, and to treat boils, skin infections, eczema, and rashes. It has been used to stop bleeding of wounds. Internally the bark and leaves have been used as a powerful purgative, cathartic, and emetic. A strong leaf decoction has been used to induce vomiting in cases of poison ingestion. In a weaker dosage, it has been used as a diuretic to expel fluid buildup in the lungs, heart, and other organs; and to expel mucus and phlegm from the lungs. It has also shown promise as
Comanche Nation Officials
Chairman Wallace Coffey Vice Chairman Mike Mack Mahsetky Secretary/Treasurer Jerry Tahsequah Committeeman No. 1 Jonathan Poahway Committeeman No. 2 Sonya Nevaquaya Committeeman No. 3 Harry Mithlo Committeeman No. 4 Clyde Narcomey Tribal Administrator William Owens To contact officials: Comanche Nation P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla. 73502 Toll Free: (877) 492-4988 Physical Address 584 Bingo Rd. Lawton, OK 73505
Member of the Native American Journalist Association since 2001 Member of the Society of Professional Journalists since 2010
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a treatment for epileptic seizures. The flowers and berries induce sweating to break fevers. They also lessen congestion, sooth sore throat, and help to relieve allergy symptoms. The berries in particular have been proven in scientific studies to have anti-viral properties and to lessen the intensity and duration of colds and influenza A. the berries also contain a glucoside that is beneficial to the eyes, and is being studies as treatment to lessen vision degeneration due to aging. Caution: The usage here are described for the blue-purple-black-fruited species. The red elderberry may have more powerful effects, and the berries are toxic. Food: The blue-purple-black species of elderberry have several edible usages. The flowers are brewed into a weak beverage tea, have been used to flavor wines and champagnes, and can be dipped in batter and fried as fritters. The berries contain large amounts of C and other vitamins. The ripe berries can be made into delicious jellies, syrups, pies, and sauces. Elderberry fruits also make a good wine. Elderberries can be dried and reconstituted in boiling water, and the
syrup can be made into a refreshing drink. Caution: Elderberry leaves and unripe fruits are toxic. Only eat ripe fruit. Always cook or dry the fruit before eating. Also, avoid the red elderberry altogether as its berries are toxic and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Other Uses: The pith is easily pushed out of elderberry stems, leaving a hollow tube. These have been used for blowguns, flutes, popguns, weaving spindles, blow-tubes for starting or intensifying fires, spiles/ taps for collecting maple sap, or split in half and carved into atlatls. The stems have been used as spindles for friction fire making. The pith is one of the lightest solids known and makes would place burning elder pith on their skin to make permanent tattoolike marks. The bark yields a black dye, the leaves a green dye, and the berries a purple dye when used with various mordants. The berries have also been used as a hair coloring. The elderberry is sometimes planted as an ornamental shrub. Elderberry has long been considered a sacred or mystical plant in Europe, where it is associated with various religions, forest goddesses, and witchcraft.
Merry Christmas from the staff of the Comanche Nation PIO/News
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The Comanche Nation News
Programs Comanche Nation College 11th Annual Film Festival
The movie “Shouting Secrets” starring Gil Birmingham and Tantoo Cardianl had everyone very interested.
CIP Program brush up on their skills
Tvli Jacob tells the audience how he first started writing stories and where he is today.
Submitted by Comanche Nation College
The Comanche Nation College held it’s 11th Annual Film Festival, November 7-8 inside the Comanche Nation College James Cox Auditorium, 1608 S.W. 9th Street on the CNC campus in Lawton. The festival began at 1-3 p.m. Friday November 7 with a workshop “From Script to Concept” by Choctaw filmmaker Tvli Jacob. This workshop included examples of Jacob’s film career as a producer, writer, director and cinematographer. Jacob’s productions include American Indian Graffiti, Search for the World’s Best Indian Taco, Shouting Secrets and the PBS series We Shall Remain. The primary screenings were held 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. November
8. Documentaries on the bill include Forty Winters, a film about the planning of a 40-year commemoration of the Alcatraz occupation of 1969, and Indian Relay, a film about horse relay racing by the tribes of Idaho and Montana. One of the feature films in the festival was The Daughter of Dawn, an 80-minute silent film shot in May-July 1920 in the Wichita Mountains of Southwest Oklahoma. The film has an all-Indian cast of 300 Kiowa and Comanche, who had been on the reservation less than 50 years. The actors and extras brought with them their own tipis, horses, clothing, and material culture. The lead actor is White Parker, the son of the Comanche leader Quanah Parker.
The Comanche Nation Complex and Offices will be closed December 25 for the Christmas Holiday and January 1, 2015 for the New Years Day Holiday. Comanche Community Center of Apache Hosts Annual Holiday Bazaar/ Flea Market Saturday, December 6 From 8:00 am to 3:00 p.m. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 am to 10:30 am Indian Taco Sale will be from 11:00 am to 2:00 p.m. This event is open to the public. There will be no charge for booths; they will be available on a first come first serve basis by registration. Please contact Sandra Gallegos at 580-215-3300 to reserve a booth or for additional information and/or questions.
Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
COMANCHE HISTORY TOLD IN DALLAS. Chad Tahchawwickah and Anthony Nauni, above, sing a Comanche Hymn as part of the culture presentation by the Comanche Nation Office of Environmental Programs Nov. 5 in downtown Dallas, Texas. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 invited a line of tribes in their service area of Oklahoma, Courtesy Photo Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico to present their tribal history and culture in honor of Native American Month. Comanche Nation Public Information Officer, Jolene Schonchin, left, talked about the history of the Comanche Nation, and the impact the tribe had in Texas and in the making of American History.
Additional entries included Shouting Secrets, written by Jacob and Mickey Blaine, starring Gil Birmingham and Chaske Spencer of Twilight fame; the Native American Paranormal Project’s new production Wheelock Academy; “Wolverine,” a short documentary about the James Bay Cree’s fight to protect their water and land by keeping uranium mining out of their territory; “The Big Lizards Are Camping” a stop-motion animated short by 12-year old Chado Daffron; and “Itsy Bitsy Spider” by nine-year old twins Kateri and Matthias Daffron. The event was free and open to the public. For more information, call Phyllis Narcomey at CNC, (580) 591-0203.
Photos by Tomah Yeahquo/News Staff
Matt and Rito from Home Depot show CIP workers how to seam carpet.
The Comanche Nation’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) held a series of workshops and clinics on November 13 at the CIP Office. The clinics were directed by Tribal Administrator, Williams Owens. CIP joined forces with Home Depot to the present series of workshops that included: window hanging, door hanging, and carpet seaming. These clinics also gave the CIP to brush up on their skills. The day of events and demonstrations provided a lot of information and skill building, which can only lead to success.
Scripture of the Month Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.' And all at once with the angel there was a great throng of the hosts of heaven, praising God with the words: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace for those he favours.
Luke 2: 11-14
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The Comanche Nation News
Military Submitted by: Lanny Asepermy/CIVA
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), along with the Navy and Air Forces Cross, is the second highest military award that can be given to a member of the United States Army for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. It was first awarded on January 2, 1918 and only 13,400 have been awarded. As of November 1, 2014 it is documented that 1,150 Comanches, have served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States. This includes 885 (77%) that have served during World War I (1917-18), World War II (1941-45), the Korean (195053), Vietnam (1962-75) and Persian Gulf (1990-91) Wars and the War on Terror (2001-present). Only twentyone known Comanches have been decorated for Gallantry, Heroism or Valor during those times of war and two others fought and killed the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. Private Calvin Atchavit is the only Comanche awarded the Distinguished Service Cross – four other Comanches have received the Silver Star, which is the third highest award for heroism. Pvt Atchavit’s citation reads “The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Calvin Atchavit (ASN 2806696), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F., near Fey-en-Haye, France, 12 September 1918. During the attack of his company, though he had been severely wounded in the left arm, Private Atchavit shot and killed one of the enemy and captured another. General Orders: War Department, General Orders 87 (1919) His tattered citation is on display at the Comanche Nation Museum. Pvt Atchavit was from the Walters area when he was drafted into the US Army around mid-May, 1918. He was assigned to the 357th Infantry Regiment at Camp Travis, TX, outside of San Antonio, for training as an Infantryman. He and fellow Comanches, George Clark, Gilbert Conwoop, Edward Nahquaddy Sr and Samuel Tabbytosavit, departed the United States on June 20, 1918 and arrived at Liverpool, England 11 days later. On about July 3rd they landed in the vicinity of Augney-leDuc, France. Once in France, since most of the soldiers were recruits with very limited training, it was necessary to spend 8 hours a day on such subjects as drill, bayonet exercises,
minor tactics and maneuvers. Their baptism of fire was during the St Mihiel Operation on August 21st – no serious casualties were suffered. It was on September 12th, the date Pvt Atchavit was awarded the DSC, beginning at 5 a.m. the 357th began their first major attack against the Germans. They fought through about a mile and half of solid wire entanglements and trenches filled with numerous obstacles. Heavy resistance was encountered, particularly from enemy machine guns that caused heavy casualties. More than 200 enemy machine guns were taken or destroyed during the attack as the 357th used deadly accurate rifle fire and overran the enemy’s positions. During the night the German’s counterattacked. Not a foot of ground was given as the Americans fought in hand-to-hand combat to rebuke the counterattack. The operation continued until October 10th when the 357th was relieved. Gas was also used during the operation by the Germans that caused numerous American casualties. It was, most likely, during the St Mihiel Operation that the 5 Comanches assigned to the 357th began to communicate sensitive battlefield messages in the Comanche language. On October 23rd the 357th were thrust into the Meuse-Argonne Operation (which actually began on September 26, 1918). They fought until the Armistice was signed on November 11th despite near exhaustion from constant bloody fighting and resultant casualties. The operation was the largest in US military history as 26,277 Americans were killed and another 95,786 were wounded. Among the wounded were Conwoop, Nahquaddy Sr and Tabbytosavit. Occupation duty followed for Atchavit, Clark, Nahquaddy Sr and Tabbytosavit (Conwoop was sent to England and then the United States because of the severity of his wounds). During their occupation duty, which began about November 23, 1918, at Grevenmacher, Ger-
many they engaged in training, interior guard and the protection of key points in the transportation system. The 357th began their withdrawal from Germany between May 17-22, 1919. Pvt Atchavit was discharged at Camp Bowie, TX on June 16, 1919. During his brief but extraordinary military service Pvt Atchavit was also awarded the Belgium Croix de guerre aka the Belgium War Cross. The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of the Kingdom of Belgium and is awarded for bravery on the battlefield. In Pvt Atchavit’s case it was awarded “for using his Comanche tongue which the Germans did not understand as well as bravery”. In addition Pvt Atchavit received the Purple Heart, World War I Victory and World War I Army of Occupation with/Germany Clasp Medals. It should be noted that Pvt Atchavit was not yet a citizen of the United States until 1924. On October 15, 2008 Pvt Atchavit along with 4 other Code Talkers from World War I and 17 from War World II were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. The Medal was presented (posthumously) to Chairman Wallace Coffey on November 20, 2013, in Washington DC. A Silver duplicate Medal and a Code Talker vest was presented to Pvt Atchavit’s nephew, Robert Atchavit, at the Lawton Coliseum, on February 21, 2014. Robert recalled, as a young boy, he would stay with his uncle and he would take him hiking and fishing on West Cache Creek – he always carried a walking stick or had a cane. Robert also remembers his uncle showing him his WWI helmet and leggings he was issued during the war but never talked about his wartime exploits. Active members of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association placed a granite military marker at his gravesite, on April 26, 2014 inscribed he was a Code Talker and Congressional Gold Medal recipient. On October 25, 2014 The Texas Trail of Fame, Inc. unveiled a Bonze Star, in part, for Pvt Atchavit and the other 21 Comanche Code Talkers. The ceremony took place at the Fort Worth Stockyards. A plague was also presented to the Comanche Nation on behalf of the Code Talkers, Pvt Atchavit and his wife, Sara, had no children. He did have two brothers, Robert Sr and Jerome. Pvt Atchavit lived on a farm southwest of Walters until his death on October 9, 1943 at the age of fifty - he was born on June 20, 1893. His final resting place is at Highland Cemetery in Lawton, OK. He was truly the Bravest of Brave.
THE BATTLE OF BULGE – WE WERE THERE
American dead, some frozen to the ground, being identified during the Battle of the Bulge Seventy years ago starting at 5:30 a.m. on December 16, 1944 until January 25, 1945, 610,000 Americans military forces, including 28 known Comanche soldiers, became engaged in the largest and bloodiest battle of World War II against the mighty German Army, the Battle of the Bulge. 19,246 Americans were killed in action, 62,489 were wounded in action and another 26,612 were either captured or missing in action along an 80-mile front line that stretched from the Ardennes, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. To put the number of killed in action in perspective everyone living in the city of Altus which has a population of 19,000+ would disappear. Comanche soldiers were there fighting for their lives and suffering the many hardships only a battle tested combat veteran will understand – lack of winter clothing initially, lack of warmth, lack of sleep and when sleep came they slept on the frozen ground and in foxholes in the rain and snow, lack of medical supplies, no toilets or showers/baths, constant small arms, automatic weapons, rockets, artillery and tank fire, aerial attacks and a lack other things we take for granted such as no mail, no outside news (TV or radio), telephones, a hot meal, clean water, etc. They endured and survived the many horrors of war. The twenty-eight known Comanches that fought in the Battle were: Phil Cato Jr, 127th Anti Artil-
lery (was wounded in action during the battle); Samuel Chahtinneyackque a combat medic, 87th Infantry Division; Mead Chibitty, 100th Infantry Division (was later wounded in action); Lewis Kowena, 974th Field Artillery; Raymond Nauni Sr, 83rd Infantry Division (taken out of the fight because of frozen feet); Floyd Paddyaker, 45th Infantry Division; Wilbur Parker, 106th Infantry Division (was wounded in action during the battle); Samuel “Doc” Pewewardy Jr, 106th Infantry Division (was captured on December 19, 1944); Samuel Trevino, 106th Infantry Division (was captured on December 16, 1944, the first day of fighting): Leonard Riddles, 70th Infantry Division; Capps Tehauno, 9th Armored Division; Lawrence Tomah Jr, 45th Infantry Division (twice wounded in action during the battle); McEvans Tosee, a Tank Crewman; Herbert Vidana, 106th Infantry Division (was wounded during the battle) and Charles Chibitty, Haddon Codynah, Robert Holder, Forrest Kassanavoid, Clifford Ototivo Sr, Wellington Mihecoby, Perry Noyobad, Simmons Parker, Melvin Permansu, Elgin Red Elk, Roderick Red Elk, Larry Saupitty, Morris Tabbyyetchy and Willis Yackeschi all with the 4th Infantry Division. The only living veterans who fought in the battle are Cato Jr and Kowena. There, most likely, were other Comanches that fought in the battle but there is no confirmed documentation available.
If the Council does not pass this Resolution to budget the Carryover, then the Illegal Overspending of each year’s Carryover will continue. If the CBC passed this Resolution in October, our Per Cap would have been over $ 1,500. The Failure to Comply with this Federal Act, resulting in $ 159.9 Million Dollars unaccounted for, should certainly be more than enough reason for the BIA to justify and approve the Increased 60% Per Capita Payment, which the Council Approved.
Dear TCNN, This is a note to let you know we appreciate all your help with posting our “Native Prayer Day” 26th of every month. Would you also post our blessings and heartfelt thanks to Wallace Coffey and Will Owens for all their help and concern. World Prayer Partners are a gift from God, T.B.N California Richard & Lindsey Roberts, O.R.U. Oklahoma Assemblies of God. Thank you so much, Love & Prayers, Revs. Jan & Fred Ticeahkie
Thomas Narcomey Comanche Member
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish
but have eternal life.” John 3:16 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever” John 14:16 A prayer over every tribe tongue and nation. May the Lord of all Jesus Christ keep us in His way, truth and life. His love is so great he gave his love and life for us all so that we could all go to Heaven through His righteousness. Our lives prove He’s alive when we live His way with love & truth. Reverends Jan & Fred Ticeahkie (5800 357-6097
Dear TCNN Letters to the Editor Dear TCNN, This letter is to update, summarize and clarify the letter in the November Issue about the Proposed April18, 2015 Council Resolution on the Carryover of Unbudgeted Gaming Revenue. The actual audited Gaming Revenues from 2004 to 2013 and the estimated 2014 Revenue totaled $ 510.9 Million Dollars. The Council Approved Annual Budgets from 2004 to 2014 totaled $ 351 Million Dollars. The TRUTH is that we have $ 159.9 Million Dollars in Unbudgeted Gaming Revenue from 2004 to 2014 ($ 510.9 - $ 351). $ 95.9 Million is the Unbudgeted Services Amount (60% X $ 159.9). $ 63.9 Million is the Unbudgeted Per Capita Amount (40% X
$ 159.9). The May 29, 2014 Enrollment was 15,191 Members. Thus, each Comanche Member is owed or entitled to a $ 4,210 Per Capita Payment. A Special Council Meeting is needed to provide to Comanche Members an Accounting Report of the $ 159.9 Million Dollars because this Money belongs to all Comanche Members. The 2015 Annual Meeting will provide All Comanche Members an opportunity to represent themselves as the Supreme Governing Body of the Comanche Nation. Comanche Members will assure compliance with the Revenue Allocation Plan Requirements of the National Indian Gaming Act.
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The Comanche Nation News
Milestones Happy Belated Birthday
Seven Viddaurri, November 1 Jacob Viddaurri, November 2 Jeremy Rotert, November 9 Weslie Viddaurri, November 10 Joan Tarcypokeahdooah Big Bow, November 29
Happy Birthday Delbert Karty, December 1 Gracie Lynn Red Elk, December 1 Tristan Codynah, December 2 Ronald Yellowfish, December 3 Bobby Komacheet, December 6 Edna Daukei, December 6 Larry Carues, December 7 Betty Pete, December 9 Harley Roach, December 9 Gerry Wahnee-Conneywerdy, December 12 George Clute, December 13 Lahoma Knight, 13 Becky Shea, December 14 Katelyn Smith, December 16 Donna Moore, December 16 Johelen Nunes, December 17 Brad Daukei, December 18 Keleb Plata, December 20 Lavena Paddyaker, December 20 Joyce Paddyaker Shelton, December 21 Robert Red Elk, December 21 Betty Wyrick, December 22 Carol Cannon, December 24 Frank Ybarra, December 24
Lynn Viddaurri, December 24
Marlene James, December 25 Micheal Martinez, December 25 Marilou Chasenah, December 27 Wanda White Meredith, December 30 Micheal Floyd Paddyaker, December 31
Happy Belated Birthday Joan Tarcypokeahdooah Big Bow-November 29
Happy Birthday Gracie Lynn Red Elk December 1
Happy Birthday Tristan Codynah December 2
Happy Birthday Ronald Yellowfish December 3
Happy Birthday Keleb Plata December 20
Scarlett Mae Codynah
In Loving Memory Roderick William Hoahwah
Happy Anniversary MELVIN KERCHEE, JR AND DEBBIE ‘BISCUIT’ SEQUICHIE-KERCHEE Married 24 years
Alicia CarolAnn Born: 2:06 a.m.
October 29, 2014
7 lbs, 9 oz 19.5” long Proud parents Tawnee & Randy
Kenzi Lynn Faith Born: 7:57a.m.
Born: .
7 lbs, 6 oz 19” long Proud parents Jay Martinez & Kristen Ototivo
7 lbs, 19” long Proud parents Travis & Fran
November 4, 2014
Deadline for January Edition of The Comanche Nation News: December 15, before 5 p.m. email to: candacet@ comanchenation.com or mail to: Comanche Nation/ PIO P.O. Box 908 Lawton, OK 73501
October 29, 2014
In Loving Memory Harold Johnson Jr.
March 11, 1943November 27, 2013 A true Artist, who painted the memories that are left in our hearts. We all love you & miss you dearly. Love ~ Irene & Family
November 14, 1934 Happy Belated Birthday in Heaven Day! You’re missed everyday here with...Rest in paradise! Love your wife, children, & Grandkids
In Loving Memory Lola Mary Burgess-Miller December 5, 1919October 20, 1981 Love-Prentiss Miller
December 2014
7
Comanche Nation Elder Center Celebrates Thanksgiving
The Comanche Nation News This Card Entitles You To • Virus Removals 20% Off Computer Service!
• PC Tune-Up
Located on the corner of 9th and Lee. 901 SW Lee Blvd Lawton, OK 580-357-4482
Photos by Paula Karty/News Staff
Vo l u n t e e r s , above, help make plates for tribal elders November 21 at the Annual Comanche Nation Elder Center Thanksgiving Celebration November 21 at its Lawton facility. Over 100 people gathered with elders such as, from left, Ethlene Coffey Orzono, Kenneth Karty, and Inez Motah, to partake in the fellowship and food for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Lawton’s Premier Apartment Homes Roommate Floor Plans Handicap Units Available Garden Tubs Spacious Closets Playground Two Pools Sports Court Garages
3501 E Gore Lawton, OK 73501 580-248-3500 Legendparkapts.com
1608 SW 9th Street, Lawton, OK 73501 (580) 591-0203 (580) 353-7075 FAX www.cnc.cc.ok.us
Spring 2015 Class Schedule Open Enrollment at Comanche Nation College Tuition Waived for Comanche Tribal Members* Classes Begin January 7, 2015 1st 8 Weeks--January 7 - March 13 Dept. AGR AIS AIS AIS AIS AIS AIS AIS ART ART BIO BIO BIO BIO BIO BIO CHM CHM ECO EDU ENG ENG ENG ENG HIS HIS HIS LIN MTH MTH MTH MTH NLG NLG NLG NUR POL SCI SCI SOC SOC SOC
Course Number 1333 1413 1443 2513 2443 2473 2483 2493 1413 2433 1474 1474L 2134 2134L 2124 2124L 1361 1364 2013 1111 0113 0103 1213 2323 1493 2483 2493 2143 0103 1513 2203 2214 1133 1213 1223 1003 1113 1301 1303 1113 2023 2113
January 7 - May 8, 2015
2nd 8 Weeks--March 23 - May 8
* Waiver excludes books and fees. Waiver does not apply to students dually-enrolled in Bacone College. Course Description Intro to Agriculture Economics Contemporary American Indian Issues Tribal Governance American Indian Philosophy American Indian Oral Literature American Indian Stereotypes in Literature & Film Comanche History to 1875 Comanche History after 1875 American Indian Documentary History of Indigenous Women's Art Principles of Biology II Principles of Biology II--Lab Human Physiology Human Physiology--Lab Intro to Microbiology Intro to Microbiology--Lab General Chemistry Lab General Chemistry I Principles of Economics I Intro to CNC (1st 8 Weeks) Developmental Writing Basic Composition Skills (2nd 8 Weeks) English Composition II American Indian Literature U.S. History Since 1865 Comanche History to 1875 Comanche History after 1875 Languages of Native North America Beginning Algebra College Algebra Elementary Statistics Calculus and Analytic Geometry I Kiowa Language I Comanche Language II Kiowa Language II Medical Terminology American Federal Government Native Science Laboratory Native Science Intro to Sociology Social Problems Sociological Perspectives of Indigenous Education
*Classes are subject to change.
Days
Start
End
MW MW MW TR MW MW TR TR R MW TR W MW R TR T F TR W MW MW MWF TR TR MW TR TR MW MW MW MW TR MW MW MW MW MW F TR MW TR TR
5:15 PM 11:00 AM 5:30 PM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM 3:30 PM 11:00 AM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 2:00 PM 9:30 AM 2:00 PM 9:30 AM 2:00 PM 12:00 PM 2:00 PM 10:00 AM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 9:30 AM 2:00 PM 8:30 AM 9:30 AM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 11:00 AM 5:30 PM 3:30 PM 9:30 AM 12:30 PM 2:00 PM 12:30 PM 5:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 3:30 PM
6:30 PM 12:15 PM 6:45 PM 12:15 PM 12:15 PM 4:45 PM 12:15 PM 6:45 PM 8:00 PM 3:15 PM 10:45 AM 3:50 PM 10:45 AM 3:50 PM 1:15 PM 3:50 PM 11:50 AM 7:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:20 AM 3:15 PM 10:30 AM 10:45 PM 3:15 PM 3:15 PM 12:15 PM 6:45 PM 4:45 PM 10:45 AM 1:45 PM 3:15 PM 1:45 PM 6:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 6:45 PM 12:15 PM 2:20 PM 6:45 PM 6:45 PM 6:45 PM 4:45 PM
Instructor Hubbard/Koll Hegwood Hegwood Hegwood Riding In Hegwood Arterberry Arterberry Arkeketa Hegwood Koll Koll Koll Koll Koll Koll Koll Dorrell Mosesman Riding In Riding In Riding In Riding In Riding In Pe単uelas Arterberry Arterberry Neely Stillsmoking Stillsmoking Stillsmoking Stillsmoking Neely Narcomey Neely Citizen Pe単uelas Koll Munoz Berry Berry Hegwood
Weeks 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 8 16 8 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16
**Cancellations may be contingent upon enrollment numbers.
Come Study With Us! For More Information: Contact Student Services at (580) 591-0203 Ext. 109 RELATIONSHIP RESPONSIBILITY RECIPROCITY REDISTRIBUTION TION