P.O. Box 908 Lawton, OK 73502-0908
Lawton, OK
Hotel Expansion on the Horizon Comanche Voters Will Decide on Red River
December Full of Tribal Activities By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
The month of December is a bustling month of activities within the Comanche Nation. Mark your calendars to participate in the following events: Dec. 6 Comanche National Museum Christmas Open House The annual event for the national award winning museum will begin 11:06 a.m.1:06 p.m. at its facility, 701 NW Ferris Ave., Lawton. There will be an array of Christmas treats and good cheer as the museum celebrates the most joyous time of the year. Dec. 6 Free Showing of vintage film, Daughter of Dawn This unique film portrays an Indian story, with an all-Indian cast, and all filmed in the Wichita Mountains of southwest Oklahoma. The film was rediscovered and restored by the Oklahoma State Historical Society, Dr. Bob Blackburn, Executive Director. The film includes a new, original symphonic score by Comanche composer, Dr. David A. Yeagley, commissioned by the OSHS. Showing of the film will be 7 p.m. at Watchetaker Hall, Comanche Nation Complex. Dec. 7 Elders Day The annual Elders Day will be 10 a.m. Dec. 7 at the Comanche County Great Plains Coliseum, 920 S. Sheridan Road. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Elders who cannot attend the event will have their checks mailed to them through the US Postal Service. Dec. 8 Holiday Extravanganza Vendor/Craft Show The event will be held 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Comanche Nation Walters Community Center. Admission is free and there will be door prizes. Dec. 11 Higher Education Christmas Storytelling The event is for children ages 12 years and under. It will be 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 11 at Watchetaker Hall, Comanche Nation Complex. There will be face painting, puppets, balloon animals, Make and Take, and refreshments. For more information, call (580) 492-3363. Dec. 14 Free Will Preparation Clinic The Oklahoma Indian Legal Services (OILS) will hold a free will preparation clinic 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Comanche Nation Business Center, 1915 E. Gore Blvd., Lawton. To sign up, call (580) 595-3300. Dec.20 Elder Center Chrismas Dinner The Comanche Nation Elder Center, 1107 SW H Ave, Lawton, will have its annual Christmas Dinner 11 a.m. Dec. 20. Non-elders meal cost $3.
December 2012
Addition December 15
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PERMIT NO 49 STIGLER, OK 74462
VOLUME 12 EDITION 14
Former Post Oak Mission School students sang the Post Oak School Song.
Post Oak Mission School Dedicates Memorial
Story and Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/ News Staff
An artist’s rendition of what the proposed Red River Hotel will look like if the General Council approves the project. Story and Photos By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Chas Robbins, CEO Comanche Nation Gaming Board of Directors
In an effort to reach all communities of Comanche members, the Comanche Business Committee (CBC), Tribal Administrator (TA), and the CEO of the Comanche Nation Gaming Board of Directors, Chas Robbins, have conducted presentations to answer questions and explain the Red River Hotel Expansion Project, which will be voted on by the General Council Dec. 15. A Special General
Council Meeting was held Nov. 3 at Watchetaker Hall to speak to the tribal members about the hotel addition. At the meeting, tribal member, Dan Bigbee, made a motion to proceed with vote on the expansion of the Red River Casino with a hotel through a referendum vote. Tribal veteran, Eleanor McDaniel, seconded the motion and the vote carried with 181 yes votes, four no See EXPANSION, Page 3
Comanche Nation College Granted Academic Accreditation
Submitted by the Comanche Nation College Staff
The Board of Trustees for the North Central Association-Higher Learning Commission of Chicago, Ill. voted on November 1 to grant Comanche Nation College “the status of candidate for accreditation,” according to a letter from NCAHLC President Sylvia Manning. With candidate for accreditation status, Comanche Nation College is now approved to offer certificates and associate-level degrees. Comanche Nation College is the first and oldest tribal college in Oklahoma, founded by Charter from the Comanche Nation in 2002. At press time, Comanche Nation College has 195 enrolled full-time students and has awarded seven associatelevel degrees. The granting of candidate for accreditation status is based on a self-study written by Comanche Nation College; a report by an evaluation team appointed by NCA-HLC; a report to the NCA-HLC Institutional Actions Council Hearing
lege will be within the candidate for accreditation distinction is four years. A biennial evaluation by NCA-HLC will be held in two years to determine if CNC is making adequate progress Photo by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff toward full acCommittee; and successful re- creditation requirements. This sponses by Comanche Nation evaluation will be scheduled College to these reports. for Spring 2014. At the time of the an- According to NCAnouncement, President, Dr. HLC guidelines, if an instituConsuelo Lopez stated, “This tion believes that it is making Journey has taken Comanche better than adequate progress Nation College four years to within the candidacy time accomplish and is indeed an frame, a request for “Early Iniaccomplishment as we are now tial Accreditation” can be filed the first Oklahoma accredited in place of the biennial evaluatribal College! The accredi- tion. tation will indeed give us the The Statement of Afability to provide students with filiation Status and the ComanFinancial Aid, thereby giv- che Nation College Organizaing us independence to meet tional Profile can be found on the needs of our community the NCA-HLC website, www. and better serve our students. ncahlc.org. Thanks to the faculty and staff For more information for your contributions to the on the college and the upcomprocess! ing spring semester, call (580) The period of time in 591-0203 or visit online at which Comanche Nation Col- www.cnc.cc.ok.us.
The Post Oak Mennonite Brethren Church held a Post Oak Day Celebration, Saturday, November 10, in Indiahoma. The Celebration included a re-enactment of the Post Oak Mission story, and the story of the Post Oak Mission School that existed in the 1940’s and the 1950’s. A ceremony was held to unveil a historical marker for the site of the former school. The Celebration began at 8 a.m. with registration, issuance of name tags, and a complimentary breakfast. A welcome was given by Pastor Glen Garoutte. The re-enactment of the Post Oak Mission story was held outdoors west of the Fellowship Hall. It began with an Invocation given by Pastor Glen Garoutte. The narrator was Howard Roach. The following individuals participated in the re-enactment of Quannah Parker marking the site for the Post Oak Mission. Derek Ulloa-Rev. Henry Kofield. Tim Ulloa-Ft.Sill Government Rep. welcome was given by Pastor Glen Garoutte. Ciera Ulloa-Topay Donnie Parker-Quannah Parker. Ben Honea- Rev.A.J. Becker Lynn Landen- Mrs. Becker Cody Renaldi- No-Hand-Sam Mowatt. Brandi Renaldi-Wi-e -puh. Brooke Roberts- Her-wa-nee. Alexis Ulloa- To-tie. Mary Alice Maddox-O-sakena. Ravyn Whitebird-Ni-ve-wah. Rhoda Tate-Numa-to-vetsuh. Raymond Alamanza, Virgie Kassanavoid, and Herman Asenap-Interpreters. A noon meal was shared by all in the Post Oak Mission Fellowship Hall. Following the noon meal, the dedication of the Historical Marker was held outdoors at the old Post Oak School Site. The Introduction Guest Speaker was Jacquetta McClung. Rev. David Gerbrandt and former students expressed their recollections of their Post Oak School day experiences. All the former students in attendance also sang the Post Oak School Song. The unveiling of the Historical Marker was followed by remarks of Kenneth Saupitty, former Chairman of the Comanche Nation. See MEMORIAL, Page 15
December 2012 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 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 Email: comanche_news@yahoo.com •
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TCNN Staff Jolene Schonchin, Editor, Reporter, Photographer-Email: tcnneditor@ yahoo.com-Telephone Number-(580)492-3382 Paula Karty, Assis. Editor, Reporter, Photographer- Email: kartynews@ yahoo.com Telephone Number-(580)492-3383 Stacey Heminokeky, Reporter/ Photographer- email: heminokekynews@yahoo.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.
Comanche Nation Officials Chairman Wallace Coffey Vice Chairman Mike Mack Mahsetky Secretary/Treasurer Gary Tahmahkera Committeeman No. 1 Charles Wells Committeeman No. 2 Sonya Nevaquaya Committeeman No. 3 Harry Mithlo Committeeman No. 4 Jack Codopony Sr.
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Government
November Meeting Resolutions Include Casino Access Road
By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an overview of the Nov. 3 Comanche Business Committee (CBC) Meeting, and not the official minutes of the meeting. To request a copy of the official meeting minutes, call the Office of the Comanche Nation Chairman, at (580) 492-3251. The November 3 monthly Comanche Business Committee Meeting was called to order at 10:07 p.m. by Comanche Nation Chairman, Wallace Coffey. Coffey made announcements to the tribal audience of around 40 people which included information about the annual per capita distribution, and the purchase of a former Hospice Center, which will become a nursing home for the tribal elders. He also spoke about the deteriorating Star House in Cache and the possibility of the tribe purchasing the property to salvage the historical site. Tribal member, Eleanor McDaniel, asked the CBC why impeached Committeeman, Darrell Kosechequetah, was the marketing director for Numu Pahmu, who oversees the smokeshops owned by the tribe. She expressed concern and frustration that someone who was voted out of office by the General Council was employed by the tribe. Coffey said Jaret Jackson, Numu Pahmu Director, hired Kosechequetah on his own accord and without informing the CBC of his action. CBC No. 2, Sonya Nevaquaya, said she was surprised and disappointed when she learned of his employment with Numu Pahmu, and told McDaniel and the audience the CBC will look into it. CBC No. 4, Jack Codopony Sr., added the CBC did not know of Jackson’s ac-
tion of hiring Kosechequetah or why he was hired, and he agreed with Nevaquaya that the matter will be looked into by the CBC. Gary Tahmahkera, Secretary/Treasurer, conducted role call of the CBC and announced all were present and a quorum was established. CBC No. 3, Harry Mithlo, made a motion to accept the Oct. 6 meeting minutes. Vice Chairman, Mack Mike Mahsetky, seconded the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. Resolutions 95-12 401K. Mahsetky makes a motion to accept the resolution. CBC No. 1, Charles Wells, seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 96-12 American Indian Probate Reform Act (AIPRA). The resolution will give the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) the authority of execute oil, gas, graze, farm, right of way, etc. leases under certain conditions. Codopony makes a motion to accept the resolution. Mithlo seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 97-12 Lee Blvd. Access Road. This will be executed in two phases. Money left over from Phase One will be moved over to Phase Two. The road will be elevated 6 to 8 feet due to the flood plane. Mahsetky makes a motion to accept the resolution. Mithlo seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 98-12 IRS Garnish. This resolution will allow the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to garnish tribal members’ per capita payment is they are indebted to them. No motion was made. The resolution dies. 99-12 Office of Special Trustee. This resolution will give Coffey, Mahsetky, Tahmahkera, Wells and Codopony signature authority. Wells makes
the motion to accept the resolution. Mahsetky seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. Other Business Thomas Narcomey presented a resolution to allow the CBC in the employee appeal process, adding an additional chapter to the Comanche Nation Employee Policies and Procedures. The resolution will be given to the Human Resources Director and the Tribal Administrator, and will be represented at the December monthly meeting. Donnie Ramos of the Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center informed the CBC of a building west of Lawton, Okla. that was formerly a nursing home that would be suitable for a possible treatment center/halfway house. He explained the tribal center was very busy in October placing clients in treatment centers. He said it would not be a money making venture, but one that would help tribal people. Wahnee Clark said Nov. 1 marked the six-year anniversary of him working with Ft. Sill on the cemetery at the former airport runway. He thanked the CBC for their support on his task. Sallie Kerchee of the Comanche Housing Authority invited the public to a viewing of new homes at 3 p.m. Nov. 19 near Quanah Parker Trailway in Cache, Okla. Sandra Toyekoyah asked the CBC if a program could be created to help elementary and Jr. High students reach college level classes to increase their success in higher education. The CBC adjourns meeting to go into Executive Session at 12:08 p.m.
Lawton Indian Health Service Supports World Diabetes Day; Sponsors Health Fair
Tribal Administrator Will 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
TCNN Winner of Seven 2012 NAJA Media Awards Member of the Society of Professional Journalists since 2010
Mission of the Comanche Nation The mission of the Comanche Nation is to promote and preserve the culture, history and traditions of the Comanche people, and to further promote and encourage pursuits relevant to an efficient governing body, a viable economic base and measures designated to enhance social and cultural activities which will reflect our heritage and assure the continued development and success of the Nation and its members.
Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
The Lawton Indian Health Service Diabetes and Diabetes Prevention Program sponsored a walk on Nov. 9, in Support of World Diabetes Day. The event was held on the LIHS Hospital grounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The walk was held to allow participants to show their support in Diabetes Awareness. A total of 96 participants signed up for the 1 1/2 mile walk. The Diabetes Programs sponsor events to keep the community, patients, and hospital staff of the Lawton Indian Health Service Unit aware of the effects of diabetes, and how healthy lifestyles may prevent it. The Lawton Indian Health Service also sponsored a Health Fair on Nov. 14. in the LIHS lobby/ waiting area. The staffs of LIHS and tribal programs set up booths and presented valuable health information to the community. The Behavioral Health and Breast Cancer Awareness representatives were present each with their own informative brochures. A flu clinic Booth was set up to allow participants to receive flu shots. The Comanche Nation’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program staff extended valuable information for those who have limitations or disabilities to overcome to re-enter the workforce. The variety of health information made available for the public contributed to the Health Fair’s success.
The Comanche Nation News
Tribal Member Speaks on Panel at NCAI Convention Comanche Tribal member and Granddaughter of Phil and Carol Cato, Iris Sanchez was given the opportunity to participate on NCAI’s special panel titled Using Technology to Sustain Our Cultures and Improve Academic Achievement. Ms. Sanchez along with Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal Librarian Yolanda Espinoza gave a presentation on the Luiseño Language Preservation Project. The project’s main focus is to creatively use technology to preserve and teach Native languages by using Nintendo DSi. The project is a partnership between the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians, The California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center at Cal-State University San Marcos, and Palomar College. Ms. Sanchez was hired by Cal-State University San Marcos to be the Project Coordinator/Manager and worked on the project between 2011 and 2012. In speaking on her experience, Sanchez said, “It has been such an honor and privilege to be able to talk to others about the work we did on this project. Especially considering that with a small budget and short time-line, we were able to turn out an amazing final product that is being used to preserve and teach the Luiseño language to new speakers. I’m especially proud of the fact that our own Comanche language program was used as a guiding resource in structuring the curriculum for this project.” The special panel served as a pilot program for NCAI’s new virtual institute initiative and was recorded and will be posted to You Tube to be used as a teaching tool for future use. Sanchez is an Independent Contractor specializing in Project Management and Administration Management. She holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Tribal Government Management and Leadership from Cal-State University San Bernardino and has served as a Consultant for Naqmayam Communications, a Native American owned Public Relations, Advertising, and Marketing firm. Ms. Sanchez was contracted by the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center at Cal-State University San Marcos to serve as the Project Manager/Coordinator for the Luiseño Language Preservation Project.
Text “cnwebsite” to 90210 to get alerts on updates to the Comanche Nation Website Watch the Comanche Business Committee Meetings live by going to www.comanchenation. com and click on the U Stream link icon.
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EXPANSION Continued from Page 1
votes, and no abstains. Community meetings were held in Dallas, Texas, Albuquerque, NM, Cache, Okla., Walters, Okla., Apache, Okla., and Wichita, Kan. within weeks following the Special General Council Meeting. At each meeting, Robbins explained the tribe’s financial history with the four casinos, and why the hotel expansion will help the casinos as a marketing tool to draw more customers, and to give incentives to loyal Comanche casino customers. Financial History According to Robbins, the closing of the 2012 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, 2012, the casinos had a record setting year of $60,998,695 unaudited revenue. He explained the assets grew 18 percent, while liabilities lowered 16 percent, giving the four casinos a growth of 25 percent. He added although the industry remains flat, there is a continual increase at the Comanche tribal casinos. Hotel Expansion Project The Red River Expansion Project is proposing a three-star casino at the existing Red River Casino, located near the Texas border off of the I-44 highway. The hotel will be a 90-room, six-suite facility that will offer conference rooms, meeting space, dining options, a fitness center and a swimming pool. Included is an expansion of the parking lot to have a well lit, spacious parking area. Purpose of the Hotel Robbins said the main purpose of the hotel expansion is to use it as a marketing tool to increase the gaming revenue of the casino. This will be done, he added rewarding top players of the casino, and host group meeting and social events. He emphasized this will not jeopardize the annual per capita and elder checks that are distributed. He elaborated by saying the expansion will have a positive effect on the distributions by increasing the amount. Loan for the Expansion The loan for the expansion will be $10 million for a turn-key budget, meaning it includes everything from construction to the filling the soap dishes in the rooms. The additional $2 million is the refinancing of a current loan from the renovation of the casino. The total loan proposal is $12 million.
The following Polling Sites will be open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 15
• Anadarko--Bureau of Indian Affairs Agency courtroom located at Hwy 281 N. Parker and McKenzie Road, Anadarko • Apache--Comanche Community Center located at Julia Mahseet Road and Hwy 281, Apache • Cache--Cahoma Building located at 752 NW Quanah Road, Cache • Lawton--Comanche Nation Headquarters, new conference room, located at 584 NW Bingo Road, Lawton • Oklahoma City--Comanche Nation Outreach Office located at 7390 S. Walker, Suite G, Oklahoma City • Walters--Comanche Community Center located at 905 E. Missouri Street, Walters All mail-in ballots must be in the Post Office mailbox of the Comanche Nation Election Board by noon Dec. 15 to be counted. No hand-in ballots are accepted.
From left, Comanche Nation Chairman, Wallace Coffey, Committeemen Harry Mithlo, Sonya Nevaquaya, and Jack Codopony Sr. speak to the AlCommitteeman, Charles Wells, addresses the Dallas tribal buquerque Comanche tribal members about the hotel on expansion proposal Nov. 16. members about the hotel expansion project Nov. 14.
Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity If a dispute with the lender takes place, Robbins emphasized the only revenue that is at stake is the revenue from the Red River Casino only. The revenue from the other three tribal casinos is not at stake. As the loan is paid off, Robbins said, the amount of the debt lowered, hence, the waiver of sovereign immunity is also lowered. The laws of the Comanche Nation will be used in the transaction. The bank that is giving the loan to the Comanche Nation is owned by the Citizen Pottawatomi Nation, and Robbins said they want to see the Comanche Nation succeed. The loan will be repaid over 60-months, and the monthly payment is to be derived from the gaming revenues. Robbins said the projections show the revenues from the expansion will be larger than the debt payment. “This is a great opportunity for the Comanche Nation,” said Robbins. “This is a astrategic marketing tool that will allow the Comanche Nation to grow.” CBC Comments on the Expansion Proposal The Comanche Business Committee is behind the expansion, and offered positive comments. “We need to secure the
future for the ones who are young and those who are yet to come, “ said Chairman Coffey. “This expansion is needed to increase revenue and create jobs for our people.” “This is a golden opportunity for the Comanche Nation to grow,” said Secretary Treasurer, Gary Tahmahkera. “This will secure our future,” said Vice Chairman, Mack Mike Mahsetky. “It will create jobs that are desperately needed.” “We have to grow our business,” said CBC No. 1, Charles Wells. “This is our
time to proceed. This is our first step.” “This will create revenue for the tribe,” said CBC No. 4, Jack Codopony Sr. “7090 jobs for tribal people and around 100 temporary jobs through the construction of the hotel. The CBC will see to it there will be Comanche preference for this project.” “You have the power to decide if you want the Comanche tribe to move on,” said CBC No. 2, Sonya Nevaquaya. “This looks good for our future,” said CBC No. 3, Harry Mithlo.
EXPLANATION of the LIMITED WAIVER OF SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY
A limited waiver of sovereign immunity will be required by the bank to complete the hotel financing transaction. There is a request for a limited waiver of sovereign immunity, because the bank is lending money to a Native American tribe that is sovereign. As a sovereign, the Nation is not subject to lawsuit in state or federal courts without the waiver. The waiver defines the following: What is at stake if there is a dispute between the Comanche Nation and the bank? The cash flow (or the revenue) generated at the Red River Casino shall be the security for the loan. What is NOT at stake are any of the other assets at the casinos, such as the gaming machines or the vehicles, or the other assets of the Comanche Nation. What laws will be used in the documents for the transaction and where would a dispute be heard if there was ever a dispute? In this transaction it has been identified that the Comanche Nation law will prevail and will be used. It has also been identified that the Comanche Courts, which are the CFR Courts, will be named in the documents. What is different from this transaction relative to a typical transaction with fee-land or with an individual or a company that is not sovereign? A limited waiver of sovereignty is not required with an individual or a state-chartered corporation. The Comanche Nation is its own sovereign entity, with its own laws, and is not subject to suit unless a limited waiver has been granted. The limited wavier does not open up the assets of the entire Nation, or the other three casinos. It does not diminish the Nation‘s ability to be sovereign. As the principal balance of the loan goes down the limited waiver of sovereign immunity goes down as well. The limited waiver always equals the principal balance of the loan.
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Programs
National Expert On American Indian Horse Culture Speaks At The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center
Submitted by Candy Morgan/Comanche National Museum
Emil Her Many Horses, Curator in the Office of Museum Scholarship at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Washington D.C., was the featured speaker at a “Lecture on the Lawn” the event was on Tuesday, November 13th at the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center (CNMCC). Mr. Her Many Horses discussed the history of the Comanche, horses and the current NMAI exhibit titled, A Song for the Horse Nation. The lecture began at 1:06p.m. A reception, featuring a sampling of traditional Comanche foods, was held following the event. It was free and open to the public. Her Many Horses, a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation of South Dakota, specializes in the Central Plains cultures and served as lead curator for NMAI’s inaugural permanent exhibition, Our Universes: Traditional Knowledge Shapes Our World. He also served as co-curator for the museum’s 2008-2012 exhibition Identify by Design: Tradition, Change and Celebration in Native Women’s Dresses and curator for the Our People’s community and exhibitions featuring the history of the Chiricahua Apache of New
Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
Horse Ice Sculpture was displayed on top of the main table.
Pictured above: Emil Her Many Horses signing autographs for various people.
Chairman Wallace Coffey honored Emil Her Many Horses with a Pendleton Horse Blanket.
Comanche Nation College 9th Annual~Workshop and Festival Story and Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/ News Staff
The crowd kicked back and relaxed during the enjoyable evening of the film festival.
Pictured Left to Right: Kelly Barry, Brent Michael Davids, Juanita Pahdopony, Annatte Arkeketa, and Nadine Kaulaity.
The Comanche Nation College held it’s 9th Annual Film Workshop and Festival Nov. 16-17. The demands of composing for film as a career are varied and intense. A film composer must be an expert in most forms of music from classical to rock, able to write the score into music manuscript, able to identify the proper music genre and it’s proper dramatic placement within the film, and able to compose quickly. Not all composers are versed in the demands of a film music career. Today, the marketplace has a near stranglehold over the type
of music used in film scores as a result of the heavy lobbying efforts of the record companies to place hit songs into films. These lobbying efforts have influenced a new generation of directors who have been “brought up” or “raised” by the recording industry to look for songsters and bands instead of expert film composers. The Workshop was given by Brent Michel Davids. Davids is the country’s top award-winning American Indian composer, and a citizen of the Mohican Nation. In 1996, Davids composed his first feature film score, commissioned by the Santa Fe International Film Festival for “The Silent Enemy” (1929; Paramount) that was performed live to picture at the Grand Illusion Theater. In 2011. Davids won a converted Silver Medal for Excellence in Original Scoring from the Park City Film Music Festival in Utah for his 90 minute orchestral score to the animated feature film “Valor’s
Kids” (2011). Many of his original orchestra scores for films like “The Silent Enemy” (1996), “The Business of Fancy Dancing” (2002), “Dreamkeeper” (2003), “The World of American Indian Dance” (2003), “Last of the Mohicans” (1929/2003), “Bright Circle” (2007), “Raccoon & Crawfish” (2007), and “Opal” (2012) have appeared on ABC, Hallmark, NBC, PBS, NPR, NAPT, AIROS, and the National Geographic Society. The Comanche Nation Film Festival was held on November 17, from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. A welcome to the audience and sponsors was given by flute composer, Brent Michael Davids. The Film Festival schedule included films such as Deron Twohatchet, “Comanche Nation Fair 2011” Louis Gray, “The Last Great Indian Wars”, Jason Asenap, “Rugged Guy”, Dan Bigbee, “Nun too Hairy”, and Mark Williams, “The Unrest.”
Mexico and the Blackfeet from Montana. His most recent exhibition, A Song for the Horse Nation, opened on Washington D.C.’s National Mall last year following it’s successful run at the Smithsonian’s George Gustav Heye Center in New York City. The lecture is the second installment of CNMCC’s current exhibition, All Things Comanche A Numunuu Trilogy. The exhibit which opened on September 27, is a celebration of the cultural uniqueness of the great Comanche Nation. Many never before seen Comanche items are on display, including a historic buffalo robe that once belonged to Cynthia Ann Parker and extremely rare photographs of the Comanche Code Talkers. The third and final part of the exhibit, featuring several historic Comanche items on loan from NMAI, is scheduled for the Spring of 2012. The exhibition is set to close on August 31, 2013. The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center is located in Lawton’s Elmer Thomas Park. Hours of operations are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free and tour groups are welcome.
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The Comanche Nation News
“Doc Tate Nevaquaya: Realm of the Thirteenth Feather” Red Earth Museum and Gallery shared an evening of Comanche artist exhibit
Story and Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/ News Staff
An evening reception viewing of the Red Earth exhibition “Doc Tate Nevaquaya: Realm of the Thirteenth Feather.” was held November 14, at the Red Earth Museum and Gallery in Oklahoma City. Red Earth celebrated the life and artwork of prolific Comanche artist, Doc Tate Nevaquaya, through featuring photographic images and a special selection of his paintings from the Red Earth Collection. Four members of the Red Earth Museum Board, Mr. Dave Campbell, Ms. Christy Alcox, Ms. Margaret Knight, Red Earth Museum and Gallery Board members pictured from left to right: Dave Campbell, Christy Alcox, Margaret Knight, and Eric Oesch. and Eric Oesch were present during the evening reception to entertain guests and family members of the late Doc Tate Nevaquaya. The family members of the late Doc Tate Nevaquaya present included sister, Ms. Greta Logan, and two sons Calvert and Tim Nevaquaya. The exhibit will remain for viewing through January 31st, 2013. The Red Earth Museum and Gallery is located at 6 Santa Fe Plaza in Oklahoma City. “Making Music” Doc Tate at home in Apache, Oklahoma making flutes, 1993.
Doc Tate playing flute at Ballerinal Mural Dedication at Oklahoma State Capitol on November 17, 1991.
“At Work” Doc Tate painting in his studio. Apache, Oklahoma. Ca.1982
“English Flute Music” Doc Tate playing outside a London Cathedral, 1970.
Pictured above: Doc Tates Nevaquaya’s sister, Greta Logan standing next to her brother’s display picture.
Pictured above from left to right: Doc Tate Nevaquaya’s sons, Tim and Calvert Nevaquaya standing next to the display picture of their mother and father.
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The Comanche Nation News
Military CIVA Visits Distinguished Soldier/Educator On October 30, Comanche Indian Veterans Association (CIVA), Commander George Red Elk, Vice Commander Jack Codopony, Historian Lanny Asepermy and member Clifford “Beaver” Takawana made a trip to Norman to pay their respects and give thanks to 89 year old World War II veteran Clay Hoahwah. The CIVA was given a warm welcome by Hoahwah’s caretaker, his daughter Kim and her husband, Gayland Taua and their son, Tyson. Hoahwah suffered a stroke in 1995 and lost his ability of speech as well as use of his right arm and leg. He was in a wheelchair and despite his disabilities was glad to see the members of the CIVA as they presented him with Honorable and Combat Service medallions, a Challenge Coin and a Veterans Gift Bag. He immediately donned his Comanche Veteran hat after it was presented to him. On October 1, 1940, at the age 19, while living in Indiahoma, Hoahwah enlisted into the US Army. He trained as a Duty Solider and spent one year, seven and a half months in the states before shipping to the Pacific on January 31, 1942. For the next three years, and three and half months he served with the 871 Engineer Aviation Battalion throughout the numerous chain of islands in the Pacific. Hoahwah earned the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal with/3 Bronze Stars for the New Guinea, Papuan and Southern Philippines campaigns. He also earned the Philippine Liberation and American Defense Medals and Honorable Service Lapel Button as well as Sharpshooter Qualification Badge with/Rifle Bar. Hoahwah was discharged at Camp Chaffee, Ark., on May 17, 1945. His parents were the late Sam and Emma Hoahwah and his late wife, who he married in 1946, was the former Wakeah Paddyaker. Paddyaker passed away in December, 2010. After his discharge, Hoahwah went to school in the GI Bill and graduated from first Cameron A&M and then Oklahoma University and later became the first Comanche to earn a Masters Degree from Oklahoma University in the early 1960’s. From 1952 to 1969 he taught grade, junior high and high school, coached girls basketball, served as an Athletic Director, Principle and Counselor at Knowles (in the Oklahoma panhandle), Noble, Davis and Little Axe schools in Oklahoma and at Santa Fe and Toalena (on the Navajo Reservation) schools in New Mexico. Prior to becoming an educator, Hoahwah worked for the railroad. He retired in 1969, at the young age of 49 years due to health problems (he suffered a heart attack) which, in part, was caused by the malaria he contacted while serving in the Pacific. In a letter received on November 2, his daughter wrote “Here are the pictures Tyson took when you all were here. Sorry only one group photo but it came out pretty
good. Again thank you for honoring my dad. We want to thank all the gentleman that came and the Comanche Tribe and their veterans. My dad is a very private person buy I know you all made his day and he would say thank you too. We enjoyed all of you and enjoyed the visit with you. On behalf of my dad and family, thank you.” Kim Hoahwah-Taua Our gratitude goes to Hoahwah for his dedicated, faithful and honorable as a Solider and his contributions to society as an educator.
Front: Jack Codopony and Clay Hoahwah; standing from left to right: George Red Elk, “Beaver” Takawana and Lanny Asepermy.
Eckiwaudah on Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant Promotion List Three Comanches have earned the Military’s highest enlisted grade of E-9. Master Sergeant (Promotable) Randall V. Eckiwaudah, US Marine Corps, will become the fourth as he has been selected for promotion to Master Gunnery Sergeant E-9. The ninth and highest enlisted rate (pay grade E-9) in the Army is Sergeant Major, Lanny Asepermy, 1966-90, and Rudolph Kosechequetah, 1968-95, both retired as Sergeants Major. In the Navy it is Master Chief Petty Officer, James Sayerwinnie, 197802. Retired at that grade. In the Marine Corps it is Master Gunnery Sergeant, which MSgt (P) Randall Eckiwaudah, 1990-present, was selected and is on the Marine Corps Promotion List. The highest enlisted grade in the Air Force is Chief Master Sergeant which no Comanche has attained. MSgt (P) Eckiwaudah enlisted in the Marine Corps on February 20, 1990 and took his Boot Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Cali. He was awarded the Platoon Honor Man during Boot Training. He completed his occupation training as an Assault Amphibious Crewman at Camp Del Mar, Cali. He is currently, after being hand-picked by the Commanding Officer of the Assault Amphibian Schools Battalion, the Academics Chief of the Battalion at Camp Pendleton, Cali. Other duty stations include 29 Palms, Cali., Camp Lejune, N.C., Camp Gieger, N.C., and overseas in Porto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Chili, Columbia, Okinawa, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, and Camp Fuji, Japan. MSgt (P) Eckiwaudah served two tours in Iraq from March to October, 206 and from October 2007 to May, 2008 and a tour in Afghanistan from March 2010 to March 2011. He has completed the Corporal’s Course, the Sergeant’s Course (where he earned the Gung Ho award by his peers), the Instructor Management School, the Logistics
Education Program Course, the Ground Operations Specialist Course, the Ground Operations Chief Course and the Tactical MAGIF (Marine Air-Ground Task Force) Integration Course where he graduated second in his class. His duty assignments include Instructor, Senior Platform Instructor, Section Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Operations Chief and Academics Chief. He is a certified Master Instructor. MSgt (P) Eckiwaudah has served with the 2nd and 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalions; the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines; the 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2; the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines Regimental Combat Team 5 and the 1st Marine Division. His awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Meritorious Service, Commendation, Achievement (2) and Good Conduct (7) Medals, the National Defense, Global War on Terrorism Service, Iraqi (2) and Afghanistan Campaign, NATO - ISAF (Afg) and Korean Defense Service Medals, the Combat Action and Sea Service Deployment (6) Ribbons and the Navy Meritorious Unit (2) and Unit (2) Commendations. MSgt (P) Eckiwaudah was born on October 1, 1970 and is the son of the late Gerald Eckiwaudah and the former Sarah Silverhorn. His brother, Sgt Leander G. Eckiwaudah, also served in the Marine Corps from 1989-98 with the 1st Force Recon Company including service during Operations Desert Shield and Storm in the Persian Gulf War and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. MSgt Eckiwaudah’s wife Jennifer, is Dine (Navajo). They have four children, all boys, aged 20, 14, 12, and 7. His mother, who lives in Anadarko, will be attending the Marine Corps Ball, with her son, at Camp Pendleton on November 15. She was given, by the CIVA Historian, the Comanche Honorable and Combat Service Medallions, a Trail of Honor miniature horse, a Challenge Coin and a Veterans Gift Bag to present to her son on behalf of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association for his extraordinary service and accomplishments to God and Country. If you are looking for an American or Comanche Hero look no further as MSgt (P) Eckiwaudah fit that mold.
MSgt (P) Randall D. Eckiwaudah
Welcome Home Global War on Terror Veterans As the United States Armed Forces prepare to return home from Afghanistan in the next year and a half it is time to recognize those Comanche Veterans who have served during the Global War on Terror as we have always done past to
present. Comanche were at one time all Numu Tekwaniwapu (Comanche Warriors). We lost that identity when we were put on Reservations in 1876. Our Identity as Warriors returned, to a small degree, when 38 Comanches served as Scouts with the US Cavalry from 1892-97. That identity was lost again until 1918-19 when 59 Comanche served during World War I including 22 in the European Theater. Six of those Warriors were wounded in action. 204 Comanches served during World War II (1941-45) including six who were killed in action and two others died of combat wounds. 142 Comanches served during the Korean War (195053) - one died while in captivity, another was declared dead while missing in action. 307 Comanches served during the Vietnam War (1961-75) with two Comanches killed in action, another 79 served during the Persian Gulf War (199091) and currently 61 known Comanches have served during the Global War on Terror including one who was killed in action. The term War on Terror was first used by President George W. Bush. The military added the term Global because the war is wide-spread throughout Southwest Asia, Africa, Europe and the Far East. This war began on September 11, 2001 and is ongoing (11 years on 9/11/12). The majority of the war has been fought in Iraq and Afghanistan - the last American military forces were withdrawn from Iraq on December 18, 2011. The fighting in Afghanistan continues as the US Forces continue to train and support the Afghanistan military, police and security forces to “stand alone.” As of August 29, 1012, American military forces have suffered 5,921 killed in action and 42,673 wounded in action. 50 Comanches have been documented to have served in either Iraq or Afghanistan or both or have supported the combat troops on the ground from the sea or air. These Numu Tekwaniwapu have endured many hardships fighting the Taliban, Al Qaida and other insurgents - temperatures that range from -15 to 120 degrees, mountains as high as 24,00 feet, deserts, urban fighting, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), ambushes, sniper fire, mortar and rocket attacks, an enemy without uniforms, etc. They, like our Warriors of the past, have adapted, improvised and overcome the rigors of combat and have served with honor and distinction. They have fought or supported the fight on land, in the air or from the sea. We thank these Veterans and our Veterans of the past for their dedicated, faithful and honorable service to God and Country. 1. LCpl Brandon Allen, USMC - three tours in Iraq, awarded Combat Action Ribbon w/2 Gold Stars, served with 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 2 and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. 2. MSgt Kenneth Atauvich, USAF - served at Prince
Sulton AB, Saudi Arabia; Balad AB, Iraq and Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, was a Armament Specialist for fighter aircraft. 3. SPC Jesse Blackstar, USA - Iraq, awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and Army Commendation Medal, served with the 25th Infantry Division. 4. SSG Curtis Clark, USA, no documentation available. 5. PFC Mariah Codopony, OKARNG - Afghanistan, served as a Paralegal with the 4th Combat Infantry Brigade. 6. SSG Charles Eatmon, USA - two tours in Iraq, awarded the Purple Heart twice, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Army Commendation Medal, served with 3rd Infantry Division, 75th Rangers and 11th Infantry Regiment. 7. MSgt Randall Eckiwaudah, USMC - two tours Iraq, one tour in Afghanistan, awarded the Combat Action Ribbon w/2 Gold Stars and USN/USMC Commendation Medal. 8. SSG Michael Frickie, USA - two tours in Iraq, awarded the Combat Action Badge, both tours with the 10th Mountain Division. 9. Brig Gen Jonathan George, USAF - Afghanistan, awarded the Bronze Star Medal, served as Deputy Commanding General CSTC US Central Command, Afghanistan. 10. SGT Joseph Gonzalez, OKARNG - one tour in Iraq, one tour in Afghanistan, awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Medical Badge and Bronze Star, served with the 45th Combat Infantry Brigade. 11. SSGT Lindsey Hutson Grinder, USMC - Afghanistan, Only known Comanche Woman to be decorated for Valor as she was awarded the USN/USMC Achievement Medal with/ Distinguishing Device (V Device for Valor), served with the 1st Marine Division. 12. SPC Baliente Herrera, USA - Iraq, awarded the Army Commendation Medal, served with the 17th Field Artillery Brigade. 13. SGT Alexander Karty, USA - one tour in Iraq, one tour in Afghanistan awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge, served with the 82nd Airborne Division. 14. FCSN William “Will” Kerchee, USN - Mediterranean Sea aboard the USS Mount Whitney, awarded the Global War on Terrorism Medal and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Insignia. 15. SGT Tennyson Kerchee, USA - two tours in Iraq, served with the 1st Cavalry Division as a Field Artilleryman. 16. 2LT Ferrell Koassechony, USMC - Iraq, awarded the Iraqi Campaign Medal 17. RNK Eagles Mahseet, USMC - Afghanistan, no other documentation. 18. SFC John McClung, Continued on page 7
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OKARNG - Iraq, awarded the Army commendation Medal, served with the 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery. 19. PFC Joshua Otipoby, USA - Afghanistan, no other documentation. 20. Sgt Roy Quanah Parker, USMC - three tours in Iraq, one tour in Afghanistan, awarded the USN/USMC Achievement Medal, the Presidential, Navy and Meritorious Unit Commendations. 21. SCPO James Patterson Jr., USN - one tour Kuwait, one tour Afghanistan, awarded the Combat Action Ribbon and the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Insignia. 22. SFC Dominic Pawlowski, OKARNG - Iraq, awarded the Army Commendation Medal, served with the 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery. 23. QM1 Kevin Pohawpatchoko, USNR- one tour in Iraq, one tour Afghanistan, awarded the Combat Action Ribbon with/Gold Star. 24. LtCol Dave Portillo, USMC - Iraq, awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, Air Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals, served with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing as a Combat Helicopter pilot. 25. OS2 Arlene Robles, USN - awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Enlisted Surface Specialist Insignia, served in the Persian Gulf aboard the USS Nimitz. 26. SPC Rudy Rodriguez, USA - one tour Iraq, one tour Afghanistan, awarded the Combat Action Badge, served with the 10th Mountain Division. 27. SPC Ricardo Saenz, USA - Afghanistan, awarded the Afghanistan Campaign and Joint Service Commendation Medal. 28. RNK Dennis Saryerwinnie, USAR - Iraq, on other documentation. 29. RNK Matthew Seaman, LAARNG - Afghanistan, no other documentation 30. CPT Aaron Southard, USA - two tours in Iraq, no other documentation. 31. LtCol Lisa Smith, USAF - three tours Iraq, awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, treated over 1,000 battle injured patients as a Physical Therapists. 32. SFC Michael Squire, USA, Afghanistan, awarded 2 Bronze Stars, Combat Medical and Infantryman Badges, served with the 1st Special Forces. 33. Sgt Greg Poahway Steen, USMC - two tours in Iraq, Somalia, awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citations. 34. SPC Keesa Tahdooahnippah, USA - Iraq, no other documentation. 35. SPC Vena Tahkofper, USA - Iraq, awarded the Army Commendation Medal, served with the 127th Military Police Company. 36. SSgt Benny Tahmahkera Jr., USMC - three tours in Iraq, Somalia, awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, USN/USMC Commendation Medal and Presidential Unit Citation. 37. SFC Paul Tate Jr., OKARNG - Iraq, awarded
the Army Commendation Medal, served with the 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery. 38. SGT Michael Tenequer, OKRANG - two tours in Iraq, second tour with the 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery. 39. RNK Randall Thomas, USAF - two tours Iraq, no other documentation. 40. RNK Terry Daukei Torres, USA - three tours in Iraq, no other documentation. 41. WO1 Kari Wahkahquah, OKARNG - Iraq, awarded the Combat Action Badge, served with the 45th Combat Infantry Brigade. 42. Cpl Joshua Ware, USMC - two tours Iraq, Killed in Action, awarded the Purple Heart and USN/USMC Achievement Medal with Valor Device and Purple Heart. 43. RNK Aaron Wermy, USAF - Kuwait, no other documentation. 44. 1LT Kris Wermy, USA & OKARNG - Iraq and Afghanistan, awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, served with the 82nd Airborne Division and 45th Combat Infantry Brigade. 45. LTC Rhonda Williams, USA - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq, awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge. 46. LTC Mark Woommavovah, USAR - Iraq, awarded the Iraqi Campaign Medal with/2 Bronze Service Stars, served with the 530th Military Police Battalion. 47. MSG Glendal Yackeschi, OKARNG - Iraq, awarded the Army Commendation Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge, detailed with the 101st Airborne Division. 48. Maj Lawrence Yazzie, USAF - Kyrgyz Republic and Kuwait, awarded the Global War on Terror Service and Expeditionary Medals. 49. SPC Randolph Zambrana, USA - Afghanistan, awarded the Combat Action Badge, served with the 82nd Airborne Division. 50. SPC Mauel Zavala, USA Kuwait, two tours in Iraq, awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terror Service and Expeditionary and Iraqi Campaign Medals.
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Benny Tahmahkera Jr. Paul McClung Ricardo Saenz
Charles Eatmon
Michael Tenequer Rhonda Williams
Dave Portillo
Brandon Allen Jace Otipoby
Gregory Poahway Steen Curtis Clark Rudy Rodriguez
Michael Squire
Paula Tate Jr.
Randall Eckiwaudah
Lindsey Grinder
Glendal Yackeschi Aaron Wermy
Alexander Karty
Kenneth Atauvich
Aaron Southard
Mark Woommavovah Baliente Herrera
Tennyson Kerchee
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Continued from Page 7
Jonathon George Ferrell Koassechony
Arlene Robles
Joshua Ware Killed In Action (KIA)
Kevin Pohawpatchoko William “Will” Kerchee
Vena Tahkofper
Kris Wermy
Dominic Pawlowski
Kari Wahkahquah
Joseph Gonzalez Wounded In Action (WIA)
Mariah Codopony
three sides (horseshoe) by a large force of Taliban. It was during a heavy exchange of small arms and enemy rocket propelled grenades (RPG’s) that one of his unit’s two machine gunners was shot in the shoulder. He was less than 10 feet from me and after I helped drag him to a secure area and applied first aid we began running out of ammunition.” SPC Satepauhoodle then stated “I called in massive mortar fir and some the other solLisa Smith diers used the wounded gunner’s ammo to help suppress the Taliban. I don’t know exactly how many of the enemy we killed that day but there were quite a few. We drug our wounded comrade from the rooftop to an evacuation helicopter. He died en route to the medical facility as the round that struck him had hit an artery.” After capturing one of the enemy, this small “band of brothers” returned to their outpost to fight yet another day. This is only one of numerous enemy encounters SPC Satepauhoodle faced and survived Gregory Cole while serving in Afghanistan. When selected as the Battalion Solider of the Month SPC Satepauhoodle had to score at least 80% of the maximum score on the Army Physical Fitness Test (71 pushups in two minutes, 78 sit-ups in two minutes and two mile run in 13:00 minutes) - he did. He then appeared in front of a five-member board consisting of one Senior NCO and four Junior NCO’s who each ask 10 questions about Leadership, Weapons, Drill and CeremoTanner Satepauhoodle nies, Current Events and other military subjects. He was also “American people graded on his appearance. sleep peacefully in their beds SPC Satepauhoodle is at night because rough men scheduled to be promoted to and women stand ready to do Sergeant in January, 2013 and violence on their behalf.” has extended his military service to June 15, 2015 as he has From War Fighter to re-enlisted. When ask about Solider of the Month how he like being a Solider he Specialist Tanner L. stated “I Love It.” Satepauhoodle was selected His awards include the as the 2nd Battalion, 34th Ar- Combat Action Badge, the mored Regiment (which is a Army Commendation Medal, Combined Arms Battalion), 1st Army Achievement Medal (2), Infantry Division (the Big Red Good Conduct Medal, National One) Solider of the Month for Defense Service Medal, GlobNovember, 2012. al War on Terrorism Medal, the SPC Satepauhoodle en- NATO Medal and the Afghanilisted in the US Army on July stan Campaign Medal with/1 29, 2009 and took his Basic Bronze Service Star, the Army Training at Fort Knox, Ky., Service and Overseas Ribbons and his Advanced Individual and one Overseas (Combat) Training (AIT), as a Fire Sup- Stripe. port Specialist, at Fort Sill. He He is scheduled to has been assigned to the 2/34th attend the Warrior Leader AR, at Fort Riley, Kan., since Course in December, 2012 and completing his AIT. has completed the Joint Fires From April to Decem- Observers and Call for Fire ber, 2011 he served a modern- Trainer/Operators Courses. day Sparta life at Combat Out- SPC Satepauhoodle post Terminator in Kandahar is married to the former Kaci Province, Afghanistan. Kan- Wakely of Newcastle, Okla. dahar is located in southern He is a graduate of Apache Afghanistan and is in the heart High School and the son of of Taliban resistance. The out- Rusty and Pamela Tsatoke post was far from the flagpole Satepauhoodle and the grandand was manned by about 100 son of Pepper and Clorinda US soldiers and 40 members of Tsatoke and Kenneth Satepauthe Afghan National Civil Or- hoodle and Gayle Bearshield. der of Police (ANCOP). During his tour he participated in about 200 dismounted patrols, 30 mounted patrols and three air assaults. His unit suffered five killed in action including the loss of one of his comrades during a firefight. When asked, in a telephone interview, what was his worst day in Afghanistan, SPC Satepauhoodle stated, “he and a small force of six other soldiers had secured a rooftop in a small village away from their outpost when they became surrounded on
New Monument for CIVA Court of Honor The Comanche Indian Veterans Association Court of Honor, located in front of the Nation’s Headquarters building consist of 10 granite stones and the Comanche Code Talker monument. One stone, donated by Albert and Becky Clark, has the names of the Comanche veterans that were killed in action, died of wounds, died in captivity, declared dead while missing in action, died nonhostile and prisoners of war. The remaining nine stones contain the names of 981 Comanche veterans. Each stone has 48 names on the front and 60 on the reverse side. The information listed, in most cases, is the veterans LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MIDDLE INITIAL, RANK, BRANCH OF SERVICE and YEARS OF SERVICE. The last stone was installed on May 21, 2009. Since April 23, 2009, 101 names have been collected for a new stone. Some of the new names are corrections. To have your name added to the new stone you must provide proof of honorable service and you must have completed one enlistment term. If your information is already on a stone but is incorrect we will add your name with the corrected information. If you meet this criteria and would like your name added to the new stone please contact the CIVA Historian, Lanny Asepermy, at (580) 678-4629 or (580) 5882377, or at P.O. Box 247, Apache, Okla., 73006 or email at sgtmjase@yahoo.com. The following names are of veterans who will be added to the new stone: 1. ATTOCKNIE, ASA, SGT USMC 1993-01 2. BOBELU, MICHELL, SPC USA 1992-94 3. BRADY, CHRISTOPHER L., ABH3 USN 1995-98 4. BURGESS, AARON 1C2 USN 1975-94 5. BURGESS, ARMAND, FN USN 1974-78 6. CABLE, HERBERT D., SA USN 1972-75 7. CHEBAHTAH, MATHEW L. SP5 USA 1970-73 8. CHOCKPOYAH, JAMES C. JR, USN 1946-48 9. CHONEY, CARDEN SGT USMC 1994-05 10. CHRISMON, DONALD R., CN USN 1975-78 11. CONNYWERDY, ANDRE L. PVT USA 1998-00 12. COOSEWOON, KENNETH L. PFC USA 1951 13. DORSEY, MATTHEW L., SP4 USA 1987-92 14. ECKIWAUDAH, LEANSER G., SGT USMC 199598 15. FULLER, BILLY D., CPL USA 1951-53 16. G E I M A U S A D D L E , HOWARD L., PVT USA 1984-85 17. GONZALES, RUDOLPH W., PVT USA 1945-47 18. GORBET, THOMAS R., SSG USA 1972-92 19. GWOOMPI, PRESTON H., SP4 USA 2000-03 20. HARRIS, DONNA K., GYSGT USMC 1973-96 21. HARRIS, WILLIAM R., CPT USA 1976-85 22. HOWRY, BILLY SP4 US AR 1961-67 23. ISSAC, MATHEW D., SPC USA 2000-03 24. KAHNOOSTY, SAM, USA 1918 WWI Continued on Page 9
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25. KINGFISHER, TIMMIE K., AM USAF 1971-72 26. JACKSON, DANIEL A., SGT USA 1990-92 27. KARTY, RAYMOND W., HM3 USN 1987 28. KOMALTY, ERNEST F., LCPL USMC 1982-82 29. KOWENA, KENNETH PVT USMC 1968 30. LEBARRE, BOBBY L., SGT USAF 1976-79 31. LEBARRE, WILLIAM L. PFC USA 1978-79 32. LITTLE CHIEF, BARTHELL, PVT OKARNG 1966-71 33. MCCLUNG, LARRY D., SP4 USA 1968-71 34. MAHSETKY, RONALD, SGT USMC 1965-79 35. MAHSETKY, TYRUS, A1C USAFT 1961-65 36. MEEK, COLLINE HM3 USN 1974-78 37. MIHECOBY, WESLEY H., SP4 USA 1971-73 38. MONENEKIT, PHIL PO3 USN 1962-66 39. MORRIS, TOMMY G., 1LT USAR 1969-71 40. MURDOCK, FRANK E., CPL USMC 1956-59
41. MYERS, JACKSON, MM1 (NUC) USN 199804 42. NAHQUADDY, EDWARD SR., SP4 OKARNG & USAR 1954-64 43. NAHQUADDY, EDWARD JR., LCPL USMC 1977-80 44. PADDYAKER, LAWERECE, PFC USA 1965-70 45. PAHDOCONY, ADOLPHUS, CPL USA 46. PAHDOCONY, ALBERT W., PFC USA 1961-63 47. PAHCHEKA, ARNOLD D., SP4 USA 1968-70 48. PARKER, ELTON, A3C USAF 1966-67 49. PEREZ, RICHARD M., SP4 USA 1968-70 50. POCO, LONNIE, USN 1956-60 51. RED ELK, WILLIAM C., SP4 USA 1969-70 52. ROACH, EDWARD G., HT3 USN 1980-85 53. ROGERS, PHILIP K., LCPL USMC 1967-69 54. ROSEMARK, ROBERTA SURGESS, SSGT USAF 1972-85 55. ROSEN, ARTON D., SP4
OKARNG 1978-84 56. RUSSELL, RONALD G., PFC USA 1954-58 57. SCHREIBER, SHARRON K., CP USA 1986-89 58. SOUTHARD, CLARK, LTC USA 1973-03 59. TAHAH, LAMBERT, LCPL USMC 1965-67 60. TAHPAY, HERSCHAL, CPL USMC 1944-46 61. TATE, ERNEST JR., SP4 USA 1969-72 62. TATE, PAUL SR., SP4 USA 1966-68 63. TAHKOFPER, VENA J., SPC USA 2002-05 64. TIEYAH, ARZA L., USA 1969-71 65. TIMMONS, SHANNON D. TATE, SRA USAF 1995-99 66. TIMMENCONNIE, NORMAN W. SR., USN 195357 67. TISSYCHY, RICHARD W., SPC USA 1997-00 68. TOOAHNIPPAH, KENNETH D., CPL USA 195254 69. TOQUOTHTY, DELBERT H., SGT OKARNG 195861
70. TOQUOTHTY, DENNIS PVT USA 1943-46 71. TOQUOTHY, ROBERT, SGT OKARNG 1984-90 72. UNDERWOOD, LADONNA SPC USAR 1991-97 73. VALEZ, ANDREW E., PVT USNG 1958-59 74. VALEZ, RALPH E. SGT USA 1968-79 75. VALDEZ, RONALD M., PVT OKARNG 1966-67 76. WNEDT, ERNEST A., SGT USA 1963-77 77. WERMY, GRGEORY, PFC OKARNG 1990-91 78. WERMY PEKAH, JAMES USA 1918-19, WWI 79. WERYAVAH, DENNIS C., AA USN 1972-75 80. WILLIAMS, EDWARD C., MMM3/C USN 194345 81. WILLIAMS, ELTON D., GYSGT USAF 1967-86 82. WILLIAMS, JERRY R., SP3 USA 1954-56 83. WILLIAMS, ROBERT L., SA USN 1960-61 84. YARE, MAUREEN M. A., SGT USAF 1976-80 85. YEAGLEY, JON P., SGT USAF 1983-89
86. ES-SA-TOW-YAH-BE, US CAV SCOUT 87. ANT-PO-TE-QIRP SGT CAV SCOUT 88. TO-BA-TOS-SA SGT CAV SCOUT 89. TICH-A-MA-CHA PVT US CAV SCOUT 90. CHEEVERS PVT US CAV SCOUT 91. NAM-A -WAR-VA PVT US CAV SCOUT 92. GU-NO-L-PVT US CAV SCOUT 93. KAN-A-WAH PVT US CAV SCOUT 94. TI-VA-QUA PVT CAV SCOUT 95. TIS-O-RO-QUTH PVT US CAV SCOUT 96. TIS-O-RO-QUTH-TIU PVT US CAV SCOUT 97. NAN-NO-YI-ROPE PVT US CAV SCOUT 98. KOS-OU-NY PVT US CAV SCOUT 99. PA H - H A - M U M - S O O P PVT US CAV SCOUT 100. TOH-WEH-US CAV SCOUT 101. SOAUT-TE PVT US CAV SCOUT
Walters Service Club Sponsors 1st Annual Veterans Day Pow-wow in tribute to all Veterans past and present Story and Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/ News Staff
The Walters Service Club sponsored their 1st Annual Veterans Day Powwow Sunday, November 11th, in Watchetaker Hall at the Comanche Nation Complex. The Honorees included Rose Nauni, Elder, Jerome Tahhahwah, Veteran; and SSGT. Mickie Frickie, Serviceman.
Comanche Veteran, Thomas Blackstar, Jackie Codynah, Chairman Wallace Coffey, and family members of head lady dancer, Kimberly DeJesus, share in honoring her during the Veteran’s Day Celebration.
Chairman Wallace Coffey was honored.
Recognition was given to all veterans through a special song request.
Pictured are members of the Walters Service Club dancing during their Veteran’s Day Processional.
SSGT. Mickie Frickie and his wife look on during the Walters Service Club Powwow.
CIVA Veterans Day Celebration The Comanche Indian Veterans Association held it’s 36th Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at the Comanche Community Center in Apache, Oklahoma. Honorees who received special recognition are pictured from left to right, Sergeant John R. “Johnny” Brown, CAARNG; Airman 2nd Class Milburn H. Roach, US Air Force; Petty Officer 1st Class Jason L. Red Elk, US Navy; Sergeant 1st Class Glendal B. Yackeschi, OK Army National Guard; Warrant Officer 1 Karli Wahkahquah, OK Army National Guard; Specialist Rudy Rodriguez, US Army; Phyllis Mahsetky, Auxiliary. Pictured to the right of the honorees is the Comanche Nation Princess, Sareva Kay “Posey” Liles.
Story and Photo by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
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The Comanche Nation News
People,Places and Things Happening McDaniel Guest Speaker at Fort Sill
The US Military, throughout the world, celebrate Native American Heritage Month, during the month of November. At the Fort Sill Patriot Club ballroom on November 15, before a packed house, Fort Sill Commander, Maj Gen Mark McDonald, encouraged the soldiers to take advantage of their time here to enjoy and learn more about Native American culture. He also mentioned that the Army and Native Americans often found themselves on opposite sides of the battle. But for decades American Indians have continued their warrior tradition serving for the Stars and Stripes around the world. The guest speaker for the luncheon was former US Army Specialists Eleanor McDaniel as she epitomized the modern relationship between the tribes and the Army. McDaniel is one of 64 known Comanche women to serve in the military and is considered the first Comanche woman to serve in combat. She is also the most decorated Comanche woman as she earned 25 decorations, medals, badges, commendations, citations and campaign ribbons during her military career while serving with the US Army from January 4, 1983 to July 31, 1992. She served at Fort Polk, La., with the 5th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas with the 13th COSCOM, and with the 1st Armored Division at Bamberg, Germany and the 7th Support Command at Nurnberg, Germany and in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait. Her awards include the Army Commendation Medal (5), Army Achievement Medal (4),
Specialist Eleanor McDaniel
Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medals (2) from both the Saudi Arabia and Kuwait governments, Southwest Asia Campaign Medal with/3 Bronze Service Stars, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with/Driver Bar, Army Lapel Button and 1 Overseas Service Ribbon with/Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, the Driver/Mechanic Badge with/Driver Bar, Army Lapel Button and Overseas (Combat) Bar. McDaniel spoke of her own life and some of the history of her family which included both warrior and spiritual leaders. She said she has been a member and officer with the Comanche Indian Veteran Association for the past 19 years, and was encouraged by Code Talkers Dick Red Elk, Forrest Kassanavoid and Charles Chibitty to become a member of the organization. She currently is the president of the Lawton-Fort Sill Chapter of the Oklahoma Women Veterans Organization and was runner-up for the Oklahoma
Woman Veteran of the Year in 2011. McDaniel mention she was a member of a support unit during the Persian Gulf War. When the combat began many women drove vehicles across enemy lines providing water, fuel, food and weapons to combat units. It was after the invasion she believes her respiratory and lesions began as she and her fellow soldiers, who were detailed as an Explosive Ordnance Team, dug out and destroyed numerous Iraqi weapon caches, including some containing chemical weapons. She also spoke about the “Highway of Death” and the burning oil fields as her unit entered Kuwait. The “Highway of Death” was two Kuwait roadways littered with the remains of over 2,000 mangled Iraqi military vehicles and charred and dismembered bodies of tens of thousands of Iraqi soldiers who were withdrawing from Kuwait on February 2627, 1991. She said the burning oil fields of Kuwait made the sky so black it was like midnight at noon. Over 700 oil wells were set on fire by the retreating Iraqi Army. McDaniel and members of her family also sang a Comanche hymn to the delight of the crowd which included a number of American Indian soldiers from throughout the United States. As part of the luncheon, Miss Indian Lawton 2010-11, Kimberly DeJesus sang the Lord’s Prayer, the National Anthem and God Bless America. 2010-11 Pawnee Princess, Raven Morgan and Oklahoma Gourd Dance Club Princess, Rey Ann Norberto, accompanied DeJesus is sign language.
Elgin Tigers Pee Wee Football Champions
Courtesy Photos
ELGIN CHAMPIONS. Congratulations to Elgin Tiger’s Football team for winning the Pee Wee Super Bowl Championship on November 3, with a 28-24 victory over the Chickasha Panthers coached by "Comanche Boy" George Tahdooahnippah. Pictured from left:George Tahdooahnippah Jr. (Comanche-Tahdooahnippah, Poemoceah, Monenerkit, Cable, and Poahway families); CJ Johnson (Kiowa/Comanche- Kaubin, Weryackwe families); Ruben Cable (Comanche/Kiowa- Cable and Bigbow families); Nolan Poahway (Comanche/Choctaw-Poahway and Scott families); Ryland Furr (Comanche –Parker and Wockmetooah- Tomahsah families); Taylor Smith (Kiowa—Doyebi family); and Jaylon Wahnee (Comanche/Kiowa—Wahnee, Sahmaunt families). Also, congratulations to the First Division Elgin Owl's for the Runner Up finish in the Chickasha Mighty Mite League Super Bowl Championship. The Owl's lost a heartbreaking 22-18 defeat to the undefeated Chickasha Bears in the finals at Weatherford, OK November. The Owl's finished the season 11-2 with both their losses to the Chickasha Bears. The Elgin Owl's are coached by Comanche Tribal member Michael Elam. Pictured from left: Nacona Trae Tahdooahnippah, and Austin Elam - (From the Chibitty family).
December 2012
Bean Bag Toss
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The Comanche Nation News
Bowling
Treats
Cake Walk
Tattoo Shop Numunu Daycare 1st Halloween Carnival
The staff at the Lawton Comanche Daycare treated the children of Numunu Turetu with a fun filled Halloween carnival, Tuesday evening, October 23, 2012. Parents and Children were able to enjoy themselves without the abundance of over crowding you may usually encounter during Halloween safe houses. “We wanted to cater to the younger children that might not be able to attend the Comanche Nation Safe House; long lines which parents of young toddlers wanted to re frame from.� Said Director of Numunu Turetu, Desire DeVine.
Oklahoma Indian Arts and Crafts Coop are having this last raffle of a small buckskin dress, made by Katy Toehay. $10.00 per ticket to be drawn December 22, need not to be present to win. More information can be obtained by calling LaVerna Capes at (405) 247-3486.
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The Comanche Nation News
Milestones Happy Belated Birthday
Nicole Kassanavoid-Olivares, October 24 Ruth Asepermy, November 1 Marissa Kassanavoid, November 6 Shantelle “Sweet” Laurenzana, November 6 Jean Wang, November 19 Melvin Kerchee Jr., November 25
Happy Birthday
Anna Jene LeBarre, December 1 Delbert Karty, December 1 Tristan Codynah, December 2 Galu Lavatai, December 3 Marc Ethan Langford, December 3 Billie Turtle, December 5 Ila New Smith, December 5 Edna Daukei, December 6 Leann Tahsequah, December 6 Kaiden Elder, December 8 Rilee Nadean Raines, December 8 Frankie Gomez, December 10 Becky Shea, December 14 Starlynn Kosechata, December 14 Sandra Poafpybitty, December 15 Sara Serna, December 15 Sonny Hawk Tahdooahnippah, December 15 Lizzie Tahsequah, December 17 Mercedez Banderas Heminokeky, December 17 Sammy Sustalta Jacob, December 17 Richard Thomas Hernasy, December 17 Brad Daukei, December 18 Amanda R. Rowlings, December 20 Monty Wayne Simmons, December 20 Kristen Aaliyah Tahchawwickah, December 21 Tammy Lechich, December 22 Fallon Kosechata, December 23 Christine McCarthy, December 25 Jane Tenequer, December 28 Rickie Mithlo, December 30 Russell Mithlo, December 30
Happy Belated Birthday Ruth Asepermy November 1
Happy Belated Birthday Civa Hill November 6
Happy Belated Birthday Shantelle “Sweet” Laurenzana-November 6
Happy Belated Birthday Rick Wahnee Rosie November 15
Happy Belated Birthday Melvin Kerchee Jr. November 25
Happy Belated Birthday Victoria Tiddark November 26
Happy Birthday Anna Jene LeBarre December 1
Happy Birthday Delbert Karty December 1
Happy Birthday Tristan Codynah December 2
Happy Birthday Galu Lavatai December 3
Happy Birthday Kaiden Elder December 8
Happy Birthday Rilee Nadean Raines December 8
Happy Birthday Sara Serna December 15
Happy Birthday Mercedez Banderas
Heminokeky-December 17
Happy Birthday David Banderas December 20
Don’t Forget to submit milestones for those special loved ones; Just married, Anniversaries, Birth Announcements, & Birthdays ***Deadline for January 12/15/12 *** Call: Public Information Office (580) 492-3386 Email: candacet@comanchenation.com Or mail to: Comanche Nation/PIO P.O. Box 908 Lawton, OK 73502
Happy Birthday Kaleb Plata December 20
Happy Birthday Monty Wayne Simmons December 20
Happy Birthday Tammy Lechich December 22
Happy Birthday Jordan Bryce Prairechief December 24
Happy Birthday Christine McCarthy December 25
Happy Anniversary Melvin Kerchee Jr. & Debbie Biscuit Sequichie-Kerchee
Happy Anniversary Derek & JoNeal Jocko December 7
Happy Anniversary John & Llori Goombi December 15
Happy Anniversary Martina Minthorn & Nicholas Callahan December 31
Ezekiel James
Anniversaries Jeff & E.J. Kowena Carter December 20
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays From The Comanche Nation News Staff
Married 7 years
Married 10 years
Jolene, Paula, Candace, Tomah & Stacey
Louis Roy Harragarra Born: 10:54 P.M. October 29, 2012 To:Donovan Gene & Toys Marie Harragarra
In Loving Memory You are always in the thoughts of your family & friends. All our love, Mom, Nadine May, Christina, Tara, Hoang, Uncle Royal, Iowa Kerchees & Arizona/Iowa Yazzies
Dr. Walter Jay NahnoKerchee November 27, 1973~ February 11, 2012
Kevin Joe Daukei April 29, 1981~ December 26, 2004
William Lynn Pueblo December 14, 1970~ March 30, 2010
Married 7 years
Married 1 year
Born: 7:38 A.M. September 24, 2012 7lbs’ 15oz’ & 21 in’ To: Ryan & Susan Cooley
December 2012
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The Comanche Nation News
Obituaries LaDora Faye Trout
Trout
LaDora Faye Trout, 77 of Cyril went to her heavenly home on November 3, in Lawton, Okla. Funeral service was November 7, at the First Christian Church in Cyril with Pastor Videll Yackeschi and Pastor Delbert McCurley officiating. Burial was at Little Washita Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Prayer service was November 6, at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel. Trout was born to Eli and Faith (Martinez) Yackeschi on February 2, 1935 in Lawton, Okla. She grew up in Cyril and graduated from Cyril Public Schools. Trout worked at the Cyril Nursing Home and Cyril Public Schools. Trout was a full blooded member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma, First Christian Church of Cyril, Esa Rosa, and original member of Cyril Friendship Club. Trout was lovingly called Auntie as she always carried treat in her ever present large purse. She had a ready smile, a great sense of humor and enjoyed family gatherings. She liked feeding people and was always prepared to help others in their time of need. The love of her life were her grandchildren. Survivors include: children: Debra Herrera of Cyril, Ulinda Hixon and Jace of Newcastle, Jeffery Toahty of Cyril, Warren Anquoe of Oklahoma City, Gary Toahty and Judy Fletcher, Joseph Toahty and Bobbi of Cyril, Gerald Toahty of Jefferson City Missouri; grandchildren: Jennifer, Melissa, Melinda, Marcia, Maggie, Jeffery Jr., Daniel, Devin, Max, Mathew, Nickolas, Andrea, Julia, Jacee, Jyl; great-grandchildren: Michael, Bradley, Jake, Bennie, Eddie, Gavin, Hayden, Anthony, Madison, Faith, Lilly; brother: Dennis and Katherine Martinez and four great grandchildren of Oregon; sisters: Berthena Paukei, Patricia Bread and Sharon and Everett Sadongei; special friends: Liz Chrismon and Jennie Reed and a sister-in-law: Sally Tonips, numerous nieces and nephews. Trout is preceded in death by: her parents, Eli and Faith (Martinez) Yackeschi; children: Vincent “Snorkey” Toahty, Margaret “Betta” Thomas; her husbands: Bennie Toahty and Jake Trout; aunts: Alice Laurenzana, Pearl Romero, Rachel Jozhe, Agnes Galindo, Hope Martinez, Ethel Wauqua, Alene Martinez; uncles: Vincent Martinez and Willie Yackeschi; brother: Otto Tonips Jr. and special friend Deloris Kawaykla.
Delores Kay Caudill
Caudill
Funeral Service for Mrs. Delores Kay Caudill, 64 of Rockingham, N.C., who entered into rest on November 12, was conducted on November 16 in the Pineview Memorial Park Mausoleum. Rev. David Shelton officiating. Entombment followed. Caudill was a native of Lawton, Okla., a former resident of North Augusta, having made Rockingham her home for the past 15 years. She was a proud member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma, a Baptist and owner of Accents in Design. Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Elmer Otis “Sam” Caudill; three sons and daughter-in-laws, Sammy Joe and Tiffany Caudill and Michael and Staci Caudill, all of North Augusta, Darrell and Dana Caudill, Evans, Georgia; two daughters and sons-in-law, Wendy and Michael Fox, Irvine, Kentucky and Gina and Carlos Flores, Rockingham; eight grandchildren.
Sybil Corrine Rindal
Rindal
Funeral service for Sybil Corrine Rindal was November 14, at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel, Lawton, Okla., with Pastor Videll Yackeschi officiating. Prayer service was November 13, at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Deyo Mission Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Rindal was born on January 30, 1936 to Mooney S. Chebahtah and Mollie Godsoe Chebahtah. She graduated from Indiahoma High School and was a member of the Comanche Nation. She is survived by her son: Marvin Rindal of Lawton, four brothers; Gilbert Chebahtah of Albuquerque, N.M., Ed Chebahtah of Indiahoma, Joe Chebahtah of Indiahoma, and Matthew Chebahtah of Chattanooga, Okla., two sisters: Marilee Chebahtah of Muskogee, Okla., and Bernice Miller of Vero Beach, Fla., and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
Reed Martin Wahnee
Wahnee
Reed Martin Wahnee, 72, passed from this life on November 14, at his home in Miami with his family by his side. Wahnee was born on October 16, 1940 to James Wahnee and Ann Laura Wilson in Claremore, Okla., Wahnee was a proud member of the Comanche and Delaware Nations. He married Debbie Dianne Wallace on September 17, 1987 in Oklahoma City. He was a Geologist, traveling extensively in the Oil Industry working for Exploration Logging and Luttrell Oil and Gas for over 50 years, and then served as a Geodynamic consultant. Wahnee was a horseman, this was his passion. He was a horse trainer and loved to watch the horse races. He liked to fish, camp and loved all of his grandchildren. Wahnee is survived by his wife Debbie of the home in Miami, two sons: James Reed Wahnee of Oglesby, Okla., and Robert Wayne Wahnee of Bartlesville, Okla.; daughter: Paula Ann Gibson and spouse Morgan Keene of Grove, Okla., and step-daughter, Ginger Anne Nimmo and husband Richard of Bethany, Okla.; one brother, Jim (Moke) Wahnee and wife Carol of Weatherford, Okla.; twelve grandchildren, six great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Sonny Wahnee, one stepson Larry Bradley Wallace and one step grandson Benjamin Nimmo.
Cheevers Coffey
Coffey
Cheevers Coffey of Dewey, Okla., passed away on November 17, at his home. He was a proud full blood Comanche, born in Lawton, Okla., April 15, 1924 to Robert and Anna Harry Coffey. He is survived by is wife Rosetta Jackson Coffey of the home and sons Jesse Coffey, Cache; James and Marilyn Coffey, Dewey. He has three sisters: Mabel Ann Blalock, LaVoice and husband Royce Satepauhoodle, and Pauline Hawzipta all of Lawton. He and his wife also adopted in the Comanche way, Charlie
Eckroat, Chief George Tiger, Margo Gray-Proctor, Vann Bighorse, and Dustin Whaitford. Coffey was preceded in death by his son: Marvin “Rusty” Coffey; daughter: Paulette Louise TallChief; granddaughter: Jonita Coffey; brother: Jesse R. Coffey Grandchildren: Susan Hartman, Noble, Okla., Robin Coffey-Hopkins, Edmond, Okla., Rusty Coffey, Rio Rancho N.M., Carrie Coffey, Lawrence, Kan., Angie ThurmanGoodfox, Shawnee, Okla., Janet Coffey-Work, Oklahoma City, Okla., Kristie Coffey, Lawrence, Kan., Marty Thurman, Shawnee, Okla., Jesse Coffey Jr., Cache, Okla., Jake Coffey, Bartlesville, Okla., Russ TallChief, Oklahoma City, Okla., Amy TallChief, Tulsa, Okla. He was affectionately called “Grandpa” by his 11 grandchildren and “Buddy” by his 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson. A total of five generations. He was also uncle, cousin, in-law and Indian way Brother to many. Coffey and his wife shared 69 years of marriage, with the high regard of love of family, he was a member of Deyo Mission Baptist Church, and being an active part of the Native American Community as they participated in Pow Wows across the country and was a founding member of the Comanche Little Ponies and a member of the Osage Gourd Dance Society. He was honored many times as Head Gourd Dancer for many Pow Wows and Gourd dances as he enjoyed gourd dancing and being in the arena. He also enjoyed his friendships with the Delaware Tribal Title VI Program. He was a direct descendant of Chief Ten Bear “Pahnosamenah” and his Comanche name and grandfathers name was “Hovarithka.” His Aunt Sarah Pohocsucut referred to Coffey as Traditional Comanche Chief, “Chief Cheevers.” He graduated from Faxon High School then attended Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kan. In, 1975 he graduated from Haskell Indian Junior College. He retired in 1989 as a Residential Supervisor/Counselor at Haskell Indian Junior College. There he impacted many young people in furthering their education, while advising them to keep true to their cultural roots. He loved attending any and all student sports at Haskell. He will be missed by all who knew him, as he loved to tell a good story and share a joke. A life well lived. We all will be forever changed by knowing him. Prayer service was November 20 at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Funeral was November 21, at the Deyo Mission Church. Burial followed at the Deyo Mission Cemetery under the direction of the Comanche Nation Funeral Home.
MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below With tiny lights like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart. But I am not so far away, We really aren't apart. So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear. And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above, I sent you each a memory of my undying love. After all love is a gift more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do. For I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you. So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear. Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year As the Lord had finished creating the earth, something was missing so he chose pieces from all the flowers, threw them into the sky and blew life into them and the butterflies were born.
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The Comanche Nation News
Halloween Safe House Invites Children and Adults to a Night of Ghoulish Fun
HOUSING HALLOWEEN.The Comanche Nation Housing Authority held its Halloween Carnival Oct. 26 at their facility in Lawton, Okla. Children had a chance to go through the numerous booths set up and walked away with a bag full of treats .
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MEMORIAL Continued from Page 1
Graduate and former Comanche Nation Chairman ,Kenneth Saupitty, unveils the Post Oak Mission School monument Nov. 10 in Indiahoma, Okla.
Everyone gathered to enjoy a nice lunch that included Indian Tacos, dessert, and tea.
Jacquetta McClung spoke to the crowd about her memories of Post Oak School.