P.O. Box 908 Lawton, OK 73502-0908 PERMIT NO 49 STIGLER, OK 74462
Lawton, OK
May 2012
Candidates for Four CBC Positions Are Announced
Company granted option on land near Fort Sill Blvd.
By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
By Stephen Robertson/The Lawton Constitution- April 13, 2012 article
An Oklahoma City company has been granted an option to lease about 160 acres of Indian land in Lawton that it hopes to convert into a commercial development. Sooner Investment Group and the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache Intertribal Land Use Committee announced the agreement that will give Sooner Investment two years to put together a development along Cache Road from Fort Sill Boulevard to interstate 44. In a news release, the company said it proposes to build a “mixed use” retail center that would include “retail and related operations typically found in large multipurpose commercial developments including entertainment restaurant, hospitality, lifestyle and business/office uses.” John Combs of Sooner investment said the most likely tenants would include retailers that want 25,000 square feet or more of space as well as restaurant, hotels and other businesses. The company’s other developments include Town Center Plaza in Midwest City, the University Town Center in Norman, Edmond University Plaza and Edmond University Village in Edmond and Tulsa Hills in Tulsa. Combs and Brad Goodwin of Sooner Investment said the company began looking a the KCA property a dozen years ago and began negotiating with the KCA about six months ago. They said some major prospective tenants have already expressed interest and they will be marketing the site at the International Council of Shopping Centers convention in May. They said Lawton is a growing community and serves a large retail area Goodwin said he believes the center would be viable despite plans for the downtown redevelopment and a Westside shopping center because that would serve different demographics and prospective tenants might prefer the location adjacent to interstate 44. The company said it probably would take two years to develop the first phase of the project. KCA Chairman Louis Maynahonah said the lease would have to be approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a process that could take some time. There have been several plans for development at the site, including a race track and a retail center. All previous projects have “fizzled out” Maynahonah said. “As far as I’m conSee LAND, Page 2
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NOTE: The Comanche Nation News (TCNN) honors all Comanche Veterans, past and present, by highlighting the top ranked military men of the Comanche Nation in honor of May’s Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day. TCNN salutes all service men and women who valiantly serve our great country. The pictures and list of military men are courtesy of the Comanche Indian Veteran’s Association.
Photo and story by Candace Wilson/ News Staff
SPRING HAS SPRUNG WITH GREEN THUMBS. With spring in the air, the Comanche Nation Youth Program planted a garden at the Office of Environmental Programs to teach students how to plant different vegetables and how to maintain it. Students from Cache, Apache, Walters, and Lawton are all taking part in the community garden.
The Comanche Nation Election Board announced the official candidates who will be on the May ballot to run for four of seven positions of the Comanche Business Committee. The candidates were nominated during the April 21 General Council Meeting. They had until 5 p.m. April 23 contact the election board office to accept or decline their nomination, and to sign paperwork at the Comanche Nation Election Board Office to proceed with the required background check. The official candidates are: Chairman: Wallace Coffey; William Nelson Sr.; David Yeagley; Calvin Kosechata; and Jaquetta McClung. Vice Chairman: William Owens and Mike Mahsetky Jr. CBC No. 1: Charles Ikner; Charles Wells; and Anita Daukai CBC No. 2: Dan Bigbee Jr.; Vernon Tehauno: and Sonya Nevaquaya Due to the continuation of the annual council meeting scheduled for 11 a.m. May 5 at Watchetaker Hall, Comanche Nation Complex, the primary elections and voting on the FY 2013 budget will be May 26 and run-offs will be June 23. This will give tribal voters more time to receive their ballots and mail them back. The Comanche Nation Election Board has to receive the mail in ballots by noon May 26 for the primary election, and noon June 23 for the run-off election.
Annual General Council Meeting Covered Many Topics By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an overview of the Annual General Council Meeting and not the official minutes. To obtain a copy of the official minutes, please call the Office of the Comanche Nation Chairman, (580) 492-3251. Chairman Johnny Wauqua was notified at 1:30 p.m. there were around 360 tribal members registered, and a quorum was established. He called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. Following the invocation by Wallace Coffey, the first item on the agenda was to take nominations for the position of Chairman of the Comanche Nation. Being nominated was: Wallace Coffey; Willie Nelson; Eleanor McDaniel; David Yeagley; Calvin Kosechata; and Jaquetta McClung. A motion was made to cease nominations and it was seconded. A verbal vote ceased nominations. Being nominated for Vice Chairman was: William
Owens; James Nelson; Robert Komahcheet, but he declined his nomination; and Mike Mahsetky. A motion was made to cease nominations and it was seconded. A verbal vote ceased nominations. For the CBC No. 1 position, being nominated were Charles Ikner; Travis Chibitty; Charles Wells; and Anita Daukei. A motion was made to cease nominations and it was seconded. A verbal vote ceased nominations. In the CBC No. 2 position, being nominated were Tommy Parker; Dan Bigbee Jr. ; Vernon Tehauno; Forrest Tahdooahnippah; and Sonya Nevaquaya. A motion was made to cease nominations and it was seconded. A verbal vote ceased nominations. An At-Large position on the Election Board was up for nominations. Janet Tieyah was nominated by Carol Codo-
pony. Since she was the only run for the TA position. In case one nominated, a motion was Komahcheet won the TA posimade and seconded to place her tion, nominations were taken in the seat by acclimation. The for his seat. Being nominated motion carried, and Chairman were Lenora Parker, but she Wauqua said she will be placed declined the nomination. Mariin the position by acclimation, lyn Tiger and Jack Codopony pending the completion of Sr. were also nominated her paperwork. He explained A motion was made to all nominees had by 5 p.m. cease nominations and it was April 23 to sign paperwork in seconded. A verbal vote ceased the Election Board Office to nominations. proceed with the background There was a lengthy checks. discussion of whether to retain For the Tribal Admin- tribal lawyers, Hobbs Straus istrator’s (TA) position, six Dean and Walker (HSD&W). were nominated. John David Tribal elder Roland Mason Wahnee ; Johnny Wauqua; Jo- asked if they guided the CBC seph Aitson Jr. ; Robert Kom- to pass the election ordnance ahcheet Jr.; Richard Henson; without bringing it to the tribal and Michela Mahsetky Gutier- council first. William Norman rez. of HSD&W explained they A motion was made to counseled the CBC on their cease nominations and it was options, but the final decision seconded. A verbal vote ceased was up to the CBC. Other tribal nominations. members voiced their opinions Chairman Wauqua ex- and asked questions to the atplained CBC No. 4, Robert torneys. Norman said HSD&W Komahcheet Jr., will retain his have saved the tribe millions of seat on the CBC even though dollars and they have won five he accepted his nomination to See COUNCIL, Page 2
May 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 June edition is noon May 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 Candace Wilson, Reporter, Photographer Email:candacew@ comanchenation.com Telephone (580) 492-3385 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 opinions of the PIO staff.
Comanche Nation Officials Chairman Johnny Wauqua Vice Chairman Vacant Secretary/Treasurer Vacant Committeeman No. 1 Vacant Committeeman No. 2 Vacant Committeeman No. 3 Vacant Committeeman No. 4 Vacant 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
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Photo by Paula Karty/News Staff
Tribal elder, Roland Mason, left, voices his opinion about the tribal attorneys during the April 21 General Council meeting, while Cornell Tahdooahnippah waits his turn to take the floor.
lawsuits for the tribe this year. The vote to keep or not to keep HSD&W was a stand up vote, and the result was 265 to keep HSD&W, and 95 not to keep HSD&W. The voting result for the TA position, which was by ballot, was: Wauqua 226 votes; Wahnee 26 votes; Aitson 61 votes; Komahcheet 160 votes; Henson 7 votes; and Gutierrez 12 votes. Beginning the discussion of the proposed FY2013 budget was the proposed $222,000 increase of the CBC salaries from $18,000 to $240,000. Although many tribal members took the floor to say an increase is needed, others took the floor to say the CBC did not bring the proposed increase to the tribal council to discuss it before putting it on the budget, which cannot be changed without a secretarial vote to amend the Comanche Nation Constitution. Tribal member, Eleanor McDaniel, said the CBC passed Resolution No. 10811 in Oct. 2011 which was a list of proposed constitutional amendments. In addition to the CBC salary raise, also included raising the tribal blood quantum from 1/8 to ¼, the CBC, not the tribal general council, choose the TA position and Financial CEO, extend the CBC terms to four years, and changing the requirements of recall petition signatures from 200 to 400. She added the community meetings set up the middle of April to discuss the proposed amendments was done too late because the BIA was already reviewing the proposed amendments and the tribal people had no input on them. Eleanor made a motion to replace the $240,000 CBC Salary line item to its original amount of $18,000. The motion was seconded. The final stand up vote was 153 to seven. The CBC salary will be $18,000 on the voting ballot. Jarvis Poahway of the
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Member of the Society of Professional Journalists since 2010
Winner of four 2011 NAJA Media Awards for Best Feature Story, Best Sports Story, Best Environmental Story, and Best Sports Photo
The Comanche Nation News
COUNCIL
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Member of the Native American Journalist Association since 2001
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cerned this is the farthest the KCA Intertribal Land Use Committee has gone on anything with that property,” he said The company said the project has the support of the KCA officers- Maynahonah, Vice Chairman, Ronald D Twohatchet and Secretary Johnny Wauqua- and other Kiowa, Comanche and Apache tribal leaders. In addition to income, Maynahonah said the project would provide jobs for tribal member and residents of the larger community and also would beautify Lawton’s “front door.”
Comanche War Scouts asked if the other two veteran organizations, Comanche War Scouts and Walters Service Club, can be put on the ballot. The motion was seconded, and the motion passed 164 to 30. They will have a $40,000 line item on the voting ballot. The general council, by a stand up vote, passed a motion to move $864,000 of the economic development budget into the Comanche Nation Waterpark and the nursing home/ assistant living facility, and they will both be under the direction of the Comanche Nation, not the economic development. Chairman Wauqua thanked everyone who came out to attend the annual meeting and vote, and he said the nursing home/assistant living will soon be a reality. The tribe will be resuming the GC meeting from April 21 on the FY 2013 budget at 10 a.m. May 5 at the Comanche Nation Complex.
Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
20th Annual
Comanche Nation Fair September 2,3,4 2011
Comanche Nation Headquarters Lawton, Oklahoma For more Information: TCNN (580) 492-3752 Travis Codynah at Quanah Parker Lake
SECOND IN STATE. Congratulations to Comanche Nation PIO Assistant Editor, Paula Karty, who won a second place award in the Promotional Material category during the Society of Professional Journalists Oklahoma Pro Chapter’s annual banquet April 21 at the Jim Thorpe Museum in Oklahoma City. The winning flyer was for the 2011 Comanche Nation Fair, featuring Travis Codynah. There were over 1,200 entries for this year’s OKSPJ awards. The Comanche PIO/ News have been a member of SPJ since 2010.
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Comanches Gather at Special General Council Meetings to Vote on Recall Petitions
Tax Commission Report for Jan. 2012
Government By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an overview of the special General Council Meetings concerning the six recall petitions, and not the official minutes. To obtain a copy of the official minutes, call the Office of the Comanche Nation Chairman, (580) 492-3251. The first three of the six recall petitions were held April 19 at the Comanche Nation Complex. The first meeting concerning Comanche Nation Vice Chairman, Ed Eschiti, was called to order at 10:10 a.m.
by Chairman Johnny Wauqua. Wauqua explained to the crowd of over 400 tribal members, that the only ones who will be allowed to speak are the petitioner, Eleanor McDaniel, and the member of the Comanche Busyness Committee who is being recalled. Following the two speaking, the members of the Comanche Nation will vote by ballot. Once the vote is counted and announced, the meeting will adjourn, and all tribal members will have to reregister for the next meeting.
McDaniel read the bill of particulars against Eschiti, reading re failed to provide the 60% per cap as adopted by the Tribal Council. He violated the National Indian Gaming Rules and regulations by continuing to allow an unqualified Gaming CEO to oversee the gaming operations. He willfully acted to violate the Comanche Tribal Constitution Article VI, Section 2, He has violated the constitution Article II, Section 1, 2, & 3. He failed to safe guard the rights, powers and privi-
leges of the tribe and its members. He failed to improve the economic, moral, educational and health status of a greater percentage of tribal members. He contributed to the hardship of the Comanche People by the sudden lay off of many tribal employees and caused unnecessary chaos and fear. He failed to take necessary steps to establish an Elderly Nursing Home/ Assisted Living Facility. He has attempted to pass law with the help of the HSDW to take See RECALL, Page 5
April 14 CBC Meeting Reviews Eight Resolutions By Jolene Schonchin, Candace Wilson/News Staff
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an overview of the April 14 Comanche Business Committee Meeting and not the official minutes. To obtain a copy of the official minutes, please call the Office of the Comanche Nation Chairman, (580) 492-3251. Chairman Johnny Wauqua called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. During the Roll Call of CBC, it was announced Darrell Kosechequetah was not present, due to family obligations. A quorum was established. The meeting minutes from the March monthly meeting were tabled. Resolutions: 26-12 Clark Land Acquisition. CBC No. 1, Ron Red Elk, said the resolution needs
to be tabled until the CBC can meet with the Clark family. Red Elk makes a motion to table Resolutions No. 27-12 Velma Mihecoby land acquisition and No. 28-12 TitChuk-Sah land acquisition until the CBC meets with the families. Eschiti seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/1. 29-12 Discretional CIP Fund for Numunu Pahmu. Eschiti makes a motion to accept the resolution with the correction of adding the phrase “more or less” to the “Now Therefore Let it Be Resolved” section of the resolution. Komahcheet seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/1. 30-12 Election Appeal Board. This resolution would have appeals concerning elec-
tions go through the Election Board Appeal Board and not the CBC. Eschiti makes a motion to accept the resolution. Komahcheet seconds the resolution. The resolution carries 5/0/1. 31-12 unknown 32-12 Request Assistance of Opening the Comanche Nation Waterpark up to $125,000. This will come from the Capitol Improvement Program funds. This will be a profit sharing venture with management group Next Level Sports. A 3-5 year contract. Nations of Fun and the driving range are included. Tippeconnie makes a motion to accept the resolution. Eschiti seconds the motion. Motion carries 5/0/1. 33-01 Law Enforcement Grants. The Law En-
forcement will be applying for three of seven areas of grant. Tippeconnie makes a motion to accept the resolution. Komahcheet seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/1. There was a discussion of whether all motions have to be recognized by the chair. Old Business Jarvis Poahway asked if the other two veteran organizations, Comanche War Scouts and Walters Service Club, be given a line item on the FY 2013 proposed budget. Adjorn Eschiti makes a motion to adjourn the meeting to go into the meeting to the recall petition certification meeting. Red Elk seconds the motion. The motion carries at 11:29 a.m.
Submitted by the Comanche Nation Tax Commission Staff
The Expenditures for October 1, 2011 through January 31, 2012 for (FY 12) were $511,233. The monthly average expenditures are $127,808. Taxes and Revenue collected from October 1, 2011 through Jan. 31, 2012 for (FY 12) were approximately $780,014. The monthly average collections are $195,004. collections are down (-7%) compared to last year in the same time frame. The Tobacco Tax collections are $404,990 down [-13%] compared to last year. Tobacco Warehouse in Cyril closed down and now we have 10 Smoke Shops with 4 tribally owned. The Oil and Gas collections are $61,590 down (-30%) compared to last year. $964,000 has been allocated for the four quarters for the Tax Supplemental monies. The second, quarter allocation has been paid in the amount of $482,000. The monthly City National Bank Statement for Jan. 2012 has been reconciled by the Hatch, Croke and Associates, Jim Patterson, the Tax Commission Executive Chairman and CNTC staff without any discrepancies. Hatch, Croke and Associates, P.C., are giving us our monthly financial reports and have reconciled the FY 2012 financials up to date with no major discrepancies. The Tax Commission is has been audited for FY 2011 by another independent C.P.A. firm with no discrepancies.
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Earth Day Celebrated at Comanche Nation Story and Photo by Candace Wilson/ News Staff
Sia the Comanche Nation Eagle and Raptor Program, had their first Bald Eagle born in captivity. The Bald Eagle was born April 16 and was hatched with in a incubator.
The Comanche Nation celebrated its second annual Comanche Nation Earth Day, April 19, at Watchetaker Hall. It was hosted by the Comanche Nation Office of Environmental Programs (CNOEP) who wanted to highlight environmental issues such as recycling and solar energy. Programs from the tribe also set up information booths. Comanche Nation SIA Ethno-Ornithological Initiative set up their booth with their eagles and information on how SIA preserves the Comanche cultural and eagle history, science, and spirit. Sia also houses over 24,000 pages of unpublished historic journals diaries and letters, along 1,400 historic images of Comanche History. City of Lawton Storm water Management informed the public on what storm water can carry when it comes in contact with waste and what to
do to prevent it. Variable Energy Systems explain how beneficial their wind turbines and energy systems would be for individual tribal members and tribal offices. Liberty tires participated in the Comanche Nation earth day as well informing the public about recycling tires. Jim Glover Chevrolet brought their hybrid cars for the public to view and sit in. CNOEP also held drawings for individuals who participated in collecting information from each booth. Ly n n Schonchin; CNOEP Assistant Director said “We want share information with tribal members about products that are safer for the environment.” SThere was an estimated total 200 tribal members that participated in the Comanche Nation Earth Day.
Important Dates
Continuance of General Council Meeting 11 a.m. May 5 Watchetaker Hall Comanche Complex Primary Voting May 26 Run-Off Voting June 23
The
Comanche Nation Offices will be closed May 28 for Memorial Day. Offices will reopen 8 a.m. May 29. Women’s Wellness Seminar May 9, 2012 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Great Plains Tech Center Worley Center Room 301 4500 Lee Blvd., Lawton, OK Open to the Public Dress Comfortable Call Family Assistance Center (580) 492-3590
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away all polling sites and go entirely absentee voting for all special and general elections. This is a deliberate attempt to take away all tribal voters right to go to the polls and cast their vote. The mail out of absentee ballots fails to reach the voters in time and denies many voters the right to have their votes counted. Absentee voting also denies those that did not vote in the primary the right to vote in any run off. Absentee ballots for runs offs are only mailed to those that voted in the primary. We should all have the right to vote in any primary and run off elections. All Absentee Voting is not in the best interest of the Comanche Nation and its members because it allows too much room for error and tampering. Eschiti and other members of the CBC have taken action to eliminate the Election Board without the consent of the Tribal Council and go all Absentee Voting. Ed Eschiti and other members of the CBC have acted to pass an unlawful Election Ordinance with the help of HSDW. Eschiti has acted in his own interest and in blatant violation of the Comanche Tribal Constitution Article XV – NEPOTISM, Section 1., A relative of a member of the Comanche Tribal Business Committee (to include wife, husband, mother, father, son, daughter, sister, brother) shall not be employed within the Comanche Tribal government system. He and other members of the CBC acted to terminate several funeral home employees and then placed his wife as Director of the Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Under the Comanche Tribal Constitution Article V, Section 9, The Tribal Council has exclusive authority to hire an Administrator/ Manager to administrate the tribal government. The administrator/Manager shall be under the direction of business committee. Members of the CBC shall not be an employee of the Tribal Government. Ed Eschiti and other members of the CBC have over stepped their bounds by meddling in the day to day operations of the tribal government by acting to terminate many tribal employees and by unlawfully hiring an acting Tribal Administrator. Once the Tribal Administrator was removed the CBC should have called a Tribal Council Meeting to lawfully hire a new TA. Under the Tribal Constitution ONLY the Tribal Council has the exclusive authority to hire the TA. Under the Tribal Constitution Article V, Section 7, ( f ), The salary for the Chairman of the CBC shall be established by the Tribal Council by the adoption of an annual tribal operating budget. Salary for all other members of the business committee shall be two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) per month. But, Ed Eschiti and other members of the CBC are attempting to act in violation of the tribal constitution and pass law to give themselves a $40,000 salary. The CBC salaries can only be change by an amendment to the Constitution. Eschiti took the floor following the Bill of Particulars. He said he was going to go over them one at a time since there were so many. He explained the CBC has no authority over the Revenue Allocation Plan. He told the general council about the community meeting the CBC were holding
to inform and explain the proposed constitutional amendments, pointing out Chairman Wauqua did not attend. He said the former administration lost millions of dollars and the Assistant Living Facility did not have any money, which the current CBC had no control over. He explained the reasoning behind the election ordinance change was to reach more voters, and although nothing is perfect, he believes it will work. He said his wife cares deeply for the Comanche Nation and the petitioner has nerve to say he violated the nepotism clause in the constitution. He admitted the CBC should have spoke to the tribal people about the constitutional amendments, but they are not set in stone, and the general council has the final say. He stressed the necessity of having a good people in the positions of chairman, vice chairman’s and tribal administrator. “It is an honor to serve the Comanche people,” Eschiti said as he ended his rebuttal. The voting results to recall Eschiti were: 247 to recall, and 227 not to recall. There was a total of 474 that voted. The meeting adjourned at 11:37 a.m. The next meeting to hear the recall of CBC No.1 , Ronald Red Elk, came to order at 12:24 p.m. McDaniel read the bill of particulars against Red Elk, which were similar to Eschiti, only adding he allowed the nepotism of putting Eschiti’s wife to run the tribal funeral home to happen. Former CBC member, Oscar Codopony, spoke on Red Elks behalf, explaining the the general council he had a family emergency. Codopony told the crowd he sat on the tribal gaming board as the CEO, and the tribe is in compliance with the NIGA. He added the gaming revenues have come up 35%, even though the country’s economy is down. He said the nepotism clause does not affect Echitis wife because governmental issues are separate from economic development which the funeral home falls under. He discussed the lack of financial reports and other obstacles the economic development committee has faced. The ended the rebuttal explaining the reason for an increase in the CBC salary is to get educated people to run for the board The voting results for the recall of Red Elk were 246 to recall, and 204 not to recall. A total of 450 voted. The meeting adjourned at 1:24 p.m. The last meeting of the afternoon to hear the recall of CBC No.2, Yonevea Terry began at 2:03 p.m. McDaniel read the bill of particulars against Terry, which were the same as Red Elks. Terry said, when given the floor, the CBC met every Wednesday at 2 p.m., but nothing was acted on, and the meetings were open to anyone. She continued explaining the former CBC and Economic Development board members should have known about the predicament the economic development was in, and the CBC was not responsible for the lay-offs. When speaking of the election ordinance amendments, Terry said by going to
an all mail vote, every tribal member 18 years and older will receive a ballot, which will cut down on the days it takes to request a ballot, mail one out and receive it from the voter. She said there is more nepotism at the tribe than just the allegation against Eschiti, but those were not brought up. “I have learned a lot,” said Terry. “The CBC is an 8-to-5 job, and we need to get educated people to fill these positions, and they need to get a competitive salary.” The voting results for the recall of Terry were 240 to recall, and 145 not to recall. The meeting was adjourned at 2:57 p.m. April 26 Meetings The second round of special General Council Meetings to vote on the recall petitions began at 10:20 a.m. April 26 at Watchetaker Hall. There was a discrepancy between the tribal chairman, Johnny Wauqua, and the three CBC members who were on the agenda to be recalled. The debate was whether Wauqua or Tippeconnie, secretary/treasurer, should chair the meeting. After the tribal law enforcement stepped in to maintain peace, members of the CBC who were on the agenda said the meeting was illegal and told everyone
to leave. About 75 people followed them out the door. Wauqua apologized to the remaining general council, which was around 200, and said the meeting will continue. McDaniel read the Bill of Particulars against CBC No. 4, Komahcheet, which were the same as the other Bill of Particulars against the other members of the council. Komahcheet was not present, so a vote was taken. The voting results were 148 to recall, and 50 not to recall. The meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m. The next meeting to recall of CBC No.3, Darrell Kosechequetah, came to order at 11:29 a.m. McDaniel read the Bill of Particulars against Kosechequetah, which were the same as the other councilmen. Kosechequetah was not present to rebuttal, so a vote was taken. The voting results were 162 to recall, and 59 not to recall. The meeting adjourned at 12:06 p.m. The last meeting of the afternoon for the recall of Secretary/Treasurer, Robert Tippeconnie, came to order at 12:30 p.m. McDaniel read the Bill of Particulars against Tippeconnie, which were similar to the others, but she added he tried to fund his sons movie through tribal funds, and violated the
nepotism clause, among others. Tippeconnie took the floor to say, even though everyone has an opinion about his actions, he knows in his heart he works hard for the Comanche people, being at the headquarters everyday for $250 a month for the last four years. He explained the budgets are forecasts, and the 30% of indirect cost is often misunderstood as to what is covers. He added before he came to the position of secretary/treasurer, there was no budget process, but now there is an established process for program directors to follow. He told the general council the tribe cannot spend what they do not have, and the tribe is debt free. “If you want me here, it is your choice,” Tippeconnie said. The voting results were 156 to recall and 82 not to recall. The meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m.
Cache Public Schools - Johnson O’Malley Program Saturday, May 19, 2012 Multi-Purpose Building – Cache Intermediate School Sponsored by the JOM Indian Education Committee
Masters of Ceremony Head Singer Head Gourd Dancer Head Man Dancer Head Lady Dancer Arena Director Security
CO-HOSTS: HONOREES: SPECIAL GUEST:
HEAD STAFF
Ron “Dawes” Twohatchet Chad Tahchawwickah (CHS ’00) Sean Cable (CHS ’03) Jeremy Keahbone (CHS ’94) Carlene Atauvich (CHS ’80) Freddy Banderas Brian Wahnee
Comanche War Scouts & Comanche Nation Princesses Sorority Cache High School 2012 JOM Seniors: Michael Elam Wauqua, Dre Jensen, Evelyn Mithlo, Nathan Morrow, Chasity Parker, Dara Parker, Branden Rider, Derek Scruggs, Jonathan Thode, Ana Zambrana.
Miss Krista Hubbard, 2011/2012 Comanche Nation Princess
HONORED RETIREES: Eddie Ahdosy (Teacher-32 Years), Kimberly Ahdosy (Teacher-30 Years) and Mike Asenap (Teacher-32 Years)
2:00 – 5:30 PM 5:30 – 6:30 PM 6:30 – 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 – 11:30 PM
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Gourd Dance Community Dinner/Senior Banquet Resume Gourd Dance Grand Entry Social & Contest Dancing
(Penelope Cable Memorial Song) (Recognition of 2012 CHS Seniors)
CONTESTS
Men’s Categories Combined Women’s Categories Combined Junior Boys Combined Junior Girls Combined Tiny Tots Special Contest – Junior Boys Fancy Dance: Sponsored by Jeremy Keahbone More event information: Robin Choney @ 580-585-0784, rbnchoney@gmail.com; Host Concession; Native American arts and crafts vendors only; limited vendor space available @ $20 each or a comparably valued raffle item acceptable; must provide own table and chairs; no
smoking, alcohol, illegal substances, or weapons allowed on State property;
Vendor Coordinator: Tanisha Burgess @ 580-695-6965, numunugrl@sbcglobal.net; BYOC; Cache Schools and the Host Committee are not responsible for any theft, accident, or personal injury at or during this event; general public warmly invited.
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Programs Comanche Nation Higher Education
The Comanche Nation Higher Education Department is asking for Comanche tribal member who received their GED Diploma from June 2011 to May 2012 to contact the Higher Education Office as soon as possible. A Graduation Banquet is going to be held 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., May 25, at Cameron University in the McCasland Ballroom. The Comanche Nation Higher Education Department would like to recognize those who received their GED for the academic year. The GED Graduation Banquet attendees also have a chance to win the top award which is the Graduate of the Year Award. The Graduate of the Year will be awarded a DELL Laptop with all Microsoft Office programs preloaded on the laptop. (Top Graduate Award requires an application and proof of GED Diploma AND must be present to win). If a GED Graduate is interested in attending the Graduation Banquet, please contact the Higher Education Office at (580) 492-3363.
Summer Lawn Mowing Program Comanche Elders and Disabled The Comanche Nation Caregiver Program is providing lawn mowing for the those 60 years and older and the disabled. The project started April 9, and will continue through August 17. The areas of coverage are: Cache, Indiahoma, Lawton, Walters, around the tribal complex, Meers, Apache and
all small towns in between. This service is for the elderly and disabled, to help keep their grass cut to keep spiders, bugs and snakes away from the house. The program is for lawn mowing only and it is being asked to have all large stones, rocks, and objects removed from around the mowing area of the house or mowers will not be able to cut around the house. Mowers will not cut the grass if a elder or disabled person is not living on the property. The disabled person needs proof of disability such as: a statement from a family member or disability income statement. For more information call the Caregiver Program and the Elder Center, (580) 6998811, (580) 699-8812 or (580) 355-2330, to have your name put on the list, please be patient because due to the large areas that is being covered the mowers will do the best they can to get to your home. The program is for tribal members only.
Tribal Youth Places at Language Fair Fialele and Alofa Lavatai age nine along with Amiya DeVine-Tonips age seven, represented the Walters Service Club at the 10th Annual Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair in Norman, Okla., on April 2. They competed in the 3rd - 5th grade Small Group Song division against six other groups and placed third. They introduced themselves in the Comanche Language and sang two Comanche Hymns. Lavatai’s are the twin
Youth Program Helps DARE Inform Students
Lavatai, DeVine-Tonips Lavatai
daughters of Mari and Tomasi Comanche Nation Law Enforcement Brian Wahnee of the D.A.R.E ProLavatai and DeVine-Tonips gram informing the students about bullying and about D.A.R.E. March is the daughter of Desiree and 20 at the tribal headquarters. Christopher DeVine. The Comanche Nation nation’s school districts and in Youth Program and Comanche more than 43 countries around Work Out Warriors Nation Law Enforcement took the world. Classes in Anadarko time to discuss D.A.R.E. (Drug Bullying was also ad Casey McCarthy of the Abuse Resistance Education) dressed with the children and Workout Warriors will have and bullying with the youth on young adults. Kids who are exercise classes 10 a.m.-11 March 20. bullied can experience negaa.m. at the Anadarko Library, D.A.R.E is a highly tive physical, school, mental 215 W Broadway. The classes acclaimed program that gives health issues and even death. will be May 9-11; and 14-16; kids the knowledge they need Name-calling, inappro22-24. so that children or young adults priate sexual comments, taunt The classes in June will won’t become involved in ille- ing, threatening to cause harm be 2 p.m.-3 p.m. on June 4-6, gal drugs, gangs, and violence. and many others are all forms and 11-13. D.A.R.E has been of bullying that all ages endure. proven so successful it’s being used in 75 percent of our
Native Strong Jiu Jitsu
BBQ and Car Wash Fundraiser 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 6 Comanche Nation Fitness Center, 6 SW D Ave., Lawton. No set price. Donations Only. Funds raised will go toward upcoming tournaments and purchasing equipment.
May 2012
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The Comanche Nation News
Shedding Pounds Zumba Style
An energetic group of 13 Zumba students danced the hour away April 18 at the Comanche Nation Business Center. The class meets weekdays 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Story and photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
There is a saying that sweat is just fat crying. If that is the case, then there was a waterfall of tears during the April 18 Zumba Class, instructed by Julia Mantzke. The class, which meets 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. almost every weekday at the Comanche Nation Business Center, 1915 E. Gore Blvd., Lawton., has been shedding the pounds away while having a good time dancing. “I have lost 14 pounds since I began Zumba,” said tribal member Verna Cable, “and I am not dieting.” Since its inception in 2001, the Zumba program has grown to become the world's largest – and most successful – dance-fitness program with more than 12 million people of all shapes, sizes and ages taking weekly Zumba classes in over 110,000 locations across more than 125 countries. It is a Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends red-hot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning producers, and
contagious steps to form a "fitness-party" that is downright addictive. According to the Ehow website, www.ehow.com, Zumba workouts can vary in intensity, and calorie burn depends on an individual's weight, fitness level and muscle composition. During an hour long session you can burn anywhere from 500 to 800 calories. On average, a 150lb. person can expect to burn 536 calories during an hour of Zumba. By comparison, the same person would burn 413 calories during an hour of moderate swimming, 477 for an hour of casual racquetball and 684 for an hour of running at a 10-minute-mile pace. Mantzke’s Zumba class is also part of the Workout Warriors fitness challenge, which runs through June 9. The first class is free. Students can pay $2 per class or $20 for a month. For more information, contact Mantzke at (580) 6788049.
Foster Care Families, Facilities Needed
The Comanche Nation Children’s Court (CNCC) and Indian Child Welfare Department (ICWD) need foster care families for placement of Comanche children. The “Comanche Children and Family Relations Code of 2008” and “Comanche Indian Child Welfare Code of 1982” define foster homes. Foster home means a facility for the care of children in a family-type setting, licensed or approved in accordance with Comanche Code, the State laws or, if outside the Nation’s jurisdiction, by the law of the jurisdiction in which such homes is physically located or both. Currently, the number of children taken into custody of the ICWD and the State of Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) far exceeds the number of foster homes available. While it is the mission of ICWD and CNCC
to see that families are reunified, circumstances sometimes exist that prevents reunification. Children taken into protective custody deserve a better way of life. They need a parent, guardian, and/or custodian to guide them onto the right path of life. They need a parent, guardian, and/or custodian to show them affection, guidance, strength, faith, compassion, education, but most of all, they need love and understanding. Please contact CNCC or ICWD for more information on how to become a foster care family today. For more information, contact: Indian Child Welfare Program P.O. Box 908 1921 East Gore Blvd. Lawton, OK, 73502. Telephone (580) 492-335 Fax (580) 354-0808.
TOP: Comanche Nation Daycare children competed in Norman, Okla. at the annual language fair. RIGHT: Hunting Easter Eggs at the Lawton Daycare. LEFT: Lawton Comanche Daycare students pose with their guest Mr. Frog, who taught them about water pollution and the importance of rain.
Comanche Daycares Teach Students About the Environment; Compete in Language Competition Story and Photos by Paula Karty/ News Staff
The Comanche Nation Daycares in Lawton and Apache had a full month of activities in March and April. On March 22 Cynthia Willimas from the City of Lawton Drainage Department, visited with the children at the Lawton Daycare. The kids learned about Storm Water
Pollution and Masquito Awareness. A special visit from Mr. Frog had the kids excited and eager to learn about the importance of rain. In addition to the April Easter activities, the children competed in the 10th Annual Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair in Nor-
Photo and story by Candace Wilson/News Staff
man, Okla. The kids sung a Comanche Hymn, while some were dress in traditional clothing. The students placed fourth in their category. After competing the kids were treated to Andy’s Alligator’s fun park in Norman, Okla. to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments..
ELDERS EASTER. Comanche Nation Elders Center held the annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 5, with a healthy meal, Easter Bonnet contest, and singing. There was an estimated amount of 90 people that attended and participated in the Easter events.
May 2012
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The Comanche Nation News
People,Places and Things Happening
Miller and Tehauno
Tribal Youth Pass Tae Kwon Do Test
Two members of the Comanche Nation tested on March 29 at the Anadarko Martial Arts. Both students were evaluated on their stamina of hard exercises consisting of jumping jacks, pushups, running laps, and crunches. Tristan Miller was evaluated on his knowledge of the Five Tenets of Tae Kwon Do, skills and techniques, forms, kicks, weapon drills, forms, fighting techniques and board breaking. Miller was promoted to his Yellow Belt. Five-year-old Gaberial Tehauno has been with the school three short weeks, he has been evaluated on his basic skill and knowledge of kicks, stance, commands, counting in Korean and was given two patches for his participation. Cheryl Klinekole-Gomez, Head Instructor, would like to congratulate these fine students on a job well done.
Mindemann
Blue Ribbon Tree of Child Abuse Tina Mindemann, Executive Director of CASA of Southwest Oklahoma hosted a Blue Ribbon Tree for Child Abuse Prevention Month. The event took place March 20, at 9th and Gore Blvd., across from Country Mart. Every year in April the State Health Department hosts a Child Abuse Prevention Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Every tree registered will have a photograph on display at the capitol. This year in Comanche County there was a total of 453 blue ribbons tied on a tree. 331 were from the Comanche County DHS (Department of Human Services), eight from the Kiowa Tribe and 114 from the Comanche Tribe. Also, attending the event were Dawn Ingle and Carol Mithlo from the Comanche Nation ICW (Indian Child Welfare).
Red Guide Share Vision of Recovery for Indian Country AMERIND Risk Management Corporation, in collaboration with Heritage Publishing and Communications, LTD. (Publisher of The Red Guide to Recovery-Resource Handbook for Disaster Survivors), is pleased to announce The Red Guide to Recovery: 2012 Native Edition which is now available as an e-book that can be downloaded from
Barnes & Noble. The Red Guide to Recovery - Native Edition was created to assist disaster survivors in tribal communities by making available a single source of pertinent, easy to read disaster recovery information that will walk them step-by-step through the recovery process while raising awareness of the many pitfalls that may present themselves in post-disaster scenarios. The Guide can be used for pre-disaster recovery training, business continuity or contingency planning, emergency management, and complement individual’s disaster preparedness kits. If people understand what is involved in the recovery process before a disaster strikes, they will be far more resilient and better prepared. For more information on The Red Guide to Recovery: Native Edition visit The Guide’s interactive website, at www.TheRedGuideToRecovery.com.
Nevaquaya wins 2012 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry Mongrel Empire Press is delighted to announce that Joe Dale Tate Nevaquaya has won the 2012 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry for his 2011 MEP collection entitled Leaving Holes & Selected New Writings. This is not the first laurel for Nevaquaya’s collection: Leaving Holes was the co-winner of the first Native Writers’ Circle First Book Award for Poetry (then called the Diane Decorah Award) awarded in 1992. The untimely closure of the small press that had agreed to publish the manuscript led to a 19 year lapse between the award and the book’s publication. Included in the book is a “Foreward” by Native literature scholar and author Dr. Geary Hobson, which details the manuscript’s trails on the way to print. Leaving Holes presents the complete awardwinning manuscript along with a section of new writing by Nevaquaya. Of Leaving Holes & Selected New Writings, Myskoke poet and performer Joy Harjo writes, “These poems range from star messages tapped out on silver cords ascending from the death dreams of a dying country, to tribute poems in the form of shields, giving protection to those whom they are addressed, to reports from the edge of brokenness. It is time to celebrate the arrival of these poems, acknowledge the visions and give them their place in the circle.” Rilla Askew, author of Harpsong, declares, “From the fierce bloodletting of the early poems, through the elegant simplicity of the ‘Poems for Those Remembered’ to the sly sorrowful humor of ‘The Mayor of Red Wasp’ and the vibrant prose ‘Poems of November’s Grace,’ Leaving Holes is a work of breathtaking richness.” Joe Dale Tate Nevaquaya, author of Leaving Holes & Selected New Writings, is a poet and visual artist who lives in Norman, Okla., where he dedicates his days to working with at-risk students in the Norman Public School
System. Nevaquaya’s written and visual works have been anthologized and collected nationally and internationally; he is tribally affiliated with the Yuchi and Comanche tribes of Oklahoma. For more information on Mongrel Empire Press or to obtain review copies of these and other titles, to receive print-suitable images, or to contact our authors for interviews and other public relations events, contact the Press by sending an e-mail from the web site: www.mongrelempirepress.org.
Karty Family Reunion The Karty family reunion is scheduled for 10 a.m. 6 p.m., June 9 at Elmer Thomas Park at the west pavilion. The meal will be potluck, so family members are asked to bring a covered dish. Family members are
also encouraged to bring any old pictures, as well as cameras and chairs. For more information contact George Karty Jr., (580) 355-1490.
Kiowa Tribe Head Start Program Open Enrollment for 2012-2013 School Year The Kiowa Tribe Head Start Program is accepting applications for the 2012-2013 school term. Applications can be picked up at the Little Rabbits Center at 1602 American Street, Anadarko, Okla.; KCA Head Start at 1401 N.E. Lawrie Tatum Road, Lawton, Okla.; and Kiowa Tribe Head Start, Kiowa Tribal Complex, Carnegie, Okla., from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Kiowa Tribe Head Start is a federally-funded program which provides comprehensive health, education, nutrition, so-
cial services, parent involvement and other services to children ages 3 to 5 years-old and their families. Head Start also provides services to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. Children who attend the program will participate in a variety of educational activities and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe environment. Documents needed include birth certificate, income verification, immunization record. This program is not just for Native Americans. Everyone is welcome to apply for enrollment. Anyone can participate! For more information or applications call (580)6542500 or call toll free 1-888742-2122 or go to www. kiowatribe.org for enrollment applications.
Children’s Health Fair
June 8th 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Comanche Complex Watchetaker Hall SPONSOR BY THE DIABETES PROGRAM For more information, call the Diabetes Program, (580) 492-3318
May 2012
9
The Comanche Nation News
2012 Chappabitty/Quassycheeky Powwow at Fredericksburg Texas Cancelled Treaty Re-affirmation Ceremony Submitted by Charlotte McCurtain/ Chappabitty/Quassycheeky Powwow Committee
There was a re-affirmation ceremony of the 1847 Treaty between the Germans and the Comanche held on Nov. 20, 2010. The re-affirmation ceremony was motivated by an action taken against a Comanche family – Chappabitty(Knocks His Enemy From His Horse)/Quassycheeky (Eagle Feather Hair Tie). After being invited to bring their family powwow to the town on Fredericksburg and after ten years of successfully holding their powwow there, this Comanche family was told to not to come back to their own powwow. This blatant act was initiated by a nonIndian volunteer of the powwow and supported by the then Mayor Jeryl Hoover. This was in retaliation for the family asking for a financial accountability from Nick Bradford, powwow volunteer. This was following the 10th powwow held in 2008. Charlotte Niyah McCurtain, representative of the Chappabitty/Quassycheeky family personally spoke with Mayor Hoover questioning his action. He promised to look into the matter and ensured that the family would be treated fairly. This was a promised he failed to fulfill. He had the opportunity to honor the 1847 treat but chose not to do so. After an article in the March 2010 tribal newsletter explaining what had happened to the Comanche family, a citizen of Fredericksburg, Randy Rupley, contacted Larry and Charlotte McCurtain. Rupley is a representative of the non-profit Fort Martin Scott Museum Association. It was through the assistance of Rupley that the Comanche family was invited to bring their powwow back to Fredericksburg. This invitation was extended by the newly elected Mayor Tom Musselman. This information was passed on to Chairman Michael Burgess. McCurtain and Chairman Burgess agreed that there needed to be a traditional ceremony held to reaffirm the 1847 Treaty. On Nov. 20, 2010 such a ceremony was held at Fort Martin Scott in Fredericksburg. Mayor Musselman, Chairman Burgess, Vice-chair-
Dance Ground Blue Print
man Richard Hensen, CBC Mark Waudooah, Deputy Consul General Margaret Wendel of Germany and members of the Chappabitty/ Quassycheeky family as well as other Native Americans were present for the private traditional ceremony. This ceremony made taking their family powwow back to Fredericksburg acceptable for the Chappabitty/Quassycheeky family. On May 13-15, 2011 the family held their 21st family powwow in Fredericksburg. Disregard for the Re-affirmation Ceremony Between the time of the re-affirmation ceremony on Nov. 20, 2010 and May 2011, unbeknownst to the Comanche family, Mayor Musselman and a couple of representatives of the city council had signed a lease with a group known as the Former Texas Ranger Foundation to build a museum on the powwow grounds
on the Fort Martin Scott property. The family was notified of this a few months before the May 2011 powwow. Since there had been no work done on the proposed Former Texas Ranger Museum site, Rupley asked if the powwow could be held on the old powwow grounds one last time. The answer was “No”. This meant that the powwow had to be moved to an adjacent field. Reluctantly the city arranged for electric poles to be set up to take care of some of the electrical needs of the powwow. This was done two days before the powwow. This put a lot of pressure on the Comanche family. The family was very disappointed and displeased with the lack of support from Mayor Musselman. They felt that the re-affirmation ceremony ultimately meant little to the mayor. ANOTHER PROMISE BROKEN BY A PAH-DAVAH (white man in charge).
This proposed museum arrangement was made with little input from the citizens of Fredericksburg. There was a general lack of knowledge of the Former Texas Rangers Foundation, being allowed to build a museum on Fort Martin Scott historical site. Over the past year, there’s been no ground breaking activities regarding the proposed museum. Apparently, the Former Texas Rangers Foundation is still seeking funding/donations to build the museum. Over the years there have been several Fredericksburg mayors that have worked with the Comanche family in holding their powwow. Although the city has never monetarily supported the powwow, they have showed their support and appreciation of the family bringing their powwow some 400 miles from their home to share their culture with Fredericksburg citizens. They recognized the importance of a positive relationship with the Comanches to maintain the integrity of the 1847 Treaty. Many of these mayors have expressed their respect for the family holding their powwow at the birthplace of their great grandmother – Takey Yetchy (Stands and Speaks). One of these past mayors, promised to build a powwow grounds for the annual powwow. An architect was actually paid by the city to draw up plans for a permanent powwow grounds. Unfortunately, this was to be another broken promise. Former Texas Rangers Association The Former Texas Ranger Association is not associated with the state recognized Texas Ranger Museum in Waco, Texas. The Waco Texas Ranger Association has denied any association with this group. This makes one wonder how or why the “Former Texas Rangers Foundation” want to build a museum. Will it be of historic value? Or will it be focused on tourism? Will it realistically portray the history of the Texas Rangers? As Comanches, we know that the Texas Rangers were created to kill Native Americans, in particular, the Comanche. Comanche presence and dominance interfered with the state of Texas gaining complete control of valuable land. The Texas Rangers were charged with the task of capturing and eliminating the Comanche. They wanted to put an end to the Comanche traveling to Mexico, something that the Comanche did for decades. At the same time the Texas Rangers went after other Tribes such as the Delaware, Kiowa and Lupan Apache. Their focus did not stop there. They went after Mexicans and Negro slaves. German settlers of Fredericksburg, who befriended the Comanche also became victim of the Texas Rangers rampage. It has been documented that approximately 40 German settlers were killed. Perhaps the Former Texas Rangers Association want to design their museum to romanticize the actions of the Texas Rangers. Any Comanche that knows a little of their tribal history must recognize that the Texas Rangers were not our friend, but our enemy, out to destroy our ancestors. Ironically, some 12 years ago, a former Tribal Chairman was going to invite a representative of the Texas Rangers to come to the Comanche Nation Fair. Plans were made to exchange gifts and blankets in a gesture of forgiveness. Thankfully, the Comanche elders stepped forward and put a stop to this proposed show. A letter was written by the Elders Council disinviting the Texas Rangers. Thank goodness for elder wisdom. Fort Martin Scott Museum Association Randy Rupley of this non-profit organization was instrumental in getting the powwow back in 2011. He commu-
nicated with Mayor Musselman during the early fall of 2010 about what happened to the powwow after 2008. There was no powwow in 2009 or 2010. At that time he thought the mayor was going to fully support the return of the powwow. Like the Comanche family, he has been disappointed. In behalf of the 1847 Treaty and the Comanche family, he has been making regular appearances at the Fredericksburg city council meetings. At the last March city council meeting, he was told that the Hotel tax money that he applied for (for the powwow), was denied. The explanation given was that the organization and Comanche family had no place to have the powwow. It was suggested that the organization should look for another place (out of town) to have the powwow. Comanche Business Committee Support McCurtain has been meeting with Sec/Treas. Bob Tippeconnie keeping him aware of the Chappabitty/Quassycheeky Powwow in Fredericksburg. He has been made aware of all the problems the family has been having. He is aware of the support and effort made by Rupley. In support of Rupley’s effort to make sure the powwow continues, the CBC signed a letter of support in February 2012. The letter states that the Comanche Nation supports the Fort Martin Scott Museum Association’s effort to memorialize the powwow grounds. Takey Yetchy (Stands and Speaks) The Chappabitty/Quassycheeky family has been asked on several occasions why the family don’t give up on having our powwow in Fredericksburg because of the problems they have encounterd. The answer is because of their great-grandmother. She was born outside of Fredericksburg many years ago. The family feels that her survival was related to the hospitable environment between the German settlers and the Comanche. This was proclaimed through the 1847 Treaty. Each year the family honored Takey Yetchy and the 1847 Treaty. As a young lady, Takey Yetchy was known to travel, on foot and horseback. She traveled to Mexico with other Comanches on several occasions. She was forced to travel fleeing capture by the military. The family honor her survival and bravery. How can the family, as her descendants, just give up on something they believe in? What’s next for the Fredericksburg Powwow? Due to not having a site for this year’s powwow, the Chappabitty/Quassycheeky family had to cancel their 2012 powwow. The family plans to have their annual powwow back home after the summer. A date will be announced at a later time. The family would like to express their appreciation to those that supported fund raising efforts of the family. The town of Fredericksburg is having a city council election the second week in May. Mayor Musselman is up for reelection. One candidate running against him does not like how he handled this arrangement with the Former Texas Ranger Association. He supports the powwow and the Fort Martin Scott Museum Association. The family can only hope that he gets elected as mayor. If you have any questions, please contact Charlotte Niyah McCurtain at (580) 4831221.
May 2012
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The Comanche Nation News
April Showers Bring May Flowers..and Tornados Expect the Unexpected: Getting Prepared for Oklahoma’s Severe Weather
By Paula Karty/New Staff
As the season has changed and Spring is here, the weather has also changed. Severe thunderstorms and the threat of tornados have become more frequent, which is common for Oklahoma and Texas. Watches and Warnings are put out by the National Weather Service in Norman, Okla., to alert people of storms approaching their area, town or city. To better prepare yourself and your family, you must first know the difference between a watch and a warning.
WATCHES
A watch means conditions are right for dangerous weather. In other words, a “watch” means watch out for what the weather could do. For events that come and go quickly, such as severe thunderstorms, tornados or flash floods, a watch means that odds are good for dangerous weather. When a severe thunderstorm, tornado or flash flood watch is in effect, it means you should watch the sky for signs of dangerous weather. Sometimes a severe thunderstorm, a tornado or a flash flood happens so quickly that warnings can’t be issued in time. Many areas don’t have civil-defense sirens or other warning methods. People who live near streams that quickly reach flood levels should be ready to flee at the first sighs of a flash flood.
A EF3 tornado on the ground in a rural area, approaching a road and electrical high lines.
means to be ready to take shel- down offer little to no proter immediately if there are tection from tornados. They indications a tornado is ap- should go to the nearest storm proaching. shelter or a house that has a If a tornado warning sturdy floor. has been issued, people in mo- People in houses and bile homes need to evacuate, other buildings who do not NO MATTER WHAT, because have access to a storm shelter mobile homes, even if tied should go to the interior of the
building, away from windows. Often a bathroom is a good choice. If you’re driving when a tornado hits, get out of the vehicle immediately and seek shelter. If there is no shelter around, do not get under an overpass or bridge. You would be safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado.
WARNINGS
A warning means that dangerous weather is threatening the area. For severe thunderstorms, tornados and flash floods, a warning means the event is occurring. A tornado warning
Always watch out for flying debris. People should always make emergency kit and a family communications plan. Here are some recommended supplies to include in a basic kit: • Water, 1 gallon of water person per day, for drinking and sanitation • Food, at least a three day supply of non-perishable food • Battery-powered radio and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio with tome alert, and extra batteries for both • Flashlight and extra batteries • First aid kit • Whistle to signal for help • Infant formula and diapers, if you have an infant • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties • Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air • Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities • Can opener for food • Prescription and non prescription medications Tornado intensity is measured by a set of measurements known as the Fujita Scale. It is based on the amount of damage that is done by a tornado on man made structures and damage to vegetation. The official Fujita Scale category that is assigned to a tornado is determined after a ground and/or aerial damage survey and various other data such as ground-swirl patterns, radar tracking, eyewitness testimonies and others. The original Fujita Scale has been replaced by the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The Enhanced Fujita Scale also rates the strength of tornados in much the same way as the original Fujita Scale.
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May 2012
By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Along with storm season come flood season. Sometimes the two come in handin-hand, but other times a downpour of heavy rains with no tornado potential can wreak damage of its own. According to the Red Cross, in the long term, floods kill more people in the United States than other types of severe weather. In recent years, only heat surpassed flood fatalities. Floods can roll boulders the size of cars, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and pose a significant threat to human lives. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Every state is at risk from this hazard.
11
FURY OF THE FLOOD
into a flooded underpass can quickly put you in 5-6 feet of water. Many flash floods occur at night when flooded roads are difficult to see. When you approach a flooded road, TURN AROUND DONT DROWN!
National Flood Insurance Program. Start with the Building or Planning Department to review the Flood Insurance Rate Maps, published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. • Develop an evacuation plan. Everyone in your famFlash Floods Flood Watch A flash flood is a rapid If your area is under a ily should know where to go if rise of water along a stream or Flash Flood Watch, remember they have to leave. Discuss flood plans low-lying urban area. Flash a Watch is issued when flood- • flood damage and most fatali- ing is possible within the watch with your family. Everyone ties tend to occur in areas im- area. When a flood watch is is- should know what to do in case mediately adjacent to a stream sued, you should be aware of all family members are not together. Discussing flood plans or arroyo, due to a combination potential flood hazards. of heavy rain, dam break, levee Everyone in a Watch ahead of time helps reduce fear failure, rapid snow melt, and area should be ready to respond and anxiety and lets everyone know how to respond. ice jams. Additionally, heavy and act quickly. Determine if the roads rain falling on steep terrain can • Have an evacuation • weaken soil and cause mud plan in place BEFORE flood- you normally travel to reach slides, damaging homes, roads, ing occurs. Flooded roads may your home or job will be floodand property. Flash floods can cut off your escape route. Re- ed during a storm. If so, look be produced when slow mov- member - just six inches of rap- for alternative routes to use ing or multiple thunderstorms idly flowing water can knock during flooding. Keep a NOAA Weather occur over the same area. you off your feet. For infor- • When storms move faster, flash mation on how or what to do Radio, a battery-powered porflooding is less likely since the if you are advised to evacuate, table radio, emergency cookrain is distributed over a broad- visit the American Red Cross ing equipment, and flashlights er area. Web page at: http://www.red- in working order. Have a professional in Almost half of all flash cross.org/services/disaster/ • stall check-valve in plumbing flood fatalities occur in vehi- beprepared/evacuation.html cles. Contrary to popular be- • Know your flood risk to prevent flood waters from lief, many people don’t realize and the elevation above which backing up into the drains of two feet of water on a bridge flooding occurs. Do streams or your home. Keep your automobile or highway can float most ve- rivers near you flood easily? If • hicles. If the water is moving so, be prepared to move to a fueled; if electric power is cut rapidly, the car, truck, or SUV safe place. Know your evacu- off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps for days. can be swept off the bridge ation routes. • Store drinking water in and into the creek. Water can • Find out if you are loerode the road bed creating cated in a high, medium, or food-grade containers. Water unsafe driving conditions. Un- low flood risk area. Check with service may be interrupted. Keep a stock of food derpasses can fill rapidly with your city or county govern- • water, while the adjacent road- ment to find out if your com- requiring little cooking and no way remains clear. Driving munity is participating in the refrigeration; electric power
The Comanche Nation News
a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go another way! Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants sweeping them away. Vehicles can be swept away by as little as 2 feet of water. • Children should NEVER play around high water, storm drains, viaducts, or arroyos. It is very easy to be swept away by fast-moving water. • If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, STOP! Turn around and go another way. Climb to higher ground. If it is moving swiftly, even water 6 inches deep can knock Red Cross Flood Safety Brochure you off your feet. Many peomay be interrupted. ple are swept away wading • Keep first-aid supplies through flood waters, resulting and prescription medicines on in injury or death. hand.
Flood Warning
When you receive a Flood Warning: If advised to evacuate, do so immediately! Families should use only one vehicle to avoid getting separated and reduce traffic jams. Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water. Continue listening to NOAA Weather Radio, radio, or television for information concerning the flooding. • Don't drive if you don't have to. • Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. • Never try to walk, swim, drive, or play in flood water. You may not be able to see how fast the flood water is moving or see holes or submerged debris. • Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions. • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. • Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped. • Do not drive around
After the Flood
• Get necessary medical care at the nearest hospital. The American Red Cross can provide shelter, food, and first aid, as well as a means to purchase new clothing. • Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations. • If the power is out, use flashlights, not candles. • Use flashlights, not lanterns, torches, or matches, to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside. • Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities. • Boil drinking water before using. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking. If in doubt, call your local public health authority. • If fresh or canned food has come in contact with flood waters, throw it out. • Take steps to reduce your risk of future floods. Make sure to follow local building codes and ordinances when rebuilding, and use flood-resistant materials and techniques to protect yourself and your property from future flood damage. • Do not visit disaster areas following a flood. Your presence may hamper urgent emergency response and rescue operations!
May 2007 Flash Flood Flash back
File Photos
Flash flooding threatened to submerge the Comanche Nation Casino in Lawton, Okla. on May 8, 2007 when a downpour of heavy rains flooded the casino area. The waters rose to the doors of the casino, and the area around it was flooded. Tribal employees from the casino, tribal complex, and tribal housing authority worked together May 9 to fill sandbags and pile mounds of sand to build a barrier to stop the rising water from swamping the casino.
May 2012
Military Submitted by Lanny Asepermy
Private Gu-no-l Private Kan-a-wa or Kam-awah The Comanche Indian Private Ti-va-qua Veterans Association (CIVA) Private Tis-o-ro-quth Court of Honor consists of a Private Tis-o-ro-quth-tiu number of granite monuments Private Nan-no-yi-rope honoring Comanche Warriors, Private Kos-ou-ny or “Pard” past to present, by name, rank, Pah-ha-mum-soop or “Plenty branch and dates of service. Hair”Toh-weh or “Bumper” The very first monument inPrivate Soaut-te or “Mornstalled starts with the name ing Star”, enlisted December Chebahtah, followed by the 1, 1875 and discharged May names of 18 Comanche listed 1875 as Troop L, 7th Cavalry. These In an email from Spivnames were originally provided ey he stated “I found multiple by Towana Spivey in the early spellings of many names and 1980s to Mr. Albert Clark and it is difficult to know what is other CIVA members, many of correct or preferred. I have whom are now deceased. seen the spellings and even New and updated intranslations change over time formation has again been proand one objective of the revided by Spivey to CIVA Hissearch is to show those changtorian Lanny Asepermy about es”. He added “I initially proour early Comanche Soldiers. vided a list of names of Troop This preliminary listing is still L soldiers to the CIVA a long being scrubbed and may contime ago. I am not sure if they tain some errors in spelling or added more to the list or what translations. However, as his after that.” research continues toward a Spivey continues “They major publication on “Native were regular army soldiers in American Soldiers, Scouts, the strict sense of the word. Marshals and Police”, addiThe Sioux and Cheyenne were tional updates will be provided. quick to enlist in the northern Comanche members of plains since they were sufferTroop L, 7th US Cavalry ing from bad economic condi(1891-97) tions and needed the money. Corporal George Maddux The Comanche and Kiowa (Pur-su-su-wite-yorqeth) or “I were slow to get started bedo as I please” cause everyone thought these Corporal Ah-Heh or “Tell you tribes were pretty well off (ecsomething” onomically) compared to the Corporal George Brizzle (Tonnorthern tribes. It was stated kodle-Te) or “Red Tassel” that many of the Comanche Trumpeter George Ross (Marand Kiowa had as many as bona) or “Looker” (early day 200 horses and did not need educated Comanche) soldier pay. This reluctance Wagoner Ho-bah-teth-kak or was noted by the army and “Coffee Drinker” (born 1869) the recruiting officer from the Farrier Nom-o-quo-u-a or northern plains came to Fort “Taking Cloth Off” Sill to talk to the Comanche Private Houston Maddox and Kiowa about enlisting. Private To-Es-Site The leaders told him they had Private Jim Mam-i-ah or already been told about this by “Poke with a stick” Captain Hugh L. Scott so they Private Tap-i-to-say or “White told the visiting officer they Sun” (also found as “White were not interested. However, Man”) within a week they changed Private Tap-i-yet-sa or “Rising their minds and began enlistSun” ing at Fort Sill. At the time Private Tab-i-tad or Tabby-tite this service was looked upon or “Sun Shine” by the army as an economic Private Eustach Essaypoyhet opportunity, a chance to make or “Running Wolf” money. It was not generally Private Goh-see-bahno or recognized by the army that “Brain all over his head” the military service was actuPrivate Tessi-lo-quayti or ally a substitute for the “war“Strike” rior tradition” that had broPrivate Burgess (Mo-ne-werken down with the close of the te-qua) or “Strike with the Indian Wars. It was a matter hand” of RESPECT, HONOR and Private To-es-sit or “Black STANDING. Roan Horse” Asepermy notes that Private Pearly Whitemore Spivey is a member of the or Whitman (Wa-si-witah) Chickasaw Nation and was or “Short Curley Hair” (also born in Madill, Okla. He enlisted as Kiowa) listed in the Oklahoma Army Private We-he also listed as National Guard in 1960 and Way Hay or “Butcher Knife” served with the then 45th InPrivate Nan-i-mah or “Belly” fantry Division. He has helped Private Nas-cha-na-ni or preserve more than 50 frontier “Yellow Buffalo” buildings, united the Troop Private Pahsita or W. HeranL descendants, and served as pitty or “Hairless” a historical adviser for maComanche Indian Scouts, jor motion pictures such as Fort Sill Detachment “Geronimo” and “Wind TalkEs-sa-tow-yah-be or “Gray ers”, as well as many television Mountain” (Enlisted Decemdocumentaries. ber 1, 1874, discharged March Spivey will be remem1, 1875) bered in Comanche history as a Comanche Indian Scouts, man of integrity when he testiFort Sill Detachment (Enfied on behalf of the Comanche listed May 11, 1875, served Nation against the US Army – 3 months at the Cheyenne his employer – in September Agency) 2008 about his repeated warnSergeant Comanche George ings to halt military construc(Ant-Po-Te-qirp?) tion near the Medicine Bluffs, To-ba-tos-sa (listed as both which are considered sacred by a Private and Corporal) various Plains Indian tribes. He Private Tich-a-ma-cha did so despite warnings from Private Cheevers former commanders to Private Nam-a-war-va
RESPECT, HONOR AND STANDING
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FIGHTING FOR SACRED GROUND
be silent and with the sobering realization that the job he cherished would be jeopardized. In the end the US District Court issued a ruling that prohibited the Army from building a $7.3 million Training Services Center warehouse and other buildings south of the historic bluffs. The judge chastised post officials who “turned a deaf ear to warnings” recognizing Spivey’s candid testimony as crucial to his decision. Spivey simply said “it was the right thing to do”. Spivey will be featured in an upcoming edition of Oklahoma Today magazine and will be inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame on May 3rd. He is currently retired and living in Duncan with his wife Phyllis, of over forty years. She said, “I don’t think he’ll be remembered for all the things he has done at Fort Sill, but I think he will be remembered as the man who saved the Medicine Bluffs. I will remember him as a friend of the Comanche, Kiowa and Apache, who as Comanche member Wahnne Clark stated, “stood against tremendous odds to do the right thing”.
Towana Spivey in the Warriors Journey exhibit.
CIVA Hosting Two Events In May The Comanche Indian Veterans Association is hosting their 7th Annual Armed Forces Day Banquet, beginning a 1 p.m., May 19 at Watchetaker Hall. Comanche veterans and their guest are invited. A sitdown meal will be provided. On May 28 they will host their 36th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the CIVA Court of Honor in front of the Comanche Nation Headquarters beginning at 11 a.m. In the event of inclement weather the ceremony will be held in Watchetaker Hall. The public is invited. Refreshments will be provided after the ceremony in Watchetaker Hall. Honors to selected Comanche veterans will be presented at both events. Honorees for the Armed Forces Day Banquet will be Master Sergeant Lonnie Torralba Henderson, US Air Force, Vietnam War; SGT Alexander Karty, US Army, Global War on Terrorism - Iraq and Afghanistan; Specialist Baliente Herrera, US Army, Global War on Terrorism and Airman 1st Class Patterson “Pat” Tahdooahnippah, US Air Force, Vietnam War.
MSgt Henderson receiving an Air Medal at Offutt AFB.
Master Sergeant Lonnie Torralba Henderson served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard from 195659 and the US Air Force from 1956-86. While in the National Guard he served in Anadarko with Battery B, 158th Field Artillery, 45th Infantry Division as a Cannon Crewman. He enlisted in the Air Force and served in the Intelligence Field as a Voice Linguist. He is qualified Russian, Vietnamese and German linguist. MSgt Henderson saw duty in Vietnam, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Japan and Panama and flew reconnaissance missions in the Baltic, Berants, White, Mediterranean, Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean Seas, the Gulf of Tonkin and over Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, the Gulf of Mexico, against Grenada and various areas of Central America. His only stateside duty was at Offutt AFB, Neb. He has over 1,000 combat flight hours and over 5,000 hours of combat and combat support hours on C-130 and RC-135 Reconnaissance Aircraft. His awards include the Meritorious Service, Air (19), Commendation, Combat Readiness (4), Army Good conduct, Air Force Good conduct (7), National Defense Service, Armed Forces Expeditionary (Grenada), Vietnam Service with/3 Campaign Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with/Palm and Vietnam Campaign with/1960 Device Medals, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (9) including Valor Device, Air Force Long Tour (6), NCO Professional Education Graduate and Small Arms Expert Rifle Ribbons and the Chief Air Crew and Combat Crew Badges. He is the most decorated Comanche veteran with 58 Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons.
AIC Pat Tahdooahnippah in 1967
Airman 1st Class Patterson D. “Pat” Tahdooahnippah served in the US Air Force from May 10, 1967 to May 7, 1971. He took his Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base, TX and On the Job Training, as a Security Policeman, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. In late September 1969 he deployed to Dong Maung Royal Thai Air Force Base with the 825th Security Police Squadron. His duties included flight line, perimeter, base entrance and cantonment security. AIC Tahdooahnippah spent 11 months and 26 days in Thailand in support of the Vietnam War effort. He completed his service with the 443rd Military Airlift Command at Altus Air Force, Okla.
His awards include the Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign with/1960 Device, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with/Palm Medals and the Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
SGT Alex Karty at Fort Bragg
Sergeant Alexander “Alex” Karty served in the US Army from August 1995 to September 2005. He completed his Basic and Advanced Individual Training, as a Heavy Equipment Operator, at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. His first assignment was with the US Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. He served the reminder of his service with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., as a Heavy Equipment Operator and Platoon Sergeant. SGT Karty deployed with the 82nd, to Afghanistan for eight months in 2002-03 and for another eight months to Iraq in 2004-04 in support of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He graduated from the Primary Leadership Development and Basic NCO Courses. His awards include the Bronze Star, Army Commendation (2), Army Achievement, Good Conduct (3), National Defense Service, Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign and Global War on Terror Medals, the Combat Action, Airborne and Air Assault Badges and the Army Service, NCO Professional Development with/Numeral 2 and Overseas Ribbons.
SPC Baliente Herrera in Iraq
Specialist Baliente Herrera served in the US Army from December 27, 1997 to October 10, 2004. He completed Basic Training at Fort Sill and his Advanced Individual Training as a Petroleum Supply Specialist at Fort Lee, Va. SPC Herrera was also stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., and in the Sunni Triangle region of Iraq, northwest of Baghdad, with Battery A, 1st Battalion, 12th Field Artillery (MLRS), 17th Field Artillery Brigade from April 8, 2003 to April 12, 2004 - his duties included ground search and patrols, transporting prisoners of war, tower and perimeter guard, escort missions, preparation of captured eneContinued on page 13
May 2012 Continued from Page 12
my caches for destruction and training the Iraqi National Guard forces. He graduated from Airborne School in 1998 and the primary Leadership Development Course in March 2003. His awards include the Army Commendation (2), Army Achievement (2), National Defense Service, Global War on Terror, Global War Terror Expeditionary and Iraq Campaign with/2 Service Stars Medals, the NCO Professional Development with/Numeral 1 and Army Service Ribbons and the Parachutists Badge. Honorees for the Memorial Day Ceremony will be LtCol Dave S. Portillo, US Marine Corps, Global War on Terrorism - Iraq and Sergeant Malcom Taunah, US Marine Corps, and Oklahoma National Guard, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars. Special Recognition will be presented to the family of the late Colonel Raymond Portillo, US Marine Corps, World War II. Col Portillo was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device for action between April 1-15, 1945 on Okinawa.
LtCol Dave S. Portillo
SGT Malcom Taunah in Iraq
the rank of Corporal. He also served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard from March 5, 1978 to March 1, 1996. Corporal Taunah took his Boot Training at the San Diego Marine Corps Training Depot and his Infantry Training at Camp Pendelton Cali. He arrived in Vietnam in January, 1970 and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines and later with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines and the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines all of the 1st Marine Division. He was based a LZ Baldy and Marble Mountain. In October, 1970 he was wounded from a gunshot wound in the left shoulder and sharpnel in the right hip and lower leg. Corporal Taunah served one year in Vietnam. During his second enlistment in the Corps he was assigned with 1st Marine Division again. After his enlistment into the Oklahoma Army National Guard he was assigned to the 180th Infantry Battalion and later with the 1st Battalion 158th Field Artillery based at Walters. He took his Annual Training at Fort Chaffee, Ark., Fort Carson, Colo., Fort Riley, Kan., Fort Polk, La., Fort Sill and Korea. While in the Guard he served as an Infantryman, Scout and Cannon Crewman (MLRS). SGT Taunah graduated from the US Army Primary Leadership Development Course. He served in the Persian Gulf in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from January 15 to May 5, 1991. His awards include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation, Army Achievement, Army Good Conduct, Army Reserve Component Achievement, National Defense Service (2), Vietnam Service with/3 Service Stars, Southwest Asia Service with/3 Service Stars, Armed Forces Reserve, Vietnam Campaign with/1960 Device, Kuwait Liberation (from the Kuwait government), Kuwait Liberation with/Palm (from the Saudi Arabia government), Oklahoma Southwest Asia Service, Oklahoma Long Service, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with/ Palm, Vietnam Civil Action and Oklahoma Army National Guard Desert Storm Service Medals and the Combat Action, NCO Professional Development, Army Service, Army Overseas Service and Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbons.
Lieutenant Colonel Dave S. Portillo served in the US Marine Corps from December 1989 to June 2011. His assignment includes Quantico Va., twice, NAS Dallas, Texas, NAS Pensacola Fl., Marine Corps AS Camp Pendelton, Cali., three times, Marine Corps AS Miramar Cali., NAS Corpus Christi, Texas and overseas in Japan twice, Korea twice and the Persian Gulf. LtCol Portillo concluded his career as the S-1 Administration Officer and S-5 Future Plans Officer at Marine Corps Air Station Lwakuni, Japan. He graduated from numerous schools including Officer Candidate School, Naval Flight Training School and the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. He served as a helicopter pilot while based at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and austere forward operating bases throughout Iraq in 2003 with the Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 369, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. LtCol Portillo is credited with successfully completing 41 combat sorties from April to July 2033 in support of coalition ground forces. His awards include the Meritorious Service, Air (2), USN/USMC Commendation (2), USN/USMC Achievement, National Defense Service (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary, Global War on Terror, Global War on Terror Expeditionary and Iraq Campaign Medals, the USN/USMC President Unit Col Raymond C. Portillo Citation and Naval Aviator Colonel Raymond C. Insignia. Portillo served in the US Marine Corps from May 29, 1941 Sergeant Malcom Tau- to July 1, 1961. He is the secnah served in the US Marine ond known Comanche to earn Corps from July 2, 1969 to July the rank of Colonel. 2, 1971 and March 12, 1976 Col Portillo was decoto March 11, 1978 earning rated with the Bronze Star and
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Combat Valor Device for action from April 1 to June 15, 1945 against enemy Japanese Forces during the Battle of Okinawa. The family of Col Portillo were unable to attend the Numu Pukutsi Award Ceremony and will be presented with the Gallantry, Heroism, Valor (Numu Pukutsi), Combat Service (Numu Tekwaniwapu) and Honorable Service Medallions and Numu Pukutsi Citation. Col Portillo passed away, at age 85, on September 24, 2003 in Irving, Texas. A Roll Call of the 13 Fallen Warriors of the Nation will be conducted during the Memorial Day Ceremony. The Fallen Warriors are: CPL Johnnie Rivas, killed in action on June 6, 1944; SGT Melvin “Hawkeye” Myers, killed in action on June 14, 1944; PVT Eli Hosetosavit, killed in action on August 1, 1944; PVT Ben Trevino, killed in action on August 3, 1944; PFC Thomas Chockpoyah, killed in action on August 7, 1944; PFC Gilbert Vidana, killed in action on September 16, 1944; PVT Henry “Dutch” Kosechata, died of wounds on May 1, 1945; PFC Henry William Conwoop, died of wounds on May 3, 1945; CPL Dennis King Karty, died in captivity on March 30, 1952; LtCol Meech Tahsequah, declared dead while missing in action on February 28, 1954; Pfc Russell Eugene “Rusty” Pesewonit, killed in action on July 22, 1966; Pfc Robert Carlos Pahcheka, killed in action on October 22, 1968 and Cpl Joshua Jerald Ware, killed in action on November 16, 2005.
personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy”; the Combat Medical Badge “for being engaged in active ground combat” and the Purple Heart Medal “for wounds received in action on 6 August 2011 in Afghanistan”. SGT Gonzalez is the husband of the former Tshante
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Going Snakes, the son of Clarice and the late Oscar Gonzalez and the grandson of Carol and the late LaVerne Atison. He has five children and as of this writing is at the Warrior Transition Facility at Fort Sam Houston, Texas receiving treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury.
GONZALEZ AWARDED BRONZE STAR
Joseph Gonzalez receiving honors, in May from CIVA Commander George Red Elk prior to his deployment to Afghanistan.
Sergeant Joseph D. Gonzalez was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service with the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. His citation reads “For exceptionally meritorious service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan from 15 June 2011 to 7 March 2012. Your personal courage and commitment to mission accomplishment in a combat zone, under the most extreme circumstances, greatly contributed to the success of Operation Enduring Freedom. Your performance reflects great credit upon you, Task Force Thunderbird, Combined Joint Task Force-1 and the United States Central Command.” The award was dated February 19, and signed by Daniel B. Allyn, Major General, US Army, Commanding and John M. McHugh, Secretary of the Army. SGT Gonzalez was also awarded the Combat Action Badge “for performing assigned duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized, was
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Dear TCNN Letters to the Editor Dear TCNN, I wrote the following poem about Quanah Parker: The Star House
- young Quanah’s path was long and drawn From Palo Pinto to old Mexico they soon would know his name At Adobe Wells he gained some fame With unmatched courage this warrior came Taking vengeance on the white man.
Big white house with some stars on top Moved down here to an amusement park Sitting in the lot and falling No army could these warriors down . . . match - but food and shelter there’s the catch The Parker girl would come of Sheridan and Sherman both age when her family fell in that warriors great Comanche raid Could only chase and hide and adopted by the Quahada tribe wait doing woman’s work - tanning and bring to the Plains unbuffalo hide charted gates soon to be Chief Nacona’s only The skinners and the hunters. bride Cynthia Ann was now Nahadu. And taking in the awful sight, Quanah lost his only fight Nacona died of a broken heart The Buffalo slaughtered only and some old wounds from an for their hide Apache dart Or a cure for boredom on a “I killed Nacona” young Ross long train ride would say And so they starved and so they but It was mostly squaws that cried died that day And in bitter cold their spirits at the salty Pease River they died. took his wife away to a white man’s world forgot- So in return for their surrender ten. - moldy flour and whisky benders When the soldiers came she He brought them to the agency tried to run and touched the pen for all to but the long knives with the re- see. peating guns But their defender still was he weren’t showing any mercy. Comancherias last war Chief
fight - like Burkburnett and Charles Goodnight he moved into this house of white and from it beamed a glorious light to the poor and sick at day’s twilight They gathered in it’s shadows
some stars on top Moved down here to an amusement park Sitting in the lot and falling down
Dear TCNN, The family of Nipper and Cora Tiddark would like to express their thanks and appreciation of all who attended their memorial powwow. It made the family feel good to Timothy Martin - Feb 23, 2012 know how much Nipper and (Copyright 2012) Tim@spiri- Cora were appreciated and loved. A special thanks to all tofthewest.org who helped with the supper And He painted stars on that old roof - and he thought about * A sort of ‘last rites’ given by and those who were the Head the old days a spiritual/medicine man - imi- Staff. Sincerely They say he never slept inside tating the sound of an eagle in The family of Nipper and And how he still could speak flight and moving his hands Cora Tiddark with pride simulating the wings of the eaAnd dream of days he used to gle in flight. ride Died Feb 23 1911 the Llano Estacado Great warrior of the Quahada tribe Last chief of the Comanche pride Cotes-EWyne* - he now embraced The Eagle to his resting place Waiting till the new day breaks and all the shadows fall
Big white No father now, his mother gone With help from former foes in house with
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Milestones Happy Belated Birthday Raven Ciara RedElk, March 5 Frances Mowatt, April 23
Happy Birthday Trinity Pewewardy, May 2 Jeff Codynah, May 4 Natalie Pekah, May 8 Lesley Boyden, May 10 Ricky Gene Toho, May 11 Alyssa Bravo, May 12 Ansleigh Mowatt, May 12 Kim Kopaddy May 12 Anita Viddaurrie-Manh, May 12 Charles Lewis Jr., May 13 Jon Evans RedElk, May 13 Sonny RedElk, May 13 Lottie Deere, May 14 Amiya DeVine-Tonips, May 15 Micheal Pekah, May 15 Modesto Schonchin, May 17 Erick Postoak, May 19 Ethel Boyden, May 20 Jimi Tahdooahnippah, May 20 Julia Mantzke, May 21 Kevin John Codynah, May 23 Angel Tahdooahnippah, May 26 Harlequin Ototivo, May 28 Carmelita Wynkoppt, May 31 Stacy Bravo, May 31
Don’t Forget to submit milestones for those Special loved ones; Just married, Birth Announcements, Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc. Deadline for June 5/15/2012 Call Public Information Office (580) 4923752 E-mail: candacet@comanchenation.com Or mail: Comanche Nation/PIO P.O. Box 908 Lawton, OK 73502
Obituaries
Tiddark
Buddy Richard Tiddark Funeral service for Buddy Richard Tiddark, 60, Lawton, Oklahoma was March 13, at the Comanche Nation Complex, with June Sovo officiating. Prayer service was March 12, at the Comanche Nation Complex. Burial was at Little Washita Cemetery, Fletcher, Okla., under the direction of Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home. Tiddark went to his heavenly father on March 9, in Lawton, Okla. Tiddark was born on July 25, 1951 in Lawton, Okla., to Napoleon “Nipper”
Happy Belated Birthday Raven Ciara RedElk March 5
Happy BelatedBirthday Ricky Gene Toho April 11
Happy Birthday Trinity Pewewardy May 2
Happy Birthday Jeff Codynah May 4
Happy Birthday Lesley Boyden May 10
Happy Birthday Amiya DeVine-Tonipps May 15
Happy Birthday Lottie Deere May 14
Happy Birthday Modesto Schonchin May17
Happy Birthday Erick Postoak May 19
Happy Birthday Kyla-Jo Aitson May 19
Happy Birthday Ethel Boyden May 20
Happy Birthday Julia Mantzke May 21
Happy Birthday Kevin Codynah May 23
David Kenneth Gardner
Isaiah Kerchee
Tiddark and Alice Munoz. He grew up in Lawton where he attended local schools. He was a member of the Comanche Nation. He was active in his younger years in Rodeo as a Bareback Rider and became a National Champion, he was a avid boxer with the Boys Club. He was very active in fast pitch softball for many years dating back to the Kelly Thomas Park days. Tiddark was also an avid Golfer, known to his friends as “Lee Trevino.” He worked as a roofer for many years until he was forced to retire due to his health. Tiddark is survived by his children, Debra Tiddark, Lawton; Michael Tiddark, Lawton; Gracie Turner and husband, Joey, Norman; Samantha Tiddark, Lawton; Sarah Carter and husband, James, Cache; nine grandchildren: Anthony McDaniel, Cache; Jesse Aguliar, Alicia Aguliar and Celena Aguliar, all of California; Shayla Scott, Kelsey Keiningham, both of Cache, Okla.; Joseph Turner, Norman, Okla.; Haley Carter and James Carter, Jr., both of Cache, Okla.; four brothers and five sisters: Tim Tiddark, Indiahoma, Okla.; Patricia “Baby Doll” and husband, Byron Apauty, Cache,
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Born:
March 20, 2012
8lbs’ 3oz’ & 22in’ To: David Gardner & Jessica Tahah
Okla.; Rose Ridgway and husband, David, Cache, Okla., Alice “Sugar” Tahdooahnippah, Cache, Okla., Barney Tiddark, Kansas, Sam Tiddark, Lawton, Okla., Jim Tiddark and wife, Lynn of Lawton, Okla., and Sabrina Bunoz, Arkansas; and a special sister Barbara Cook, Lawton, Okla.; a special brother, Johnny Tiddark; and a special friend, Joe Brady; and a host of loving family and friends. Tiddark is preceded in death by his father, Nipper Tiddark, a son, Richard Hearn, grandparents, Gracia Tiddark and John Pahdopony, a grandmother, Cecilla Wiley, a special sister, Brenda Edwards, and a life long companion, Raylynn Coosewooon.
Geretta Ann Laurenzana Whitecrow Funeral service for Geretta Ann Laurenzana Whitecrow, 57, Lawton was March, 22 at the Comanche Nation Complex with Rev. Delfred Whitecrow, Sr. and Rev Samuel Ware officiating. Burial was at Highland Cemetery under of Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home. Prayer service was
Laurenzana Whitecrow
March 21, at the Comanche Nation Complex. Whitecrow was born on April 28, 1954 in Lawton, Okla., to Leon and Marion (Seahmer) Laurenzana. She grew up in Lawton, Okla., where she attended Fort Sill Indian School. She married Sullivan Whitecrow on January of 1975 in Wichita Falls, Texas. He died in 1997. She worked as a Nurse’s Aide in Anadarko for several years before moving to Spokane, Wash. She returned to Lawton in 2005. She attended Lawton Indian Mission. She is survived by her companion, Ricardo Ayala, of the home; her children, Gabriel Whitecrow, Sr., Spokane,
Born: April 19, 2012 7lbs’ 8oz’ & 21.25in’ To: Kellea Kerchee
Wash., Sullivan Whitecrow, Jr., Lawton, Okla., Rachel Whitecrow, Lawton, Okla., and Alfred Whitecrow, Clinton, Okla.; her sisters, Alice Paddyaker, Elgin, Okla., Marilyn Mestell and husband, Charles, Anadarko, Okla., Sissie Fleetwood, Duncan, Okla., Mary Woodard and husband, Nootsie Nauni, Carnegie, Okla., Pearl Edge and husband, Junior, Jay, Okla.; her brothers, Rudolph Seahmer and wife, Martha, Duck Valley, Nev., Thomas Laurenzana, Anadarko, Okla., Bert Laurenzana, Lawton, Okla., Gordon Woodard and wife Deanna, Lawton, Okla., Thomas Woodard Jr., Carnegie, Marc A. Seahmer, Cali., Willis Woodard, Carnegie, Okla.; her uncle, Thomas Woodard Sr., Carnegie, Okla.; her half sisters and brothers, Tim Laurenzana-Tieyah, Topeka, Kan., George Laurenzana, Elgin, Okla., Fern Brown, Colony, Texas, Valoris Stroup, Irving, Texas, and Jewell Laurenzana-Tieyah, Elgin, Okla.; her grandchildren: Gabriel, Jr., Sheniece, Chante’, Ronald, Joe (YoYo) Elijah, Dillion, Nathan, Sarcee and Tabbetha; and one great grandson, baby Lorenzo; and a special friend, Kathleen Continued on Page 17
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The Comanche Nation News
Continued from Page 16
Kern, Spokane, Wash.; and numerous nieces, nephews; and a host of loving friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marion Seahmer Laurenzana; her father, Leon Laurenzana; her husband, Sullivan Whitecrow; her sisters, Shirley Pribble and Juanita Gracia; her aunts, Bertalee Seahmer Woodard and Minnie Seahmer; and her uncles, Clifford Seahmer and Ray Tenequer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Benny Kassanavoid and Carlton Hoahwah, Sr. and sisters Lucille Wallace, Rowena Komahcheet and Elaine Noyabad, two grandsons, Daniel Williams Hoahwah and Jevon Lynn Santiago and one great granddaughter Kelicia Nunley, and special sister, Phyllis Mowatt.
Hoahwah
Pocowatchit
Cleta Marie Pocowatchit Funeral service for Cleta Marie Pocowatchit, 58, Fletcher was March 24 at Little Washita Methodist Church, Fletcher, Okla., with Rev. David Harjo, Pastor officiating. Burial was at Otipoby Cemetery under the direction of Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home. Pocowatchit passed away on March 21, in Oklahoma City, Okla. Prayer service was March 23, at Little Washita Methodist Church. Pocowatchit was born on April 18, 1953 in Lawton, Okla., to James and Mary (Monetathchi) Pocowatchit. She grew up in the Mount Scott area before moving with her family to the Fletcher area where she remained all of her life. She attended Fletcher Public Schools and Ft. Sill Indian School in Lawton, Okla. She then attended two years of college at Haskell Junior College and two years at Bacone Junior College. She was a Certified Nurse’s Assistant and worked at local nursing centers. She enjoyed reading, watching T.V. and caring for her favorite kitty-cat, “Precious.” She loved spending time with her daughter and three-month-old granddaughter. She was a member of the Comanche Tribe and a member of the Little Washita Methodist Church. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Martin Williams, Cyril, Okla.; her granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Williams, Cyril, Okla.; four brothers, Vincent Pocowatchit, Elgin, Okla., Roderick Pocowatchit, Lawton, Okla., Dennis Pocowatchit, Lawton, Okla., and Gerald Pocowatchit, Cache, Okla.; four sister, Martha Jackson, Coweta, Bessie Robbins, Tracey, Cali., Mildred Long, Oklahoma City, Okla. and Gloria Pocowatchit, of the home; her aunt, Jean Monetathchi and her uncle, Eldrige Tahdooahnippah; and numerous nieces and nephews, including her special nephews, Thomas Mihecoby and Vincent Charles Pocowatchit. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Monetathchi and James Pocowatchit; and two brothers, Harold Pocowatchit and Cleatis Pocowatchit.
Roderick William Hoahwah, Sr.
Funeral for Roderick
William Hoahwah, Sr., 77, Lawton, was April 5, at the Comanche Nation Complex, with Bishop John Pearson, officiating. Prayer service was April 4, at the Comanche Nation Complex. Burial was in Highland Cemetery under direction of Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home. Hoahwah was born November 14, 1934 in Lawton, Okla., to Jessie Cable and Quanah Abe Hoahwah. He attended Fort Sill Indian School and joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18 as a PFC E-3 (t) 52nd Arty, A Btry, 1st MalBn, in Camp Hanford, Wash., and was honorably discharges in 1959. He then married Charlene Coosewoon and they were happily married for over 50 years. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1963. He was awarded a few medals and badges including the Good Conduct medal, a launcher badge, Expert (Carbine), 2nd Class Artillery. He was later employed by Meads Bakery as a baker and was a cook at Fort Sill Indian School and the Lawton Indian Hospital where he retired in 2001 after 26 years of government service. Hoahwah was a member of the Comanche Nation Tribe and a Comanche veteran. He boxed in his younger days. In his retirement years, he loved watching Nascar racing, classic movies and going to the casino with his wife. He enjoyed fishing alone with his family. Survivors include his wife, Charlene, of the home, seven children and their spouses: Lalecia and Robert Wells, Geronimo, Okla., Melissa Renee Castillo, Lawton, Okla., Miranda Cintron-Hoahwah, Geronimo, Okla., Myra Medina, Lawton, Okla., Rolanda and Eduardo Santiago, Elgin, Okla., Roderick William Jr. Hoahwah, of the home, and Terence (T) Hoahwah of the home; his brothers and sisters, Carl Tahah, Vera Gooday, and Jocille Eveans; his grandchildren: Jeremiah Teeter, Gary Chasenah, Jr., Joseph Coosewoon, Melissa Castillo-Nunley, Jonathan Hoahwah, Marcus Medina, Mariana Castillo, Ryan Cintron, Mari Medina, Jorge Garcia, Lisa Castillo-Rosado, Samantha Cintron-Lopez, Roberto (Peanut) Medina, Tasha Hoahwah, Brianna (BriBri) Hoahwah, Jalyn Santiago, Juliana Santiago, Angel Vasquez, Desiree Trent-Cintron, and Wilson Cintron Jr.; his five great grandchildren: Leticia and Valencia Nunley, Yanez Moore, Hokeah Hoahwah, Dustin Silverhorn. He is also survived by special brothers and sisters: Benny (Uncie Guy) Tahmahkera, Betty Lou Chasenah, Jolene Tahah, Barbara Ann Chasenah, and Lahoma Knight.
Burgess
Elton Angel Burgess Funeral for Elton Angel Burgess, 37, Elgin was at the Comanche Nation Complex with Rev. Videll Yackeschi officiating. Burgess passed away on April 7, in Oklahoma City, Okla. Burial was at Highland Cemetery under the direction of Whinery-Huddlestion Funeral Home Service. Burgess was born on June 8, 1974, in Tuscon, Ariz., to Teddy Burgess and Ramona Pahcheka. He was a member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma and Mt. Scott Comanche Methodist Church. Burgess was raised at Elgin, graduating from High School in 1992. He attended Caddo/ Kiowa Technology Center where he obtained a certificate in Technology Education. Burgess was employed with Comanche Nation Casino as a black jack dealer. Burgess has a passion for on-line video gaming where he was known by on-liner gamers as “Angel Boy 3000.” He loved to spend time visiting his family and friends. Survivors include his parents: Teddy Burgess, Lawton and Ramona Pahcheka and husband Paul, Cache, Okla. Two brothers, Gary Burgess and Teddy Jr. both of Lawton, Okla. Two nephews: Tre Burgess, Lawton, Okla., and Brandon Burgess, Bethany, Okla.; a niece, Aubrey Burgess, Lawton, Okla. and a companion, Jenny Smith, Apache, Okla. He had many uncles, aunts, and cousins. Burgess was preceded in death by: Maternal grandparents Melvin and Yvonne Wahahrockah and paternal grandparents Earl and Daisy Burgess.
Leatrice Wermy Funeral for Leatrice Wermy, 75, was April 18, at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel in Lawton, Okla., with Rev. Nicholas Tahchawwickah and Rev. Matthew Asatamy officiating. Prayer service was the at the funeral home on April 17 Burial was at Cache KCA Cemetery in Cache, Okla. Wermy passed away from this earthly home on the morning of April 14. She was born to John Donald Wermy Sr. and Agnes Atauvich Wermy
Wermy
on March 1, 1937 in Lawton, Okla. She was member of the Comanche Nation. She attended schools in Cache, Okla., and Lyndreth Nazarene School, Lyndreth, New Mexico. She worked for Frito Lay in Fall River, Mass., and also worked in the gallery at Fort Sill Army Base for several years. She was a certified Nurse Assistant and worked in several nursing homes throughout Lawton and Snyder for many years. She attended the West Cache Nazarene Church in Cache, Okla., for many years. She looked forward to attending every church event. Wermy was a very caring and loving mother to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She helped them in every way possible and many times sacrificed her own needs for theirs. She is survived by her children: Sandra Caddo, Lawton, Okla., Jamie Lee and Shirley Jo, Cache, Okla.; Michael Ray and wife Paula, Chickasha, Okla., Mark Caddo and wife Trina, Red Wing, Minn., 23 grandchildren: Queen, Robert, Allen, Monica, Stephanie, Steven, Crystal, Wintson, Amanda, Timothy, Joseph, Antwoine, Justin, Andrea, Leroy, Verdell, Alicia, David Jr., Anthony, Jennifer, Tessa, Carter, Reina; 34 great grandchildren;
one brother, George Wermy and wife Jeri, Cache, Okla.; one sister, Peggy Tahchawwickah and husband Nick, Cache, Okla.; one brother-inlaw, Veron Cable Sr., Cache, Okla. and one sister-in-law, Roberta Wermy, Clinton, Okla. A special taui (sister), Marlene Asenap James and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many other relatives.
Rafey Wallace Youniacutt Jr. Graveside service for former Lawton resident, Rafey Wallace Youniacutt, Jr., 69, of Lubbock, Texas was March 30, at Cement Cemetery with June Sovo, officiating. Burial followed at Cement Cemetery under direction of Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home. Youniacutt was born on June 27, 1942 in Lawton, Okla., to Rafey Wallace Youniacutt, Sr. and Charlene (Davis) Youniacutt. He grew up in the Lawton area where he attended local schools. He worked as a cab driver while living in California. He traveled to various places during his life before moving to Lubbock, Texas to be near his son and his family. He married Sue Counts in May 1999. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, John W. and Katherine Youniacutt; his mother Charlene Youniacutt, all of Lubbock, Texas; his grandchildren, Rocky Martinez, Michael Martinez, and Isabel Youniacutt. He was preceded in death by his father, Rafey Wallace Youniacutt, Sr.; his daughter, Michelle Youniacutt; and his wife, Sue Counts.
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On Your Mark! Get Set! It was a scene reminiscent of an Olympic track meet, as the Comanche Nation Prevention & Recovery Center (CNPRC) hosted the annual Easter celebration for the Lawton/Ft. Sill community on March 31, at the Comanche Tribal Complex. This marks the 28th year that the Comanche Nation has sponsored and recognized Easter with an annual event as an estimated 500 children and community members enjoyed the day’s festivities. Amid smiles, grins, laughter and an early spring heat wave participants dashed in hopes of finding the prize egg. A hunt was held for every age with prizes ranging from bicycles for the younger children, electronics for the teenagers, and Pendleton’s for the adults and elders. A Kindle
GO!!!!
Fire was given away as a grand prize. Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire stating the true meaning of Easter and what had they learned from the day. After that the only requirement was to drop their questionnaire in the hopper for a chance to win. The theme of this year’s event was to bring awareness to the ever increasing problem of “drunk driving.” Before each hunt participants were taught the dangers and consequences of receiving a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge. The preteens were taught that there is basically no difference between a 12oz glass of beer, an 8 oz glass of wine, or a 1.5 oz shot of 80 proof alcohol. Each drink raises the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) by 2 percent, or .02. Building
on that foundation the teenagers were taught that it may only take an average adult weighing 160 – 200 lbs four drinks within two (2) hours to reach the legal limit of .08. After that one runs the risk of receiving a DUI which can result in the suspension of a driver’s license and jail time, while spending several thousand dollars on fines, court cost, as-well-as attorney and reinstatement fees. A very special “Thank You” is extended to Pat Pewewardy and So-So Lyles of the Maintenance staff. Their generous donation of time and effort always aids in making CNPRC’s events a success. The staff at Comanche Nation Prevention & Recovery Center would like to say “Thank You” to all who attended and we hope the winners are enjoying the prizes.
The Comanche Nation News
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The Comanche Nation News
Happy Mother’s Day To All Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts, Sisters, and Godmothers
A Mother’s Love by Michael O. Adesanya
There are times only when a Mother's love Can understand our tears, Can soothe our disappointments And calm all our fears.
Father’s Day Dedications are due by May 15. Email to candacet@comanchenation.com.
Photos will be accepted. Dedications have a 50-word maximum.
There are times when only a Mother's Love Can share the joy we feel When something we've dreamed about Quite suddenly is real. There are times when only a Mother's faith Can help on life's way And inspire in us the confidence We need from day to day. For a Mother's heart and a Mother's faith And a Mother's steadfast love Were fashioned by the Angels And sent from God above...