The Comanche Nation News July 2010

Due to the Comanche Nation’s network failure June 28-July 2, 2010, the completion of The Comanche Nation News July edition was delayed. Not all files were retrieved. If you submitted an article and it was not in this issue, please call the PIO Office at (580) 492-3386.The Comanche Nation Information Technology (IT) Dept. and TCNN apologizes for the inconvience.

Sneak Peek GOVERNMENT June 5 Comanche Business Committee Overview Page 2

Lawton, OK

The Results are In Wauahdooah and Red Elk Win July 3 Run-Off

Comanche Little Ponies to Hold Princess Selection Meeting in August

Page 3

PROGRAMS

Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Tribal members took to the voting polls June 4-5 to vote for their Comanche Business Committee candidates and the tribe’s budget for next year. A total of 1,297 tribal members voted.

Page 6 Enrollment Dept.

Urges Tribal Members to Update Addresses Page 7

COMANCHE LIFESTYLES

July 2010

Comanche Nation Passes All FY 2010-2011 Budget Items

Election Board Voting Results for June 5 and July 3

Comanche Nation Fitness Center Creates Weight Lifting Club

PR SRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO 49 STIGLER, OK 74462

VOLUME 10 EDITION 8

Winning the July 3 Run-Off Election for Comanche Business Committeemen (CBC) were: Ron Red Elk, above, for CBC No. 1 and Mark Wauahdooah, left, for CBC No. 2.

A total of 961 tribal members voted in the run-off election.

Wauahdooah replaced Edmond Mahseet and Red Elk replaced Lanny Asepermy.

The Comanche Little Ponies will hold a Princess Selection Meeting on August 21. The meeting will be held 1 p.m. at the Comanche Community Bldg. in Apache, Okla.

The purpose of the meeting is to interview candidates for possible representation of the Comanche Little Ponies 20102011. All prospective candidates should come dressed in Comanche regalia and with their families. Candidates will be interviewed in private. The qualifications are as follows: • 13 to 18 years of age • must be of Comanche descent • must not be married or living with spouse / boyfriend • must not have any children • must have dependable vehicle and willingness to travel extensively

All candidates are cordially invited. If you have a desire to represent one of the Comanche Nations oldest organizations and enjoy traveling throughout Indian County, please come meet with the Comanche Little Ponies on August 21. All Comanche Little Pony members are also encouraged to attend. There will be a pot luck dinner before the meeting begins.

For questions, contact Lowell Nibbs at (580) 5835279 or via email at lowellnibbs@yahoo.com.

Comanche Nation Director and Comanche Nation Princess Election Scheduled July 17 Tribal Member Takes the Lead in Overseeing the Election During the Annual Comanche Homecoming Powwow

By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Quanah Parker Descendants Hold Annual Reunion Page 10

Courtesy Photos

Tsatoke

Wade

Burgess

Cable

Running for Comanche Nation Director are Clorandia Marie Yokesuite Tsatoke and Mary Parker Wade. Running for 2010 Comanche Nation Princess are Nina Alice Burgess and Penelope Marie Cable. Voting will take place 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. July 17 at a voting booth set up at the Comanche Nation Homecoming Powwow. The Comanche Princess will reign until the 2011 Comanche Nation Fair and the Director will have a two-year term. One of the Director’s first tasks is to coordinate a Comanche Nation Jr. Princess Election to be held at this year’s Comanche Nation Fair Oct. 1,2,3.

The Comanche Nation will vote for a Comanche Nation Director and Comanche Nation Princess 8 a.m.-8 p.m. July 17 during the Comanche Homecoming Powwow, Sultan Park, Walter, Okla. A voting booth will be set up and ran by tribal member Tina Emhoolah.

Emhoolah wanted to point out This election has nothing to do with the Comanche Homecoming Powwow.

“I and some of the Business Committee realized the next big gathering where a lot of See ELECTION, Page 5

July 2010 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 August edition is noon July 19.

Donations to help cover the cost of printing and mailing are welcome.

Contact:

2

The Comanche Nation News

GOVERNMENT

From the Desk of the Chairman

The Comanche Nation News P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla. 73502-0908 Telephone: (580) 492-3386 Fax: (580) 492-3709 Email: pio@comanchenation.com TCNN Staff • Jolene Schonchin, Editor, Reporter, Photographer-Email: tcnneditor@yahoo.com-Telephone Number-(580)492-3382 • Paula Karty, Reporter, Photographer- Email: kartynews@ yahoo.com Telephone Number-(580)492-3383 • Candace Todd, Administrative Assistant-Telephone Number (580)492-3386 • Fred Codynah Jr., Reporter, Photographer, Email: codynahfred@yahoo.com-Telephone Number-(580)492-3385 • Tomah Yeahquo, Public Relations Liaison, Proofreader Email: tomahy@comanchenation.com-Telephone Number (580)492-3384

• News items of interest to the local and American Indian community are welcome. Letters to the editor must be signed by a name.

• 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) is 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 powwow organization’s annual event flyer once free of charge as a courtesy to our tribal organizations. The guidelines for flyer submission is: Pow-wow flyers have to be from an established Comanche organization The flyer for its annual event will be printed once free of charge. Benefits and other pow-wows will be listed on the Pow-wow Trail page of TCNN. 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. The letters to the editor does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the PIO staff.

Comanche Nation Officials Chairman Michael Burgess Vice Chairman Richard Henson Secretary/Treasurer Robert Tippeconnie Committeeman No.1 Ron Red Elk Committeeman No.2 Mark Wauahdooah Committeeman No.3 Darrell Kosechequetah Committeeman No.4 Clyde Narcomey (Acting)Tribal Administrator William Owens To contact officials: Comanche Nation P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla. 73502 Toll Free: (877) 492-4988 Physical Address 584 Bingo Rd. Lawton, OK 73505

The Comanche Nation News is a Member of the Native American Journalist Association since 2001

Comanche Nation Chairman Michael Burgess

Good Day, ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to follow up with the news that almost all of our Nations’ citizens’ are aware of: the Budget and assorted issues have passed! This means that the new increase of per-cap has been approved by the Tribal Council. The next step for the CBC is to forward this request, because it is a request from the Tribal Council to increase the per-cap from 40% to 60%, of net gaming revenues. Additionally the CBC has to prepare a new budget for approval which will reflect the new decrease over-all of the budget.

So with this new development of the Tribal Council, and with the growing need of team work required for the Nation to provide quality service to our citizens, we now continue with the development and reorganization which the CBC initiated in April of 2009.

The reorganization structure is something that is needed. This will help to coordinate our dollars into more services for the people as we are slowly running out of office space and need to upgrade and increase office space at the Nation’s Headquarters. Therefore we, the CBC, are now working on a calendar of dates to establish

community meetings wherein we can discuss the new Budget and the number of amendments which have been recommended for the Constitution.

Recently I attended the National Congress of American Indians, NCAI, and it is with great pride to state that the NCAI passed a resolution which was drafted by the Comanche Nation. This resolution is to protect our court status, rather the status of the CFR Court to be the Nations’ Court of record. It is not only for the Comanche, but many other native Nations’ which have the Bureau of Indian Affairs, BIA, CFR Court serve as their Tribal Court. This was necessary due to the resurgence of a lawsuit against the Comanche Nation which had surfaced in 2005 – 2006. The suit was filed by CDST, LLC against the Comanche Nation, but with Hobbs, Strauss, Dean, & Walker Law Firm leading our battle that suit was dismissed in CFR Court! A recent development against the Kiowa Tribe led by an investment group out of Florida, Panther Partners, LLC, has surfaced which threatens to rewrite our win over CDST, therefore the Nation appeared at NCAI, Rapid City, S.D., sponsoring a

resolution to preserve the CFR Court as our Court of official record. Therefore our membership in this organization is well founded and necessary to have all of Indian Country supporting our position.

I am inviting as many members of the community who can, to come to the installation of the new CBC members on July 10th. We look forward to working with members who desire to serve the community.

The CBC is receptive to ideas from the community and is willing to work with all facets of the community that are there to assist the nation. The CBC will have its meeting on July 10, 2010, due to the Holiday of July 4th being on the first weekend of July. Again I hope to see many of you there to assist with the Installation of new members and a reception for outgoing members Asepermy and Mahseet.

There are many new ventures which are brought to the attention of the C B C and it takes time to search out all participants and to hear what they each have to offer to the Nation. It is through these efforts that we, the C B C, have to consult and discuss the best options with one another on

File Photo

what it is that we can actually achieve. On that note please remember ladies and gentlemen, that our form of government has to change. We have a chance in the near future to affect a government that will have a full-time Business Committee which can work through sub-committees to achieve those goals which Tribal Council has put before the CBC. No longer can the Nation afford to have ‘one’ leader doing the brunt of work of the CBC. We actually need a full-time Executive Staff to assist the CBC with legal, political and administrative analysis on the functions of programs and funding sources. Such a structure can go far in keeping the Comanche Nation at the cusp of information and capable of making strong, positive decisions when we are all at the Nations headquarters on a daily basis.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please pay attention to the dates that we establish for the Constitutional hearings and bring your ideas with you to help us create a strong government for the future of our children.

Elder Center Advisory Board One of the Many Agenda Items at the June 12 Monthly Business Committee Meeting

By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an overview of the June 12 Comanche Business Committee Meeting, and not the official minutes. To attain a copy of the meeting minutes, call the Office of the Comanche Nation Chairman, (580) 492-3251.

The June 12 Comanche Business Committee (CBC) meeting was called to order at 10:07 a.m. by Chairman Michael Burgess.

Secretary/Treasurer Robert Tippeconnie conducted roll call of the CBC. CBC No. 1, Edmond Mahseet, was not present. A quorum was established.

Asepermy made a motion to amend the agenda.

Tippeconnie seconded the motion. The motion carries 5/0.

Resolutions Resolution No. 57-10 Enrollment List No. 827 ineligible; Resolution No. 58-10 Enrollment List No. 828 ineligible; Resolution No. 59-10 Enroll-

ment List No. 829 ineligible.

Chairman Burgess entertained a motion to combine the three resolutions into one vote. CBC No. 4 Clyde Narcomey made a motion to accept the resolutions. Asepermy seconded the motion. The motion carries 5/0.

Resolution No. 60-10 Enrollment List No. 830 eligible.

Asepermy made a motion to accept the resolution. CBC No. 3, Darrell Kosechequetah, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0. The population of the Comanche Nation is 14,798 members with the new enrollments.

Resolution No. 61-10 Disaster/Emergency Manager.

Asepermy made a motion to accept the resolution. Narcomey seconded the motion. The motion carries 5/0.

Resolution No. 62-10 Authorized Signatures. (Add Vice Chair to sign) Narcomey made

a motion to accept the resolution. Asepermy seconded the motion. The motion carries 4/1.

Resolution No. 63-10 Tahah.

Moved to Executive Session.

Resolution No. 64-10 Accounting. (Update the Accounting Policy) Narcomey made a motion to accept the resolution. Kosechequetah seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0.

Motions Motion-Chairman Travel to Shoshone Reunion June 27July 1. Asepermy makes a motion to allow Chairman to travel to the Shoshone Reunion.

Narcomey seconds the motion.

The motion carries 5/0.

Motion-Chairman Travel to Native American Journalist Association (NAJA) Conference.

Tippeconnie makes a motion to allow Chairman to travel to the Native American Journalist Association Conference. He

added Darrell Kosechequetah to travel to NAJA. Seconded

by Asepermy. The motion carries 5/0.

Motion- Donate $1,000 to assist with Traveling Wall.

Asepermy makes a motion to donate $1,000 to assist the Traveling Wall. Narcomey seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0.

Motion-HIP help tribal member repair FEMA trailer $2,000.

Narcomey makes a motion to assist tribal member with $2,000 to repair FEMA trailer.

Burgess seconds the motion.

The motion carries 4/1.

Motion-Elder Advisory Board.

Narcomey makes a motion for the Elder Center Advisory Board. Vice Chairman Richard Henson seconds the motion.

The motion carries 4/0 1 abstain.

July 2010

3

The Comanche Nation News

Comanche Nation Election Board Voting Results for the June 5 Election and the July 3 Run-Off Election

July 2010

4

The Comanche Nation News

July 2010

ELECTION Continued from Page 1

5

The Comanche Nation News

What is the Next Step in the Revenue Allocation Plan?

Secretary Treasurer Tippeconnie Explains the Procedure for Overall Approval

Submitted by Robert Tippeconnie/ Comanche Nation Secretary Treasurer

Comanche will gather is the Comanche Homecoming Celebration. I asked the Comanche Homecoming Committee if we could have the election there and the committee, being a vital part of Comanche culture, graciously allowed us to have our elections during their activity. They are also being helpful in this Comanche issue. The Comanche Homecoming is a vital part of the Comanche culture. It is not their election, it is not their responsibility. They are allowing us to have a booth and vote during their annual.”

How the Election Came About

Emhoolah took the initiative to oversee the election after a resolution to vote for a new Comanche Tribal Director and Comanche Princess was passed at the April 17 General Council and May 8 General Council Continuance Meeting.

“This princess dilemma has gone around in a circle.

Myself, as a tribal member, I was present as a child during the takeover, and I saw those elders, and saw their strength to get things done. This is of no interest to me and was the last thing on my mind but as a tribal member I did see this issue going around and around in a circle. General Council voted on it once; they voted on it twice, and it took up so much time at the second general council meeting. It was one of those things where the issue is closed and we are going in a circle over something that has already been decided. ”

Emhoolah said American Indian Exposition President, Lucy Wabaunasee, told her if a tribe does not agree with the American Indian Exposition guidelines, the issues goes back to the tribe, and whatever the tribe decides, the American Indian Exposition Board will agree with the decision and honor it.

A total of 26 total hours were given on the Comanche Princess issue over a period of time from the two general council meetings to the special meetings held.

“Our Comanche people wanted something done. It was real simple and to the point; get it done. But nobody wanted to get it done because it is not our Comanche way to go around hurting people, and it is obvious there is a family hurting out of it, but our tribe cannot stop functioning for one family,” said Emhoolah. “A question was brought and asked to the general council and the general council gave its an-

The Code of Federal Regulations, CFR 25, part 290 explains the Tribal Revenue Allocation Plan (RAP). The RAP is a document that describes how a Tribe will allocate net gaming revenues.

The RAP is reviewed and approved by the Appropriate Bureau of Indian Affairs Official (ABO).

An Indian Tribe that intends to make a per capita payment from net gaming revenues must submit a Revenue Allocation Plan.

Tina Emhoolah took the initiative

A Tribe must have an to help the CBC by overseeing the approved RAP to make per capJuly 17 Comanche Director and Comanche Nation Princess elec- ita payments from net gaming tion. revenues and if not approved by the ABO they will be in swer. We many not like the an- violation of the Indian Gaming swer and may not agree with Regulatory Act (IGRA-federal the answer, but it was given, law). let’s get it done. I came up as a tribal member and said since no one wants stand up and get this done, I’ll do it. We are going to have an election and we are going to get done what the people want done.”

Emhoolah explained she will oversee the election for the CBC so they could concentrate on other issues such as the budget. She further explained this is not a committee, but her and some chosen few who agreed to help her.

Inspiration

Her inspiration comes from the teaching her grandfather, Roy Parker Sr., told her about Comanche women who were not afraid to fight.

“We as Comanche women were told about this group of women who used to go to war and fight along side our men. In that same respect, this is something that needed to be done so rather than fight against our CBC and blame and throw stones, let’s help them let’s fight along with them for our causes. Let me do what I can as a tribal member,” said Emhoolah.

Terms for Princess and Director

Emhoolah explained the director that will have a two year term and the princess who will be elected will begin her reign in July and end her reign at the 2011 Comanche Nation Fair. The tribe will choose a new princess every year at the Comanche Nation Fair.

“This is what our people chose when it was presented at the General Council, the governing body of the tribe, our governing body made the decision by majority vote that we will pick our own princess and we will pick our own director” Guidelines

Emhoolah said she is working on putting some standards, policies and procedures, code of conduct, and a dress code. When the new director comes in she will have some basic guidelines to go by.

“The Comanche people have certain standards they want the Comanche Princess to go by when she represents them. In the past there were unwritten rules for the director on what should be done and how to do it.”

It will be included in the policies and procedures the director will go the tribal PIO Office to help him/her put announcements out.

The goals of federal Indian policy that Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) was to promote tribal economic development, tribal self-sufficiency and strong tribal governments.

Implicit in these goals is the concept of tribal self-determination.

The RAP must include a percentage breakdown of the uses for which allocations will be made.

The Plan must reserve an adequate portion of net gaming revenues for one or more of the following purposes: Fund tribal governmental operation or programs, Provide for the general welfare of the tribe or its members, Promote tribal economic development, Donate to charitable organizations and Help fund operations

of local government.

The ABO will review the Plan to be sure it complies with IGRA particularly regarding funding for tribal government operations or programs and for promoting tribal economic development.

The RAP must protect and preserve the interests of minors and other legally incompetent persons who are entitled to per capita payments.

The RAP must be adopted in accordance with Tribal law.

Revisions or amendments to a RAP must be submitted to the ABO for approval to ensure compliance with CFR 25, Part 290.12 and IGRA.

July 2010

6

The Comanche Nation News

PROGRAMS Tax Commission Summation Report for May 2010

The Expenditures for October 1, 2009 through May 31, 2010 for (FY 10) were:

$487,243 The monthly average expenditures are $60,905.

Taxes and Revenue collected from October 1, 2009 through May 31, 2010 for (FY 10) were approximately $1,798,093 the monthly average collections are $224,762 collections are down [-17%] from last year.

The tobacco tax collections are $951,206 down [-15%] compared to last year.

The oil and gas collections are $326,930 up +10% compared to last year.

$2,265,500 has been allocated for the four quarters for the Tax Supplemental monies. The first, second and third quarter allocation has been paid in the amount of $1,699,125.

The monthly City National Bank Statement for May 2010 has been reconciled by the Hatch, Croke And Associates, Jim Patterson, the Tax Commission Executive Chairman and CNTC staff with no discrepancies. Hatch, Croke and Associates, P.C., are giving us our monthly financial reports and have reconciled the FY 2010 financial up to date with no major discrepancies. The Tax Commission is audited annually by another independent C.P.A. firm and our 2009 annual audit is completed with no discrepancies. Our Annual audits are up to date and complete with no discrepancies.

Elder’s Council Goes Out West

April 8-11, the Comanche Nation Elder’s Council made a trip to Albuquerque N.M.

The Elder’s Council arrived at Laguns Rainbow Nursing Home, the guide for the Elder’s was tribal elder Geneva Navarro.

Laguns Rainbow Nursing Home was built in 1979 at which time it only accepted it’s tribal members only. Today they house members from many tribes.

The nursing home is a 50 bed facility, it currently has a waiting list for residency. The staff of the facility speaks many different tribal languages.

The patients living there seem to be younger due to drugs and alcohol. The average age of patients are 35 to 65 years old. The oldest residents are two ladies, one who is 103, which she is referred to as “Grandma Lorraine”, and another lady who is 100, her name is Carrie Truillio. Both ladies are very active and are still able to walk and get around very well.

The elder’s also visited the Museum of New Mexico and Museum of Indian Arts and Culture.Finishing off the trip the elder’s went to Santa Fe International Folk Art Market.

Comanche Nation Fitness Center Creates A First-Of-Its-Kind

Martin Flores getting a early jump on pumping some iron for the strong man competition during the Comanche Nation Fair.

Courtesy Photos

Fitness Center Employees are, from left, Martin Flores, Angelina Ketner, Asaan Fife, and Toqua-hanai Ticeahkie.

By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

The Comanche Nation Fitness Center has created a Strong Warriors Weight lifting Club to promote health and wellbeing.

Any given day the fitness center is open, one can see the many men and women utilizing the fitness center to its extent. The weight lifting club is a positive way to promote a healthy lifestyle and get into shape.

The Strong Warriors Weight lifting Club was founded by Toqua-hanai Ticeahkie and Martin Flores with the vision to promote a health and fitness program to concentrate on strength conditioning among Native American men and women. This kind of club has never been done before in Indian Country that targets a specific tribe for a diabetes pro-

gram.

“We are proud to be the first to start a weight lifting club specifically for native men and for a diabetes program,” says Toqua-hanai Ticeahkie. “Although it is open to all, we are gearing it toward Native men because we saw a need to bring fathers and husbands in the fitness center. By implementing it to them, their families will soon follow.”

The Strong Warriors Weight lifting Club is now accepting applications to join.

Membership to the club is free and is open to new recruits all year around. All applicants will receive a health screening, strength assessment, an individualized workout program, starter’s workout packet, and will receive a members-only Tshirt.

“If you want to lose weight, get tone, get cut, get bigger muscles, get strong, or get stronger, please sign up and join the Strong Warriors Weight lifting Club,” said Ticeahkie. “Help us make history in the health and fitness field of Indian Country.”

The club will have a weight lifting competition. All participants must have a CDIB in order to compete. The six events are: • Bench Press Max • Pound for Pound ( Strength Weight Ratio) • Bend Press Endurance • Vertical Jump • Broad Jump • Dips

There are eight differ-

ent weight, age, and gender categories with 54 possible winners.

The rules for the competition can be picked up at the Comanche Nation Fitness Center, 904 SW F St., Lawton.

“Our mission is to maximize the use of the Comanche Nation Fitness Center and to increase the participation of the Workout Warriors Program and the Strong Warriors Weight lifting Club with the surrounding Native American communities,” said Ticeahkie.

“Our goal is to allow Native Americans to opportunity to be recognized and to showcase their physical fitness abilities in order to promote a heathy lifestyle.”

Suicide Prevention Training Tomah Yeahquo/News Staff

The Family Assistance Living Center hosted Amy Cozad the Director of the Kiowa Injury Prevention Program/ Teen Suicide Prevention Program; she gave a 90 minute training session on Question Persuade Refer (Q.P.R.) “Gatekeepers” Training and Intervention. The training session was held June 10, at the Comanche Nation Family Assistance Center.

The training introduction gave instruction on questions to ask, technique to persuade against the lasting conditions of suicide and how to refer the person to counseling, Cozad is one of two trainers in the state of Oklahoma with a back ground in suicide prevention. The Kiowa Tribe is the only tribe out of all 39 tribes in Oklahoma to provide this type of service. The Comanche Nation Family Assistance Center along with the Domestic Violence Specialist Teresa Lopez will be forming a partnership with the Kiowa Teen Suicide Prevention Program for training to assist with suicide prevention.

For more information contact the Kiowa Injury Prevention/Teen Suicide Prevention Program at (580) 654-2300 (ext 361).

Courtesy Photo

FIRST TO GRADUATE FOR VICTIM ADVOCATES. Jennie Reed of the Comanche Nation Family Assistance Center, has completed her Certification Training at East Central University. The training was the first graduating class in the state of Oklahoma. The class was for Victim Advocates and was 20 online hours and 60 classroom hours. Reed is now a Certified Victim Advocate from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.

July 2010

7

The Comanche Nation News

July 2010

8

The Comanche Nation News

SUMMER YOUTH PAGE EDITOR’S NOTE: The Comanche Nation News is proud to have Summer Youth Worker Elizabeth Tiger cover help cover stories and learn about journalism at the PIO Office. Tiger was chosen to participate in the Native American Journalist Association’s 2010 Project Phoenix, which helps budding Native American journalists, such as Tiger,work in a real newsroom setting and produce a daily paper for the week of the NAJA Conference July 19-23.

Buffalo Campers Have Fun Learning Science and Math

What are you going with your Summer Youth Money?

Kaylo Laurenzana, Zoologist Assistant Kristan Baugm RN, Angelica Blackstar.

Story and Photos by Elizabeth N. Tiger/ Summer Youth Reporter

Chelsea , Taylor Yokesuite.

Julian Wahnee, 19, freshmen in Haskell College “Saving up for a car, and going to pick up all the rez bunnies on the Comanche, Kiowa, and Caddo County. Then go to Buffalo Wild Wings.”

Photo’s taken by Elizabeth N. Tiger

Renee Mclung, Cierra Blackowl.

Buffalo campers looking at animal skulls and hides.

Story and Photos by Elizabeth N. Tiger Summer Youth Reporter

Hanna Tehauno, 17, Elgin High School, Junior “Saving half of it for school clothes, help my mom and dad with some bills. Also some concerts and the Comanche Nation Fair.”

On June 6, the kids at the Comanche Nations College’s Buffalo Camp learned how to determine if the animal ate vegetation or if it ate meat.

They had to determine how much it weighed; they also had to figure out how they survived in the wild.

They had to conduct a lab on thermoregulation and surface to volume ratios where student form clay animals and measure the change in body temperatures as the animals are

subjected to hot or cold temperatures. Afterwards, students followed each step carefully and went on to conduct a lab on the effect on pollutants on stream organisms.

The students sample organisms from a simulated stream (vinyl floor runner) and determine biodiversity. Students also measure water quality of pond water sample (with microscopes). Then campers went on to observe the behavior and measure the metabolic

rate (C02 and 02 consumption) of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches.

The purpose for the Buffalo camp is to have students learn science and math while they have fun, The kids will leave this camp with a new look on science and math. This is the first ever Camp Buffalo that the Comanche College has launched. They have 35 American Indian students in two groups: 6th Grade through 9th Graders and 10th through 12th

Graders.

They reserved the CNC Auditorium to combine the two classes for No.4:

“Students Could compare and contrast morphology of animals (skulls and skins) from our museum collection.”

Said Zoologist Dr. Tarren J. Shaw.

Carlos Dominguez typing the employee’s into the program.

Zhana Tonips, 15, Riverside High school, Junior “Save it up for some school clothes.”

Hanna Tenhauno filing employee’s time sheets (Human Resource’s Department)

Glen Heminokeky, 19, Military Marines “Save it for whatever floats my boat.”

Summer Youth Worker Julian Wahnee, Motor Pool washing company cars.

The Beginning of Summer Youth Worker’s Program The First Week of the Program Students Stayed Busy with Orientation and Interviews Story by Elizabeth N. Tiger Summer Youth Reporter

Carlos Dominguez, 16, Elgin High School, Junior “Buying a system for my truck, some new rims and saving a little bit of it.”

Darius Asepermy, 17, Apache High School, freshmen “Going to buy a new cell phone, new clothes and maybe get a lip piercing.”

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Programs provide employment and training activities for economically disadvantaged youth ages 14 to 21.

Certain provisions of the new WIA Law substantially reform youth programming and places a new emphasis on serving youth within a comprehensive local workforce development system that integrates summer and year-round services for youth.

Youth programs are divided into two groups; one for

youth ages 14 to 18, and the other for youth ages 19 to 21.

`The following ten program elements are available to youth participants in developing the youth’s individual service strategy.

This program lasts all year round, or 4 – 8 weeks.

Some of the work sites are at the Comanche Nation Water Park, Environmental Offices, Indian Hospital, Comanche College, Fitness Center, the Golf course in Anadarko, IHS, and the Apache day care centers.

The WIA program has been around since 1988, this program is designed to help people to get jobs. “In this year’s program we have 70 percipients in the youth program, 60 of youth workers are employed,” said Chad Tahchawwickah.

The Orientation was a week long process. On the first day all the youth workers stood in line for a drug test. Later on in the week they had people who participated in the WIA program speak.

The youth workers

asked questions to the WIA speakers about their jobs.

Janet Saupitty and Allison Steinmeyer demonstrates the difference between a good interview and a bad interview.

Then the youth workers picked out the job sites where they wanted to work.

On the last day of the week, supervisors from some of the job sites came to the orientation to interview some of the youth workers for their department positions.

July 2010

9

The Comanche Nation News

Comanche Nation College Congratulates Nursing Students Submitted by Comanche Nation College Staff

Three students from the original first cohort of the Comanche Nation College Practical Nursing Program have recently passed their NCLEX (nursing boards) standardized tests successfully.

The completion of the

NCLEX—the National Council Licensure Examination—is the final step to determine competency before being granted a license to practice nursing by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.

Eligibility to take the

NCLEX includes the study and completion of a program at an institution with approval from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Other steps in licensing include items such as a background check.

Two other students

Photo by Fred Codynah Jr /News Staff

Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

COMANCHE SIGNS PLACE FIRST IN CAR SHOW. Mike Kosechequetah, center, manager of Comanche signs won first place in the Business Class. In a free car show in Cache,Okla. June 19,2010. The car show was put on by Relentless Ridaz. A Christian Car Club. Employees, left, Matt Mowatt and, right, Raquel Wahlenberg also did the wraps on the Comanche College, bottom left, and the Comanche Waterpark vehicles.

from the first cohort are also eligible to take the NCLEX exam this summer.

“The passing of state boards is a declaration of the competency of a student to provide safe and appropriate care to their patients,” said Coman-

che Nation College nursing director Marsha Tahquechi.

“It is also a rite of passage into the practice of nursing. It is the beginning of a spiritual and professional journey, a career that will involve many challenges and rewards.”

July 2010

10

The Comanche Nation News

COMANCHE LIFESTYLES

Descendants of Quanah Parker Gather at Annual Reunion to Honor the Chief’s Legacy

Story and Photos by Paula Karty/News Staff

Akoneto Completes Summer Arts Institute

Thomasina Rose Akoneto of Anadarko has completed the prestigious 2010 Summer Arts Institute held at the Quartz Mountain Resort.

Over 1,400 talented students auditioned for 270 places in the institute. Sine 1977, the O.A.I., has recruited nationally renowned artists to teach a fine arts program for talented Oklahoma youth. Each student selected are required to complete a intensive arts academy.

Akoneto’s maternal Comanche families are the Saupitty, Chibitty and Red Elk families, her paternal Comanche family is Looking Glass.

Akoneto is very proud of her Comanche tribe. She is also Kiowa and Ft. Sill Apache descent. Akoneto is the Oklahoma Tia-Piah Society Princess, which to her and her family is a very great honor.

Akoneto plans to attend the Comanche Nation College this fall.

Kassanavoid Places First in Dahlia Garden Club

Tribal elder Virgie Kassanavoid placed first at the district and third at state in the senior division of the Dahlia Garden Club butterfly coloring contest.

Kassanavoid received her honors from Flowers at the annual Pahcheka Family Reunion at the Pahcheka homestead south of Cache, Okla., on Memorial Day.

For information about the next butterfly coloring contest which the Dahlia Garden Club plans to begin in late August, please call Flowers (580) 357-9008.

Riverside Indian School Class of 1970 Reunion

In conjunction with the American Indian Exposition, the 1970 class of Riverside Indian Boarding School will hold its 40th class reunion 1 p.m.-4 p.m. August 4.

Edwina Crowe Jones, Eastern Cherokee author and valedictorian of the 1970 class will be doing a book talk at the Anadarko Community Library.

She will discuss her two books, Return to Riverside, which was published in 2009, and Aliens in God's Country, which was published in May 2010. Return to Riverside documents the experiences of the class of 1970 and Aliens in God's Country follows the journey of a modern day American Indian woman who lives for decades with The Great White Family in a place where she is the only American Indian.

Friends and alumni of Riverside are invited to gather at Cross Timbers Restaurant in Anadarko 5 p.m. August 5 for dinner. Everyone pays for their own meal at that time.

On August 7, the Riverside Alumni Association will host their annual reception at 9:00 a.m.

For further information, please contact Edwina Jones at returntoriverside@yahoo.com.

The Quanah Parker Family Reunion began it’s yearly celebration on June 11.

A special ceremony was held at Parker’s original home site located on Ft. Sill’s west range.

A teepee was erected with Parker’s oldest grandson, Baldwin Parker, in attendance.

Singers were on hand to render songs for the Comanche and the American Flags to be placed on each side of the teepee.

Anna Tahmahkera opened the ceremony with a prayer said in the Comanche language. Songs were sung such as the Memorial song, a Veterans song and the Comanche Flag song.

Twanna Spivey spoke about how it has been since he has been associated with the home site, which is a total of 28 years. Spivey told how the flowers still bloom around the foundation of the old house, how the original well were Parker and his family drew water was still there, along with Parker’s original brand which is a circle within a circle. Spivey said it was a great honor to be standing on the grounds were history was made.

Since Parker was known to be a man that participated in the Native American Church, Don Parker and Aaron Parker sung four Native American Church songs inside of the teepee.

Scott Nicholson of the Texas Parkers, who’s grandfather was Joe Bailey Parker, who is a direct descendant of Cynthia Ann Parker, exchanged a sliver bowl with the Parker Family, which has been done for several years. The bowl is to symbolize the kinship between the Texas Parkers and the Oklahoma Parkers.

Gary Pratt performed a special song he wrote about the Battle of the Adobe Walls.

Don Parker and Aaron Parker sung the original Adobe Walls song.

Baldwin Parker, 91, who is the oldest living grandson of Quanah Parker, sung a Comanche hymn with the help of Jarvis Poahway. Parker said it was a thrill to be at the home site of his grandfather and that he wish he was born when his grandfather was alive. Parker said that he enjoys the reunions because it gives him a chance to see his relatives again.

Saturday’s event took place at the grave site of Quanah Parker, which is located at the Ft. Sill Cemetery.

Eagle staffs were place in front of Parker’s tombstone, and a wreath was placed in front of Cynthia Ann’s tombstone.

The Comanche Nation flag and the American flag was placed on the north side of the grave, by the Comanche War Scouts.

The Cable Family sung a Comanche Hymn, and Leland Parker performed a song on the flute called “Numunu.”

Family members from Texas were asked to stand and be recognized.

The event ended with a pow-wow at the high school auditorium.

Donnie Parker sings four peyote songs at the grave site of Quanah Parker located at Ft. Sill Cemetery. Donnie Parker is carrying on the tradition of the Native American Church in which Quanah Parker participated.

Scott Nicholson, a direct descendant of Cynthia Ann Parker holds up the sliver bowl which is exchanged between the Texas Parkers and the Oklahoma Parkers every year.

Baldwin Parker, 91, the eldest grandson of Quanah Parker attends the ceremony at his grandfather’s original home site.

The Cable Family performs a Comanche Hymn at the grave site of Quanah Parker, at Saturday morning event of the Parker Family Reunion.

Twanna Spivey talks about how long he has been associated with the original home site.

Family members from Texas were in attendance for the Saturday morning event at the grave site. These people are direct descendants of Cynthia Ann Parker (mother of Quanah Parker).

Gary Pratt performs a song he wrote about the Battle of the Adobe Walls which is called “Adobe Walls.”

July 2010

11

The Comanche Nation News

People, Places, and Things Happening ed service.

Indian Hospital Recognizes Nurses Week in May Griffits Accepted to

The work of more than Native American 2,700 nurses in the Indian Political Leadership Health Service, dedicated to Program providing safe quality patient care to improve the health of our nations’ American Indian/ Alaska natives was the focus of this year's National Nurses Week, May 6-12 throughout the United States. This year, the Lawton Indian Hospital adopted the American Nurses Association (ANA) theme "Nurses: Caring Today for a Healthier Tomorrow” during week-long activities.

According to Hickory Starr, CEO “This past year our facility completed Joint Commission and have just completed extensive work to implement an Electronic Health Record management system that we believe will significantly improve performance and services to benefit our patients.

We are especially proud of the enthusiasm and tremendous efforts shown by our nursing staff throughout this process”

Public events began Thursday, May 6, 9 a.m. with a Proclamation to be presented by Health Advisory Board Chairman, Lupe Gooday followed by a reception,; Dr. Valerie Eschiti, OU College of Nursing presented Cancer Disparities Among American Indians by Dr. Valerie Eschiti, OU College of Nursing with a lunch was provided. On Friday; ; May 7, 11:00-1pm a What’s Happening Carousel featured community health programs highlighting services available in the surrounding area; , Monday, May 10, 12:151 p.m. Work Out Warriors and Diabetes Initiatives featured local initiatives on diabetes

by Martin Weryackwe, Asaan Fife, and Marilyn Figueroa, Comanche Nation Diabetes Program,; Tuesday, May 11, Dr. Karen Peters OU College of Nursing presented “Protecting Our Children; The Nurses Role in Human Trafficking” by Dr. Karen Peters OU College of Nursing. The week ended Wednesday, May 12, with a Nurse Recognition Luncheon that included gifts Certificates of Appreciation f tor Marilyn Kassanavoid and Linda SmithHarris were recognized for more than 30 years of dedicat-

Kasie Griffitts, a senior at the University of Oklahoma, has been accepted to participate in the Native American Political Leadership Program (NAPLP) at The George Washington University in Washington DC, sponsored by AT&T. This program brings together undergraduate and graduate Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaskan Native students from around the country for an intensive semester of coursework, hands-on skills practicum with political professionals, and meetings and events with key national leaders and organizations.

The summer 2010 NAPLP class can anticipate visiting the Pentagon, the White House, meeting NBC News Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Andrea Mitchell, and the national committees for both parties.

NAPLP students take advantage of their time here by interfacing with national Indian leaders, including those at the National Congress of the American Indian, the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the National Indian Education Association, the Smithsonian Museum, and the US Congress.

Students this semester will continue to meet with national leaders and organizations, but with an added eye toward the competitive 2010 mid-term elections.

Griffitts is interning at the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the Youth Management Office, and is also a part of the Secretary of Interior’s Fellows Program. Griffitts will also participate in SIW’s practicum in which she will work as part of a team of students under the tutelage of a professional campaign expert in developing a campaign plan for a 2010 Sen-

Redbird Celebrates 10th Wedding Anniversary

2000

2010

Steven L. and Jana L. Redbird celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary June 18, at the Tanedooah Family Reunion, were the couple were married in 2000.

Steven’s Comanche family is the Kopaddy family and Jana’s Comanche families are the Saupitty, Chibitty and Red Elk families.

They have one son Roman Redbird of Seattle, Washington and two daughters, Thomasina R. Akoneto and Angel R. Redbird.

Both Steven and Jana are currently employed at the Comanche Nation Waterpark, where Steven is Security Supervisor and Jana at the season pass office and also an employee of Riverside Indian School.

ate campaign.

The Native American Political Leadership Program offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to study and earn credit toward their degree at The George Washington University, while experiencing the nation’s capital and developing career direction for their post-graduation endeavors. For more information on NAPLP, call 202-9948908 or check the program’s web site at www.naplp.gwu. edu

Only four were selected, two of them being from Oklahoma. Besides Griffits, the other was from the Cherokee tribe.

She is the daughter of Ronald Ramos and Kasie Griffits.

Pohawpatchoko Honored at National Victims Rights Week

Kevin G. Pohawpatchoko is a Special Agent with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Office of Justice Service (OJS) District V, Northern Cheyenne Agency.

He was honored at the National Crimes and Victim’s Rights Week held in Billings, Montana. During this event Matt Pryor, BIA/OJS Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of District V announced he has been selected for position of Supervisory Special Agent/Chief of Police for the BIA/OJS Division of Law Enforcement Services, District II, Pawnee Agency, Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Region 8 Rodeo Association Letter for Sponsorship

Let me take this opportunity to re -introduce you to the sport of Rodeo, we the, Muscogee Creek Nation, are bringing back the Region 8 Rodeo Association. And we need your help in doing so.

We are asking all tribes in a Seven State Region to con-

tact your cowboys and cowgirls to participate in our organization. This year we are adding Junior and Senior events. The top 3 from the Junior and Senior Division will represent us in Las Vegas, Nevada at the INFR finals. This is a first for the Juniors at the finals.

Also, if you would like to have a rodeo in your state we would be Glad to help you to get it sanctioned. We in the Indian communities have great cowboys and cowgirls so lets get behind them and show the rest of the world.

Thank you so very much for your time. And hopefully many Of your cowboys and cowgirls. First Region 8 rodeo was held June 25,26,27 . In Okmulgee ok ArringtonMcspadden arena Just off highway. 75

Sincerely Shirley Martin Region 8 advertising and promotional director Cell; 918894-3854.

July 2010

12

The Comanche Nation News

SPORTS

Law Enforcement Hosts Softball Tournament to Help Youth Shelter

Conneywerdy Earns Golf Honors

Hope Conneywerdy from Red Rock earned a spot at the State of Oklahoma Class 2A Golf Tournament held at Sugar Creek Canyon in Hinton, Okla., and received All-State honors by the Oklahoma Coaches Association (OCA).

Conneywerdy finished her junior and senior years as a top 10 medalist for Class A,B and 2A which earned her an invitation to the Oklahoma Girls Golf Classic held at the John Conrod Golf Course in Midwest City, Okla.

The golf classic was sponsored by the Oklahoma Junior Golf Association.

Conneywerdy is a graduate of Frontier High School and her parents are Cruz and Gina Conneywerdy.

She has a younger sister Autumn Conneywerdy.

Her grandmother is Joyce Wahnee Plumley.

Her great-grandparents are Donald and Rena Dupoint, Rita Wahnee, Selma Herrea, Naomi Tehauno, Carlene Conneywerdy, Truman Conneywerdy, Adrian Conneywerdy, and the late Tylor Wahnee. Her great-great-grandparents are the late Charles and Julia (Monoessy)

Photos by Paula Karty/News Staff

PLAYING BALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE. The Comanche Nation Law Enforcement, with the help from the Enrollment Dept. and volunteers, raised $2,100 for the CRYS Youth Shelter by having a co-ed softball tournament June 25-26. The money went to playground equipment, supplies and materials for healthier living. Winning the tournament was Phakeouts, top picture; second place went to SWAT, left, and third went to Amost There.

July 2010

13

DEAR TCNN Letters to the Editor Dear TCNN,

As founder of ICare and over 20 years sobriety, I feel now is an excellent time to inform tribal members of this new organization. Since 2006 when I-Care was first presented to both General Council and CBC, our mission is to fight alcoholism and drug abuse among our people.

When you, the people discuss this with friends and relatives, we tend to swept it under the rug when it should be talked about in an open manner. This is the reason why I chose the name ICare because it is accepting and does not provide stigma to people. The official name is Southwest Oklahoma I-care Inc., as listed in Oklahoma and IRS who also has us as a 501 non-profit independent Indian organization.

We possess a tax exemption number necessary for charitable purposes, in order to accept any gifts or other items such as office furniture etc. as a simple donation. It’s all legal. It is a tax write off and benefits both the giver and receiver.

Comanche Nation would not necessarily be the only contributing member, but may include other tribal programs. My thinking was to include KCA and WCD and Ft. Sill Apaches because of intertribal marriages.

Surely If I-Care were to function today, many of our clients would include other tribes. Already, I have taken the liberty of notifying those elected officials of I-Care and its purpose. I-Care has received denials from private corporations such as Haliburton Oil, Chesapeake Energy and several Indian casino programs nationwide. The reason is we have no track record. No one knows if our approach to treat clients will succeed and so the hesitation to commit funds is present.

I-Care wants to contract Comanche monies to be used as start-up cost factor. We ask for an opportunity to not only save lives, but to be a leader in the battle against alcoholism and drug abuse. Thus, we propose to implement a day treatment program when clients will signup for a 3-month period.

This is when an individual treatment plan will be set up for that person only. Day treatment will include intake, assessment, counseling, and referral if necessary and follow-up. Professional providers who work in the field of alcohol and drugs will come in and lecture at no cost to the program. What is evident is that clients can still remain with their families and even hold down

a job. I-Care will work with the judicial system asking that Comanche who will be locked-up for a long period of time, be released to I-Care. It would be our job to convince the courts that this day treatment would not only be cost effective but could affect the population that there is alternative rather than going to jail for DUI.

I along with tribal members believe this day treatment will working in favor of the Comanche people. I-Care just needs a start so why not invest tribal monies on a new program that is neede4d so much. Number can get obtained from HIS, jail, other tribal substance abuse program that Comanche do have problem in taking care of its own people. I have spoken to programs that will attest to this fact.

Lawton Indian Hospital is where I obtain statistical information of a 24% increase for Comanche’s only during a 12-month period of 2006 to 2007.

Adults only, male/female were treated for alcohol related purposes as both inpatient and outpatients

clients.

A person who has this kind of problem cannot be dependable or trustworthy. Each must be in good physical and mental health. The only way this can be done is to be sober and drug free.

It means so much to our people that good health is a path toward long life.

I am dedicated to this end and thank the 53 yes votes during the May 8, General Council where I spoke to the people via cell phone. I-Care only wanted to be placed on the voting ballot so a decision could be made by referendum vote for contracting Comanche monies accountable to the people and working with the CBC. Although the motion was turned down, I-Care will continue to seek funding. Abuse of alcohol and/or drugs is a very serious problem among our people. It deserves immediate action. I-Care can concentrate full time on getting people well and perhaps extending their lives. We just need support from the people.

Elton Yellowfish

Dear TCNN,

Thank you so much for sharing your insight on the recent ice storms in the Comanche Nation. We appreciate and value the experiences you presented at our Oklahoma Tribal Transportation Safety Summit in Midwest City. Thanks again for your participation. We look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely, OSU TTAP Jim Self, TTAP manager Karla Sisco, TTAP Specialist

The Comanche Nation News

July 2010

14

The Comanche Nation News

CIVA Introduces Veterans Medallion and Challenge Coin

MILITARY

Story and Photos Submitted by Lanny Asepermy

Courtesy Photo

Brigadier General George Promoted to Major General

U.S. Department of Defense- Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense News Release; the chief of staff, Air Force announced April 23, 2010 the following assignments.

Brig. Gen. Jonathan D. George, who has been selected for the rank of major general, director, strategic capabilities policy, National Security Council, Executive Office of the President, Washington, D.C., to assistant chief of staff, strategic deterrence and nuclear integration, Headquarters U. S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Brigadier General Jonathan D. George-Selected for promotion to major general and reassignment as Assistant Chief of Staff, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear integration, headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. Jonathan D. George is the Director, Strategic Capabilities Policy, National Security Council, Executive Office of the President, Washington, D.C.

General George was commissioned in 1981 and has had a variety of operational and staff assignments, including command of a bomb squadron, a bomb group, an air expeditionary wing, a bomb wing and an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance wing. His staff assignments have been at the Headquarters U.S. Air Force, U.S. Strategic Command, U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Energy.

The general is a command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours in various strike, reconnaissance and training aircraft.

General George is an enrolled member of the Comanche Tribe of Oklahoma.

Education1979 Bachelor of Science degrees in agronomy and education, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale 1985 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala 1990 Master of Public Administration degree, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

1995 NATO Defense College, Rome, Italy.

Assignments (17 total) February 1981- August 1985, student, undergraduate pilot training, later, T-37 instructor pilot and runway supervisor unit controller, 71st Flying Training Wing, Vance AFB, Okla. August 1985-August 1988, U-2 and TR-1 instructor and evaluator pilot, 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale AF, Calif. August 1988-August 1989, White House Fellow and special assistant to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. August 1989-Decemer 1990, graduate student, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. December1990-November 1993, Director of Operations and B-1 instructor aircraft commander, 46th Bomb Squadron, Grand Forks AFB, N.D. November 1993-December 1994, Chief of Safety, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, MO. December 1994- August 1995, student, NATO Defense College, Rome, Italy August 1995- October 1997, Commander, 393rd Bomb Squadron, later, Deputy Commander 509th Operation Group, Whiteman AFB, Mo. October 1997- May 2000, Director of Combat Operations and Senior Controller, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Neb. June 2000- December 2001, Commander,509th Operations Group, Whiteman

AFB, Mo. December 2001-December 2002, Director, Secretary of the Air Force and Air Force Chief of Staff Executive Action Group, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. January 2003- September 2004, Commander, 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess AFB, Texas and Commander 7th Air Expeditionary Wing, Anderson AFB, Guam. September 2004- September 2005, Deputy Director of Plans and Programs, Air Combat Command, Langley AFB, Va. September 2005March 2007, Commander, 55th Wing, Offutt AFB, Neb. April 2007- April 2008, Deputy Commanding General, Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan, U.S. Central Command, Kabul, Afghanistan May 2008- March 2009, Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Military Application, Deputy Administrator for Defense Program, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. March 2009- present, Director, Strategic Capabilities Policy, National Security Council, Washington, D.C. as a brigadier general.

Flight InformationRating: Command pilot; Flight hours: More than 4,000 hours; Aircraft flown: RC-135, B-1, B-2, U-2R, T-38 and T-37.

Major Awards and Decorations- Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal.

Effective Dates of PromotionSecond Lieutenant Feb. 4, 1981; First Lieutenant Feb.4, 1983; Captain Feb. 4, 1985; Major Oct. 1, 1991; Colonel Sept. 1, 1998; Brigadier General Feb. 16, 2006 (Current as of February 2010).

The Comanche Indian Veterans Association has designed, fabricated (by T&S Printing in Lawton) and are presenting a Comanche Veteran Medallion and Challenge Coins to Comanche Veterans for their honorable service in the Armed Forces.

The Medallion is bronze, 2 ½ inches in diameter with a red neck ribbon. The front of the medallion has a colored image of a Comanche Warrior on horseback with the words “FOR HONORABLE MILITARY SERVICE” on the top of the medallion and “COMANCHE NATION VETERAN” on the bottom. On both sides of the medallion are the wars our veterans have fought in – World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan. On the reverse side of the medallion is the CIVA emblem, in color, centered with the branches of the Armed Forces noted in a circle – Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard.

The Challenge Coin is also bronze 1 ¾ inches in diameter with a “rope” design around the outer portion of the coin. The front of the coin has the CIVA image centered with DUTY written above the image and HONOR written below the image – COMANCHE INDIAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION is written around the edges of the coin. The back of the coin has the Comanche Warrior on horseback centered with the branches of the Armed Forces surrounding the image – Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. On the outer edges of the coins it reads “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO GOD AND COUNTRY”.

The criteria for awarding the medallion is to selected CIVA Honorees during their three major events, the Armed Forces Day Banquet, the Memorial Day Ceremony and the Veterans Day Celebration and to active members who have participated for at least one year. The first medallion was presented to CIVA Commander, George Red Elk, by CBC Secretary/Treasurer Robert Tippeconnie during the 34th Annual Memorial Day Cer-

emony on May 31, 2010. Red Elk then presented medallions to active members Jimmy Caddo, Wilbur Sapcut, Larry Laurenzana, Benny Tahmahkera, Frank Hubbard, Lanny Asepermy, Albert Clark and honorees Clifford Quoyah, Laura Wauqua Phillips and Greg Poahway Steen. A special presentation was made on June 17th to former honorees Raymond Nauni, Eddie Mahseet and Clyde Narcomey. Numerous Challenge Coins have been presented to Comanche Veterans by Red Elk – there is no criteria except be a Comanche Veteran with honorable military service.

The CIVA honored seven veterans on Veterans Day and Armed Forces Day and four veterans on Memorial Day. Any veteran with honorable military service can be nominated for honors by calling George Red Elk at (580) 512-2225 or Lanny Asepermy at (580) 588-2846/678-4629.

The following information will be needed when nominating a Comanche veteran. Full name, rank, branch of service, photo (in uniform) and a DD214.

Since 2005 the CIVA has presented honors to over 150 veterans and Auxiliary members. Honors consist of an embroidered “Grateful Nation” Pendleton blanket, a miniature veterans horse, a plague, medallion, coin, CIVA coffee cup and cap and a honorarium.

The CIVA are looking for a few good veterans and Auxiliary (Comanche women/ widows married to a veteran or non-Comanche women/widows married to a Comanche veteran). If you decide to participate we will provide a beret, vest and jacket. What do we do – we provide color guard and honors for pow-wows, parades, funerals, graduations, banquets, homecomings, weddings, gatherings, special events, etc; We also present three major events annually as mentioned above. In addition we install military markers (as no cost to the families) of deceased veterans. We also provide veterans information for the Nation website – this is a work in progress. If interested call Red Elk or Asepermy at the above numbers.

July 2010

15

The Comanche Nation News

Comanche Nation Fair

BENEFIT BINGO 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

July 22, 2010 Watchetaker Hall Comanche Nation Complex

July 2010

16

The Comanche Nation News

MILESTONES Happy Birthday Jimi Tahdooahnippah May 20 Esa Attocknie June 10 Jora P. Johnson June 14 Antonio P. Valdez June 16 Kirsten Geiogamah June 13 Jayden Poafpybitty June 18 Christian Avery June 28 Lanette Tahchawwickah June 18 Laura Mahsetky July 1 Jazlyn Langford July1 Two-Eagles Norberto July 2 Chloe E. Scherer July 2 Christopher Beaver July 3 Elmer Tanner July 4 Shavonn Lewis July 5 Sunny Enriquez July 5 Shane Loubier July 6 Jacob Herrera July 7 Acayo Herrera July 8 Leesa St.Clair July 8 Arlene Schonchin, July 8 Joseph A. Tahsequah July 10 Kevin Tahdooahnippah July 10 AJ Mann July 11 Cody Geimausaddle July 13 Baydon Lewis July 15 Zeldian Viddaurri-Floyd July 15 Andre Conneywerdy July 16 Anthony Pewewardy July 16 Ben Norberto III July 16 Brendon Spriggs July 16 Ben Norberto Jr. July 17 Harvey Bigman July 17 Amber Hedge July 19 Brittany Avery July 19 Brittany Viddauri July 20 Meka Viddaurri July 20

Happy Belated Birthday

Happy Belated Birthday

Jimi Tahdooahnippah May 20

Kirsten Geiogamah June 13

Belated Birthday Jayden Poafpybitty July 18

Happy Birthday Two-Eagles Norberto July 2

Happy Birthday Joseph A. Tahsequah July 10

Happy Birthday Kevin Tahdooahnippah July 10

Happy Belated Birthday Antonio Pahcheka Valdez June 16

Happy Birthday Chloe E. Scherer July 2

Jora Pahcheka Johnson June 14

Happy Birthday Christopher Beaver July 3

Barbara Tahchawwickah July 21 Christopher Woommavovah July 21

Summer Mahsetky July 24 Kari Ann Norberto July 27 Cheyenne Pekah July 28 Nathaniel Woommavovah July 28

Happy Birthday Ben Norberto III July 16

Happy Birthday Christopher ‘Bear Paw’ July 21 Nathaniel Woommavovah July 28

Birth Announcements Ashley Nicole Huff

Kennady Aitson May 18 Ashley Huff June 12

6lbs13oz/19in

Anniversaries

Born June 12, 2010

Steven & Jana Redbird June 18-10yrs Donnie & Arietta Viddaurri-Patton July 1- 30yrs Kermit Jr. & Lisa Yackeyonny July 12-30yrs

To Starla & Brian Huff Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday

Anthony Pewewardy July 16 Amber Hedge July 19

Jazlyn Langford July 1 Kennady Michelle Aitson

Steven & Anita Viddaurri-Mann July 24-32yrs

6lbs6oz/19.5in Born May 18, 2010

Jeremy & Angie Robert July 24-11yrs

To Jennifer & Justin Aitson

Monte & Ronna Potts July 25-13yrs

Happy 85th Birthday Berdina N. Lopez July 7 From: Lillian, Roger, Jill, Michael & Lily Anne

Anniversary Monte & Ronna Potts July 25

Anniversary Steven & Jana Redbird June 18

Zona Atetewuthtakewa (Red Elk) Suminski Born February 21,1930 Died September 18, 2009 Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep I am the diamond glints on snow I am the sunlight on ripened grain I am the gentle autumn rain when you wake in the morning’s hush Of quiet birds in circled flight I am the soft star that shines at night Do not stand at my grave and cry I am not there; I did not die

Kevin Codynah Memories of You, Missing You Kevin

I remember everything about you, your voice, your smile, your touch, the way you walked, the way you talked, the way you looked at me, meant so much.

I remember all the words you said to me, I see now with different eyes.

I remember all the words you said to me, some funny, some kind, some wise, all of the things you did for me I see now with different eyes.

You are gone from me now, but one thing they can’t take away, your memory resides inside my heart & lights up my darkest days.

July 2010

17

The Comanche Nation News

JULY CALENDER July 8 George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah, 7 p.m., Remington Park, Oklahoma City, Okla., For more information call (405) 473-5000.

10 Comanche Nation Business Committee, 10 a.m., Comanche Nation Complex, New Conference Room, Comanche Nation Complex.

10 One Nation Empowerment Native Youth Honor Pow-wow, Great Plains Coliseum, Lawton, Okla., For more information contact Tom and Morgan (405) 8268189, (405) 826-8118, (405) 528-5026.

12 Comanche Nation Elder’s Council Meeting, 10 a.m., Comanche Nation College, 1608 SW 9th, Lawton Okla.

15-18 129th Annual Otoe-Missouri Summer Encampment, Highway 177, Red Rock, Okla., For more information contact Delaine Alley Snowball (918) 3232645.

16-18 58th Annual Comanche Homecoming Pow-wow, Walters, Okla.

16-18 58th Annual Tulsa Pow-wow, Spirit Bank Event Center, 10441 S. Regal Blvd., Tulsa, Okla.

16 Comanche Homecoming Golf Scramble, 9 a.m., Walters Golf Course, Walters, Okla., For more information contact Raymond Pohawpatchoko (580) 583-0977 or Gary Tahmahkera (580) 257-4857.

23 Movie in the Park, 8 p.m., Elmer Thomas Park Festival Pad, Movie Showing will be “Monsters vs. Aliens”, Bring your lawn chairs, For more information contact the Department of Parks and Recreation (580) 581-3400.

23-25 60th Annual Indian Hills Pow-wow, 9300 North Sooner Road, Oklahoma City, Okla., for more information contact Glenn Rollo (405) 885-2569.

CLASSIFIED ADS SOONER HOME HEALTH CARE

2010 Comanche Nation College Princess

IMMEDIATE: Full-time and Part-time RN Field positions with Great opportunity for advancement.

"GREAT PLACE TO WORK" 580-622-6681 Miranda Venegas 580-622-6005 Fax

File Photo

BAMBI WARE. Congratulations to Bambi Ware, who was crowned the 2010 Comanche Nation College Princess April 29 at a Special Reception at the college’s auditorium.

July 2010

18

The Comanche Nation News

Summer Precautions and Safety Tips Submitted by Christina Daly/Comanche Nation Emergency Management

Sunburn- 1st degree usually take less than a week to heal but can be very painful. Sunburn includes red dry skin with weeping blisters. 2nd degree can be more susceptible to infection, more painful, and take 3-4 weeks to heal often time with permanent scarring.

REMEMBER A LITTLE SUNSCREEN (SPF 15 OR HIGHER) CAN LEAD TO A HAPPIER OUTING!

Heat Cramps- are usually the first sign that your body is starting to have trouble with the hot weather. Symptoms are painful craps in the legs and abdomen and can be treated with rest and cool water.

Heat Exhaustion- is more serious than heat craps and in addition to the muscle cramps, symptoms can include cool, moist or pale skin, along with headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and exhaustion. For heat exhaustion, remove the victim from the heat, loosen their cloths, apply wet clothes to their skin and fan them to bring down their body temperature. if they conscious, give them cool water to drink in small amounts.

IF THE VICTIM REFUSES WATER LOSES CONSCIOUSNESS OR VOMITS, CALL FOR IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION!!

Heat Stroke- if symptoms of heat cramps and heat exhaustion are ignored heat stroke can develop. Heat stroke is when the body’s systems are completely overwhelmed by the heat and they start to shut down. Symptoms will include red, hot dry skin, changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse, shallow breathing.

You need to first call 9-1-1 and follow the steps for heat exhaustion to cool the body temperature. if you can give them water make sure you give it to them in small amounts. If they are unconscious lay them on their side and watch for signs of breathing problems.

If you are going to be out in the heat make sure you were sunscreen, take periodic breaks and drink water throughout the day. Drinking diuretics such as alcohol and caffeinated products while exerting yourself in the sun can make you more susceptible.

Courtesy Photos

Elijah Bender

COMANCHE MUSICIAN. Elijah Bender is a nine-year-old third grader who attends and maintains a 3.0 GPA at Pat Henry Elementary in Lawton, Okla. Bender is a beginner violinist, and one of the youngest in this area, who has been playing for just over seven months. He performed his first solo recital on May 15 and 16 at Cameron University. Bender is also active in many other extra-curricular activities including; baseball, football, basketball, school fundraisers, and art projects. He hopes to play football for the University of Oklahoma. He attends church at the Baptist Indian Memorial Church south of Lawton. Bender is the son of Melody and J.R. Jobe, grandson of Kay and Gordon Mopope, and a great great Grandson of Irene Yellowfish and Walter Ahhaitty.

Housing Authority Uses Obama Stimulus Money to Repair Qualified Houses

General First Aid for Bites and Stings

• Wash bite\sting area well with soap and water.

• Apply an ice pack on the bite and alternate 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.

• Elevate and rest the wounded area to decrease swelling • Watch for signs for allergic reaction: wheezing, difficulty breathing, rapid severe swelling, abdominal cramps, vomiting, dizziness, chest tightness, hoarseness or blue discoloration to the lips.

• Watch for signs of infection: increasing pain, increasing Workers from the Comanche Nation Housing Authority repair a roof in Lawton. redness and\ or drainage.

Submitted by Nora Sovo/CNHA

Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

FINGER LICKIN’ GOOD. Mercedeze Heminokeky, 2-yearsold,enjoys a delicious cupcake at the June 17 Grand Opening of the Comanche Nation Oklahoma City Outreach Center, 7390 South Walker St., Oklahoma City, Okla. Visitors enjoyed homemade Indian Tacos and Indian corn.

The center is opened 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. For more information call the center, (405) 635-8999.

In March, 2009, the Comanche Nation Housing Authority (CNHA) was notified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that it would be the recipient of funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) (Public Law 111-5) enacted and signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009.

A total of $510 million was allocated to Indian tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) of 1996. The ARRA funds were distributed to CNHA based on a funding formula used by HUD in Fiscal Year 2008 for the allocation of Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funds allocated under NAHASDA. Based on this formula, CNHA’s pro-rata share of ARRA funds was $1,034,368.00. The funding came with strict guidelines for use and spending timelines, including the requirement to obligate 100 percent of the funds within one year of the date the funds were to be made available to CNHA. CNHA has met this deadline and is ahead of the requirement to expend 50 percent of the funds within 2 years of the funding date – May 5, 2011.

In fact, CNHA expects to have all funds spent before the end of 2010, which is a year and a half ahead of the 100 percent expenditure deadline of May 5, 2012.

In following the guidelines set for allowable spending activities under the

Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Act, CNHA determined that the best use of these funds would be for rehabilitation of its existing rental housing units through upgrades and repairs to: foundations, driveways and sidewalks, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC systems, energy efficient window installation and roof repair and replacement. Projects already completed with these funds include: • HVAC Upgrades 4 Units • Handicap Upgrades 2 Units • Window Replacement 11 Units • Foundation Repairs 2 Units • Driveway Repairs 8 Units • Sidewalk Repairs 2 Units • Plumbing Repairs 14 Units • Electrical Upgrades 16 Units • Roof/Siding Replacement 69 Units* *A major roofing contract currently in progress that was let on April 29, 2010 is to replace a total of 86 roofs on low rent units located in the CNHA housing projects in Anadarko, Apache, Cache, Geronimo, Walters and Lawton. The total amount of this contract is $443,811.68. This project is scheduled for completion on September 20, with a total of 48 units already completed.

The Contractor is expected to finish a month ahead of the scheduled date. Total expenditures of ARRA funds to date are $519, 894.47, which represents 50.26 % of the $1,034,368 allocated in the grant.

July 2010

19

The Comanche Nation News

Comanche Nation Represented at June 18 Red Earth Parade

FIRST CALL

FOR SPECIALS

Call Tomah Yeahquo, (580) 492-3384 Delphine Nelson, (580) 357-6545

AT THE COMANCHE NATION FAIR

July 2010

20

The Comanche Nation News

The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center presents:

An exhibition featuring photography and artwork by Comanche Children

On displAy nOW thrOugh

August 31 Comanche Doll made by Pearl Pewo Ware

701 NW Ferris Avenue • Lawton, Oklahoma Monday - Friday • 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Free Admission

For more information visit CNMCC on the web at

www.comanchemuseum.com or contact us by phone at

580-353-0404

st