Warrior Day—Honoring Mille Lacs Band Veterans
By VIVIAN LaMOORE
American Indians serve in the United States armed forces in greater numbers per capita than any other ethnic group, and have served with distinction in every major conflict for over 200 years.
It may not make sense to some why so many American Indians would serve a government that suppressed their cultures and took away their land. But it may perhaps mean so much more. A warrior's traditional role is more than just fighting in battles. Warriors protect and care for their community and would do anything to see their people survive. Even if that means laying down their lives. Perhaps it was best said by Jeffrey Begay Nine, Navajo veteran who said, "We serve this country because it is our land. We have a sacred purpose to protect this place."
For many Band members, military service is an extension of their warrior traditions. Others have served for the benefits of college tuition reimbursement, a change in lifestyle, and others serve for basic love of home and country.
Band member Tony Pike served in the U.S. Army from 1990 to 2011 serving 22-and-a-half years providing countless state active duty missions, over seas training, and combat tours. "My reason was pretty simple. I lived on the south side of Minneapolis. Gangs, drugs, jail, and even death were everywhere. I needed to change my lifestyle. Plus, that was before I received per cap so the extra money was great. Also, it turned out to be a great opportunity to travel, not only the United States, but other countries as well, like Panama, Norway, Germany, Greenland, Kuwait and Iraq.
Band member Curt Kalk served in the U.S. Marines from 1981 to 1985. His rank was a Corporal, and squad leader for an infinity unit. "I mostly joined because there was not much to do around here. Jobs where scarce and the grant for the college I applied for didn't respond until I was in boot camp. I enjoyed being in the service very much."
These are just two of the many Mille Lacs Band member warrior veterans. For whatever their personal reasons for joining the military, there have been hundreds of Mille Lacs Band members serving the U.S. military who are now honored warrior veterans. One hallway in the Government Center has a mural painted by Band member Steve Premo and is dedicated to honor each and every Band member who has the distinction of being a veteran.
A beautiful stone monument was donated to the Mille Lacs Band by the Mille Lacs Reservation AMVETS Post 53 to honor veterans. This monument gives all who pass by the opportunity to reflect on the service of the men and women who have served in the military. Names are engraved in the stone for eternity. The engraved names are flanked by plaques dedicated to Band member veterans of World Wars I and II respectfully dedicated in 1948 and In honor of the men and women from Mille Lacs Indian Reservation who faithfully served their country respectfully dedicated in 1998."
The next time you enter the Government Center, if you have some time, please stop by the monument outside and visit the mural on the wall across from the media center. Take a moment to reflect and honor the great warriors of the Mille Lacs Band.
To all Mille Lacs Band warrior veterans, chi miigwech for your service.
