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Brandon Armstrong, Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma, Marshal

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Brandon Armstrong had always dreamed of becoming a Cherokee Nation Marshal and in August, his dream came true.

Armstrong is a 1994 graduate of Stilwell High School and a 1999 graduate of Northeastern State University where he received a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Before joining the Marshals, Armstrong worked as a Child Abuse Investigator with Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare for a year and a half.

Armstrong spent three months in CLEET training to prepare him for the job of a Marshal. Since returning from CLEET training in December, his primary job is patrolling in Adair, Sequoyah, and Cherokee counties.

"Becoming a Marshal is originally what I wanted to do when I came to work for the tribe, it just took a little while," said Armstrong.

He feels that his past experiences with Indian Child Welfare will help him to become a better Marshal.

"Coming form Indian Child Welfare, I have experience with children and enjoy taking care of them. I try to look at it form the child's point of view," said Armstrong.

"Since I'm from that area, I feel a little more connected to it," said Armstrong.

In his spare time, he is working to establish a program called Cherry Tree Youth Services. Armstrong and friend, J.R. Claphan are working together to form a board of directors to head up youth activities and elderly services for the Cherry Tree community.

"The building is already there, we just need the programs to get the kids involved," said Armstrong.

Implementing the Cherry Tree community project will fulfill another dream of this new Marshal.