Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Cherokee Nation Color Guard
(Photo by Will Chavez)

One of the objectives of the Cherokee Nation Veterans Office is to establish a Cherokee Warriors Society.

The vision of the Warriors Society is one of service and support.

The Warriors Society would function much the same as national service organizations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Disabled Veterans. In so doing, the society will provide services to and for veterans and their families.

A Warriors Society will also provide a self-help group for the veterans community, and will build a sense of self-confidence, self-esteem, pride and a renewed sense of personal responsibility. A support group can provide solutions that are focused on the here and now, and not on the war experience, although its impact is acknowledged.

Too many veterans have not been able to avoid a total definition of their lives as a war veteran, rather than sharing that part of past experiences with roles as a father, brother, son, daughter, neighbor or community member. The Warriors Society would promote healthy lifestyle choices, education and community development. This group will provide balance in the equation so that the veterans community does not become unduly dependent on compensation alone as the central theme of their relationship with the Office of Veterans Affairs.

Topics like being non-judgmental, understanding, practicing forgiveness and acceptance will be explored in counseling groups or individual peer sessions. Part of healing for many veterans is the need to separate the war from the warrior.

Whatever the chosen means, there is value in helping veterans find a viable way of reconnecting to spiritual parts of themselves, often vaguely remembered, yet strongly felt. The Warriors Society can meet this need and help trauma survivors develop self-trust so untapped potential is available to heal other parts of a veteran's psyche, wounded by traumatic experience. Combat veterans have always been more comfortable when talking to other veterans who have shared like experiences. The process of self-exploration and reconnecting with a sense of spirituality can enhance future growth in all areas of veterans' lives.

If you are interested in joining a Cherokee Warriors Society or the Cherokee Nation Color Guard, contact Rogan Noble, phone: 918-456-0671 (Ext.2695) or send email to: rnoble@cherokee.org.