"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Grayson Honors Vets With Gratitude

"Deputy Principal Chief Joe Grayson, right, and Principal Chief Chad Smith presented U.S. Marine Karl Ballard with a Medal of Patriotism and a framed certificate during a recent council meeting. (Photo by Will Chavez)"

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - As a way to show gratitude for the kindness showed to him while he was in the Army, Deputy Principal Chief Joe Grayson spends much of his time honoring veterans.

Each month during the Tribal Council meeting he and Principal Chief Chad Smith present framed certificates and medals to two Cherokee veterans. The medal is a Cherokee National Medal of Patriotism and the framed certificate, with a photo of the Cherokee Warrior Memorial, is given as the Cherokee Nation's highest veteran award.

"This is my way of repaying what was done for me," Grayson said. "The certificates and medals are one way to say we appreciate our veterans."

Cherokee veterans have, in part, the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, to thank for the Cherokee National Medal of Patriotism. Grayson said while he was serving in Vietnam with the 4th Infantry Division the city adopted the division and sent them Christmas packages, letters and cards which was very much appreciated by he and the other soldiers and something he never forgot.

Nearly 40 medals have been given to Cherokee veterans from every branch of service since November 2005. World War II veterans receive priority, but Grayson also tries to present certificates and medals to veterans currently serving, especially those recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.

He also tries to honor families of veterans together when possible. He said he recently had the opportunity to honor a World War II veteran and his granddaughter at the same time.

Grayson said the tribe has adopted Oklahoma's 45th Infantry Brigade. Historically the brigade has included many Native American soldiers from Oklahoma and New Mexico.

"We give our support and stand behind them, especially when they are deployed," he said.

Grayson and the Cherokee Nation supported the 120th Engineer Battalion of the 45th Brigade when it was deployed to Iraq in 2003. The battalion included many Cherokee citizens and CN employees. Part of that support included Grayson writing letters to Cherokee soldiers serving in Iraq.

He said he has sent nearly 60 letters of support to Cherokees serving in the military. People should contact the tribe's communications department if they want Grayson to write a letter to a Cherokee citizen serving in the military.

"I send letters because when I got back from Vietnam with malaria and was in the hospital, (former principal chief) W.W. Keeler sent me a letter thanking me for my service, and thanked my parents for raising a good Cherokee. That meant so much to me. That's why I started writing letters," he said.

Grayson's next mission is to find as many Cherokee World War II veterans as possible to present them the CNMP.

"We want to try to get our World War II vets down here (Tahlequah) next year during Memorial Day or the 4th of July so that we can give them a certificate and medal," he said. "I know we can't get to all of them. We are losing on average 1,000 World War II veterans a day, but I want to give away as many medals as possible next year."

Grayson and the CN's support of CN employees who are members of the military earned the tribe an award from the National Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve last spring. The award is presented to employers who adopt personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve.

The CN has been nominated to receive the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award, the highest award given by ESGR. The award will honor 16 recipients of approximately 1,700 nominees. Winners will be announced this fall.

Will Chavez can be contacted by e-mail: will-chavez@cherokee.org or by telephone: 918-453-3961.