"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokees Honor Father and Son

***"Cherokees recently honored Charles B. Baty and Charles F. Baty for their military service. Pictured are Charles F. Baty, Charles B. Baty and Chief Chad Smith."***

TAHLEQUAH, OK - In honor of our service men and women, the Cherokee Nation recently honored a father and son for their contributions to the military.

“It is important to recognize these men and women for their dedication to the Cherokee Nation, our country and citizens,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “I commend this father and son for their service.”

Charles B. Baty is a descendant of Redbird Sixkiller, who came to Indian Territory on the Trail of Tears. After graduating from Grove High School in 1961, he joined the 45th Infantry, Oklahoma National Guard in 1965. Charles received his basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana and completed artillery training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was later trained in ammunition ordinance and was honorably discharged in 1971.Today, Charles lives in Kansas, Oklahoma with his wife Bonnie.

“I think it’s great the way that the Cherokee Nation honors its service men and women,” said Baty. “It is wonderful to honor those who have served.”

Following in his father’s footsteps, Charles’s son, Charles F. Baty was also recognized for his military contribution. Graduating in 1991, Charles F. Baty joined the U.S. Army in July of 1991. Charles completed his basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and received advanced training in diesel mechanics at Aberdeen, Maryland. He was later sent to Fort Benning, Georgia, for Airborne training. During his military career, Charles has been stationed at Giessen, Germany and was deployed to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm. After serving six-months in Kuwait, he returned to Germany to complete his tour. Upon returning to the United States, Charles was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas where he was discharged to inactive service for the remainder of his military obligation. Upon completion, Charles F. Baty received an honorable discharge and during his service was presented with a good conduct ribbon and a South West Asia service ribbon. Currently, Charles works for Rush Truck in Tulsa and resides in Kiefer with his wife and family.

“I really appreciate this award,” said Baty. “It really means a lot. Thank you.”

“The Cherokee Nation is pleased to honor our service men and women,” said Smith. “It is a privilege to honor our Cherokee citizens for the commitment and dedication that they provide to our government and to the United States. These men and women sacrifice more than most of us will ever know for our freedoms and safety.”