Soldiers, Civilians Salute Native Americans’ Contributions

By Walter T. Ham IV

20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md., Nov. 14, 2014 – Soldiers and U.S. Army civilian employees celebrated Native Americans’ contributions to the U.S. military at a 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command-hosted ceremony here Nov. 13.

The event, part of National Native American Month observances held this month, featured food tasting, exhibits and performances.

Army Lt. Col. Nathele J. Anderson, the commander of the 4th Battalion, 321st Regiment at Redstone Arsenal adjacent to Huntsville, Alabama, was the guest speaker.

A U.S. Army Reserve officer who has served in South Korea, Afghanistan and Qatar, Anderson described growing up in the Navajo Nation in the four corners area of the southwestern United States where Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado come together.

Anderson described the influence her culture had on her decision to join the U.S. Army and noted that Native Americans have the highest record of military service per capita in the nation.

‘Warrior Spirit is Alive and Well’

“The warrior spirit is alive and well and indeed it is a part of our military history and traditions,” Anderson said. “The warrior spirit of strength, honor and courage is a part of my heritage.”

Army Brig. Gen. JB Burton, commanding general of the 20th CBRNE Command, said that Native American troops have served with distinction.

Burton leads more than 5,000 soldiers and civilians in his command.

Native American Contributions to Defense

“We gather to honor the incredible contribution that Native Americans have made in the defense of our nation,” said Burton, a native of Tullahoma, Tennessee.

During his address, Burton highlighted the Choctaw and Navajo code talkers, as well as the 28 Native Americans who have the earned the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest decoration for military valor.

“In many Native American languages, the translation for soldier, warrior, protector and helper are all the same word,” Burton said.

Native Americans have served with distinction from the country’s earliest days to the present-day, in “the cold mountains of Afghanistan to the burning deserts of Iraq,” he said.

“Native Americans have historically answered our nation's call,” Burton said.