The Comanche Nation News by Comanche Nation of Oklahoma

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VOLUME 10 EDITION 10

September 2010

Comanche Nation Housing Receives Annual Funding

Sneak Peek

By Paula Karty/News Staff

GOVERNMENT

Comanche Business Committee Meeting Page 2

Tax Commission Monthly Report Page 2 SFC Joseph Chebahtah and First Sergeant Raymond Woothtakewahbitty

PROGRAMS

Elder Center Celebrates Arts and Crafts Page 4 Police Dept. Assists Local Forces Page 5

SPORTS

Softball Field Named after Legend Page 8

Area High School Football Schedules Page 10

Comanche Warriors Support War Effort in Afghanistan Scorching heat, lungchoking dust storms and the constant threat of rocket attacks are just a few of the challenges that face two cousins from the Comanche Nation. SFC Joseph Chebahtah of Indiahoma, Okla., and First Sergeant Raymond Woothtakewahbitty (called 1SG Wooth for short) of Elgin, Okla., both in their youth to serve in the army. Today fate finds both of these soldiers on the front line in Afghanistan. In honor of their heritage, the two men recently flew their nation’s flag over the command and control center of the 105th Engineer Battalion.

SFC Chebahtah is currently serving with the 105th Engineer Battalion out of North Carolina in country it is known as Task Force THOR. It is a route clearance unit which seeks Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Many authorities consider the IED the single most deadly weapon in the Taliban’s arsenal. As the training officer, SFC Chebahtah is heavily relied upon to keep soldiers informed on the constantly changing environment. He was the special details platoon sergeant while they were located in a deep in the Argandab valley at a re-

mote site called FOB Jeluwar,. First Sergeant Wooth also serves in an EngineerBattalion. He is the 1SG of the Forward Support Company of the 864th out of Fort Lewis, WA. The battalion focuses on construction projects. The 864th is currently expanding FOBs in remote places such as Azizuallah, Howzie Madad and FOB Wilson. 1SG Wooth misses the grass and trees of home, this area being barren and dusty. His wife, Wendy, and his daughters, Haley 14, Melody 5 are in Corvallis, Oregon awaiting his return. They See Soldiers, Page 3

United Methodist Church of Apache Gets a Face lift Story and Photo by Fred Codynah/ News Staff

The United Methodist Church of Apache was going under new construction in the dining hall area. The Christian Church construction company out of Woodland Texas was doing the work. Leatrice Jay said they was doing the kitchen putting in new sinks, vent hoods, cabinets,new stove and island. The biggest job was repairing the roof and the ceiling. Rudy Tartsah is the Pastor for the church. The crew has been very busy. A little history of the church. Many many years See Church, Page 3

Each year the Comanche Nation Housing Authority is funded by HUD (Housing and Urban Development) to run the Housing Authority. This is all pointed under what is call Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996. Since 1996 Indian Housing Authorities received their funding by a formula. I n order for the Housing Authority to get these funds they have to submit what is called the Indian Housing Plan. This is an annual document that every Indian Housing Authority in the country, that is under this law has to submit. When the document is submitted, it must state what the funds are going to be used for. HUD reviews the plan and if they find the plan is in compliance with the law, then they will allocate the funds. Each year every housing authority in the country gets an allocation based on this formula and based on the appropriations from congress. Congress will appropriate so much money for all Indian Housing. This particular physical year, the funding was 700 million and that is across the country. The Comanche Nation Housing Authority was allocated 2.5 million, according to Housing Director Tom Yellow Wolf. The funding will run for Oct. 1, 2010 thru Sept. 30, 2011. The Housing Authority is currently finishing up their last year’s funding, which is the 2008 funding. 2008 funding will be spent within the next 60 to 90 days. The Housing Authority will operate on the 2009 funding for a while. The Housing Authority receives their funds a year after they have been awarded the funding. The housing submits the plan, the local HUD office in Oklahoma City reviews it and notifies the head office in Washington D.C, the head office notifies the Congressional people for the State of Oklahoma. The funding will be used for operating the Housing Authority, take care of homes under management, modernization (beyond normal maintenance) such as: re-doing roofs, replacing windows, etc. Some of the money will be set aside to build or buy new homes. The Housing Authority is currently looking to build homes in the Cache and Apache areas. The money that is allocated is the money the Housing Authority receives on the annual basis, but the amount is never the same.

September 2010 THE COMANCHE NATION NEWS The award-winning Comanche Nation News, the official communication of the Comanche Nation, is available at no charge upon request. The deadline to submit information for the October edition is noon Sept 15. Donations to help cover the cost of printing and mailing are welcome. Contact: The Comanche Nation News P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla. 73502-0908 Telephone: (580) 492-3386 Fax: (580) 492-3709 Email: pio@comanchenation.com TCNN Staff • Jolene Schonchin, Editor, Reporter, Photographer-Email: tcnneditor@yahoo.com-Telephone Number (580)492-3382 • Paula Karty, Reporter, Photographer- Email: kartynews@ yahoo.com Telephone Number (580)492-3383 • Candace Todd, Administrative Assistant-Telephone Number (580)492-3386 • Fred Codynah Jr., Reporter, Photographer, Email: codynahfred@yahoo.com-Telephone Number (580)492-3385 • Tomah Yeahquo, Public Relations Liaison, Proofreader Email: tomahy@comanchenation.comTelephone Number (580)4923384 • News items of interest to the local and American Indian community are welcome. Letters to the editor must be signed by a name. • Photographs will be copied and will become the property of TCNN. To return original photographs, send a self-addressed stamped envelope. Do not send faxed photographs or newspaper copies of photographs. • T h e M i l e s t o n e s P a g e (Birthdays, Anniversaries, Engagements,Memorial Pictures, Weddings, Births) is by submission only. The Passings are submitted by the Comanche Nation Funeral Home or by tribal members on a funeral home letterhead. The Milestones Page is for tribal members only. TCNN publishes all services conducted by The Comanche Nation Funeral Home without discretion. Obituaries are written for tribal members only. • TCNN will print a Comanche powwow organization’s annual event flyer once free of charge as a courtesy to our tribal organizations. The guidelines for flyer submission is: Pow-wow flyers have to be from an established Comanche organization The flyer for its annual event will be printed once free of charge. Benefits and other pow-wows will be listed on the Pow-wow Trail page of TCNN. There has to be contact person and number on the organization’s annual flyer. • We reserve the right to edit all material. Letters or articles that contain libelous information, slander, or personal attacks will not be printed. The articles or letters to the editor does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the PIO staff.

The Comanche Nation News

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Eleven Resolutions Pass at August 7 Business Committee Meeting By Paula Karty/News Staff

The August meeting was called to order by Comanche Nation Chairman Michael Burgess at 10:19 a.m. After Roll Call, a quorum was established. A motion was passed to accept last’s month’s minutes A motion was passed to amend the agenda. Resolutions 83-10 Enrollment List No. 837. Motion made by Clyde Narcomey. Second by Mark Wauahdooah. Motion carries 5/0. 84-10 Enrollment List No. 838. Motion made by Narcomey. Seconded by Wauahdooah. Motion carries 5/0. 85-10 Enrollment

List No. 839. Motion made by Wauahdooah. Second by Red Elk. Motion carries 5/0 86-10 TIP. Motion made by Wauahdooah. Second by Tippeconnie. Motion carries 5/0. 87-10 WIA. Motion made by Tippeconnie. Second by Wauahdooah. Motion carries 5/0. 88-10 Signature Authority. Motion made by Narcomey. Second by Tippeconnie. Motion carries 5/0 89-10 Fish and Wildlife Grant. Motion made by Tippeconnie. Second by Red Elk. Motion carries 5/0. 90-10 Grant for Disaster Assistance. Motion

made by Wauahdooah. Second by Tippeconnie. Motion carries 5/0. 91-10 Establish Special Election for Red River Casino and Hotel. Narcomey called for question. Second by Wauahdooah. Motion failed to pass. 92-10 Approving form document for RAP. Motion made by Red Elk. Second by Narcomey. Motion carries 5/0. 93-10 TSC warehouse. Motion made by Wauahdooah. Second by Narcomey. Motion carries 5/0.

Comanche Nation Outreach OKC August Monthly Report Submitted by Karen Kanitobe/ Oklahoma City Outreach Center Staff

The Comanche Nation Outreach in Oklahoma City has had another successful month. During the month of August a total of 59 tribal member accessed many of the tribal programs offered by the Comanche Nation. The Comanche Nation Outreach in Oklahoma City would like to extend a very special thanks to Gwen and Tracy at the Student Service Program at the Comanche Nation. This department is easy

to work with, has simple application process, and a quick turnaround on the cards. The Comanche Nation Outreach in Oklahoma City assisted 18 tribal members with Social Service applications. Many tribal members have experienced hardship during this year and through the Outreach were able to obtain assistance by having the ability to send and receive applications. Enrollment was also a big hit during the month of

August. Many tribal members do not have copies of their CDIB’s. The convenience of being able to call the enrollment department and be able to have a copy of their CDIB is helpful for a lot of tribal members trying to access different programs. The enrollment office is very efficient and extremely friendly.

Tax Commission Summation Report for July 2010 Submitted by Raymond Nauni Jr., Comanche Nation Tax Commission

The Expenditures for October 1, 2009 through July 31, 2010 for (FY 10) were $569,978. The monthly average expenditures are $56,998. Taxes and Revenue collected from October 1, 2009 through July 31, 2010 for (FY 10) were approximately $2,372,966 the monthly average collections are $237,297 collections are down (.01%) compared to last year in the same time frame. The tobacco tax collections are $1,194,464 down [-4%] compared to last year. The oil and gas collections are $434,833 up +35% compared to last year. $2,265,500 has been allocated for the four quarters for the Tax Supplemental monies. The four quarters allocation has been paid in the amount of $2,265,500. The monthly City National Bank Statement for July 2010 has been reconciled by the Hatch, Croke And Associates, Jim Patterson, the Tax Commission Executive Chairman and CNTC staff with no discrepancies. Hatch, Croke and Associates, P.C., are giving us our monthly financial reports and have reconciled the FY 2010 financials up to date with no major discrepancies. The Tax Commission is audited annually by another independent C.P.A. firm and our 2009 annual audit is completed with no discrepancies. Our Annual audits are up to date and complete with no discrepancies.

Comanche Nation Officials Chairman Michael Burgess Vice Chairman Richard Henson Secretary/Treasurer Robert Tippeconnie Committeeman No.1 Ron Red Elk Committeeman No.2 Mark Wauahdooah Committeeman No.3 Darrell Kosechequetah Committeeman No.4 Clyde Narcomey (Acting)Tribal Administrator William Owens To contact officials: Comanche Nation P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla. 73502 Toll Free: (877) 492-4988 Physical Address 584 Bingo Rd. Lawton, OK 73505

The Comanche Nation News is a Member of the Native American Journalist Association since 2001

Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

CULTURAL AWARENESS. Camille Wetselline,left, 2009-2010 Jr. Miss Indian Ft. Sill , and ErminaJane Johanna Iruegas, 2009-2010 Lil’ Miss Indian Ft. Sill, were given Certificates of Appreciation Aug. 24 at the Lawton City Council Meeting for kicking off the American Band Music Festival July 2-4 in Lawton, Okla. The princesses performed the Lord’s Prayer in Native American Sign Language. Presenting the awards to the young ladies was the Mayor Pro tem, Jay Burk.

You can pick up the latest edition of the Comanche Nation News at the Following locations: Lawton: Indian Hospital, Comanche Nation Casino, Comanche Nation Visitor’s Center, Comanche Housing Authority, Comanche Nation Day Care Center, Comanche Nation Funeral Home, Trinity Global, Native Styles Salon, Buck’s Pawn Shop, Comanche Nation Historical Preservation Office, Comanche Nation Business Center, Comanche National Museum Apache: Eric’s Indian Store, Hop n Sac Convenience Store Porter Hill: Comanche Spur Casino, Native Dancer Indian Store, Gas Mart Elgin: Gas Mart Fletcher: Hop n Sac Convenience Store Cyril: Eagle Stop Convenience Store Anadarko: Indian Clinic, Bureau of Indian Affairs Office, Anadarko Outreach Office, Southern Plains Indian Museum, McKee’s Indian Store Cache: Trading Post, Gas Mart Walters: Comanche Star Casino, Comanche Community Center of Walters, Walters Public Library Randlett/Devol: Comanche Red River Casino

September 2010

The Comanche Nation News

Soldiers

Continued from Page 1

are expecting the arrival of their third child in October. 1SG Wooth is serving his second combat tour, the last being in Iraq in 2005-2006. 1SG Wooth states,” My wife and kids sacrifice a lot, they know I love the Army and they support me.” He goes on to say,” I think the biggest support we are giving is by bringing out the barriers to protect our troops. I get most satisfaction from seeing what we’ve done. I see the checkpoints go up and I have the satisfaction of knowing we’ve contributed. Kandahar will be having elections in September and we will have made a real difference here in the region.” Both men serve in jobs that are

vital to the war effort. They both operate out of Kandahar Airfield in the southeastern region of Afghanistan, the birthplace of the Taliban. 1SG Wooth and SFC Chebahtah are part of America’s surge effort in Southern Afghanistan. For both men the comforts of home may remain a distant memory but the knowledge of their contribution in Operation Enduring Freedom will last a lifetime.

Photo by Fred Codynah Jr., News Staff

Church

Continued from Page 1

ago a group of Comanche people got together south of Apache to worship the Lord. As told by Lavina Mithlo. She said the Comanche people really loved to gamble. But when the pastor would show up they would put their cards and money away and get ready for services. She said most of the people could not speak English, so the pastor would preach in Comanche. The pastor was Leon Motah. One day they put up an arbor for their services. Motah changed their ways. He got them interested in to coming to services more and more. So one day a group of them decided to purchase the land they were using. A group of them got together and purchased 5 acres on Aug. 3, 1948 Before they could build the church a well had to be built. So this Indian man they called “Pretty Boy” came and said “I’m gonna shoot this arrow in the air. And when it comes down that’s were the water is.” Now everything was coming together for this group. They would have camp meetings two and three weeks at a time and bible school and Sunday school . She said it was hard at times and very cold in the winter time. But

they kept coming and praying and the Lord blessed them with a new church and dining hall. Mithlo said her and the kids would walk to church everyday. She said now days people have cars and they are still late for church services They first named the church Mahsetky Mission. But as the years went by they changed the name to United Methodist Church of Apache. They had many pastors over the years. Here is just a few of them: Taylor Noyebad, John Pahdopony, Steve Chibitty, Raymond Weryavah, Claude Jay, Kenneth Edmonds, Lincoln Tartsah and George Sumpter just to name a few of the pastors over the years that has inspired the people to worship the Lord. Present day they are still very busy. The women cater dinners for different organizations. Sometimes they feed over 300 people on the weekends. The holidays are always packed standing room only. Stacy Stanford has a choir that comes to their church. The women also go out and minister all over the place. After all these years they are still going strong. The Lord has truly blessed them..

THE CITY OF WALTERS SUPPORTS HOMECOMING. On Aug. 3, Comanche Nation Homecoming Committee members met with city council of Walters. Leonard Eschiti, Mary Tosee and Edward Tahhahwah. The Homecoming committee asked for more dirt and permanent seating around the dance area. The city counsel gave them their blessing. All the city council asked the homecoming committee to do was keep all the big travel trailers on the west side. Walters city council said the homecoming brings in a lot of revenue for the city so they are pleased to keep them there the third weekend of July every year.

Photo by Fred Codynah Jr., News Staff

MUSEUM ON DISPLAY. The Comanche National Museum parades with royalty at the annual American Indian Exposition Parade, held Aug. 2 in Anadarko, Okla. It was one of many floats that weathered the scorching heat. Several area tribes participate in the week-long celebration at the Caddo County Fair Grounds.

September 2010

The Comanche Nation News

PROGRAMS

Comanche Elder Center Celebrates Arts and Crafts Projects

Photos by Paula Karty/News Staff

From left: Elders Marian Strong (Hoopa Mono Band); Evangeline Chappabitty (Ft. Sill Apache) and Sandra Toyekoyah (Comanche) show a series of baskets and beadwork which they learned how to make, while attending classes at the Comanche Nation Elderly Center. The classes were taught by Eleanor McDaniels and Charlotte Niyah McCurtain. Submitted by Charlotte Niyah/Comanche Nation Elder Center Staff

The elders at the Comanche Nation Elder Center have been hard at work making arts and crafts. During the past few months elders have fringed shawls, made double wall baskets, made memorial wreaths, beaded medallions, and did loom beadwork. On August 16 many of these arts and crafts were

put on display during the noon meal at the nutrition center. Several of the elders whom brought in their work were: Marian Strong (Hoopa Mono Band) who displayed two baskets she weaved and her loom beadwork; Inez Motah (Comanche) displayed a beaded medallion she made; Evangeline Chappabitty (Ft. Sill

Apache) displayed her beaded medallion and loom beadwork; Maxine Kauley (Chickasaw) displayed her beaded medallion and loom beadwork; Sandra Toyekoyah (Comanche) displayed her basket; Vivian Gooday (Comanche) displayed her loom beadwork; also on display were two shawls that Ramona Perez (Kiowa) and

several other women fringed. During the month of August, the Elder Center had a Comanche Language class, taught by Sam Devenney. Other arts and crafts for the month was a dream catcher class taught by Eleanor McDaniel and a necklace and earring class taught by Charlotte Niyah McCurtain.

The Elder Center would like to invite anyone who would like to share their cultural talents with the elders. If your interested call (580) 355-2330.

Indian Doll Quilt Reflects Comanche History According to the Indigenous News, between the years 1976-1999 a group of women from the Comanche Senior Citizens Center in Lawton, Okla., stitched together two quilts. The Indian Doll Quilt and The Comanche Quilt. These quilts are part of The Michigan State University Museum Collection; which is part of The Michigan Quilt Project that document the history of quilting. Amongst these four women were Martha Weryavah, Naomi Tehauno, the late Virginia Saupitty, Maria Peavy and Cora Pohawpatchoko. This quilt pattern is popular among many Native quilters; depending on the tribal background of the makers, the hair style and clothes used in this pattern will vary. Martha Weryavah has lived all her life in Walters Okla. She learned to quilt by watching her grandmother, Flora Simmons and her friends at the Nazarene Church. Before quilting, Weryavah likes to sing a Comanche church hymn that she learned from her grandmother. Naomi Tehauno began quilting in 1985, when the Comanche Senior Citizens Center opened. She enjoys making the Indian Doll pattern and star quilts. Virginia Saupitty was born in 1925 and passed away in 2007. She enjoyed attending pow-wows, socializing and crossword puzzles along with her quilt making. She has five daughters, three sons, 40 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Maria Peavy grew up in Walters, Okla., moved to Port Wentworth, GA for 12 years, then returned to Walters. Peavy is the greatgrandaughter of Quanah Parker, granddaughter of Honey Parker, and daughter of May Kosechequetah. Peavy learned to quilt from the women at the Comanche Senior Citizens Center. Cora Pohawpatchoko learned to quilt from her mother. Quilt making was a family activity and every member of the family slept under a quilt. Pohawpatchoko likes to make lap quilts for people in nursing homes.

September 2010

The Comanche Nation News

Comanche Nation Provides Assistance To Area Police Departments The Comanche Nation through its Law Enforcement department has addressed the critical need of area Police departments by donating excess resources. What do you do with extra firearms, how many guns is enough, how do we protect the tribal members who do not live in our service area? One way is by donating resources to our sister agencies. The estimated value of this support is $30,000 to advance service received by the tribal community not living in our jurisdictional service area. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Cotton County Sheriff’s Office, Comanche County Sheriff’s Office, Fletcher Police, Elgin Police, Sterling Police, Cache Police, Medicine Park, and Geronimo Police Departments made request for consideration and were found to meet the need criteria that would best service the Comanche and Citizen Potawatomi tribal communities. They had numerous requests for support and they wish there were more resources to address the needs of all who requested support. With the economic down turn continuing, most municipalities and state agencies are finding it difficult to

Donated guns.

Citizen Potawatomi officer shakes hands with Comanche Nation Chief-of-Police Vern Griffin, thanking him for firearms the Comanche tribe donated.

make the decreasing budgets match the needs of the law enforcement services. Geronimo, Cache, and Medicine Park have Memorandums of Understanding with our Nation’ Police department while the Cotton County Sheriff’s office services a large trib-

al community within Cotton County. They currently have Memorandum Agreements for support for the Walters and Red River Casino with Cotton County S/O and are increasingly their working arrangements. One key effort is support the 2010 National Impaired Driv-

ing Crackdown Campaign. The Comanche Nation will assist in Cotton County on August 27, in conjunction with the OHP, Cotton Co S/O, BIA OLES at a checkpoint adjacent the Highway 36 and 70 along Interstate 44. The Nation will utilize the BIA Breath Alcohol

Testing unit to identify, test and process impaired drivers found in the enforcement checkpoint. The $350,000 unit is one of four the BIA has across the United States, and is operated by the BIA in support of District II tribal nations. The Elgin, Sterling and Fletcher Police Departments take part in the interagency intelligencesharing group MAME. This group shares intelligence on the drug/criminal activity within the southwest Oklahoma region. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation has provided assistance to the Comanche Nation PD by making available is Record Management Systems and is in the process of developing a Sex Offender data base program to assist us in meeting our July 2011 deadline for commence the Adam Walsh Act within the Comanche Nation.

Opportunities at the WIA Career Fair

Photo by Fred Codynah Jr., News Staff

The Comanche Nation Workforce (WIA), held a Career Fair Aug 11, 12, 13 at Watchetaker Hall. WIA Director Keith Yackeyonny and Moderator, Chad Tahchawwickah invited several guest speakers over the three day event that discussed the key elements for obtaining successful job careers. Oscar Codopony, Director of Operations of Caddo Electric Coop shared his own personal story about the “Road to Success.” Allison Steinmeyer discussed how to write “A Winning Resume.” Yolanda Lockwood, Sales Director of Mary Kay stressed the importantance of “Dress for Success.” To top off this successful and informative event Marta Asepermy the Owner of Native Styles hair salon spoke about “The Winning Look” and also given free haircuts.

SMOKEY THE BEAR TURNS 66! The Comanche Nation Fire Program Hosted a Birthday celebration for Smokey the Bear on Aug 9, when he turned 66 years old. They served cake and punch in the Watchetaker Hall. Kids and employees helped him celebrate. A little history of Smokey the Bear: Smokey Bear, the guardian of our forests,has been a part of the American scene for so many years it is hard for people to remember when he first appeared. Today Smokey Bear is one of the most famous advertising symbols in the world and is protected by federal Law. He has his own private zip code, his own legal council, and his own private committee to insure that his name is used properly. Smokey Bear is much more than a make-believe paper image: he exists as a name symbol of forest fire prevention. On August 9, 1944, the first poster of Smokey Bear was prepared. The poster depicted a bear pouring a bucket of water on a campfire. Smokey Bear soon became popular, and his image began appearing on other posters and cards. In 1952, Smokey Bear had enough public recognition to attract commercial interest. An Act of Congress passed to take Smokey out of the public domain and place him under the control of the Secretary of Agriculture. The Act provided for the use of collected fees and royalties for the forest fire prevention. One of the first licensed items was a Smokey Bear stuffed toy. Hundreds of items have been licensed over the years.

Visit the Comanche Nation Website at www.comanchenation.com for information about the 2010 Comanche Nation Fair and look for the TCNN Special Comanche Fair Edition Out in September!

September 2010

The Comanche Nation News

People, Places, and Things Happening Chebahtah Family Reunion Set for October The Chebahtah Family Reunion will begin at 11 a.m. Oct. 2 at the Comanche Reformed Church in Lawton, Okla. All family and friends are invited and are asked to bring their own lunch. For more information, contact Marilee Chebahtah, (918) 781-1881 or Mollie Chebahtah (239)245-7413.

Chief Wildhorse Powwow Reestablished Francis Lincoln Sr., the great-great-great grandson of Comanche War Chief Wildhorse, is re-establishing the Chief Wildhorse Descendant Powwow that was once an annual celebration held in June at

Eagle Park in Cache, Okla. The powwow will be held June 17,18,19, 2011 at the Comanche Nation Complex Powwow Grounds. Lincoln is currently getting the head staff together, along with donations to help with the powwow. He says this will not be a contest powwow, but a celebration powwow that will bring dancers together not for hopes of winning contest money but for simple dancing, singing and visiting of relatives and friends. Along with the powwow, Lincoln plans to have a country and western dance. Wildhorse was a leader of the Kwahada Band of Comanches from 1874-1891. His war bonnet and personal dress are at Ft. Sill Military Jail on display. He is buried on the Chief’s Row-Post Cemetery. The Wildhorse Descen-

dant Celebration is a non-profit organization, charted through the State of Oklahoma. For more information, contact Lincoln at (505) 4093794

obtain the goal of their choice. The Princess Boot Camp is offered to all girls ages 6-18 years. It will include workshops and demonstrations taught by professional , positive women. The camp workshops Princess Boot Camp in will feature Public Speaking, November Sign Language, Dance, Etiquette, and Team Building. Young ladies aspiring The Public Speaking to be princess, either Native area will teach proper techAmerican of Pageant, will be niques and body language to offered a one-day course on be used during a competition. etiquette and expectations of This part of the camp will also royalty. The course is called include the use of tribal lan“Princess Boot Camp” and will guage. be held November 20 at the Dance will be taught Red Buffalo Hall at the Kiowa by tribal elders who are former Complex in Carnegie, Okla. tribal princesses. They will The inaugural event is spon- demonstrate different dances sored by the Kiowa Cultural and also brief the girls on exPreservation authority and for- pectations during the dances mer tribal and powwow prin- in the dance arena. (Dance cesses. This camp is geared etiquette). The ladies will also toward helping young ladies make staff/spears to use during learn basic pageantry skills to the dance portion. They will learn about color, designs, and the meaning of the staff and why it is used by women during the dance. Check in time will be 8 a.m. There is a $30 registration fee for students and chaperone’s. This price includes Tshirt and meals for the day. For more information, or a registration form, contact Jame Eskew, (580) 654-3600 ext. 366 or by email at mrseskew@yahoo.com., or Peggy Tsoodle, (405) 638-0995.

love to have our NASBI participants consider Texas Tech for their future educational needs, we do not pressure them in any way to commit to attend Texas Tech after graduation from high school. NASBI is primarily intended to introduce students to academic and social settings of a university so that they will aspire and plan to attend college after graduation. There is no fee to attend NASBI, rooms and meals are provided. Travel arrangements are responsibility of the participant. Texas Tech University is located in Lubbock, Texas. Lubbock has over 200,000 residents and Texas Tech has over 28,000 students that call Lubbock home. The Lubbock area is rich in history and tradition and the University takes great pride in preserving much of that history through great facilities and programs such as the Lubbock Lake Landmark, Southwest Collections, the Texas Tech Museum, the Ranching Heritage Center and many more. Texas Tech University is the second largest campus in the nation with over 1,800 acres of unique architecture, beautiful landscapes, state of the art classrooms, research libraries and great student spaces for recreation, study, and other events. Texas Tech offers 150 undergraduate degrees, more than 100 master’s degrees, and more than 50 doctoral programs. Texas Tech University also has dedicated faculty and staff to lead these programs. Their faculty is recognized around the nation and the world for their academic accomplishments. Texas Tech University supports a diverse faculty, staff, and student climate by offering programs and support services for stuAutaubo dents from across the globe. The Cross Cultural Academic Autaubo Running for Advancement Center leads the way in providing activities that Cutest Kid Contest support the professional and Isabell Autaubo is askpersonal development of each ing for your vote in the Cutest student at Texas Tech. Kid Contest. The Cross Cultural Autaubo is the 4 year Academic Advancement Cenold, daughter of Araminta Ahter assists Native American haitty and Franklin Autaubo of faculty and staff in organizing Norman, Okla. events that celebrate the his She will be starting tory, culture, and traditions of Pre-K at Cleveland Elementary our Native American students. in Norman, Okla. Each year these pro Voting is done on-line grams continue to grow and at vote.soonersnap.com. Votbring visitors such as Comaning is Sept. 18 - Oct. 2. Only che Nation to Texas Tech. The one vote per day, per e-mail. University also receives great Voters must register on-line. support from organizations such as the West Texas Native American Association. David Accepted into David is the son of program at Texas Tech LaVida David, the grandson of Marty David was cho- Vidala Franklin, and the great sen to participate in the pro- grandson of Rosalie Attocknie. David is a Jr. at Anadargram Native American Sum- ko High School. mer Bridge Institute (NASBI), which was be held at Texas Tech University, June 6-11. The program is designed for those students entering their junior year of high school. The Institute seeks to prepare students for their junior year in high school and college entrance requirements. Students will then return to Texas Tech at the end of their junior year to enhance their knowledge and skills in a ten-day college preparation program. Please understand that NASBI is not a recruitment effort by Texas Tech. While we would

September 2010

The Comanche Nation News

MILITARY

Comanche Code Talker Congressional Gold Medal Update

Submitted by Lanny Asepermy/CIVA

In December, 2000, 29 members of the Navajo Nation were presented with Congressional Gold Medals for their military service, with the US Marine Corps, as Code Talkers during World War II in the Pacific Theater of operations. Comanche member, Ben Tahmahkera, felt the Comanches and other tribes were slighted as they had Code Talkers. He contacted Congresswoman Kay Granger of Texas and she introduced the Code Talker Recognition Acts of 2002 and 2006 to gain recognition for the Comanche Code Talkers and other tribes with Code Talkers. Both bills failed. Congressman David Boren reintroduced the Code Talker Recognition Act of 2008 and the Congress of the United States unanimously passed legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Comanche Nation and other tribes with Code Talkers. The Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-420) was signed by then President George Bush on October 15, 2008 – this act authorizes the recognition of every Code Talker with a Congressional Gold Medal for their tribe and individually with a silver medal duplicate. Bronze medals will be available to the public through the United States mint. The Department of Defense has completed their research and has identified 103 individuals as code talkers, as defined by the Act, from 19 different tribes. The Comanches have 15 individuals on the list. They are from World War II: Charles Chibitty, Haddon Codynah, Robert Holder, Forrest Kassanavoid, Wellington Mihecoby, Perry Noyabad, Clif-

The Comanche Code Talkers: From left standing, Morris Sunrise, Perry Noyabad, Ralph Wahnee, Haddon Codynah, Robert Holder, Edward Nahquaddy, Clifford Ototivo, Forrest Kassanavoid. Front kneeling, from left, Roderick RedElk, Simmons Parker, Larry Saupitty, Melvin Permansu, Willie Yackeschi, Charles Chibitty, Willington Mihecoby.

ford Otitivo, Simmons Parker, Melvin Permansu, Elgin Red Elk, Roderick Red Elk, Larry Saupitty, Morris Tabbyetchy (Sunrise) and Willie Yacheschi. Albert Nahquaddy Sr. is listed as a World War I Code Talker. Calvin Atchavit name will also be submitted as a World War I Code Talker. The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by the majority of the US Congress and is the highest civilian Congressional award of the United States. The decoration is awarded to an individual or group who performs an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity and national interest of the United States. Only 138 Gold Medals have been awarded with the first award in March, 1776 to General of the Continental Army George Washington and the last in September, 2009 to golfer Arnold Palmer. Other well-known recipients include John Paul Jones, Major Gener-

al Ulysses S. Grant, the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Thomas Edison, General of the Army John J. “Blackjack” Pershing, Robert Frost, Bob Hope, General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, Walt Disney, Sir Winston Churchill, Robert Kennedy, Joe Louis, Henry S. Truman, Generals Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Jackie Robinson, Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King and the Tuskegee Airmen. Lanny Asepermy has been appointed, by Chairman Burgess, as the liaison for the Comanche Nation to assist with a design, minting (striking) and presentation of medal. He will be working with the U.S. Treasury Department and the Choctaw Nation during this process. The design and mint phrase could take up to one year to complete. The presentation will be made by President

Comanche Indian Veterans Association Conducts 99TH Military Funeral Honors Submitted by Lanny Asepermy/CIVA

The Comanche Indian Veterans Association (CIVA) conducted their 99th military funeral honors for the late Vandal Atauvich, a Korean War US Navy veteran on August 13th at the Cahoma Building west of Cache. Military funeral honors include a booklet presented to family members with the veteran’s military bio, photo, copies of his awards, obituary and funeral program, the playing of the veteran’s branch of service song, the reading of his military bio, a roll call and a final salute. The flags of the US, Comanche Nation, Oklahoma, CIVA and veteran’s branch of service are also displayed at both the prayer and funeral services and at the gravesite. A firing squad is provided by the Comanche Nation Police Department. The CIVA plays taps, folds and presents the veteran’s casket flag at the family’s request – otherwise those honors are provided by the active branches of each military service. Military honors can be requested by family members of deceased veterans at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home or contacting the CIVA Commander at (580) 512-2225 or the Historian at (580) 588-

2377/678-4629. Military honors conducted by year are 1994 (2), 1995 (1), 1996 (2), 2002 (1), 2003 (5), 2004 (5), 2005 (6), 2006 (11), 2007 (13), 2008 (21), 2009 (19) and 2010 (13). In addition, the CIVA have installed military markers of deceased veterans. Over one-hundred markers have been installed free of charge. Harry Mithlo is in charge of the marker installation and has done a great job with that project. Other services provided include three major veteran events annually, an Armed Forces Day Banquet, the Memorial Day Ceremony and Veterans Day Celebration. Eighteen Comanche veterans are presented honors annually with an embroidered Grateful Nation Pendleton, a plague, a miniature veteran horse, a coffee cup, a cap, a challenge coin, a medallion and an honorarium. Nominations can be presented by family or friends of Comanche veterans to the Commander or historian. Color guard services for parades, pow-wow’s, gatherings, weddings, banquets, meetings, etc; are also provided. The CIVA had over sixty commitments during 2009. Active members are provided with a vest, be-

ret and jacket while Auxiliary members are presented with a service shawl and Pendleton after one year of participation. The Commander of the CIVA is George Red Elk, son of Comanche Code Talker Roderick Red Elk. Red Elk is a veteran of the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars and was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action and Purple Heart for combat wounds while serving with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam. Other officers include Jimmy Caddo, 1st Vice-Commander, Larry Laurenzana, 2nd Vice-Commander and Eleanor McDaniel, Secretary. Krista Hubbard serves as their princess, Frank Hubbard as the Quartermaster and Lanny Asepermy as the Historian/Advisor. Any honorably discharged Comanche veteran or spouse of a Comanche member interested in active membership can contact the Commander or Historian.

Obama in Washington D.C. on a date yet to be determined Chairman Burgess will select the Nation representatives for the presentation ceremony. The Comanche Nation will be presented with two Congressional Gold Medals, one will be displayed at the Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C., the other at the Comanche Nation Museum. The effort, as mentioned earlier, began with Mr. Tahmahkera and has required an undying effort of many to get to this point. Research information, about the Code Talkers, was presented to the Nation by Barbara Goodin. Lobbying efforts by former Chairman Wallace Coffey, then CBC Secretary/ Treasurer Melvin Kerchee Jr. and Asepermy began in 2002 during the opening of the Museum of the American Indian. Four more lobbying efforts to Washington D.C. by Coffey and Asepermy with the Choc-

taw Nation followed. Others who assisted with the lobbying efforts included LaNora Parker, John Plata, Shelley Asepermy, Jackie Swift, Michelle Monenerkit, the late Fred Nahwooks and Terry Snowball. This award is long overdue as our Code Talkers began their journey seventy years ago, in December, 1940, with their enlistment into the US Army and continued through June 6, 1944 during the D-Day landings in Normandy, France to war’s end in May, 1945. The Code Talkers fought in five major campaigns in the European Theater of operations, some were decorated for valor in combat, other suffered the wounds of battle, all returned home. They were in combat for 299 days and used the Comanche language to baffle the German Army. The use of the Comanche language and the code developed by the Code Talkers saved countless American and allied lives and contributed greatly to winning the war in Europe. The code was never broken. The success of any military operation is the ability to “shoot, move and communicate”. Military history has documented that the Comanche Code Talkers accomplished these tasks by their outstanding performance of duty on the fields of battle. We thank these “Telephone” Warriors for their dedicated, faithful and honorable service to God and Country.

September 2010

The Comanche Nation News

SPORTS

QUEEN OF THE MOUND

“Strong Warriors” Hake History and Headlines

The Comanche Nation Diabetes Program and the ‘Strong Warriors’ Weight Lifting Club was recently featured on the front page of the Native American Times. When asked about the program Toqua-Hanai Ticeahkie said, “It makes me proud to have had a hand in something that has never been done before and for it to be an overwhelming success is truly special.” “I would like to thank all of our participants and community members that are participating in the ‘Strong Warriors’. And I would like to invite all of you out there that might be reading this to come by and check out our program,” said Ticeahkie. If you want to learn how to lift weights, get strong, or just be a part of history and something special please stop by the Comanche Nation Fitness Center and sign-up for the ‘Strong Warriors’ Weight Lifting Club”. The ‘Strong Warriors’ are going strong and working hard. The first Annual Strong Warriors Competition is scheduled for around the Comanche Nation Fair, and it’s not too late to sign up and participate. Calling all and any Strong Indian people out there to sign up and help make history in Indian Country.

Coffman

Coffman Plays in All-State Game

Tribal member Cheyenne Coffman of the Colorado Springs Thunder 14U-Hernez team was selected to play in the USSSA All-State game for the state of Colorado. Coffman plays anywhere in the outfield as well as second base. Coffman is the daughter of Jeremy and Vanessa Coffman and the granddaughter of Keith and Ann Koassechony of Apache.

Janice Pewewardy pitched her way to the Oklahoma Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame

By Paula Karty/News Staff

During the upcoming 19th Annual Comanche Nation Fair, Oct. 1,2,3, the softball field located near the Comanche Nation Complex will be named after the late Janice Totite Pewewardy. Pending conformation the first pitch starting the softball tournament will be in honor of Pewewardy. The late Janice Totite Pewewardy is definitely a legacy in Women’s Fast Pitch Softball. Pewewardy lived all her life in Comanche County. She began her softball pitching career while attending school in Elgin, Okla. She led Elgin High School to the State Softball finals in 1961 and 1962 under coach Wesley Barrow. Pewewardy continued playing softball after graduating from high school. She started playing Independent Softball under the management of Nelson Bigbow and later under the management of her husband Wes Pewewardy. Pewewardy played in the Oklahoma Amateur Softball Association (ASA) sponsored programs, both league and tournaments. Pewewardy’s team played under the sponsorship of Bill Yoast of Yoast Furniture and later Lawton Merchants and Jap’s Red Raiders. Her team won most of the tournaments and all of the yearly softball leagues. Pewewardy’s team behind her pitching, dominated the State ASA Softball Championship Tournament and the Annual Oklahoma All-Indian Softball Tournament in Oklahoma City, for many years. She was selected as “Outstanding Pitcher” in many tournaments. Besides playing in Oklahoma, Pewewardy’s team competed in softball tournaments in Memphis, Houston, Omaha, Ft. Worth, Gallup and Albuquerque. In 1983 Pewewardy led her team to win the National All-Indian Softball tournament played in Albuquerque, NM, which consisted of teams from the United States and Canada. In this tournament Pewewardy received the “Best Pitcher Award” trophy. In a article published in the 1977 Lawton Constitution’s Sunday edition, Pewewardy talks about her career. “I really don’t know how many games I’ve pitched, but it’s been somewhere around 75 or 80 every season starting in 1959. And I figure I average at least 15 pitches an inning over the summer. And that may not be very accurate, because that’s just five pitches per batter. And three batters an inning. And I can remember lots of innings where I faced more than three batters.” According to Pewewardy the toughest tournament she’s been in was the Houston Invitational. The Lorelei Ladies from Atlanta, Ga., were the best team she had ever pitched against. In the 1977 article Pewewardy talks about the Georgia team beating her team. “They were just waiting on my change up. And hitting it. By the time I figured it out we

Pictured above, a collage of pictures were put together of Pewewardy reflecting her softball career, with the highlight of her being more deserved induction into the Oklahoma Amateur Softball Association (ASA), Softball Hall of Fame in 1988. Pewewardy was selected due to her performance on the softball field.

were behind, and we couldn’t hit their pitcher. We lost the game 4-1.” “One time Claudia (Quannamemywermy), and I wound up on different teams in the Oklahoma City All-Indian Tournament, and I had to pitch against her. I struck her out with the change up. But we agreed after that tournament that we’d play together or not at all in the future.” Pewewardy also talked about her biggest win as a pitcher, the Oklahoma City Invitational, which she pitched her team to the championship. “It was a very strong tournament, and we played the Fort Worth Rangerettes in the finals. They’d really blasted me earlier in the season, and beat us in five innings. But I struck out a lot of them that day and we won the game, 3-1.” Through out her career Pewewardy had never suffered a serious injury. Not only was she a terrific pitcher, she was an outstanding batter. She was batting a .300. In 1988, during an ASA Hall of Fame banquet held at Duncan, Okla., Pewewardy was inducted into the Oklahoma Softball Hall of Fame and was presented with the Hall of Fame plaque by ASA President, Don Porter. Quannamemywermy, who was Pewewardy’s catcher said, “ Jan is a legend and will always be a legend and will never be forgotten. There are so many memories of good times and just having summer fun.” In the years that followed many pitchers have come close to pitching like Pewewardy, but none have mastered the art or have the talent like she had. With all of her achievements, awards and accomplishments, it truly makes her the “Queen of the Mound.”

Courtesy Photos

Pewewardy is awarded the “Best Pitcher Award’ in the National AllIndian Softball Tournament, which is just one of the many awards she received during her years of playing fast pitch softball.

Janice Pewewardy pitches in one of many games through out her softball career. Pewewardy was inducted into the Oklahoma Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame in 1982 for her outstanding performance as a pitcher.

Photo by Paula Karty/ News staff

TRIBAL ATHLETES HONORED NATIVE STYLE. Comanche Nation Tribal Athletes George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah and Jenna Plumley were honored at the “One Nation Empowerment Native Youth Pow-wow, July 10, at the Great Plains Coliseum in Lawton, Okla. Tahdooahnippah was honored for his impressive boxing career which his record is 2401. Plumley was honored for her outstanding basketball career which she was named by The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches “Player of the Year.” Plumley attends Lamar University, and is the starting point guard for the Lady Cardinals

September 2010

The Comanche Nation News

Comanche Nation Waterpark Cheers for the Back to School Pep Rally Submitted by Susan Whitehorse/Walters Indian Education Director

Back to school activities were happening everywhere including The Comanche Nation Water Park. Through the efforts of several tribal programs and the Walters Indian Education Program, the first week of athletic practices ended with a cool dip on a hot afternoon. Back to school is a time for students setting goals for academic success and trying to squeeze in the last fun days of summer. Efforts made by all of our studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletes are especially tough with the heat, and this event allowed a fun way to cool off. The Waltersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; football team and cheerleaders were in attendance to enjoy the activities. They may have been the only school not to have started on Aug. 13. Students and families from Cache, Elgin, Walters and Geronimo were there to participate. May each of the

aging students to achieve academic goals will ensure their entry into college courses with success. The Comanche Nation Youth Program supplied hot dogs for all attendees. KGMZ provided a live remote and music. A big thanks to all the very supportive tribal programs: Comanche Nation Water Park Staff, Comanche Nation Youth Program, Comanche Nation Higher Education Program, Comanche Nation Enrollment Department, Comanche Nation Tourism and Visitor Center, Comanche Nation Fire Fighters and the Comanche Nation Administration. Discussions are already Walters High School Cheerleaders getting all excited for the 2010 - 2011 school year to begin. The taking place to insure that this girls got the crowd pumped up at the Comanche Nation Waterpark during the Back to School Pep Rally. will become an annual event. schools have success on and off the field. The Comanche Nation College Student services staff

was on hand to get out their information. It is their goal to become more visible to our local students. The college

wants local students to know there is a friendly staff waiting to help them reach their next education endeavor. Encour-

September 2010

The Comanche Nation News

2010 High School Football Schedules

Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 21 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Sept. 30 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 21 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

Anadarko Warriors

Chickasha Centennial Cache Lone Grove Marlow Bridge Creek Riverside Blanchard Tuttle Weatherford

7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Cache Bulldogs

Tuttle John Marshall Anadarko Elk City Elgin Clinton Woodward Guymon McGuinness Piedmont

7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Elgin Owls

Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Sept. 30 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

Bridge Creek Marlow Tuttle Piedmont Cache Guymon McGuinness Clinton Woodard Elk City

Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 7 Oct. 15 Oct. 21 Oct. 29 Nov. 4

Eisenhower MacArthur Altus Mustang Edmond Santa Fe Grant Del City Edmond North Putnam City Westmoore

7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Lawton High

7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Home Away Home Away Away Away Home Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Lawton Away Home Away Home Home Cam. Cam. Away Home Away Home Away Away Away Home

Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 21 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Sept. 2 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 12 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct.1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 21 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

Walters Blue Devils

Empire Waurika Healdton Comanche Washington Frederick Lindsay Cordell Hobart St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7;30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Apache Warriors

Washington Rush Springs Minco Mangum Snyder Hollis Okeene Sayre Carnegie

7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Cyril Pirates

Cement Alex Macomb Bowlegs Sasakwa Davenport Central Paoli OCA Fox

7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Home Away

Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away

Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 20 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 21 Oct. 29 Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 23 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 4 Sept. 3 Sept. 9 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 4

Riverside Indian School

Seeworth Santa Fe South Northeast Marlow Blanchard Tuttle Weatherford Anadarko Marlow Bridge Creek

7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Lawton MacArthur

Wichita Falls Lawton High Eisenhower Ardmore Altus Chichasha Duncan Durant Captial Hill N.W. Classen

7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Lawton Eisenhower

Lawton High 7:30 p.m. Altus 7:30 p.m. MacArthur 7:30 p.m. Norman North 7:30 p.m. Choctaw 7:30 p.m. Yukon 7:30 p.m. Edmon Memorial 7:30 p.m. Putnam City N. 7:30 p.m. Midwest City 7:30 p.m. Moore 7:30 p.m.

Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Cam Cam Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Cam Home Cam Away Home Away Home Away Home Away

September 2010

The Comanche Nation News

September 2010

The Comanche Nation News

MILESTONES Birthdays

Trinity Pewewardy May 2 X.Andria Poafpybitty July 20 Trevor Pewewardy July 23 Tristina Pueblo,Sept 1 Aaron Parker, Sept. 1 Eric Haumpy ,Sept. 1 Clara Acevedo,Sept. 6 Kay Jones ,Sept. 9 Georgetta Campbell ,Sept. 10 Darci Codynah ,Sept. 10 Toni Wahnee ,Sept. 11 Alene Gembacz ,Sept. 12 Chiana Rayne Red Elk Sept. 15 Chelsa Yackeyonny ,Sept. 16 Joseph Parker ,Sept. 16 Deann Nibbs ,Sept. 17 Shila Pewewardy,Sept. 19 Kelly Sean Codynah,Sept. 21 Brantley Kerchee,Sept. 23 Thomas Lee Portillo,Sept. 24 Olivia Komahcheet ,Sept. 24 Chelsa Poafpybitty ,Sept. 30 Kenneth Atetewuthtakewa Sept. 30

Happy Birthday Jessia Mahaffey Sept 2

Happy Birthday Joshua Mowatt Sept 2

Happy Birthday Darci & Brantley Codynah-Kerchee Sept 10 & 23

Happy Birthday Toni Wahnee Sept 11

Happy Birthday Haley Mathis Sept 7

Happy Birthday Misty Red Elk Sept 8

Birth Caison Blaine Yackeschi Aug 28 9lbs 4 oz

Happy Birthday Alene Gembacz Sept 12

Happy Birthday Deann Nibbs Sept 17

Passings Cecelia Carol SandovalTenequer Aug 9 Terry Kodaseet Everett G. Akoneto Aug 30

Happy Birthday Shila Jo Pewewardy Sept 19

Happy Birthday Olivia Komahcheet Sept 24

Happy Birthday Kenneth Legend Atetewuthtakewa Red Elk Sept 30

In Loving Memory May Kopaddy Cable June 14, 1913 August8, 2009

In Loving Memory

Floyd Lee Kopaddy

Lucretia Hellen Reid Thomas

Wilda Tahmahkera Okeefee

Lorene Kerchee Pewewardy

August 12, 1969 August 6, 2009

10-12-53 03-03-10

03-09-31 07-10-10

Sept 1,1934 Dec.6,2003

In Loving Memory

September 2010

OBITUARIES

Franklin Delano Parker

Franklin Delano Parker, 76 went to be with the Lord on May 20, with his family by his side. He was born on May 11, 1934 in Comanche County to Len Nehio and Birtie Asewaynah Fisher Parker. He was a member of the Comanche Nation, was the grandson of Quanah Parker and Aerwuthtakeum and Rudolph Fisher and Kachacha. He served in the United States Air Force, was a sheriff and under sheriff in McAlester, Oklahoma. Prayer service was held May 23, at the Comanche Community Center of Apache. Funeral service was held May 24, at the Comanche Community Center of Apache with Pastor George Carter and assisted by Pastor Roy Young officiating. Burial will followed at Cache KCA Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. He is survived by his children: Arlan Whitebird Parker of Horton, Kan., Kevin Lynn Parker of Norman, Okla., Jeffery and wife Chesa Kadayso Parker of Anadarko, and Jon Len and wife Janie Komardley Parker of the home; one sister, Geraldine Weryavah of Lawton; one brother, Leonard and wife LaRue Parker of Anadarko; numerous grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends; and special caregiver, Sheila Gillis.He is preceded in death by his parents; brother and sisters: Esther Parker, Jerome Parker, Vera Parker, Cynthia Ann Parker, Iona Parker, Harold Parker; grandparents: Quanah Parker and Aerwuthtakeum and Rudolph Fisher and Kackacha. Pallbearers: Andrew Roberts, Robert Gutierrez, Jr., Randall Massey, Sonny Weryavah, Steve Martin, Gerald Mason, Gary Parker, Dwayne Flowers. Honorary Pallbearers: Terry Shaw.

Vandal “Moon” Atatuvich Vandal “Moon” Atauvich, 77 went to be with the Lord on August 9, at his home with his family by his side. He was born to Lee Atatuvich and Rose Yokesuite on September 4, 1932 in Lawton, Oklahoma. He graduated from Ft. Sill Indian School in 1951 and enlisted in the US Navy. He served in the US Navy from November 10, 1952 to November 10, 1956 earning the rank of Boiler man. He took his ba-

sic training at the Naval Training Center in San Diego, Cali., and Advanced Training Camp Elliot in San Diego. He served aboard the USS Kaskaskie, Cimarron-class fleet, the USS Mauna Loa. He toured numerous countries including China, Japan, the Philippines, Korea, Australia, New Guinea, the Midway Islands, Guam, Hawaii, Iwo Jima, Formosa, the Panama Canal, Morocco, Italy, Greece, France Spain, Cuba, Africa, Vietnam, Shangri-La, and Portugal. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the China Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the Naval Occupational Medal. He worked at the Lawton Country Club as the greens keeper for twenty years; he work with Civil Service at Ft. Sill in cold storage and also worked for AJ Fowler as a tractor driver cutting grass. He enjoyed beadwork which has been sold all over the world, he helped to bring back the Handgame, his team was “Twelve Pack”, he was a championship softball pitcher, was a boxer, and won numerous Golden Glove tournaments. He was a member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma; he was great-great-great grandson of Chief Whitewolf, Chief Iron Mountain, Chief Wild Horse, and Chief Little Raven. Funeral services were held August 13 at the Cahoma Building in Cache, Okla., with Chaplin Sue Long officiating. Burial followed at Cache KCA Intertribal Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Prayer service was held August 12 at the Cahoma Building in Cache, Okla., with Chaplin Sue Long and Wallace Coffey officiating. He is survived by a special daughter Jerri Locklear, of the home; two brothers: Carl Atatuvich of Cache and Willis Nauni of Carnegie; two sisters: Eleanor McDaniel of Cache, and Arlene Kemp of Cache; special friends: Helen Sanchez and Linda Ecker and Victor McCarthy; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents: Lee Atauvich and Rose Yokeuite; grandparents: Tineahbitten and Phillip Atatuvich; Ella Poafpybitty and Baldwin Yokesuite; Aunts: Lilly Yokesuite, Pearl Atauvich, Delores Kawaykla, Marie Huampy, Agnes Wermy, Myrtle Atatuvich, Rachel

Atatuvich; Uncles: Lewellyn Atauvich and Robert Atatuvich; Great grandparents: David and Chappy Poafpybitty and Tit-tah-per and Yokesuite.

Rowena Mae Tahah Komahcheet Rowena Mae Tahah Komahcheet, 81 went to be with the Lord on August 9, at her home. She was born on May 3, 1929 to John Tahah and Jessie Cable in Lawton, Okla. Funeral Service was held on August 12, at Post Oak Mennonite Brethren Church of Oklahoma with Rev. Michael Keahbone officiating. Burial followed at Deyo Mission Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Prayer Service was held August 11, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel with June Sovo officiating. She worked at Lawton Indian Hospital as a LPN and Scrub Tech. She retired from USPHS after 25 years. Hobbies include powwow’s, handgames, fishing, hunting, bingo, bowling, and casino’s. She was a member of Comanche Nation of Oklahoma, Descendant of Tahah and Esa Rosa; a member of CIVA, Comanche Little Ponies, Comanche Gourd Clan, and Comanche Homecoming. She also was a member of Post Oak Mennonite Brethren Church. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by five sons and four daughters in laws: Lonnie J. and Mary Komahcheet, of Indiahoma, Bobby and Sharon Komahcheet of Lawton, Robert Douglas Komahcheet Jr. and Darla of Shawnee, Eric “Rick” and Virgie Komahcheet of Cache and Brett C. Komahcheet of the home; Two daughters: Bretta Marte Komahcheet of Cache, Christy Komahcheet of Cache; Four Brothers: John Tahah of Moore, Carl Tahah of Lawton, Edward Tahah of Lawton, Roderick Hoahwah of Elgin; Three Sisters: Jolene Tahah of Cache, Imogene Tahah Moss of Corvallis, Org., and Vera Tahah Gooday of Lawton; 18 grandchildren of Oklahoma and Texas; and 38 great grandchildren and many others who considered her a grandmother. She is preceded in death by Parents: John Tahah and Jesse Tahah Noyabad; husband: Robert Douglas Komahcheet

The Comanche Nation News

Sr.; Sanford and Buster KomKaren Tomahsah ahcheet; two sisters: Elaine Karen Tomahsah, 60 of Noyebad and Clemencie Tahah Faxon, Oklahoma went to her Asenap. heavenly home on, August 31, in Oklahoma City. Funeral service was Lois Ruth Karty September 3, at Comanche Gonzalez Nation Funeral Home Chapel with Wallace Coffey, Rev. Lois Ruth Karty Gonzalez, Duke Tsoodle and Pastor Rob66 of Lawton went to her heav- ert Bohn officiating. enly home on August 19. Burial followed at Funeral service was held Deyo Cemetery under the diAugust 23 at the Comanche rection of Comanche Nation Reformed Church with Rev. Funeral Home. Prayer Charlie Spencer and Pastor service was held September 2, Willie J. Doyeto officiating. at Comanche Nation Funeral Burial will follow at Home Chapel. Karen was born Highland Cemetery under the on November 23, 1949 in Lawdirection of Comanche Nation ton to Henry and Naomi (WahFuneral Home. Prayer service kahquah) Tomahsah. She grew was at the Comanche Nation up in Faxon and also attended Funeral Home Chapel on Au- Faxon School. She was a memgust 22 with Pastor Willie J. ber of the Comanche Nation of Doeyto officiating. Oklahoma and Deyo Mission Lois was born on Sep- Baptist Church. Karen was a tember 28, 1943 in Lawton descendant of Ten Bears and to George and Kate (Botone) Hovarithka on her maternal Karty Sr. She grew up in the side and Charlie Ross on her Lawton area. She attended paternal side. Karen enjoyed school at Central Jr. High and spending time with her large Lawton High School. Lois at- family. Her family remembers tended Southwestern Indian her as always so happy, joyful, Poly Technical Institute in especially her smile which exAlbuquerque receiving a cer- pressed her love of life. Karen tificate for Dental Technician. really enjoyed working in the She worked at the Lawton In- garden and picking plums. dian Hospital for many years. She is survived by: brothLois also attended Aladdin ers: Keener Tomahsah, John Beauty School and received Eli Tomahsah, Gary Tomahher certificate as a beautician. sah; sisters: Bonnie Tomahsah Lois was a member of Monoessy, Janetta Tomahthe Comanche Nation of Okla- sah-Gooday; aunts: Pauline homa, Comanche Reformed Hawzipta, Lavoice SatepauChurch, Tia-piah Society of hoodle, Mabel Ann Blalock, Oklahoma, and Latin Ameri- Gwen Nahno-Kerchee, Phyllis can Lions Club. Morales, Pauline Cox, Bev She enjoyed going to erly Coffey, Karita Coffey, Lupow-wows, taking care of her cinda Kerchee, Roberta Burgrand kids and watching them gess, Jewel Niedo, Alicia Ellis, dance, cooking, and was an Stephanie Derkin, Michelle avid OU Football Fan. Tomahsah, Sherri Reynolds; She is survived by: four uncles: Wallace Coffey, John sons and spouses: Christopher Allen Pratt, Vincent Wallace, and Emma Tanequodle, Ran- George Wallace, Robert Waldolph and Barbara Tanequo- lace, Winston Kerchee, Hervey dle, Rudolph Tanequodle all of Yarbrough, David Lee WahLawton, Miguel Gonzalez of kahquah, Raymond Almanza, Amarillo, TX; two daughters Cheevers Coffey, Charles and spouse: Dayle and Earl Kerchee, Melvin Kerchee Jr., Murff, Michelle Gonzalez all numerous, nieces, nephews, of Lawton; step daughter, Ra- cousins, other family members chel Gonzalez of Apache; two and friends. brothers and spouses: Kenneth She is preceded in death by: and Cornelia Karty of Lawton her parents, Henry and Naomi and George and Francis Karty Tomahsah; stepfather, ClifJr., of Greenfield, Mass; a sis- ford Stumblingbear; brother, ter and spouse, Glenda and Charles Ray Tomahsah; grandDale Dennis of Lawton; thirty parents: Melvin Kerchee Sr., three grandchildren, nine great Lucy and John Wahkahquah, grandchildren, other family Anna and Robert Coffey, Anna members and friends. Gover, Nettie Kerchee, MarShe is preceded in death garet Wallace, Roxie Coffey, by: her parents; George and aunts: Marie Johnson, BlosKate Karty Sr.; brothers: Vir- som, Pasquerita, Anna Belle gil Karty, Billy Karty, Dennis Chaat, Ruby, Lily, Minty, JoKarty, Randolph Karty; sister: sephine Tomahsah, Rubye Rita Karty and Katie Karty. MacDonald; uncles: Galvus Tomahsah, Willis Attocknie, Melvin Darryl Coffey, Rusty Coffey.

September 2010

DEAR TCNN Letters to the Editor

Dear TCNN,

Rowena and Doug Komahcheet reunited again.

Dear TCNN, The Komahcheet family would like to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers, and food during our time of sorrow. We would like to especially thank Eddie and Gwen Komahcheet, the Comanche Nation Funeral Home, Deyo Mission, Post Oak Church, Pete Coffey Mennonite Church, Deena and Audrey from the Comanche Nation CHR Nurses, Lonnie and Mary Komahcheet, Nora Rodriguez, the Comanche County Hospital Home Health Services, the Comanche Caregiver Program, and Dr. Ahmad. Sincerely, The Family of Rowena Komahcheet

A special “Thank You” to the Comanche Nation Acting Tribal Administrator, Willie Owens, and Comanche Nation Chairman, Michael Burgess, for your attendance; Helen Sanchez, Linda Ecker, Victor McCarthy, and many relatives, friends and acquaintances. Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair, your presence was felt by the family. If you visited Moon when he was so sick he could no longer get out of bed, Thank You. Perhaps you were a special friend of “Vandal Moon” Atauvich, Thank You. Perhaps you were with us during this time and brought a dish or something and even shared a meal with us, Thank You. Perhaps you sent a funeral spray, or other flowers, if so, we saw it there. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day and said a prayer for us. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so

very much, whatever your part. And we thank God for each and every one of you, and bless you. Sincerely, The Family of Vandal “Moon” Atauvich Dear TCNN, Good evening. I’d like to thank you again for all the tribal information you had sent me back in 2002. Wow! That was a long time. I’ve been programming on all the tribal information while I was back on the units over the last couple of years. I’m grateful for all of it and most of the youths here have learned quite a few things about us Native people. We are all proud of who we are and what we’ve accomplished over the years. I’ve told the youths that all the teachings (personally) come from the home environment, especially our elders. They have so much to offer us in culture and language. I work in the Control Booth now monitoring everyone on cameras. I see all the youths walking here and there being escorted by JDOs (Juvenile Detention Officers).

I run into a few youths on the outs here and there that are over 18-years-old now. They tell me what they’ve been doing and I would tell them that I am proud of them and that they are to be doing good things in life. They have smiles on their faces like they’ve just got a Christmas gift. They are happy and doing well. Again I’d like to thank you for all you’ve done for the youths and me by giving information to me. You’ve been a great help to me, a lot. I’ll be celebrating my 10 years here at Southeast Juvenile Detention (SEF) on Sept. 5, 2010. I still can’t believe it. So, again thank you. Whenever I work on the units I program on Native People. Some even have their own culture to share with the unit. Sincerely, Karin Begay “K” Mesa, Ariz.

The Comanche Nation News

September 2010

SEPTEMBER CALENDER

The Comanche Nation News

Sept. 6, Labor Day, Comanche Nation Complex will be closed. Sept. 7, Building Self-Esteem, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Suite B, Lawton Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 8, Red Road to Wellbriety “White Bison”, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Suite B, Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 9, Substance Abuse Education, 6 p.m. -7 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Suite B, Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 9, Southern Plains Child Protection Team Benefit Pow-wow, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Comanche Community Center, Apache, Okla. For more information contact: Summer Morgan (580) 654-2349, e-mail: smorgan@kiowatribe.net. Sept. 10, 12-Steps “A Spiritual Journey” (Closed meeting), 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Suite B, Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 13, Comanche Nation Elder’s Council Meeting, 10 a.m., Comanche Nation College, 1608 SW 9th, Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 591-0203. Sept. 13, Substance Abuse Education, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Suite B, Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 14, Building Self-Esteem, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Suite B, Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 15, Red Road to Wellbriety “White Bison”, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 15, Deadline for the October edition of the Comanche Nation News. PIO Office, (580) 492-3386. Sept. 16, Substance Abuse Education, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 17, 12-Steps “A Spiritual Journey” (Closed meeting), 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 18, Comanche Little Ponies Princess Pow-wow, 1 p.m. - 10 p.m., Comanche Nation Complex Gym, Lawton, Okla., All gourd dance. Vendor contact: Margaret Tonemah (405) 574-5279, e-mail: margaret.tonemah@att.net; General information contact: Lowell Nibbs (580) 583-5279, e-mail: lowellnibbs@yahoo.com. Sept. 20, Substance Abuse Education, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept, 21, Building Self-Esteem, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 22, Red Road to Wellbriety “White Bison,” 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery, 927 SW D Ave., Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 23, Substance Abuse Education, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 24, Deadline for Comanche Nation Fair Softball Tournament Registration. Lorrainne McCurtin, (580) 492-3304. Sept. 24, Deadline for Comanche Nation Fair 3/3 Basketball Team Registration. Comanche Nation Youth Program, (580) 492-4349. Sept. 24, 12-Steps “A Spiritual Journey” (Closed meeting), 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 25, Comanche Nation Youth Pow-wow, 1p.m.-11 p.m. Watchetaker Hall, Comanche Nation Complex. (580) 492-3288. Sept. 27, Substance Abuse Education, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 28-30, 7th Annual Comanche Nation College Invitational Film Festival. Comanche Nation College, (580) 591-0203. Sept. 28, Building Self-Esteem, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 29 Red Road to Wellbriety “White Bison,” 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449. Sept. 29, Comanche Nation Fair Art Contest Registration deadline. Geneva Hadley, (580) 357-6545. Sept. 30, Substance Abuse Education, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center, 927 SW D Ave., Lawton, Okla. For more information call (580) 357-3449.

FINAL CALL FOR SPECIALS AT THE COMANCHE NATION FAIR Oct. 1,2,3, 2010

DEADLINE: NOON SEPT. 24 Call Tomah Yeahquo (580) 492-3384 Delphine Nelson (580) 357-6545