VOLUME 15 EDITION 1
Area All Indian Rodeo Association Sets 2014 Schedule Arrington McSpadden All Indian Rodeo Association (AMAIRA) Press Release
The Arrington McSpadden All Indian Rodeo Association (AMAIRA), Region 8 of the Indian National Finals Rodeo Association (INFR) is gearing up for their 2014 season. Their first Rodeo is set on January 25th 2014 in Miami OK at the NEO campus indoor arena. The date of January 24 will be an open timed event at 7 p.m. for any Cowboy and Cowgirl to sharpen their skills for the Indian Rodeo Slack at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Performance to be at 7 p.m.. A minimum of $500 in each event will be added. They invite all Native American Cowboys and Cowgirls to join the INFR at INFR.org (must have card or permit to enter, and card must be purchased prior to call in) and call in for the Rodeo on Sunday January 19, 2013 at 918-456-8507, 5-8 p.m.. Rodeo events to be held are Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Ladies Barrel Racing and Breakaway Roping. Junior events for the 15 and under are Breakaway Roping (Boys and Girls), Girls Barrels, Jr. Bull Riding, and Team Roping. Senior events for the over 50 age group are Breakaway Roping and Team Roping. Region 8 Year End Winner in all INFR sanctioned events and the Finals Average Winner in the INFR sanctioned timed events from their Region qualify the Cowboys and Cowgirls for the Indian National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas Nevada in November 2014. Plans are to have three rodeos in their region this year, which is the maximum allotted by the INFR rules. The Creek Nation is confirmed on their rodeo the last weekend of June 2014. Negotiations are underway with the Comanche Tribe, the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Cherokee Nation, Sac and Fox and, the Choctaw Tribe. Other Region Rodeos are being scheduled at this time, for more added money and an increased prize line; however they needed to let all their Native American Cowboys and Cowgirls know of the first rodeo so they will not be left behind. You won’t want to miss out on the good stuff happening this year with the AMAIRA. For questions or more information please feel free to call us at 918-931-8784 or 918-232-0554 or see us on the internet at Amairregion8.com or like us on facebook at Arrington Mcspadden All Indian Rodeo Association, or email us at: region8rodeo@yahoo.com.
Lawton, OK
January 2014
Winter comes early with Ice and snow
A blanket of ice and snow covered Comanche Country the beginning of December, closing the area school and businesses, including the Comanche Nation Complex and Lawton tribal offices. Above: A path of iced trees made a beautiful scenery in Richard Spur. BELOW LEFT: The corner of 52nd & Cache Road was nearly undrivable the morning of Dec. 7. LEFT: The Comanche Nation Emergency Management Team were on duty, checking on tribal elder households and clearing the parking lots of tribal offices. The Comanche Nation Emergency Management Operations Team cleared ice and snow from the Comanche Complex parking lots to reduce additional ice and snow buildup. The area received an estimated 4” to 6”, with snow drifts up to four and five feet in height.
TRUST ADMINISTRATION CLASS PAYMENTS EXPECTED IN EARLY 2014 The Settlement Agreement approved by Congress and the Courts requires identification of all Trust Administration Class Members and calculation of their respective pro rata shares before the Claims Administrator for the Cobell Settlement can mail Trust Administration Class payments. That work is ongoing and is nearly complete. After the membership of the Trust Administration Class is finalized, it will take approximately a month to complete the calculations for the over 500,000 Trust Administration Class Members. Once the Claims Administrator receives those calculations and the Court approves the Second Stage Distribution, the Claims Administrator will quickly prepare and commence distribution within three weeks. Thus, if the class membership is finally determined in December, the payments can then be made in the first quarter of 2014 barring any unexpected issues. Please be assured that all parties are doing everything possible to issue the Trust Administration payments as soon as possible. Any questions can be directed to the below: Indian Trust Settlement P.O. Box 9577 Dublin, OH 43017-4877 By Phone: 800-961-6109 By Email: Info@IndianTrust.com
NCAI President: Gov. Walker "Just Took a Big Step Backward" By Signing Mascot Bill National Congress of American Indians Press Release
The Comanche Nation PIO/News Wishes Everyone a Safe and Prosperous New Year PIO/News Staff: Jolene Schonchin Paula Karty Candace Todd Stacey Heminokeky
In response to a controversial bill signed into law on December 19, 2013 by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, making it easier for schools with Native American mascots to keep them and harder for people who want to change the nicknames to challenge them, National Congress of American Indians President Brian Cladoosby issued the following statement: "I was deeply saddened to hear that Wisconsin Governor Walker signed a misguided bill that protects racist stereotypes reinforced by using Native American names and images as school mascots. Many communities, even some in Wisconsin, have recognized that these nicknames do not honor Native people and rejected these outdated notions. Wisconsin just took a big step backward in the journey toward a more inclusive and respectful society."
January 2014
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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 February edition is noon January 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: comanche_news@yahoo.com •
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TCNN Staff Jolene Schonchin, Editor, Reporter, Photographer-Email: tcnneditor@ yahoo.com-Telephone Number-(580)492-3382 Paula Karty, Assis. Editor, Reporter, Photographer- Email: kartynews@ yahoo.com Telephone Number-(580)492-3383 Stacey Heminokeky, Reporter/ Photographer- email: heminokekynews@yahoo.com Candace Todd, Administrative Assistant-Telephone Number (580)492-3386 News items of interest to the local and American Indian community are welcome. 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. The Milestones Page (Birthdays, Anniversaries, Engagements,Memorial Pictures, Weddings, Births) are 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 organization’s annual event flyer once free of charge as a courtesy to our tribal organizations. The guidelines for flyer submission are: Pow-wow flyers have to be from an established Comanche organization. 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. Letters to the Editor must be signed with a legible name. The letters to the editor or articles contained in the The Comanche Nation News does not reflect the views or opinions of the PIO staff.
Comanche Nation Officials
Chairman Wallace Coffey Vice Chairman Mike Mack Mahsetky Secretary/Treasurer Gary Tahmahkera Committeeman No. 1 Charles Wells Committeeman No. 2 Sonya Nevaquaya Committeeman No. 3 Harry Mithlo Committeeman No. 4 Jack Codopony Sr. 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
Member of the Native American Journalist Association since 2001
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists since 2010
The Comanche Nation News
Programs Comanche Nation Department relocations:
Third Annual Tire and Battery Pick Up Scheduled for February Submitted by CNOEP Staff
It is time for the third annual Tire and Battery Drop Off, sponsored by the Comanche Nation Office of Environmental Program’s Solid Waste Division.
The event will stretch over 10 days in February, and is open to the public. All tires turned in must not be bigger than 44” tall and no more than 14”
wide and the tire can be taken on the rim. All forms of batteries are accepted. The CNOEP picked up 7,688 tires in 2013, reducing environmental
The schedule for the Tire and Battery Pick-Up: All Times 10 a.m.-3 p.m. February 3 -4 February 5-6 February 10-11 February 19-20 February 24-25
Anadarko, Okla. Apache, Okla. Cache, Okla. Walters, Okla. Lawton, Okla.
Petree Plaza (between Braum’s and McDonalds) Comanche Nation Community Center, Julia Mahseet Rd. Cache Cahoma Building,, 725 NW Quanah Rd. Comanche Nation Community Center, East of Walters Comanche Nation Environmental Programs Office
Child Care Development Program/ 1001 C Ave. Lawton, OK 73501 Contact (580)492-3490 or (580)699-3991 Diabetes Program/ 1001 SE 36th St. Lawton, OK 735018446 Contact (580)492-3816/ (580)492-3818 or (580)699-3736 Realty & Land Acquisition/ 302 NW Rogers Lane Lawton, OK 73507 Contact (580)492-3277
For more information, contact the CNOEP, (580) 492-3754.
Comanche Nation Elders Council Christmas Dinner/Program Submitted by Comanche Nation Elder Council Officers
On December 2, the Comanche Nation Elders Council held it’s annual Christmas Dinner and Program at the Apache Community Center. At signin, each guest was given a gift bag containing Christmas candy, mixed nuts, and a large tin of mixed popcorn flavors. In addition, each guest name was taken for door prize drawings. The Apache Community Center was colorfully decorated in holiday tablecloths and center pieces. The center pieces were glass globes atop beveled mirrors. The globes and mirrors were donated by Cornelia Karty and decorated by Adele Mihesuah. The globes and mirrors were presented to the lucky guest who occupied the chair at their table with a colored dot on the back of their chair. There were 30 door prizes also gifted to those lucky enough to have their names drawn. The Christmas program consisted of live entertainment by Dennis Niedo and Christmas songs were presented in Comanche by four different Church and Organizations and the Comanche Nation Preschoolers and the children from the Comanche Language Program who sang in Comanche. Lunch was catered by the Methodist Church and consisted of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, boiled meat, beans, green salad, cranberry salad, pumpkin pie, and iced tea. A beautiful Pendelton large colorful tote bag and ribbon corsage with the CNEC logo was presented to the Oldest Elder Lady present, Inez Motah age 94; and a hand-
some black with cream color and gray pattern and a ribbon corsage with the CNEC logo was presented to the Oldest Elder Gentleman, Nat Woommavoyah, age 94. Comanche Nation wall clocks with Comanche numbers was presented to the Youngest Elder Lady Beverly Chasenah; and Youngest Elder Gentleman, Farley Pewewwardy welcoming them to the Comanche Nation Elders Council. Making presentation at the CNEC Christmas Program was Clyde Narcomy, who presented a gift to the Oldest Elder Lady and Oldest Elder Gentleman. Also presenting at the CNEC Christmas Program were the WIA Angels who gave an overview of their program and brought applications with them for any Elder that needs assistance. Also presenting at the CNEC Christmas Program was Sandra Toyekoyah who gave an overview of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program which she administers under a auspices of the Comanche Nation Elders Council. Toyekoah stated she has put up fliers and handed out brochures for the program and has had appointments to pass the word about the program should they need assistance in finding resources and assistance in raising their grandchildren or even greatgrandchildren. Toyekoyah can be reached at the Comanche Nation Elders Program Office at 1001 C Street, Lawton; or by telephone: (580) 574-9100. Please call ahead to make an appointment.
The Comanche Nation Elders Council would like to thank those who assisted with the preparation for the Christmas Program with such tasks as stuffing gift bags, shopping for the door prizes, transporting bags and gifts from the CNEC offices to the Apache Community Center which consisted of moving tables and chairs, decorating tables with tablecloths and center pieces. Our deepest appreciation
goes to Debbie Barnard, Gwen Kerchee, Christine McCarthy, Lee Mowery, Kay Smits, Harley Roach, Orlan Holder, Brandon Turner, Vivian Holder, Adele Mihesuah, Raymond Almanza, Marion Simmons, Sandra Toyekoyah. The Comanche Nation Elders Council consists of All Elders 62 years and older who are members of the Comanche Nation.
January 2014
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The Comanche Nation News
Child Care Program Begins Language Project The Comanche Nation Child Care Programs has begun work on a language project. The Living Language Project began at the beginning of this fiscal year, October 2013. This year the Child Care Programs Team Leaders felt it was time to go to the next level with our language and how it is being taught to our children attending the Early Childhood Development Centers. An all staff meeting was held on October 14, 2013 to inform the staff and to plan for the project. The staff was also informed of their roles in the development of a Comanche Language Curriculum, which is a part of the Living Language Project. The Living Language Project is in the beginning stages of development at this time. Here is what is happening at this time: •
Three of the Program’s Team Leaders and one Language Teacher were able to attend training for Project Planning and Development provided by the Administration for Native Americans in November.
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Face to face meet-
ings with Language Resources within our tribal community are ongoing at this time. •
Language classes for all Program Staff are beginning at the end of November 2013.
Our program’s long term goal is to develop speakers who will be able to teach our young children our beautiful language. We understand that we cannot do this alone. We understand that this will need to be a community supported project. We are ready to engage our tribal members by holding community meetings. These meetings will help us to gain information and input from all who are interested in helping us to preserve and to use our language on a very high level.
Photo by Candace Todd/News Staff
A Merry Time at the Daycare Centers Christmas Parties
There will be community meetings scheduled during the month of December 2013. Please look for postings on the Comanche Nation’s Website and in the Lawton Constitution. If you are interested in this language project please contact the Program Office at 580-699-3991 or by email at childcare@comanchenation. com.
Elgin Tigers 7-8 year olds Runner Up
Photo by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
ABOVE: Numunu Turetu annual Christmas party was held December 19, in Watchetaker Hall. The children preformed Comanche songs they learned, for families and friends in attendance. Games, laughter, gifts and good food was enjoyed by all families and the staff of the Numunu Daycare. BELOW: The Apache Daycare Center invited parents and children to a festive Christmas Dinner Dec. 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bohart building in Apache Okla. Parents, children, and staff all enjoyed their time together. Children sang Christmas carols for their families, and Santa came to give the Children gifts for being good all year long.
The Elgin Tigers, seven and eight year old First Division, finished the season with a record of 9-2. The Tigers were runner-ups for the First Division in the 2013 Oklahoma Independent Youth Football League Super Bowl Championships held in Cache, Okla., on November 2 with a tough loss to Anadarko Purple, 6-0 in double overtime. Comanche Nation Tribal members (L to R): Coach George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah, Austin Elam parents: Michael & Jenna Elam (Chibitty family), Nick Johnson parents: Carrington Johnson (Chockpoyah/Simmons/Aitson family), and Nacona Tahdooahnippah (parents: George & Mia Tahdooahnippah and Nate & Cynthia Billy).
The Comanche Nation Offices will be closed January 20 for Comanche Constitution Day and will reopen for regular business 8 a.m. January 21.
January 2014
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The Comanche Nation News
Dear TCNN Letters to the Editor
Comanche and Choctaw Lobbying Team from left to right, Lanny and Shelley Asepermy, Major General John Furrow, Lieutenant General Leroy Sisco, Chief Gregory Pyle, Chairman Wallace Coffey, Judy Allen, Shannon McDaniel, Zandria Ivy Hanes, Bob Brooks, and John Jackson. Chairman Wallace Coffey with Congressional Gold Medal
Congressional Gold Medal of the Comanche Nation
Dear TCNN, The approval and presentation of the Comanche Code Talkers Congressional Gold Medal was a long and difficult road. We owe our utmost gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Chairman Wallace Coffey for the support, guidance and leadership he provided for approval and presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Comanche Code Talkers of both World War I and World War II. Chairman Coffey lead the Lobbying and Presentation Phase for the Gold Medal by making 7 trips to Washington DC between 200408 and in 2013. His phone calls, emails and letters numbered in the hundreds as he gained sponsorship for the medal that was signed into law on October 15, 2008. With his approval and blessing over 140+ Code Talker descendents, Business Committee and CIVA members, our royalty - the Nation’s Princess, Jr Princess and CIVA Princess and a support staff attended the Presentation Ceremony on November 20, 2013. He provided a pre-departure meal and cedar blessing, unveiled a beautiful Code Talker Bus, provided transportation to and from DC, lodging in DC, a pre-presentation meal in DC, arranged tours for the attendees which included the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials and Museum of the American Indian. He also arranged an emotional wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the resting place of Comanche veteran Willington Permansu at Arlington Cemetery and signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding for the care of Fort Sill Indian Agency Cemetery with the United States Army. His work is not done as he has called for an Award Ceremony to display the Gold Medal and present duplicate Silver Medals to the Code Talkers Next of Kin and Bronze Medals to the Code Talkers descendents. There were many other individuals involved during the Legislative, Lobbying, Design and Presentation Phases of the Gold Medal. To each of them I also say thank you. Towana Spivey responded to two direct inquiries from the White House (2 different Presidents) regarding recommendations of awarding of a Gold Medal to the Comanche and Choctaw Code Talkers in the 1990’s. Legislative support of these recommendations was dormant. Ben Tahmahkera requested his long-time friend, Congresswoman Kaye Granger of Texas to initiate legislation on the Comanche and other tribes with Code Talkers after the Navajo Code Talkers were presented the Gold Medal on July 26, 2001. Congresswoman Kaye Granger introduced legislation, the Code Talker Act of 2003, on March 5, 2003 and the Code Talker Act of 200506 on December 16, 2005. Both Acts failed due to lack of sponsorship – per committee rules, legislation bestowing
Comanche Code Talker Bus a Congressional Gold Medal upon a recipient must be co-sponsored by 2/3 of the membership of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. There are 435 members of the House and 100 members of the Senate. Congressman Dan Boren of Oklahoma introduced the Code Talker Act of 2008 on December 13, 2007; it passed the House on September 20, 2008 and the Senate on September 25, 2008 both unanimously, and was signed into law (Public Law 110-420) by President George W. Bush on October 15, 2008. Melvin Kerchee Jr who at the time was the Secretary/Treasurer of the Comanche Nation testified in front of the Senate Arms Forces Sub-Committee in Washington DC on September 21, 2004 seeking sponsorship for the 2003 Code Talker Act. Lanny Asepermy accompanied him. Gregory Pyle, Chief of the Choctaw Nation, Judy Allen, the Choctaw Nation’s Senior Executive Officer of Tribal Relations, Assistant Chief Gary Batton, Lieutenant General Leroy Sisco, Major General John Furlow, Shannon McDaniel, Brian McClain, John Jackson, Zandria Ivy Haines and Bob Brooks from the Choctaw Nation worked hand in hand with the Comanches during the lobbying phase. The late Alan Lovesee and his son, Nicholas, were both based in DC with the Choctaw Governmental Office. They set up appointments with over 400+ House and Senate members during the Lobbying phase. John Plata, Jacquetta Swift, Michele Monenekit, the late Fred Nahwooks, Terry Snowball, LaNora Parker and Shelley Asepermy were part of the Comanche lobbying teams that sought sponsorship for the medal. The Oneida, Lakota and Dakota Tribes lobbied with the Comanches and Choctaws during the second trip to DC. John Plata also represented the Comanches (and Kiowas) at a meeting in DC with the Citizens Coin Advisory Committee (CCAC) on February 28, 2012 – prior to the meeting a “generic” design for all tribes had been recommended by the US Treasury that the Comanches and Choctaws strongly opposed. It was during this meeting the CCAC gave approval to each tribe to design their own medal. On May 17, 2012 Mr. Plata again attended a meeting in DC with the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). The CFA approved the design of the Comanche Gold Medal during that meeting. Barbara Goodin provided a large volume of literature, information and photos about the Code Talkers that enabled the Nation to present a pamphlet to members of the House and Senate. Most information written about the Code Talkers are from her archives. Betty Birdsong, Program
Manager, Office of Design, US Mint, provided the guidance for the design of the Gold Medal and information during the Presentation Phase of the medal. George, Rose, Ron and Ozzie Red Elk, Van and Calvert Codynah, Sylvia Macias, Leonard and Rosemary Chibitty, Irene Permansu Lane, Vivian Gooday, Carney Saupitty, Amaryllis Frazier, Christopher and Sierra Brady, Patricia Bread and Berthena Paukei provided input on the design of the medal. William Norton, US Mint Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Office, provided guidance and information during the Presentation Phase of the medal. Donna Wahnee, Director of Special Events for the Comanche Nation, and her Staff provided the logistical support for the “Go to Washington DC” attendees by making the Lodging, Air and Bus reservations, arranging the transportation to and from the airports in DC, setting the agenda with transportation for the tours and other activities in DC, arranged the pre-departure meal and cedar blessing at Watchetaker Hall, arranged the pre-ceremony meal in DC, broke the DC attendees into groups with a group leader and identified each attendee with a tag that included medical issues, provided wheelchairs for the handicap and escorts when needed for the handicap. She also fielded hundreds of phone calls and emails prior to departure to DC and answered hundreds of questions while in DC. Her staff included Civa Hill, Lindsay Early, Ashley Nauni, Tomah Yeahquo, Shirley Rivera and Gwen Pesewonit. Once official confirmation for the Presentation Ceremony was made, Ms Wahnee submitted and later RSVP a list of attendees to the Office of the Speaker. Jolene Schonchin, Director of the Public Affairs Office took hundreds of photos during the trip to DC so a historical record is recorded. Dan Bigbee Jr, with the assistance of Nichols Hare and Hunter Blackwolf of IT, recorded the Presentation Ceremony so we also have a historical video of the Presentation Ceremony. Harold Parker and Fred Codynah Jr drove the Code Talker Bus to and from DC including a sidetrip to Graceland that was compliments of the owner of the Heartbreak Hotel in Memphis where the bus riders stayed overnight enroute to DC. Ms Wahnee and her staff have also been task to set up the Code Talkers Award Ceremony for the display of the Gold Medal, presentation of duplicate Silver Medals to the Next of Kin of each Code Talker and presentation of duplicate Bronze Medals to descendents of the Code Talkers. Comanche Visions designed and installed the wrap on the Code Talkers Bus. Legislative support from Senator James Inhofe from Oklahoma and Congressmen Tom Cole and Frank Lu-
ABOVE: Charles Chibitty with Carrie Wilson on the left at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 21, 2001. BELOW: Chairman Wallace Coffey, George Red Elk, Mike Mahsetky and Jack Codopony Sr at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldieron November 21, 2013
cas both from Oklahoma were instrumental in attaining the sponsorship of the medal. According to the Department of Defense Historical Department, who identified the tribes and individual Code Talkers, a large majority of the tribes and names of the individual Code Talkers were verified from the book COMANCHE CODE TALKERS written by William C. Meadows. I made 5 trips to DC lobbying for the medal, was the Liaison between the US Mint and Speaker of House during the Design and Presentation Phases and the Point of Contact to the families of the Code Talkers. 464 emails and 133 telephone calls were made with the US Mint and Speaker of House Office along with historical data, design reviews, RSVP, etc., Hundreds of phone calls were made and numerous emails sent to and from the family members of the Code Talkers keeping them updated on the status of the Gold Medal. The process from the Introduction of the Code Talker Act of 2003 on March 5, 2003 to the Presentation Ceremony on November 20, 2013 took 10 years, 8 months and 15 days. Initially the Code Talker Act of 2008 listed 19 Tribes and 103 Code Talkers. That list grew to 33 tribes and 257 individual Code Talkers. One living Code Talker was alive when the medal was presented. The last living Comanche Code Talker was Charles Chibitty who passed away on July 20, 2005. Edward Albert Nahquaddy Sr was the first Comanche Code Talker to enlist in the US Army on February 24, 1918. The recognition of his and the other World War I Code Talker’s extraordinary accomplishments as Telephone Warriors took 95 years, 9 months and 26 days. The first group of World War II Code Talkers enlisted in the US Army on December 28, 1940. It took 73 years, 1 month and 8 days for them to be recognized. The Images on the Congressional Gold Medal: The Obverse (front) of the medal has an image of the “Spirit Talker” statue located in front of the Nation’s HQ’s with the words NUMUNU COMANCHE CODE TALKERS identifying them the Comanche Code Talkers – Dan Pogue from Marble Falls Texas sculptured of the statue which was dedicated on September 26, 2003. The reverse has an image of the Comanche Nation’s logo, a Warrior on a horse with a lance that identifies the Code Talkers as Comanches. The 90th Division shoulder patch worn by the World War I Code Talkers and the 4th Infantry Division shoulder patch worn by the World War II Code Talkers identifies the unit they served with. ACT OF CONGRESS 2008 and WORLD WAR I * WORLD WAR II
is inscribed on the top and bottom of the medal. These inscriptions indicate that it took an Act of Congress to approve the medal and that the medal was awarded for service during both wars. The Comanche words PUHIHWITEKWA EKASAHPANA loosely interpreted means “soldiers talking on a metal telephone” according to Comanche speaker Ron Red Elk. The History of the Congressional Gold Medal: This award is bestowed by the United States Congress and along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the Untied States. It is awarded to persons “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.” The first Gold Medal was awarded to General George Washington by the Continental Congress on March 25, 1776. Only 152 medals have been awarded. The biggest THANK YOU is owed to the 22 Comanches who “talked Comanche”. They sent, received and decoded sensitive battlefield messages in the Comanche language that the Germans never understood. It’s ironic that the US government employed the use of the Comanche language that they once forbid to help win two wars. Their voices will now live in eternity as they saved the lives of thousands of American Forces because of their “Comanche tongue”. The Code Talkers of World War I were Calvin Atchavit, George Clark, Gilbert Conwoop, Edward Albert Nahquaddy Sr and Samuel Tabbytosavit. The Code Talkers of World War II were Charles Chibitty, Haddon Codynah, Robert Holder, Forrest Kassanavoid, Wellington Mihecoby, Edward Albert Nahquaddy Jr, Perry Noyobad, Clifford Ototivo Sr, Simmons Parker, Melvin Permansu, Elgin Red Elk, Roderick Red Elk, Larry Saupitty, Anthony Tabbytite, Morris Tabbyyetchy, Ralph Wahnee and Willis Yackeschi. Call this Divine Intervention when history repeated itself during the trip to DC as Chairman Coffey, CIVA Commander George Red Elk, Vice Chairman Mike Mahsetky and CBC member and CIVA Vice Commander Jack Codopony Sr laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 21, 2013. Charles Chibitty also laid a wreath at the tomb exactly 12 years before on November 21, 2001 during a trip to DC. Chairman Coffey stated, “This is a once in a lifetime achievement and will never happen again”. I agreed. Lanny Asepermy
January 2014
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The Comanche Nation News
Military Submitted by Lanny Asepermy
The Comanche Indian Veterans Association presented honors to five Comanche veterans during their 37th Annual Veterans Day Celebration at the Comanche Community Center in Apache on November 11. The celebration began with War Mothers songs, the Scalp and Victory dances, Gourd dancing and honors in the afternoon. The daughters of the late Auxiliary member Leatrice Jay, provided the meal followed by more Gourd dancing. Grand Entry, Social dancing. Contest and War Journey songs. Honors were presented to Fireman Curtis Apauty, US Navy and Korean War, Valoris Tieyah Stroup, Women in the Air Force (WAF) and Women Army Corps (WAC); Corporal Chad Winnerchy, US Army and Vietnam War; Specialist 4 Lonnie Komacheet, US Army and Vietnam War and Private First Class Carlton Kopaddy, US Marine Corps.
2013 VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION HONORS
Shelby Mata being presented with a Star Quilt
Gourd dancing during the Comanche Indian Veterans Association 37th Annual Veterans Day Celebration at the Comanche Community Center in Apache, Okla.
Overseas Bar and Driver/Me- Medic Badge. Other awards chanic Badge. include the Army Commendation, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service with/6 Campaign Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with/ Palm and Vietnam Campaign with/1960 Device medals, the Expert Qualification Badge with Rifle and Pistol Bars and two Overseas Bars.
Chad Winnerchy
Corporal Chadwick W. “Chad” Winnerchy served in the US Army from September 1965 to September 1968. After Basic Combat Training at Fort Polk, LA and Advanced Individual Training, as a Field Artillery Crewman, at Fort Sill, Okla., he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Artillery in Nuremburg Germany until January 1968 when he was reassigned to the 7th Battalion, 13th Artillery base at Firebases Pu Cat, Geronimo and Uplift Vietnam - he served 218 days in Vietnam. On three occasions Cpl Winnerchy and his unit used direct fire by leveling their guns to repulse charging enemy forces that had flamethrowers. He was awarded the National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with/ Palm and Vietnam Campaign with/1960 Device medals, one
Valoris Tieyah Stroup
Lonnie Komahcheet
Specialist Lonnie Komacheet served in the US Army from September 1967 to April 1969. He completed his Basic Combat Training at Fort Polk, La., and his Advanced Individual at Fort Sam Houston, TX, as a Combat Medic. SP4 Komahcheet served with the 8th Medical Detachment at Fort Steward, Ga., before arriving in Vietnam. While in Vietnam he served with the 10th Engineers at Ban Me Thuot in the unit’s Aid Station and in the field providing frontline first aid and trauma care for gunshot and shrapnel wounds, cuts, bruises, jungle rot and many other medical issues. He also was responsible for the evacuation of the wounded and deal. He is only one of five known Comanches to be awarded the Combat Valoris Tieyah Stroup served in the Women in the Air Force (WAF) from 1958-59 earning the rank of Airman 2nd Class and the Women in the Army (WAC) Reserve from 1973-76 earning the rank of Specialist 4. She served as a librarian at Otis Air Force Base MA, while in the Air Force and a clerk at Irving TX, while in the Reserve. She was awarded the National Defense Service medal.
Carlton Kopaddy
Private First Class Carlton “Scott” Kopaddy served in the US Marine Corps from August 1969 to August 1972. He completed his Boot Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot at San Diego, Cali., and his School of Infantry and Motor Transportation training at Camp Pendleton, Cali. PFC Kopaddy was then assigned with the 8th Motor Transport Company, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic at Camp Lejune, N.C. While on leave, enroute to Vietnam, PFC Kopaddy was serverly injured in a vehicle accident south of Anadarko, Okla. He spent 4 1/2 months recovering at Reynolds Army Hospital at Fort Sill and at the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton. He completed his service with HQs and Service Battalion at Camp Pendleton. PFC Kopaddy was awarded the Good Conduct and National Defense Service medals.
Long-time Auxiliary member Arvillia Craig and CIVA Princess Shelby Mata were also recognized for their outstanding support toward the CIVA.
Due to a medical issue, long time Veterans Day Celebration Master of Ceremonies Eddie Mahseet was unable to Curtis Apauty attend. The CIVA would like Fireman Curtis Apau- to thank John David Wahnee ty served in the US Navy from and Lanny Asepermy for fillDecember 1952 to December ing in as MC’s. 1955. He served aboard the USS Kearsarge in support of the Korean War and USS Stoddard to prevent Communist Forces from attacking Taiwan. FN Apauty was awarded the National Defense Service, Korean War Service and United Nation medals. The CIVA also recognized five Comanche and 11 non-Comanche veterans with a Veteran T-shirt, Coffee cups and pens and two other Comanche veterans with gift bags and the Honorable Service medallion and Challenge Coin.
Georgia Sapcut, Yonevea Terry, Arvillia Craig and Yonevea Sapcut
Also a special thank you to Cornel Pewewardy and his Quahada Drum Group for providing the beautiful songs for the event.
January 2014
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The Comanche Nation News
Milestones Happy Belated Birthday
Tristan Ray Codynah, December 2 Tabitha Ototivo, December 4 Becky Louise Shea, December 14 Savannah Poahway, December 14 Lola Ototivo, December 15 Brad Daukei, December 18
Happy Birthday
Lanette Ototivo, January 1 Rhonda Murrow, January 2 Henry Pohocsuct, January 4 Brandi Ototivo, January 5 Billie Daukei, January 6 Siena Saupitty, January 7 Blake Heminokeky/Gayton, January 8 Sylus Furr, January 8 Rivers Johnson, January 9 Joel Motah, January 13 Julia LaSandra Guerrero, January 13 Stephanie Gayle Akoneto, January 15 Kaylee Bobelu, January 14 Wilson Paul Nelson, January 14 Mark Allen Thoman Jr., January 17 Rosalie Attocknie, January 18 Diana Smith, January 19 Jessica Tahah, January 20 Lans Saupitty, January 20 Martavion Austin, January 20 Jeffery Bobelu, January 22 Kenric Parker, January 22 Christopher Davis, January 23 Lee Ann Parker Smith, January 24 Ronna Potts, January 24 Mary Austin, January 25 Avery Motah, January 26 Remy Williams, January 29 Mariah Parker, January 30
Happy Belated Birthday Charles Boyden December 2
Happy Belated Birthday Tristan Ray Codynah December 2
Happy Belated Birthday Shawn Komahcheet December 12
Happy Belated Birthday Derrick Komahcheet December 24
Happy Belated Birthday Savannah Poahway December 14
Happy Birthday Siena Saupitty January 7
Happy Birthday Blake Heminokeky January 8
Happy Birthday Harry Alan Tahsequah January 9
Happy Birthday Rivers Johnson January 9
Happy Birthday Jarod Thomas Niedo January 12
Happy Birthday Stephanie Gayle Akoneto January 15
Grace Anna Elizabeth Niedo January 16
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday Leona Cable January 17
Happy Birthday Lee Ann Parker Smith January 24
Happy Birthday Dawn Parker January 28
In Loving Memory Delita Marie Nelson
3/29/1957 ~ 1/22/2005
We all miss & Love you!
Happy Birthday Jeriah M. Nelson January 28
Happy 96th Birthday Anna Tahmahkera January 29
In Loving Memory Rosalie Attocknie January 18 Remembering you on your birthday, “Rosalie Attocknie”
Happy Birthday Remy Wilson January 29
Obituaries Frankie Lee Chasenah
Chasenah Frankie Lee Chasenah 58 of Elgin went to his heavenly home on December 9, 2013. Funeral Service was December 12, 2013 at Watchetaker Hall with Lay Person Tina Baker. Burial followed at Cache Creek KCA Cemetery, Apache under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. All Night Wake/ Prayer Service was December 11, 2013 at Watchetaker Hall. He was born on March 24, 1955 in Lawton to Jeanette (Connahvichah) and John Chasenah. He grew up in the Elgin area. He attended Stony Point School and was a worked as a janitorial worker at Lawton Indian Hospital. Chasenah enjoyed singing, listening to oldies but goodies, liked to go country dancing and enjoyed his spending time with his nieces. Unsee was his favorite niece, whom
he raised from a baby, changed her diapers and he took in into the Teepee. Chasenah was a proud member of the Comanche Nation, Comanche Native American Church, Chapter 19, Comanche Gourd Clan, Comanche Spur Handgame Team, Whitewolf Esa Rosa, and Chasenah Descendant. He is survived by one daughter: Desarae High of Carnegie; six grandchildren: Devin Whitewolf, Charles Whitewolf, Jesse Couturier, Jr., Phillip Couturier, Vino Rae Couturier, and Cochise Couturier; brothers and sisters: Lewis Chasenah, John H. and Betty Chasenah, Ronald and Mari Chasenah, Sr. all of Lawton, Gerald and Donna Chasenah of Weatherford, Ok, Gary Chasenah, Sr. of Elgin, Donald and Cassandra Chasenah of Cyril, Mary J. Chasenah of Walters, Linda and Larney Silverhorn of Elgin, Kenneth and Pamela Chasenah of Cache, Tommy and Jan Chasenah, Sr.of Lawton, Mike and Lydia Blackstar of Apache; aunts: Joyce Gooday, Jolene Motah Guiterez, Sandy Karty, Ruth Toahty, Carol Motah Kahrahrah; uncles: Phibert McCloud, Hammon Motah, Gaylon Motah, Wallace Coffee; great-great grandfather: Thomas Blackstar; special nephew: Ryan Blackstar of Apache. He is preceded in death by his parents: John and Jeanette (Connahvichah) Chasenah; uncle: Garrett Connahvichnah, Mary (Powwetipe) and Louis Connahvichnah; great
grandparents: Arthur and Emma Chasenah two aunts: Thelma Connahvichnah and Mary PeeWee Padocony; uncles: James Chasenah, Oris Chasenah, and Earl Chasenah; two sisters: Wilma Blackowl and Rietta Fisty Fawbush; brother: Timothy Wayne Chasenah.
Rosell Niedo Tahah
Tahah Rosell Niedo Tahah 97 went to her heavenly home on December 10, 2013 with her family by her side. Funeral Service was December 14, 2013 at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel with Lay Person Torie Dean officiating. Burial will follow at Post Oak Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Prayer Service was Decem-
ber 13, 2013 at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel. Taha was born on August 24, 1916 in Indiahoma to Joseph Moafpopwat and Maggie Otah (Weyahyepchy) Niedo. She attended and played high school basketball for Indiahoma. She married Donald Tahah in Indiahoma. Tahah was a proud full blood member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma and a member of the Cache Full Gospel Church. She enjoyed sewing, making quilts, cooking, spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her children: Lalbert and Kathleen Tahah of Indiahoma, Kathy T.Carlson of Lawton, Luzette Tissychy of Cache, Ruth Factor of Edmond, Kenneth Tahah of Lawton; K. Troy Carlson, Alexa Rae Carlson all of the home, Carolyn Lonewolf, Karen Banderas, and twenty grandchildren,Steven and Amy Wahnee, Karroll and Nancy Tahah. Fifty-three great- grandchildren and eleven great great grandchildren She is preceded in death by: parents: Joe and Maggie Niedo; husband, Donald Tahah; son, Delmar Tahah; daughters:Laura Tahah, Lawanna Dean Wahnee; brothers and sisters: Ray Niedo, Joy Niedo, Maggie Niedo, Joe Niedo Jr., and Minnaw Niedo; grandchildren: Tanya Rae Carlson, James and Michael Tahah, Donald Wahnee; great granddaughter: Angel Wahnee.
A Grandmother’s Love by Brianna Golman She was so nice and so sweet. She had a big family and lots of friends She was a grandmother that meant so much to me But I never imagined the picture saying goodbye Never thought the day would come That I would see her one last time She was always there when no one else was She never left my side That’s what a loving grandmother does She was there with me through thick and thin But who ever knew Her time would end I would give up even dollar, quarter, or dime I’d give up my whole world Just so I can see you one more time From: Your children, your grandchildren and your great-grandchildren
January 2014
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The Comanche Nation News
Comanche Nation Elder Center Christmas Dinner Happy Holidays
ComanchetribaleldersfilltheComancheNationElderCenterforit’sannualChristmasDinner,heldDecember19attheElderCenter.ElderenjoyedatraditionalChristmasdinnerwhilevisitingandenjoyinngeachother’scompany.
Tribal elder feeling festive poses while waiting for the activities to begin at the Comanche Nation Elder Center on December 19 during the annual Christmas Dinner. Nauni Sisters: (L to R): Gwen Nauni, Marion Nauni Simmons and Christine Nauni McCarthy attend the 2013 Comanche Nation Elder Center Christmas Dinner .
Tribal elder Eva Chappabitty finishes her desert at the Comanche Nation Elder Center Christmas Dinner.
Mrs. Parker along with her son attend the Annual Comanche Nation Elder Center Christmas Dinner on December 19.
Children from the Comanche Nation Daycare in Lawton sing Comanche Hymns for the elders during the Comanche Nation Elder Center Christmas Dinner.
Comanche Nation Princess, Kimberly DeJesus attends the Comanche Nation Elder Center Christmas Dinner in full regalia.
Tribal elders enjoy a cup of coffee while attending the Comanche Nation Elder Center Christmas Dinner.
January 2014
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The Comanche Nation News
Comanche Nation Elder Day 2013