P.O. Box 908 Lawton, OK 73502-0908 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Child Care Assistance and Family Enrichment Program Taking Applications
NCAIED Applauds Obama Administration Jobs and Proposals
Unveils Business and Economic Policy Agenda
Submitted by the Child Care Assis-
Submitted by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
tance and Family Enrichment Program
The Comanche Nation Child Care Assistance & Family Enrichment Program will start taking applications October 3. The new program is for Comanche families who are working or attending school/ training and are in need of child care assistance for children ages six-weeks to school age children. The program is designed to promote stronger Comanche families by including requirements such as: Comanche language classes, healthy relationship classes, financial management, and community service. The program is not income based to qualify; however, there are eligibility requirements, such as all applicants must reside within the seven county service area (Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Stephens, Tillman, Kiowa, and Grady counties). The program is funded by the annual Comanche Nation Gaming budget. The Tribal Administrator has selected the Child Care Development Fund Program staff to administer this newly funded child care assistance. Applications may be picked up and delivered to the CN Child Care Development Fund Program office. The applications will be available beginning October 3. Families will be added to the program on a “first come, first serve” basis and will have to meet all the program’s eligibility requirements. Applications will also be available at Comanchenation.com. For additional information you may contact the CN CCDF Program office at (580) 492-3490 or Carolyn Codopony at (580) 588-3114.
Election Board Hosts Public Meeting Oct. 8; Elects Officers
Submitted by Dana Attocknie, Election Board Recorder
There will be an election seminar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 8, at the Education Building’s conference room at the Comanche Nation complex, known as the New Conference Room. Comanche voters can learn the Comanche Nation election process, the election ordinance, and more. Classes will be held in each voting precinct. For more information contact the Comanche Nation Election Board at the (580) 492-3274. The board elected new officers on Sept. 6. Nick Plata is the new election board chairman. Charles Wells is the vicechairman. Dana Attocknie was re-elected as the recorder.
PR SRT STD US POSTAGE
October 2011
PAID
Lawton, OK
PERMIT NO 49 STIGLER, OK 74462
VOLUME 11 EDITION 10
Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
FESTIVITIES, FOOD AND FUN AT THE 20TH ANNUAL COMANCHE NATION FAIR
Men Gourd Dance to honor the founder of the Comanche Nation Fair, Wallace Coffey, during the 20th Annual Comanche Nation Fair. The celebration had something for everyone to enjoy the Labor Day weekend. Six pages of fair pictures inside this issue.
CONEI announces New Board Member Phil Howry Submitted by the Comanche Nation Enterprises, Inc. Staff
Comanche Nation Enterprises, Inc. (CONEI) is pleased to welcome Phil Howry to its Board of Directors. CONEI is the federally chartered corporation of the Comanche Nation whose purpose is to acquire profitable, selfsustaining, and self-managed companies and to grow those companies and build a business enterprise that provides longterm value to the Comanche Nation. Howry is a member of the Comanche Nation and is listed with the Comanche Indian Veterans Association
(CIVA). Howry earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1975 from the Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and was a scholarship baseball player. Howry founded the Phil Howry Co. June 1982 and began building residential housing and small subdivision development projects. This experience expanded to office and retail development and expanded to Department of Defense contracting. The Phil Howry Co. continues to be a large, thriving construction company.
Howry currently serves as a Board member of the Red Bud Office Park Association, served as building Chairman for a mission church, is a former deacon of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church – Austin Texas and, for the past 15 years, served as a weekly Prison Ministry Volunteer. Howry holds a Private Pilot license, enjoys hunting, fishing and watching baseball. CONEI is excited to have Howry joining the Board, and looks forward to more success in the coming years.
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), the leading and longest-serving advocate for Native business development, applauds the heightened focus of President Barack Obama's Administration and Congress to act quickly on key measures to spur business growth and job creation in Indian Country and across the U.S. President Obama recently unveiled his $447 billion American Jobs Act amidst an economy that is still in dire straits with unemployment predicted to stay around 9% through next year's presidential election and minimal job growth. The American Jobs Act reflects a commitment to strengthen the recovery and help increase access to jobs for all Americans. Indian Country stands to benefit greatly from Obama's American Jobs Act. The Act, in addition to many other benefits, proposes tax cuts to benefit over 20,000 Native Americanowned small businesses, extend the payroll tax cut to an estimated 1.5 million Native American workers, extend unemployment insurance to benefit Native Americans and their families as well as build programs such as "Pathways Back to Work" to support subsidized jobs and summer/year-round jobs for low-income Native American youth and adults. President and CEO Eric S Trevan states “Payroll tax cuts could help an estimated 1.5 million Native workers and their employers, and over 20,000 Native-owned businesses could benefit from other tax breaks for hiring new employees, especially veterans and others who have long been unemployed. Countless Native business contracts and job opportunities would be created through proposed transportation and infrastructure projects, renovation of Indian schools and tribal colleges, and revitalization of homes and businesses.” “President Obama and Congress must work together to approve this urgently needed jobs package and a balanced budget agreement so as to keep economic recovery on track, reduce the federal deficit, and protect Indian programs – all so vital to ensure Native communities’ success,” added National Center Board Chairwoman Margo Gray Proctor. In addition, Proctor announced that the National Center Board of Directors just approved its own business and See OBAMA, Page 5
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The Comanche Nation News
Crowning the 2012 Comanche Princesses
Krista Hubbard Reigns as 2012 Comanche Nation Princess; Johnetta Silverhorn Retains Title as the 2012 Comanche Nation Jr. Princess
Photos by Jolene Schonchin and Paula Karty/ News Staff
HONORING ROYALTY. The Comanche Nation gathered the evening of Aug. 22 to honor the outgoing Comanche Nation Princess, Nina Burgess, and the Comanche Nation Jr. Princess, Johnetta Un-See Silverhorn, who retained her title. Guests included the Mayor or Apache, Becky Skinner, and Lyntha Klinekole. Guest Speaker was the 1961 Comanche Nation Princess, Darlene Joyce Mathews. Mathews explained the history and purpose of the Comanche Nation Princess Sorority, Inc. A puppet show followed that told the story of three ladies going to vote for the Comanche Nation Princess. Burgess explained she is giving up her title as Comanche Nation Princess two weeks early due to the death of her grandmother. She expressed she wants to step out of the dance arena to follow the traditional way of mourning. Her grandfather, Rod Youngman, commended her for representing the tribe at powwows, even though she was sick at times and had to go to the hospital following a powwow to get a breathing treatment. Silverhorn said she was honored to extend her reign another year to represent the Comanche Nation to the best of her ability. Both were given a plaque by Comanche Nation Director, Clorandia Tsatoke, to commemorate their reign. Also being introduced as the 2011-2012 Comanche Nation Princess, Krista Hubbard, received a trophy and a temporary banner. She said she was proud and honored to be the upcoming Comanche Nation Princess. She was officially coronated at the Comanche Nation Fair Powwow Sept. 2.
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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 November edition is noon October 14. Donations to help cover the cost of printing and mailing are welcome. Contact:
Government
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
By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
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 • Tomah Yeahquo, Information Specialist/Comanche Nation Fair, Email: tomahy@comanchenation.com- Telephone Number (580)492-3384 • 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. • 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. The letters to the editor or articles contained in the The Comanche Nation News does not reflect the opinions of the PIO staff.
Comanche Nation Officials Chairman Johnny Wauqua Vice Chairman Ed Eschiti Secretary/Treasurer Robert Tippeconnie Committeeman No. 1 Ronald Red Elk Committeeman No. 2 Yonevea Terry Committeeman No. 3 Darrell Kosechequetah Committeeman No. 4 Robert Komahcheet Jr. 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
29 Resolutions on the Agenda During the September 10 Comanche Business Committee Meeting
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an overview of the Sept. 10 CBC Meeting and not the official minutes. To attain a copy of the official meeting minutes, call the Office of the Comanche Nation Chairman at (580) 492-3251. The meeting was called to order at 10:03 a.m. by Comanche Nation Chairman Johnny Wauqua. Secretary/ Treasurer, Robert Tippeconnie, conducted Roll Call. All of the Comanche Business Committee (CBC) was present and a quorum was established. CBC No. 1, Ron Red Elk, requested to add two topics in Executive Session. Vice Chairman, Edward Eschiti, did the invocation. Eschiti makes a motion to accept the Aug. 6 meeting minutes. CBC No. 3, Darrell Kosechequetah, seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. Resolutions 91-11. Enrollment List No. 877. Three were denied enrollment due to the applicants not being a descendant of an original allottee. Tippeconnie makes a motion to accept the resolution. CBC No. 2, Yonevea Terry, seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 92-11. Enrollment List No. 878. Two were denied enrollment due to not having 1/8 or more degree of Comanche blood. Eschiti makes a motion to accept the resolution. Tippeconnie seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 93-11. Enrollment List No. 879. Five were denied enrollment due to being dually enrolled. Tippeconnie makes a motion to accept the resolution. Eschiti seconds the motion. The Motion carries 6/0/1. 94-11. Enrollment List No. 880. A total of 97 new members were enrolled, making the population of the Comanche Nation around 15,381. Red Elk makes a motion to accept the resolution. Eschiti seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 95-11. Mutual Aid Agreement Apache Tribe Sorno. This is a resolution through the Comanche Nation Law Enforcement pertaining to sex offenders. Terry makes a motion to accept the resolution. CBC No. 4, Robert Komahcheet, Jr., seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 96-11. Financial Signatories. Authorization for tribal bank accounts. Tippeconnie makes a motion to accept the resolution. Eschiti seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 97-11. Membership fee to the National Congress of American Indians. Eschiti makes a motion to accept the resolution. Terry seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 98-11. Road Improvements Route No. 7174. This is not tribal funds, but BIA funds for road improvement. Tippeconnie makes a motion to accept the resolution with corrections. Eschiti seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 99-11. Family Violence Prevention Program Grant. Director Betty Simmons said they get victims from other tribes
who do not have shelters. They service all, but tribal members get priority of beds, etc. Tippeconnie makes a motion to accept the resolution. Eschiti seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 100-11. Comanche Nation Enterprises Appointment for Director. Red Elk makes a motion to accept the resolution. Komahcheet seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 101-11. Lease Felton Dean Property. Tippeconnie said they need to review the lease agreement and it will be tabled until the next meeting. 102-11. Funeral Privacy. This will regulate picketing during funerals. Kosechequetah makes a motion to table the resolution. Komahcheet seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 103.11. Approve Gaming Board of Directors FY 2012 Budget. 104.11. Approve the Gaming Commission FY 2012 Budget. Tippeconnie makes a motion to table both resolutions. Kosechequetah seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 105.11. Garnishments Revolving Loan. This applies to those who defaulted on a loan through the Revolving Loan Program. The amount will be taken out their per capita check. Tippeconnie makes a motion to approve the resolution. Kosechequetah seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 106.11. Garnishments of Child Support. This applies to those who owe Child Support. The amount owed will be taken
out of their per capita checks. Tippeconnie makes a motion to accept the resolution. Eschiti seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 107.11. Garnishment Federal. This applies to those who owe the Federal Court. The amount owed will be taken out of their per capita checks. Tippeconnie makes a motion to accept the resolution. Eschiti seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 108.11. Secretarial Election to amend the Comanche Nation Constitution. Tippeconnie makes a request this be tabled for further review. Eschiti makes a motion to table the resolution. Terry seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 109.11. Purchase Hummingbird Golf Course Cache, Okla. A total of 86 acres for $150,000. Around $1,700 per acre. The property has a water well that has been tested as being drinkable and in good condition. A review of the title is pending. Terry makes a motion to table the resolution. Eschiti seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 110.11. Affirm Organization. Tippeconnie makes a motion to table the resolution. Eschiti seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 111.11. Amend Human Resources Policy. Eschiti makes a motion to table the resolution. Tippeconnie seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 112.11. KCA Budget. Terry makes a motion to accept the resolution. Kosechequetah seconds the motion. The motion
carries 6/0/1. 113.11. Signatories Walters Bank and Trust Co. Bank account for the Comanche Community Center of Walters. This will get new signatures on the account to close it. Tippeconnie makes a motion to accept the resolution. Eschiti seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 114.11. Amending Sorno. This resolution is pertaining to sex offenders. Eschiti makes a motion to accept the resolution. Komahcheet seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 115.11. Directing notification to sex offenders within Comanche Nation jurisdiction. Eschiti makes a motion to accept the resolution. Komahcheet seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 116.11. Approve profit on Deyo Mission Cemetery Road. Eschiti makes a motion to accept the resolution. Red Elk seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 117.11. Approve fund balance accounting standards. This is pertaining to the general fund. It is an audit requirement for 638 grants. Tippeconnie makes a motion to accept the resolution. Eschiti seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 118.11. Elder’s Payment. This resolution will give the bank affirmation to proceed with the annual Elder Payment. This will include all tribal members who will turn 62 years of age by the end of the year (Dec. 31, 2011.) Eschiti makes a motion to accept the resolution. Komahcheet seconds the motion.
See CBC, Page 4
October 2011
CBC
Continued from Page 3
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The Comanche Nation News
Walters Community Elects Board to Oversee Tribe’s Community Center By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
The motion carries 6/0/1. 119-11. National Congress of American Indians Delegates. The representatives are Chairman Johnny Wauqua, Edward Eschiti, and Robert Tippeconnie. They have voting privileges. Eschiti makes a motion to accept the resolution. Terry seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/1. (Kosechequetah briefly stepped out.) 120.11. Office of Special Trustees signatures. It is an account through BIA that allocates tribal accounts. Red Elk makes a motion to accept the resolution. Tippeconnie seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. Old/New Business Raymond Almanza, Chairman of the Comanche Nation Elder’s Council, asks the CBC to consider changing a resolution that was passed in 2004 that was specific to the tribe’s elder council. This resolution defined the age to be considered an elder to be 75 years. He requested it be changed to age 62-years, which is the required age to receive an Elder Payment. Wauqua said it can be done to where it is effective immediately (Sept. 10) and the resolution will be identified as Resolution 121-11. Red Elk makes a motion to change the age to be considered an elder through the Elder’s Council as 62 years effective immediately and will be identified as Resolution No. 121-11. Eschiti seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. Wauqua said the CBC will have a five-minute recess and will go into executive session at 12:20 p.m.
A new board was created to oversee the Comanche Nation Community Center of Walters through a community meeting, which took place 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at the tribe’s community center. Supervising the meeting was Comanche Nation Chairman, Johnny Wauqua. He listened to the concerns of the local tribal members and offered his help to resolve them. Topics such as the playground, the softball field, and the bylaws that are in place for the center, were discussed. “We built this building for you all, the community,” said Wauqua.”Show your strength by voting.” Being nominated for the position of Chairman were Donna Wahnee and Mary Tosee. Tosee declined her nomination, so Wahnee attained the position unopposed. For the Vice-Chairman position, Nona Tahpay ran unopposed. For the Secretary/Treasurer position, Mary Tosee ran unopposed. For Board Member number one, Mary Fannon received seven votes, and Norman LaVarre received 10 votes. LaVarre won the position. For Board Member number two, Dwane Yackeschi received nine votes and Keith Red Elk received 10 votes. Red Elk won the position. An immediate board meeting was held following the community meeting. During the meeting, Duane Yackeschi, was appointed as the new caretaker of the center.
The board set some goals for what they wish to accomplish as a committee. Some of these goals include; bringing all financials up to date, work for a new playground, improve the landscaping, remodel and paint the gym and kitchen, maintain the softball field, and ensure working smoke detectors as well as extinguishers. They would like to also stock the kitchen for rental use with pots, pans, utensils, and necessities one would need to use the facility. The main goal they all had was to improve the moral of the community of using the facility. “It is a ‘community center’ and the community should be able to use the facility when feasible,” said Donna Wahnee, Chairman of the center’s board of directors. “We are part of the Walters community and we want the people of Walters, especially the Comanche members, to have a facility they can be proud of.” The committee is currently meeting weekly for the next four-to-five weeks. Following that the meeting will be monthly thereafter. The board is also planning to have community meetings to hear their concerns, ask questions or get information. They look forward to working with each other on the board, each one has brought a huge amount of knowledge to the table for us all to share. More so, they look forward to making a positive impact in the Walters community.
NOTICE: The Comanche Nation Offices will be open Oct. 10 and will not observe Columbus Day.
New Lawton Indian Hospital CEO Gives Update of Facility Submitted by Greg Ketcher, Acting CEO OD , FAAO, CAPT USPHS Lawton Service Unit
As fiscal year 2011 nears to a close, I wanted to give you a brief update on some of the activities of the Lawton Service Unit over the last three months. The Lawton Service Unit mission is to provide a continuum of culturally relevant healthcare services that elevate the health of the American Indian and Alaska Native beneficiaries served to the highest level by partnering with our local tribes. The leadership of the Lawton Service Unit has been very involved with the local tribal health board and tribal leaders to promote a working partnership and is firmly committed to addressing patient and community issues that arise. Over the last few months, the Lawton Service Unit has faced several challenges. The Lawton Service Unit and the Oklahoma City Area Indian Health Service have heard concerns from the Southwest Oklahoma Indian Health Board and the community and made strides to improve customer service, reform our processes, and improve the quality of and access to care while strengthening our partnership with the tribes. In February 2011, the Anadarko Indian Health Center was structurally damaged due to freezing weather that led to water and sewer pipe freezing and rupture. This caused damage to the facility that required a complete shut-down. Modular units were then brought to the site so that patient care could resume. The staff of the Anadarko Clinic are currently working with architects to finalize a modern and patient friendly design for the build back of the clinic. The re-opening of the Anadarko Clinic is expected in early to mid-2012. During the first half of 2011, the Lawton Service Unit as a whole began to experience a loss of primary care providers similar to that experienced throughout the country. These shortages caused temporary closure of inpatient services, reduced access to outpatient care, and caused additional workload for our remaining providers. In June of 2011, the Lawton Indian Hospital contracted with three locum tenens companies to provide essential provider staff. In July of 2011, the Lawton Indian Hospital established a Hospitalist program to care for inpatients exclusively and outpatient provider staff was brought back to previous levels by August of 2011. This summer, the Lawton Service Unit also began implementing concepts from the Indian Health Service Improving Patient Care Initiative. Same day appointment scheduling was implemented and it has proven to be effec-
tive in increasing access to care by eliminating long waits for appointments. The Service Unit began assignment of patients to primary care provider teams. Each provider is part of a team we refer to as Indian Health Medical Homes. Ancillary staff are used to their full potential to allow medical staff more time to diagnose and direct patient care. This reorganization has shown a great level of success. Our Same Day Appointments system rarely fills completely and no-shows are nearly eliminated. Measures of patient length of stay in our outpatient clinics have shown great improvements. The Lawton Indian Hospital inpatient workload has increased by 30% in the first two months of the reorganization as compared to the previous six months. The overall patient satisfaction rating has also shown similar improvements with over 75% of our hospitalized patients rating the Lawton Indian Hospital a 9 or 10 on a 10 point scale. The Lawton Indian Hospital Urgent Care Clinic also expanded in size, staffing, and operating hours. The Urgent Care Clinic is now open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Urgent Care Clinic has been successful in reducing the time patients are in our facility when they have minor emergencies or acute illness that don’t require the emergency room resources. The Lawton Radiology and Laboratory Departments were both upgraded this summer with modern technology. Radiology was upgraded with dual Carestream DRX wireless digital radiography systems. The Lawton Laboratory was upgraded with a Siemens EXL Chemistry Analyzer and an Abbott i1000 Immunochemistry System. These instrument upgrades provide our patients and providers with quicker, safer and more accurate results. The Staff of the Lawton Service Unit continues to evaluate ways to better serve our community. Our leadership team has set a high standard for patient care and I’ve empowered every staff member to make each patient care experience better. We are proud to provide our patients with improved access to quality medical care and we look forward to even more new and exciting developments throughout the Lawton Service Unit as we go into the next fiscal year. “If you haven’t seen our facilities recently, I invite you to call or stop by and I’ll personally give you a tour and introduce you to the staff that makes me proud of them every day,” said Greg Ketcher, acting CEO of the facility.
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The Comanche Nation News
Programs
Area Schools Participate in 2011 Comanche Nation Higher Education Career Day Story and Photo by Paula Karty/News Staff
The 2011 Comanche Nation Higher Education Career Day was held Sept. 14 at the Comanche Nation Complex. Over 200 high school students filled Watchetaker Hall. The students visited many different booths to get an idea of what they should do following high school that will enhance their future. Colleges, universities, and military service representatives, etc., were available to talk with the students about their services. The students gathered helpful information about job opportunities and about furthering their education. The highlight of the event was the 2003 Heisman Trophy Winner, Jason White. White talked about how hard work and staying in school was the key to his success. He told that his college career was not all about playing football for the Oklahoma Sooners, but how education was and keeping up his grades was his main focus throughout
Students stopped by various booths to listen to what was being offered to help make their future career choices, at the 2011 Comanche Nation Higher Education Career Day.
his college years. White encouraged the students to stay in school and further their education. Comanche Nation Higher Education Director,
Students gathered information and talked to various booths seeking career options for their future plans after high school.
Delores Twohatchet, said “We were pleased with this year’s turnout. 230 students visited booths of 62 college/university, technical school, private business and
Higher Education Director, Delores Twohatchet addresses the students and welcomes the vendors.
answer their questions about their school or career choices.” “Comanche Tribal students are encouraged to take advantage of Comanche Nation Higher Education’s services. These include college scholarships for undergraduate and graduate degrees, shortterm and long-term, vocational-technical training, direct employment assistance and GED testing fees.” The students also got to do an endurance challenge, from the United States Marine Corps. The students were challenged to see who could do the most “chin ups” within the boys and the girls. The winners of each the boys and the girls received a autograph football from former Oklahoma University Football Quarterback, Jason White.
military service representatives. Students may not be able to visit specific schools in person. Career Day presents them with a face to face opportunity to talk with persons who can
The female students also got to test their upper body endurance by seeing how long they could hold themselves on the “chin up” bar. The longest time that one female held herself was 1 min. and 20 seconds.
OBAMA Continued From Page 1
economic policy agenda on September 7. She noted that, “The National Center embarks on its 5 decade as the leading advocate and service provider for Native businesses, and our agenda’s goals parallel those of President Obama.” Chairman of the National Center’s Government Affairs Committee, Ronald Solimon, said, "The agenda promotes job creation, business capacity building, greater access to capital and contracting, infrastructure improvement, and increased commerce -- in Indian Country, nationally and globally." The National Center will promote its Native Business and Economic Development Policy Agenda through its national advocacy activities, its eight (8) business assistance offices across the United States, its regional and national events, and in partnership with other national Native organizations. NCAIED's Policy Agenda urges prompt action on public policy initiatives within four categories of top Native economic development and jobs priorities: 1) Tribal Sovereignty and Capacity Building, and Job Creation 2) Native Business Development and Best Practices 3) Access to Capital 4) Tax Improvement.
2003 Heisman Trophy winner Jason White, talks to the students about how important education is.
The winners of the Marine Corp Endurance challenge. The male winner did 21 chin ups in one minute and the female winner held herself for 1:20, each participant won a OU football, autographed by 2003 Heisman Trophy winner Jason White.
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The Comanche Nation News
Military Submitted by Lanny Asepermy/CIVA
The Comanche Indian Veterans Association (CIVA) host three major military events - the Armed Forces Day Banquet and Memorial Day Ceremony in May and the Veterans Day Celebration in November. During these events, they honor and recognize Comanche veterans past to present. Veterans are nominated and selected for honors. Since 2003, 138 veterans have received honors and 27 Auxiliary members have been recognized for their support of the CIVA. Nominations for honors can be submitted to the CIVA Commander, George Red Elk. Nominations require the veterans full name, highest rank, branch of service, dates of service, a brief bio and photo in uniform. In addition, the CIVA provide full military funeral honors to the families of deceased veterans. Since 2003 the CIVA has conducted military funeral honors for 120 veterans, the son of a veteran and two Auxiliary members. They’ve also installed over 100 military headstones for the families of deceased veterans. Since 2003. the CIVA present, post and retire Colors at gatherings, pow-wow’s, banquets, homecomings, sporting events, workshops, soldier dances, retirement ceremonies, parades, receptions and meetings. They also conduct flag raising and lowering ceremonies and co-host special events. Since 2003 they have fulfilled over 520 commitments. The CIVA also ensure the flags at the Complex HQs and War Scout Circle of Honor are changed when needed. The CIVA Historian maintains a list of Comanche veterans by full name, rank, branch of service and dates of service, and in many cases a brief narrative of the veterans military service is provided. As of Aug. 20, there are 1,008 Comanche veterans on the list. This list will soon be published on the Comanche Nation web site. Photos and narratives of the veterans who died in war or were Prisoners of War or Missing in Action are also on the web site. There are nine granite monuments in front of the Nation HQs with the names, rank, branch of service and years of service of over 972 Comanche veterans. There is currently a list of 36 veterans that will be added to a new monument in the future. Monthly meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at the complex Comanche veterans and their spouses and Comanche women married to veterans are invited to attend. Active veterans are provided with a vest, ribbon rack, beret, jacket and tie - active Auxiliary members are provided (after six months of participation) with a Service Shawl and Blanket and jacket. The current officers are George Red Elk Commander/Treasurer, Jimmy Caddo 1st Vice-Commander, Staton Pewewardy 2nd ViceCommander, Richard Bread 2nd Vice-Commander for Life/Chaplain and Eleanor McDaniel Secretary. Lanny Asepermy is the Color Guard,
Comanche Indian Veterans Association Reviews Activities
The Comanche Indian Veterans Association
Quartermaster and Historian, Harry Mithlo installs the military markers, Richard Sapcut is the photographer and Chelsea Sapcut is the Princess. New officers will be elected during the Nov. 2011 meeting and installed on the 1st of the new year for a two-year term.
CIVA TRIVA
Chebahtah (Chevato) the first Comanche to serve in the Armed Forces
Did you know the first known Comanche to serve in the military was Chebahtah (Chevato) with US Cavalry from 1878-84; that 18 know Comanche served with Troop L, 7th Cavalry from 189297 under LT Hugh Scott (for whom Mount Scott is named); that 58 known Comanches served in World War I including 22 who served overseas and six who were wounded in action; that 184 Comanches served during World War II, 142 during the Korean War, 291 during the Vietnam War, 56 during the Persian Gulf War and over 50 have served during the War on Terrorism; that about 77% of the Comanches served during wartime and 7% of all Comanches have served in the military, including 56 women. Did you know 13 known Comanche were either killed in action, Johnnie Rivas, Melvin Myers, Eli Hosetosavit, Ben Trevino, Thomas Chockpoyah, Gilbert Vidana, Russell Pesewonit, Robert Pahcheka and Joshua Ware, died of combat wounds, Henry Kosechata and Henry Conwoop, died in captivity, Dennis Karty, or were declared dead while missing in action, Meech Tahsequah, and seven Comanches were prisoners of war, Bruce Klinkole, Myers Wahnee, Inman Gooday, Samuel Trevino, Samuel Pewewardy and Karty or missing in action, Tahsequah. We owe these men a debt of gratitude, most didn’t know marriage or had children, they never had a homecoming, all they had was their youth. Perhaps one of the greatest tragedies of World War
II was Rivas, Trevino and Vidana were first cousins - their mothers were sisters as these young men made the supreme sacrifice in defense of our Nation within a three month period in 1944. All three men are buried in Europe. Did you know Calvin Atchavit was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest award for Gallantry, near Fey-en-Haye France during World War I; that the Silver Star, the third highest award for Gallantry, was awarded to US Marine Corps Master Sergeant Louis E. Clark on Peleui Island in the Pacific during World War II, to US Army Sergeant Lee D. Toquothty near Hoengsong, Korea during the Korean War and to US Army Sergeant George Red Elk at the Michelin Rubber Plantation during the Vietnam War.
George Red Elk, Silver Star recipient
Did you know one Comanche, Jonathan D. George, earned General Officer status retiring as a Brigadier General with the US Air Force and is the most decorated Comanche; that Edward Yellowfish retired at the then highest Warrant Officer rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 while serving with the US Army; that Lanny Asepermy and Rudolph Kosechequetah retired at the highest enlisted rank of Sergeant Major (they are also the only Comanches to graduate from the US Army Sergeants Major Academy) both while serving with the US Army; that seven Comanche have earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel - they are Meech Tahsequah, Raymond and David Portillo, Kyle and Lisa Smith, Rhonda Williams and James Pahdoco. Did you know James Pahdoco also served in the military longer than any Comanche from 1966 to 2006 (forty years) with the National Guard and Carl Tahah served on active duty with the Navy for 42 years from 1950-82; that Roberta Clark Bradley was the first Comanche woman to serve in the military with the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) from Oct. 1942 to Aug. 1943 and Women Marines from Dec. 1943 to Sept. 1945; that Nipper Tiddark and Theodore Pewo served in three branches of the military (the Army, Navy and Air Force); that 53% of the Comanches served in the Army, 16% in the Navy; and Air Force, 12% in the Marine Corps and the remainder in the Reserve, National Guard and Coast Guard.
Jonathan George, US Air Force Brigadier General
Frogman are now known as Navy SEALS); that George Harrington graduated from the US Army Military Academy at West Point; that the Parker family have 20 members who served in the military, the Clark family 14, the Chebahtah, Red Elk and Tahmahkera families 12 each and the Pewo family 11; that 4 Comanches died (non-hostile) while on active duty, they were Teddy Tahsuda in 1943 in a fire in Portales NM, Chester Tieyah in 1950 in a military vehicle accident in Okinawa, Wendell Weryackwe in 1954 in Okinawa and Elbert Vidana in 1955 in a automoblie accident in Germany.
Vincent Myers, US Army Air Force pilot during World War II
Ted Pewo served in three Branches of military
Nipper Tiddark served in three Branches of the military
Wilbur “Duke” Ellis, US Army Special Forces
Carl Tahah, US Navy served on active duty for 32 years
Edward Yellowfish, US Army Chief Warrant Officer 4
Did you know Myers Wahnee and Vincent Myers are the only known Comanche aircraft pilots; that Wilbur “Duke” Ellis, Chuck Choney and Johnny Tiddark are the only Comanche “Green Berets”; that Sam Pahdopony graduated from the first Navy “Frogman” class in 1942 (the
Johnny Tiddark US Army Special Forces
Continued on Page 7
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The Comanche Nation News
Continued from Page 6
Did you know four Comanche Code Talkers served overseas, with the 357th Infantry Regiment, during World War I and 14 Comanche Code Talkers served overseas, with the 4th Infantry Division, during World War II were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award given by the Congress of the United States - the World War I Code Talkers were Clavin Atchavit, Gilbert Conwoop, Samuel Tabbytosevit and Lanny Asepermy, US Army Sergeant Major George Clark; the World War II Code Talkers were Charles Chibitty, Haddon Codynah, Robert Holder, Forrest Kassanavoid, Wellington Mihecoby, Perry Noyobad, Clifford Ototivo, Simmons Parker, Melvin Permansu, Elgin Red Elk, Roderick Red Elk, Larry Saupitty, Morris Tabbyetchy and Willis Yackeschi. Three Code Talkers did not serve overseas during World War II - they were Edward Nahquaddy Sr., Anthony Tabbytite and Ralph Wahnee; that the Code Talkers of World War II who served CIVA Commander George Red Elk with former Princess Krista Hubbard, overseas and George Red Elk and other members preparing for their annual Memorial Day Ceremony were selected for induction into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame on Nov. 11.
CIVA Princess Chelsea Sapcut
Edgar Monetatchi, who along with Code Talker Clifford Ototivo, established the Comanche Indian Veterans Association in 1976 - Monetatchi was their first elected Commander.
Chuck Choney US Army Special Forces
CIVA members moving the casket of Master Sergeant Eric Choney for burial at the Fort Sill National Cemetery.
CIVA members folding US flag for presentation at flag-lowering ceremony
This article is dedicated to all our Comanche Warriors, past to present, who served with honor and continue to serve our great Nation. “A Nation that forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten”. The Commander, Officers, members and Auxiliary would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Comanche people for the funding you have provided our organization for the past few years - this allows us to recognize and honor our veterans as many of them never had a homecoming. It also allows us to represent the Nation at the various events mentioned above. Thank you for your continued support of the CIVA. Information and photos courtesy of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association Historian, Lanny Asepermy at sgtmajase@yahoo.com or (580) 588-2377, (580) 678-4629 or P.O. Box 247, Apache, Okla., 73006. Photos, DD 214’s, newspaper clippings, military documents, certificates, letters, etc.; of Comanche veterans can be emailed or mailed to the above name and address to expand our data base of Comanche Warriors.
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The Comanche Nation News
People,Places and Things Happening Congressmen teaming up on tribal legislation According to the Anadarko Daily News, U.S. Reps. Dan Boren and Tom Cole have introduced a bill in Congress designed to grant Native American tribes more self-governing power and change the way negotiations are handled between tribes and the federal government. Boren, a Democrat from Muskogee, said the bill was introduced on July 8. Cole, a Republican, is listed as one of 10 co-sponsors of the measure, dudded the Department of the Interior Tribal Self Governance Act of 2011. Boren says the measure would bring “much-needed reform and parity to tribal negotiations” by giving tribes more legal power as they transfer authority from the government to tribal program administration. He says it also specifies how tribes can apply and participate in self-governance. The bill has been assigned to the House Natural Resources Committee.
State tribes receive Preservation grants According to the Anadarko Daily News, 12 American Indian tribes based in Oklahoma are receiving federal historic preservation grants from the U.S. Interior Department. U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says the Absentee Shawnee, Caddo, Cheyenne and Arapaho, Choctaw, Citizen Potawatomi, Comanche, Miami, Muscogee (Creek), Pawnee, Ponca, Quapaw and Wyandotte tribes from Oklahoma will receive grants. Nationwide, $4.4 million in grants are going to 117 tribes. Among the Oklahoma tribes, the size of the grants range from $29,975 for the Caddo Nation to $59,431 for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The grant money comes from revenues from federal oil leases on the Outer Continental Shelf. The money is used by the National Park Service for tribal historic preservation efforts.
“The climb was extremely physical at that high altitude taking 4 hrs. and 45 mins. to get from bottom to top with no trail.” “I knew I would make it no matter how long it took.” “I climbed in honor of those who died without their Uinta identity going with them into the Mother Earth.” Chappabitty carried his sacred condor and eagle Feathers to the peak of the ancient volcano and prayed to the sky, water, earth that the natural forces that shaped this peak will clear an energy path for positive results with repeal in the Hall of Congress. “I felt that other Ancient Peoples had been to the top where I stood and prayed for peace, warmth, togetherness and compassion for their families and clans.” His instincts were right on the mark as he and his climbing partner found a meticulously chipped spear point near the peak. “Our discovery was an affirmation that the ancients were on their Sacred Mountain to quarry high quality obsidian glass and to pray for guidance from the Supreme Being.” “Out of respect to the original craftsman who fashioned the spear point, we photographed this treasure and reburied it to remain for the ages.” “We videotaped a plea to Congress compassionate enough to list to our story of injustice and courageous enough to help eradicate this obsolete poisonous law.” Learn about the Spiritual Journey to the Top of Glass Mt. and the Plight of the Terminated Uinta e-mail chaplaw@ earthlink.net. Oranna Bumgarner Felter, Original Terminated Uinta, can be reached at (435) 722-3220 or mykewass@ubtanet.com. The story of this American Injustice is posted at
Attocknie Awarded Scholarship
Attocknie
Chappabitty
Chappabitty Climbs Glass Mt. Dennis G. Chappabitty, 61, Attorney and Comanche Nation member, successfully climbed Glass Mt., a remote peak near Mono Lake, Cali., to get closer to powerful natural forces that invoke positive change for Indigenous Peoples in the Western Hemisphere. “57 years ago, 490 Uinta Utes were terminated by Act of Congress, P.L. 67183rd Congress. This shameful racist Act of Congress remains law and a dark evil chapter of our own American history that must be repealed.”
Francis J. Attocknie III was awarded an American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC) scholarship to pursue a Master Degree in Human Relations. “I would like to thank my Lord and Savior for the opportunity to go to The University of Oklahoma and continue my education and also my immediate family for giving me time to study my course work”. “I’m excited about pursuing my Master degree, in the Human Relations field. AIGC’s scholarship will assist greatly with the financial burden of an advanced degree,” said Attocknie. About the American Indian Graduate Center AIGC is a national organization, based in Albuquerque, NM, providing educational support through schol-
arships since 1969. AIGC is a national provider of scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native graduate and undergraduate students and has awarded more than $44 million in scholarships in the 41 years since its inception. To build, promote and honor self-sustaining American Indian and Alaska Native communities through education and leadership. To learn more about AIGC, contact: American Indian Graduate Center, Inc. (AIGC)4520 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Suite 1B, Albuquerque, NM 87109, (505) 8814584 www.aigcs.org
Haskell Alumni of Oklahoma The Haskell Alumni Association of Oklahoma invites Alumni and friends to a One-Day Reunion, Nov. 5 at the Sac & Fox Tribal Community Center in Stroud, Okla. A golf scramble will be held for information, contact Dan Little Axe at (405) 4138443. For more information, contact Carmen Ketcher at (918) 333-7483 or e-mail at mscarmen2009@hotmail.com
Coffman Plays in All-Star Game Tribal member Cheyenne Coffman was selected and played in one of Triple Crown’s
Sparkler All-Star games held in Westmister, Colo., on June, 27. Coffman plays in the outfield and second base for the Colorado Springs Aquasox. She was the only one from Colorado on her team, she had teammates from all over the nation as well as the world. Coffman is the daughter of Jeremy and Vanessa Coffman of Colorado Springs and granddaughter of Keith and Ann Koassechony of Apache, Okla.
rels of Agent Orange that maybe in the background. These barrels had an orange stripe around it. There were other herbicides used that had white, yellow, purple or pink stripes, but orange was the most used. Will you help with the cause, this includes surviving Vet spouses. Please contact Jon Mitchell at jonw.mitchell@ gmail.com and Joe Sipala at http://www.facebook.com/#!/ pages/Agent-Orange-Okinawa or call (910) 262-6990 or Scott Parton at partonscott@hotmail. com.
Moonlight Walk Against Drugs Set for Oct. 19
The 21st annual Moonlight Walk Against Drugs will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Elmer Thomas Park, Lawton, Okla. Participation in the walk Parton is free and open to the public. Agent Orange-Okinawa Prior to the walk, there will be static displays and Scott Parton is asking events near the walk, in the all Native American brothers area of NW 6th and Ferris Ave. and sisters who served on the In addition, T-shirts island of Okinawa from 1961 will be on sale for $10. to 1972 to help Veterans in This is the Crimestoptheir claim for eligibility of ex- pers/Drug Busters largest posure to Agent Orange. You event. can assist in establishing proof If you would like to get of claim by submitting photo- a team together for the walk, graphs. You will not only be contact Det. Brent Yarbrough helping yourself but you will at (580) 355-4636 or (580) be helping other Veterans who 581-3210. suffer from exposure of Agent Orange. Jon Mitchell is a reporter for the Japan Times. He is requesting all Vets who served on Okinawa and have testimony regarding the spraying of Agent Orange or being exposed to it, to please look at your old photos. You will be looking for any 55 gallon bar-
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The Comanche Nation News
First Annual Disability Awareness Day Comanche Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Submitted by Charlotte McCurtain/Director Vocational Rehabilitation
The Comanche Nation’s new Vocational Rehabilitation Program held their first Annual Disability Awareness Day on Sept. 7. The event was held at Watchetaker Hall at the Comanche Nation Complex. According to Director, Charlotte Niyah McCurtain, the event was a big success. The overall goal was to provide valuable information to individuals who have a disability. There was a total of five other programs from the state Department of Rehabilitation Services and from local health care organizations who also set up information about their services. The Comanche Nation Vocational Rehabilitation program was also very pleased to have three other VR programs attend the Disability Awareness Day. These tribal VR programs were the Iowa Tribal VR, the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal VR and the Delaware Tribal VR program. The Comanche Nation VR is very appreciative to these tribal VR programs, who have many years of experience. Another part of the agenda was the introduction of the staff of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. These staff members are Charlotte Niyah McCurtian, Director; James Campbell, Counselor; Rose Lomavaya, Administrative Assistant and Calvert Codynah, VR Technician. Refreshments were
Photo by Paula Karty/News Staff
The First Annual Vocational Rehabilitation held at Watchetaker Hall was a great success. Participants were informed about health issues concerning Native Americans.
served to the booth participants and attendees, followed by a noon luncheon for all those in attendance. Door prizes were given out throughout the event. Tribal Chairman, Johnny Wauqua, welcomed all those with booths as well as those in attendance. He expressed his support of the special disability awareness day and of the vocational rehabilitation program. Following the luncheon, the program was pleased to have Dr. Edwin Chappabitty, Jr. speak. Dr. Chappabitty is Comanche and Ft. Sill Apache. Dr. Chappabitty expressed his concern about health illness and how it can affect one’s
overall lifestyle. He expressed his concern about how Diabetes Type II is affecting Native Americans at a younger age. He also expressed his support to those individuals who chose to go into the health care profession. Information was also given out about Dr. Chappabitty’s educational background and of his specially established scholarship fund. After years of giving donations to the Reserve Officers Training Corps and to the OSU’s Zoology Department, he realized he could have more influence if he set up a scholarship fund. The Edwin Chappabitty Jr. M.D. Scholarship in Zoology was estab-
lished at OSU this year when Chappabitty pledged to donate $1,000 a year for 10 years. Another guest speaker was Keith Yackeyonny, Comanche tribal member and Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Director. Yackeyonny spoke, representing those individuals with a disability. Yackeyonny, personally spoke about his battle with Diabetes and how it progressively damaged his kidneys, circulation and eyesight. He expressed how he had role models who also had serious health conditions, but continued to work and lead productive lives. Yackeyonny said that his advice to those individuals with serious disabili-
ties, “Don’t give up and keep on trying.” His words inspired all those present, Yackeyonny is now a role model for people with disabilities. The vocational rehabilitation program received many positive comments from the participants during the Disability Awareness Day. One follow-up comment received was from Comanche tribal member, Bud Tosee (who formerly worked for the CHR program). Tosee said that he personally wanted to thank the vocational rehabilitation program for the special day. He said that he learned a lot about the services of the various tribal and health programs and was able to pick up an application or two for their services. He said it was a blessing to him and hopes that the program keep up the good work. The vocational rehabilitation program would like to thank the following tribal programs for their willingness to provide service information to those in attendance. These 14 tribal programs were Injury Prevention, Enrollment, Workforce Investment, Family Assistance Center, Environmental Protection, Comanche College, Community Health Representative, Comanche Nation Casinos, Higher Education and Adult Vocation Training, Caregiver Program, Human Resources, Prescription Assistance, Housing Improvement Program and Child Support.
Elder’s Explore Comanche Western Sites Submitted by Comanche Nation Elder Council
Tuesday: The Comanche Elder’s will leave the complex and travel to Cheyenne, Okla., to visit the Black Kettle Museum. They will also visit the Jones and Plummer Trail Museum, still traveling westward to Goodwell, Okla., to visit the No Man’s Land Historical Museum. They will
spend the night in Guymon, Okla., they may not get to see all sites on Tuesday; but they have to stick to the schedule. Wednesday: They leave Guymon, Okla., traveling to Kenton, Okla. to visit the Black Mesa State Park, the highest point in Oklahoma. They then travel on to New
Mexico to Des Moines to see the Capulin and Clayton-Raton Volcano. Then travel to Taos, NM to stay the night. Thursday: Stay the night again in Taos, so they could see and learn more about the Pueblo Indians and their integrated with our culture. Friday: Wake up and
travel north to Monte Vista, Colo., to see the Monte Vista Mountains and also, the Spanish Peaks. Stay the night in Pueblo, Colo. Saturday: Travel to the Cuerno Rest Stop between Pueblo and Trinidad, Colo. Will visit the scenic route and then go on to Amarillo, Texas
and stay at Canyon City, Texas and go to Palo Duro Canyon for the show and dinner. Sunday: Leave from home possibly seeing some site they didn’t get to see on the first day of the trip.
Photos by Paula Karty/News Staff
PLAAAY BALL! The Comanche Nation Fair Softball Tournament was held on August 26 and 27 at the Community Center in Walters. The decision to change the location was largely due to the fact that there is already a field and lighting versus the field at the complex with no lights and having to rent them. There was a total of 13 teams coming from as far south as Bridgeport, Texas and as far north as Tulsa, Okla. Winning the tournament was, top left, Team BOB, and second place went to the Renegades.The teams were very pleased with the tournament but more over impressed with the treatment they had received from all the volunteers. There was so many compliments with nearly all the teams are committed and ready for the next tournament. The day and a half tournament went late, but the teams were on to play. Many know from experience that tournaments don’t end until the wee hours of the night. The quality of the players was exceptional. You didn’t have to drive far to see some great ball games and eat a mighty tasty Indian taco. A huge thank you goes out to all the volunteers who without, this event would not have been a HUGE success.
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The Comanche Nation News
Milestones Happy Belated Birthday
Jessica Kassanvoid, August 21 Alice Paddyaker, September 1 Rudolph Seahmer, September 4 Michael Cook Sr., September 4 Misty Red Elk, September 8 Alise Wahnee, September 11 Charles Nestell, September 12 Chiana Red Elk, September 15 John McClung, September 16 Cassie Lynch, September 18 Lexy Poafpybitty, September 25 Shelby Sing, September 26 Hazel Codopony, September 29 Kenneth Legend, September 30
Happy Birthday
Cherie Sing, October 2 Gloria Caudillo, October 2 Shirlene Miller, October 3 Alley Poafpybitty, October 4 Mark E Yeahquo, October 4 Stefani Miller, October 5 Kilah Parker, October 5 Talyn Todd, October 7 Daniel Saupitty Jr, October 9 Tomoyake Tahchawwickah, October 10 Brent Threlkeld, October 11 Jolene Schonchin, October12 Marcus Sabala, October 12 Fabian Kaulaity, October 13 Stacy Miller, October 13 Michael Cook Jr., October 14 Judy Tissychy, October 15 Taylor Spoonhunter, October 16 Evans Mowatt Jr., October 18 Brenna Brinkman, October 20 Enminajane Iruegas, October 20 Melissa Mosqueda, October 22 Dayton Parker, October 26 Travis Codynah, October 26 Totsiyaa Todd, October 27 Daryll Asepermy, October 29 Shirley Rivera, October 29 Robyn Beaver, October 31
Happy Belated Birthday Jessica Kassanvoid August 21
Happy Belated Birthday Misty Red Elk September 8
Happy Belated Birthday Chiana Red Elk September 15
Happy Belated Birthday Cassie Lynch September 18
Happy Belated Birthday Lexy Poafpybitty September 25
Happy Belated Birthday Kenneth Legend September 30
Happy Birthday Mark E Yeahquo October 4
Happy Birthday Alley Poafpybitty October 4
Happy Birthday Kilah Parker October 5
Happy Birthday Talyn Todd October 7
Happy Birthday Daniel W Saupitty Jr. October 9
Happy Birthday Tomoyake Tahchawwickah October 10
Happy Birthday Dayton Parker October 26
Happy Birthday Travis Codynah October 26
Happy Birthday Totsiyaa Todd October 27
Happy Birthday Robyn Beaver October 31
Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Passings
Stella Mae Rivera
April 6, 1930~August 31, 2011
John Tahsuda Jr.
July 22, 1932~August 30, 2011
Stephen & Gwendolyn Stone October 2
Married 41 years
Correction: In the September edition of TCNN, the article about the gaming update was submitted by the Comanche Gaming Board of Directors, not the Gaming Commission. TCNN regrets the error.
Rusty & Karen Coffey October 12
Married 9 years
Galen Roy Schrock
Carter Skye Motah
Born: September 6, 2011 6lbs’ 1oz’ 19in To: Dakota Schrock & Rosie Motah
Born: September 8, 2011 7lbs’ 6oz’ 19in To: Joel Motah & Nicole Prescott
Joey & Lauren Vazquez October 22 Married 1 year
In Loving Memory Nipper Tiddark
10/10/1927~1/18/2011 We love you & miss you, Romelia, Karen, Cheryl & Bert
Anthony Shon Monoessy Jr. Born: August 19, 2011 8lbs’ 21in To: Anthony & Bonnie Monoessy
Don’t Forget to submit milestones for those special loved ones; Just married, Birth Announcements, Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc. Deadline for November 10/15/2011 Call Public Information Office (580) 492-3752 E-mail: candacet@ comanchenation.com Or mail: Comanche Nation/PIO P.O. Box 908 Lawton, OK 73502
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The Comanche Nation News
Obituaries
Mary “PeeWee” Elizabeth Pahdocony Funeral for Mary “PeeWee” Elizabeth Pahdocony, 68, Elgin, was Sept. 20, at Petarsy United Methodist Church, Richard Spur area, with Layspeaker Tina Baker, United Methodist Church of Apache, officiating and the Reverands Fred and Jan Haury Ticeahkie assisting. Pahdocony was called from labor to reward on Sept. 16. Prayer service was held Sept. 19, at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Highland Cemetery under direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. PeeWee entered this life on Jun. 22, 1943 in Lawton, the daughter of Douglas “Asee” and Mary (Powwetipe) Pahdocony. She was raised in the Elgin area and attended Elgin Schools and Haskell Indian Institute of Lawrence, Kan. She served her family as a homemaker and was a member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma and a descendant of Sacajawea and of Shoshone descent. She enjoyed walking, dancing and listening to the oldies. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and grandchildren. She leaves to cherish her memories her sons and daughter-in-law: Leonard and Kimberly Mathis of Oklahoma City and Stanford G. Pahdocony, Sr. and companion Antonia Marie LeBarre of Apache; her daughter and son-in-law: Terri Lynn and Kevin Feudner of Minocqua, Wisconsin; six grandsons: Michael Mathis and Fred Mathis, both of Minocqua, Wis., Joseph Ross of Belleville, Pa., Stanford G. Pahdocony, Jr., Kristopher Pahdocony and Aden Gooday, all of Apache; three granddaughters: Junie Kizzia of Warner, Haley Rene Mathis of Elgin and Natasha Feudner of Minocqua, Wis.; two sisters: Joyce Gooday and Jeanette Pohlemann, both of Elgin; one brother: Douglas Frank Pahdocony of Elgin special friends: Anna Jene LeBarre and Dixie Pearl LeBarre, all of Apache, “Fern” Lavenia Brown, Fern Brinkman, Judy Tissychy, Rosely Aunko, Henrietta Beaver and Patricia Pewewardy as well as other “Comanche” sister, relatives and friends. PeeWee was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, Frank Pahdocony and Petarsy “Quitassa” and one brother: Garrett Connahvichnah and one sister: Marjorie Pahdocony.
Okla.; and Sara Oberly of Portland, Org.; and her grandchildren, gary Burgess, Elton Burgess, Teddy Burgess, Jr., Miguel Rivera and Myrna Rivera, Moway Wahahrockah, Aleesia Wahahrockah, Gerald Waharockah, Jr., Desiree DeVine, Sara Serna, Yvonne Serna, Galu Lavatai, Alofaifo and Fialele Lavatai, and greatgrandchildren: Brandon, Tre, Aubrey, Leanna, James, Talia, Mariah, Alyssa, Ruby Rose, Amiya, C.J., Adrianna, Ivan, Reyna, Deja; and numerous nieces and nephews, Sisterin-laws, Bernadette Oberly, Nell Yvonne Thomasine Kawaykla, LaRue Wahahrockah Parker and Wendy Pope. Spe Nell Yvonne (Oberly) cial relatives the Tippeconnic Wahahrockah went to be with and Weryavah families. Prayer service was held her Lord on Sept. 18, in Law- Sept. 21 at the Comanche Naton, Okla., after a brief illness. tion Funeral Home. She was 76 years old. Funeral was Sept. 22 at Wahahrockah was a proud member of the Coman- the Comanche Nation Funeral che Nation and the Osage Na- Home. Burial was at Deyo tion. She was born on Jun. Cemetery, west of Lawton, 29, 1935 in Walters, Okla., to Okla. Eva (Winnerchy) Oberly and Acey Oberly, Sr. She grew up in Walters, Okla. and was the eldest of nine brothers and sisters. Wahahrockah graduated from Cameron College later in life and always encouraged her children and grandchildren to get a college education. She met her husband Evelyn Cecelia Durham (Melvin) Louis Wahahrockah Evelyn Durham, resiin Lawton and they had four children together and reared dent of Hayward, Cali. was their grand-daughters, Phyllis born at home in Okla., Nov. 10, Wahahrockah-Tasi and Cec- 1934. Durham died peacefulily Serna. Yvonne and Melvin ly at home surrounded by famwere married in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1952 and were mar- ily on Sept. 16. She is survived by her ried for 48 years. Wahahrockah worked beloved husband Troy. Her at Ft. Sill Indian School and children Linda Grindel and when the school closed she Deborah Lazzarini, and her son transferred to Riverside In- Mark Durham. She enjoyed dian School where she retired. and loved her three grandShe was the Editor for the Co- daughters and five grandsons. At Durham’s request manche Newsletter and hosted there was no funeral services. the Native American Indian Program at KSWO. She also worked at the Community Action Program. Wahahrockah was a Lifetime member of the Walters Service Club. She enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She had a great sense of humor. Her hobbies included shopping (Wal-Mart), reading, attending dances and Indian gatherings, and watching her children and grandchildren participate in athletics and school activities. She always had an amusing smile to share. Wahahrockah is preElizabeth Bentley ceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth Bentley 49, Eva and Acey Oberly, Sr.; her passed away on Sept. 20. She husband, Melvin; and a brother was born on Aug. 8, 1962, to John. Wahahrockah is sur- Theo Ulis Bentley and Jaunivived by her children: Ramo- ta Pewo Bentley at Fort Sill, na Pahcheka and her husband Okla. Prayer service was Paul; Eva Asenap and husband Ted; Glenn Wahahrockah and Sept. 23 at Apache Reform his wife Kelly; and Mari Lynn Church in Apache, Okla. Funeral service was Lavatai and husband Tomasi; and special son-in-law and Sept. 24 at Apache Reform caretaker, Teddy (Mack) Bur- Church with Rev. Marvin Delgess, Sr., her brothers, Acey aware officiating. Burial was Oberly, Jr and wife, Thelma of at Cache Creek Cemetery west Wapato, Wash., Frank Oberly, of Apache, Okla., under the Sr. of Norman, Okla., Martin direction of Comanche Nation Oberly and wife Linda of Yu- Funeral Home. Bentley enjoyed playkon, Okla.; and Gary Oberly and wife Jackie of Norman, ing board games, going to the Okla.; sisters, Jackie Sey- casino, riding her three wheel mour of Walters, Okla.; Mar- bike in her younger days, eatgaret Kelley of Ft. Gibson, ing at Furr’s, teasing her nieces
and nephews, and spending time with her relatives and friends. She is survived by three brothers: Lawrence “Coach” Mithlo of Midwest City, Okla., Jasper Mithlo of Houston, Texas, and Russell Satepauhoodle of Apache, Okla., five sisters: Gayle Bearshield of Clinton, Okla., Pamela Mithlo and Ma-
rie Hatfield of Oklahoma City, Okla., Diane Downing of Midwest City, Okla. and Tamra Hughes of Wichita Falls, Texas, and her companion Paul Hall of Apache, Okla. She was preceded in death by her parents: brother: John Allen Pewo Sr., and her paternal and maternal grandparents.
October 2011
Dear TCNN Dear TCNN, Special Thanks This is a special thank you, to everyone who volunteered their time and effort for the Music Festival and Handgame Tournament, during the Comanche Nation Fair 2011. Thanks to the Comanche Nation, Comanche Nation Fair Committee, Comanche Nation Chairman, Comanche Nation Business Committee Members and the Comanche Nation Tribal Administrator for the time and financial support for the two events. I would personally like to thank, Journey Productions, Z94 Radio Station, Intertribal Visions Unlimited, Property Dept., Finance Dept., Food Distribution Dept., Maintenance Dept., CIP Dept., Clean Sweep, Tommy Wesaw and son, Papa Joe, Theo Niedo, Charles Crutcher, Louie McCarthy, Jason Sullivan, Tony Alvarado, Misty Red Elk and daughter, Chickie, Teeny and daughter, Charlene Collins, Alicia Wilson, Karen Kaniatobe, Lynette Baker, Esa Attocknie, Desire Attocknie, Marty David, all the bands that participated, all the handgame teams that participated and every volunteer whom I may have forgot to mention. I am grateful for everyone’s assistance and support because it was your help that made the Music Festival and Handgame Tournament such a huge success. I look forward to working with everyone again next year for the 2012 Comanche Nation Fair. Thanks to everyone, Uh da Francis J. Attocknie III, (Hoo se) Music Festival and Handgame Coordinator
Dear TCNN, I am currently serving a life sentence in the North Carolina prison system. I am from Texas; I am of American and Mexican Indian and White. Here in the North Carolina prisons’ we have prayer circles. Each prison has a prayer circle and we are very blessed to be able to practice and believe in the old ways. I have been a traditionalist my whole life I am 43 years old and I’ve been locked up for 14 years. My Indian brothers consider me an elder, a teacher, ceremony leader and prayer leader. I help the younger brothers better understand our beliefs our walk our way of life. I help them work on becoming way of life; I help them work on becoming better humans beings. These Prayer Circles are part of our lives these circles are our past, present and future. These prayer circles are also our rehabilitation. They connect us to the Great Spirit, father sun, mother earth, four directions and all our relations. We are brothers and sisters, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters. We are the blood of our people we are proud of who we are. Back in the old days all the people were equal and stood up for each other. And I ask all the Indiand communities to stand up for our people in the Texas prisons and fight for our beliefs. In each North Carolina Prison men, women and Juvenile has a prayer circle that meet three days a week. We maintain our own sacred items. We have our own prayer pipes, our sacred herbs, and we drum
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The Comanche Nation News
and sing. Indian people help out brothers and sisters in Texas prison fight for their rights their beliefs. Be their voice be loud and strong, we should ask Governor Rick Perry of Texas, if he allows his prisons to deny the rights of Indian people, what will he do if he is elected president? Frank Schlaepfer
We’re here for you with the money you need Advance America Cash Advance provides a quick and easy way to get the money you need when you need it. Advance America #3558 5334 NW Cache Rd., Ste. A Lawton, OK 73505 (580) 591-0333 Items to Bring • Two Forms of ID (Valid State or Federal photo ID and one additional ID) • Bank Statement (Most recent checking account statement) • Paycheck Stub (Most recent paycheck stub or verification of other income) • Personal Check (Held until due date) • Verification of Social Security Number Hours: Mon10:00 am - 6:00 pm Tue:10:00 am - 6:00 pm Wed:10:00 am - 6:00 pm Thurs:10:00 am - 6:00 pm Fri:9:00 am - 7:00 pm Sat:9:00 am - 3:00 pm
October 2011
Sports
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The Comanche Nation News
Bullriding
Photos by Paula Karty/News Staff
OU Tailgate
Photo by Paula Karty/ News Staff
Fun Run
3 on 3 Basketball
Photos by Paula Karty/ News Staff
PLAYING HARD IN THE HEAT. Comanche Nation Prevention & Recovery Center is committed to providing the Native youth of Southwest Oklahoma with community drug free activities. The Day of Champions Sports Camp, which took place Aug. 22-23, was led by coach Ken Heupel, who provided one-on-one mentoring not only in athletics, health, and fitness but in all areas of life. Participants are encouraged to practice the four principles of leadership: discipline, respect, trust and hard work. By utilizing these four principles our Comanche Youth can be successful on and off the field. Don't Let Drugs and Alcohol Destroy Your Dreams!
October 2011
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The Comanche Nation News
Children’s Games
Church Services at Watchetaker Hall & Sunday Meal
Quilt Show • 1st Place Antique~ Gladys Narcomey
Music Festival
Hymn Singing • 1st Place~ Post Oak Mission Women
Warriors Run for Diabetes Awareness
Handgames
October 2011
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The Comanche Nation News
Grand Entry
Photos by News Staff
2003 Heisman Comes To The Comanche Nation
Jason White of the Oklahoma Sooners talks to Students During the Higher Education Career Day
October 2011
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The Comanche Nation News
Parading Pride at the 20th Annual Comanche Nation Fair
Photos by Jolene Schonchin and Paula Karty/News Staff
October 2011
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The Comanche Nation News
Bruce Ceasar enjoys an afternoon of gourd dancing on Sept. 4. The flag of Nabor Villicana was flown Sept. 2. The flag ceremony conducted by the Comanche Little Ponies.
Outgoing Comanche Nation Princess, Nina Burgess, enjoys the powwow Sept. 2.
Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Active duty Comanche soldiers, Zavala and Woosypitty, were honored during the Comanche Nation Fair.
The flag of Reeves Nahwooks was flown Sept. 3. The flag ceremony conducted by the Comanche Indian Veterans Association.
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Comanche Nation Chairman, Johnny Wauqua, right, gives the Four Directions Organization representative a plaque of appreciation for helping the Comanche Nation member in May with clothes, toys, and furniture. A tiny tot traditional dancer peeks from his fathers regalia during the grand entry Sept. 3.
The flag of Paul Attocknie was flown Sept.4. The flag ceremony conducted by the Comanche War Scouts
Spirit Walk for Renewal
Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff