Native Americans honored at luncheon

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shaun Emery
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  At a ceremony, highlighted by a former Navajo code talker, members of Team Travis began the month long celebration honoring Native American heritage, here Nov 3. 

"Native American Heritage Month is not only a time for us to celebrate the diversity of our nation's armed forces, but also a time for us to recognize the contributions of Native Americans," said Col. John Lipinski, 615th Contingency Response Wing commander. 
"With Veterans Day just a little more than a week away, it seems only fitting to pay special tribute today to those Native American veterans who selflessly volunteered to fight for our nation." 

As he addressed the crowd, retired Marine Corporal Joe Morris, a Navajo Codetalker, told stories of his upbringing on a Navajo reservation in Indian Wells, Ariz. and the path that led him to becoming an influential part of World War II. 

"I found his visit very inspiring," said Airman 1st Class Mercedes Dalton. "I enjoyed learning about historical figures and this visit was very fascinating." 

Airman Dalton said Mr. Morris' words were extra poignant because two years ago, he found out he was part Cherokee Indian and since then has taken great pride in his recently found heritage. 

Serving as a "Windtalker," Mr. Morris relayed messages between U.S. forces that were indiscernible to the Japanese. Mr. Morris' time in combat would take him to such places as Guadalacanal, Guam, Saipan, Okinawa and Tinasto, China until his discharge in 1946. 

Navajo "Windtalkers" went largely unrecognized in the years following the war, in an attempt to keep the code secret. 

Col. Mark Dillon, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, spoke of the importance of remembering the Code talker legacy. 

"Mr. Morris is a great American hero," he said. "These warriors fought, despite great sacrifices and injustices during that time in history." 

Native American Heritage month activities are planned throughout the month of November, including a food tasting Nov. 14 at the commissary. 

"I think this month is a great opportunity to educate members of Team Travis about Native American culture," said Master Sgt. Ruben Lopez from the 15th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "A lot of time we forget how diverse we are in the military and it's important to recognize the Native Americans who served in the past and who serve today."