Cherokee Nation Honors Two Veterans During August Council Meeting

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - The Cherokee Nation honored two veterans with the Medal of Patriotism during the August meeting of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.

Clinton Dale Jordan, of Colcord, and Kyle Whitmire, of Proctor, were recognized by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Chief Bryan Warner and Secretary of Veteran Affairs S. Joe Crittenden acknowledging their service and sacrifices to the country.

Jordan entered the United States Army under the Delayed Entry Program, taking his oath his junior year of high school, enlisting officially in June 1977. He completed his Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, then attended Utility Helicopter Repair Training at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Jordan was deployed to South Korea in December 1977, serving with the 117^th Aviation Battalion.

While in South Korea, Jordan was selected to become the Helicopter Crew Chief. His duties included overseeing maintenance during flights and ensuring operational safety. He frequently flew missions along the Korean Demilitarized Zones and transported high-ranking personnel including the President's aide. Following his tour in Korea, he was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina with the elite 82^nd Airborne Division, as a Helicopter Crew Chief, and later, he received the Army Commendation Medal for his outstanding service with the 82^nd Airborne. Jordan was Honorably Discharged in 1980 with the rank of E-4.

"I'd like to thank God for making me the man that I am, and I'd like to thank Chief Hoskin and anyone else involved in selecting me for this award," said Jordan.

Whitmire, a Cherokee Nation Marshal, entered the United States Army in May 2008. He completed his Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Whitmire had a Military Occupation Specialty in Paralegal and Cavalry Scout. From 2011 to 2012, he was deployed to Camp Buehring in Kuwait, where he was the Squadron Paralegal for the 180^th Calvary.

From 2017 through 2018, Whitmire was deployed with the 180^th Cavalry to Kabul, Afghanistan, where he assisted in many roles, such as Liaison to the 101^st Airborne in charge of getting the squadron in and out of the country. He was the Admin Noncommissioned Officer in charge of awards and the head paralegal for the squadron. He assisted with foot patrols and convoys on his deployments. Throughout his career, Whitmire received the Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2^nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Expedition Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization device. Whitmire was Honorably Discharged in November 2021.

"Wado. It's an honor to serve our people, whether it's the nation or the tribe," said Whitmire.

Each month, the Cherokee Nation recognizes Cherokee service men and women for their sacrifices as a way to demonstrate the high regard in which all veterans are held by the tribe. Native Americans, including Cherokees, are thought to have more citizens serve per capita than any other ethnic group, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

To nominate a veteran who is a Cherokee Nation citizen, call 918-772-4166.