Cherokee Nation honors three veterans during November Council meeting

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

Michael Cathey of Tahlequah, Wayne Ramier of Kansas, Okla., and Tyler Brown of Muskogee, were recognized by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan and Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, acknowledging their service and sacrifice to the country.

Michael Cathey joined the United States Air Force on Dec. 26, 1978. Cathey completed his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Mississippi for technical school for Administrative Specialist. He was stationed in George Air Force Vase in Victorville, California with the 831st Combat Group until he was honorably discharged on Dec. 25, 1982.

(L-R): Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan, Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Wayne Raimer and Speaker of the Council Mike Shambaugh.

Wayne Raimer joined the United States Army on June 9, 1975. He served at Fort Riley, Kansas, from 1975 to 1978, before moving to Fort Hood, Texas, where he remained until 1979. Raimer was then deployed to Germany, where he served from 1979 to 1983 as a truck and equipment mechanic and shop foreman. He was later assigned to Fort Campbell where he was honorably discharged on Oct. 28, 1985. Raimer received the Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award) during his service.

(L-R): Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, At-Large Councilor Dr. Julia Coates, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Tyler Brown, At-Large Councilor Johnny Jack Kidwell and Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan.

Tyler Brown joined the United States Army in August of 2005. During his time in the Army, Brown completed Airborne and Air Assault School. Later, he was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq supporting the Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom missions. Brown returned to the United States in 2008 where he finished his deployment at Fort Stewart, Georgia. After deployment, Brown became a unit coordinator and managed soldier and civilian training requirements and maintaining clinical cohesions. In August of 2011, he was honorably discharged. During his service, Brown received the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign star.

"I sincerely want to thank everyone," said Brown. "Honestly, I'm humbled and honored to be recognized by everyone. This is such an incredible thing."

Each month the Cherokee Nation recognizes Cherokee service men and women for their sacrifices and 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 serving 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.

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