Photo By Senior Airman Corinna Morlan | Goldie Tom, Navajo hair stylist and makeup artist, poses for a photo after a screening...... read more read more
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“In our culture, K’é means relations. It’s about taking care of one another. When we introduce ourselves, we share our clans and that’s how we form connections. K’é is also in the military. You take care of each other; you watch out for one another in the service.”
. . .
Across every major conflict in the history of the United States, Native American people have served in the nation’s military in extraordinary numbers.
Today, Native American people continue to join the military at a higher rate than any other demographic.
United States Air Force veteran and Navajo filmmaker Ryan Begay sought to tell Native American service members’ stories through his film “Honor Song”. The film explores the motivations and histories of veterans from different Native American tribes across time.
“Originally, we set out to create a film about the Navajo Code Talkers,” said Begay. “However, I learned there were so many more stories that hadn’t been told from Native American veterans. Many of them were inspired by the code talkers, but have their own unique perspectives.”
Serving in the Air Force from 1999 to 2004, Begay recognized first-hand the importance of creating representation for Native American people in the military.
“My original intent was to go into the Marine Corps because I was inspired by the Navajo Code Talkers,” he said. “But as I was thinking about joining, I found out my uncle was in the Air Force, so that set me on a path to follow in his footsteps.”
Begay sat with Native American veterans for hours, learning each of their stories and understanding why they chose to raise their right hand and commit to serving their country. He did this alongside his partner, Goldie Tom, a Navajo hair stylist and makeup artist.
“What I most enjoyed about working on this film was getting to speak with the veterans before their interviews and make them feel comfortable,” said Tom. “As a hair and makeup artist, when people sit in my chair and I talk to them, it relaxes them and allows them to open up in front of the camera to share these difficult stories.”
While Tom was greatly inspired by the veterans she met throughout the course of this project, she also does not ignore the contentious relationship between the U.S. government and indigenous populations.
“I questioned why so many Native Americans were going into the military when we weren’t even recognized as citizens,” she said. “The military has tried to wipe us out, so why are we serving in that same institution? At first it was frustrating for me to try to understand, but when I sat there and listened to all of these veterans, their stories were so powerful that it really changed my perspective. As Native American people, they implemented the things that they learned at home into the military services.
“They were raised to wake up early in the morning; to live off of the land; to butcher and gather sheep; to haul wood to heat their home in the winter. They learned how to be tough living on the reservation, growing up with no water or electricity. I grew up like that. They helped me understand that it’s not only about protecting the nation, it’s about protecting our people, our home, our way of life. They’re proud of being able to take care of us. Not just their families, but all of us.”
Despite historic conflict and broken treaty agreements from the federal government, the resiliency of Native American people from tribes across the states has kept their cultural heritage alive. Begay is among many Indigenous people continuing the fight for recognition within the U.S. Armed Forces.
“When I discovered film, I realized what a powerful medium it is to tell stories and move an audience,” he said. “That was my main motivation: to tell Navajo stories.”
After speaking with veterans who fought in many different conflicts for the U.S., he discovered they all felt a similar drive as his own to find a way to help those around them.
“It's really the warrior spirit,” said Begay. “One man we interviewed said, ‘when you go and serve, you don't know what to expect, but then you see all the signs that tell you that you're supposed to be there. You were always supposed to serve in this fashion, for your community and for your people.’ So, a lot of people join thinking about how it will benefit them, but I believe we have a subconscious calling to do it.”
The dedicated service of Native American Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen paved the way for today’s members to serve while honoring their cultural roots.
The Department of Defense recognizes November as Native American Heritage Month. To kickstart the month, the Steadfast Line signed a proclamation committing the 27th Special Operations Wing to fostering an inclusive environment where all cultures are respected, celebrated, and empowered. Air Commandos were invited to a screening of “Honor Song” to hear first-hand experiences of Native American veterans and current service members who contribute to the strength of our nation’s military.
“Honor Song” tells the stories of Native American service members Larry Anderson, Alroy Billiman, Terrell Dawes, Cassie Velarde Neher, and many more.
“Nobody else knows what we carry with us from our cultural background, because it's not spoken about,” said Begay. “A lot of these veterans have held their stories for so long, but I wanted to break the silence. We serve. We still serve, and we're proud of our service. I think when veterans watch this film they will see that talking about it doesn't have to be so hard.”
. . .
Sources:
Department of Defense Platform for Installations, Energy, Environment, Safety & Occupational
Health Information
United States Department of Interior Indian Affairs
| Date Taken: | 11.14.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.15.2024 14:25 |
| Story ID: | 485288 |
| Location: | CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO, US |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Navajo filmmaker honors Native American veterans and service members, by SrA Corinna Morlan, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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