Courtesy Photo | (Left) Command Sgt. Maj. Roger Kingston, Command Sgt. Maj., 25th Infantry Division...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Durwood Blackmon
25th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade
TIKRIT, Iraq - A U.S. Army Soldier paid tribute to Native American Heritage Month by speaking with guests at Contingency Operating Base Spiecher, Nov. 22.
Sgt. Arvella Wanbli-Luta, Signal Support Systems Non-Commissioned Officer, C Company, 209th Aviation Support Battalion, 25th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
Arvella Wanbli-Luta, or Red Eagle in her native language, expressed her deep loyalty and appreciation for her people's rich history as warriors serving in today's armed services.
"Most would know my people better by the name Sioux however, we do not call ourselves that as it is not a Lakota word," Wanbli-Luta continued, "I am a 4th generation service member of the U. S. Military but an Akicita Winyan, lady warrior, in a long line of warriors. The Oglala's have had many strong and great warriors such as Chief Red Cloud, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull of the Hunkpapa."
Wanbli-Luta's comes from a long line of U.S. warriors. Her father served in the Navy, her uncles, great grandfather and grandfather served in the Army.
According to Wanbli-Luta, the core values of her tribe and her current life as a Soldier in the Army are characteristic of each other.
"Traditionally our people lived by four virtues. Bravery, fortitude, integrity and Generosity. These virtues are similar to that of Army Values. Everything in life is a constant circle and living accordingly ensures the life of a people. To possess all of these virtues, you were considered wise and well thought."
Wanbli-Luta joined the Army in Feb. 1994 but was deeply moved by the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. She believes that her role as a Native American and Soldier helps to secure the future of her people as well as the Nation. On Sept. 11, 2006 of this year Wanbli-Luta posted her feelings in a blog on the internet.
The attacks on the twin-towers and pentagon five years ago saddened me. In those moments following, I experienced a broad range of emotions. I was sad for the families, angry with the nation and scared for the future. Wanbli-Luta continued, I am on my second deployment in combat against those that wish our livelihood great harm. The future of my children and grandchildren are dependant on our success here. This enemy knows no fear and should we decide to lay down arms and leave the area we currently fight them in, I think would only mean them coming to us.
The biggest challenge for Wanbli-Luta as a Soldier is being apart from her family. However, she acknowledges that the job she is doing is in the warrior spirit of her people and makes her loved ones proud.
"The hardest thing is being a single parent and being separated from my children. I have three children all in different locations. One is in Hawaii, one in California and another in South Dakota. They are all very proud of me and are brave in understanding that we must make sacrifices as a family. They are very supportive of me and what I do."
The Oglala consider the time spent on this earth as their walk in life. Wanbli-Luta believes that she has made a positive difference as a Soldier and as a Native American.
"How you walk in your life is a reflection of the relationship you soul has with Wakan Tanka, the Great Mystery. Today is a day of reflection for those of us that have a sense of pride in ourselves and where it is we come from. When my walk in this life has ended I ensured that I did all I could do for my people, my oyate. I am Akicita Winyan, a lady warrior for my people the Oglala's; and this is my walk," said Wanbli-Luta
| Date Taken: | 11.22.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 11.29.2006 15:09 |
| Story ID: | 8429 |
| Location: | TIKRIT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 382 |
| Downloads: | 114 |
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