Determined students recognize Veterans in community
By Marilyn Nelson
Northern Arizona University Native American Business Organization produced a successful completion of the 5K Veterans Run, Nov. 8, 2008 to create awareness and celebrate Veterans in Indian Country and the United States of America.
During the early morning, runners and walkers met at the NAU Recreation Center to register for either the 5K-run or 2K-walk; which would be designated on the NAU campus both runners and walkers of all ages braved the cold temperatures to show their support for veterans.
NABO recognized three outstanding veterans who participated and went the extra mile in sponsoring the 5K Veterans Run.
Lorrell Bennett who served 1984-1992 in the U.S. Marines as a Squad Leader of Infantry during both Panama and Persian Gulf War.
Shane Charley of the Waulpai Tribe who served in the U.S. Army from 1984 to 1994 as a Sergeant in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. NABO recognized Charley’s tribe as a contributing sponsor of 350 dollars for club events.
John Wilson, Navajo, clans: Coyote Pass People and Cliff Water People of Whitecone, Ariz., served as staff Sergeant during the first Gulf War. NABO stated that Wilson also donated money and food to the 5K Veterans Walk.
Dishearten that so many younger Natives are dying Wilson presents NABO members with a painting of a Marine Corps presenting flag to fallen solder mother. In addition, Wilson presented NABO with a painting by Adsiderio. “(Painting represents) parents finding out that their son or daughter was killed in action; (here today) what you guys are doing is for the future,” said Wilson.
NABO presented awards to Bennett, Charley, and Wilson for their participation.
NABO awarded First Place Male: Verneon Reed, and First Place Female: Belinda Yoyokie for their completion of the 5K run.
Navajo Nation Vice President Ben Shelly, and wife Martha standing nearby, addressed the crowed with great appreciation for veterans in attendance.
Shelly mentioned how the treaty of 1868 was broken. Although the 1868 treaty stated that Native nations was protected against war, the United States military recruited Navajo men to help defeat the Japanese in World War II.
“Walk a mile in their shoes,” stated Shelly about veterans. Shelly continues to be an advocate for veterans and hopes for better policies that will help change the outlook for all veterans in Indian Country and within the United States. “Help is long past due,” stated Shelly.
Astounded by the significantly high number of young people Shelly stated, “I always end with this: hope. Because the universe is God, and what we walk on is Mother Earth – keep her clean – learn from the past, everybody leaves tracks and no one leaves a straight line because there is always a canyon, or lake but the tracks can be like snow or like mud. Every path is different; it is like your teacher. Learn from your mistakes.”
According to NAU-NABO website: www.nau.edu/nabo, “NABO recognizes professionalism and heritage as central to the club’s success. The group seeks to blend these concepts into club activities by assisting and encouraging students to complete their degree program while maintaining their identity; promote awareness of Native American culture through themes events; sponsor community services to local and tribal communities; and to engage in social gatherings with fellow students through planned activities.”
NABO president Rosanna Jumbo, Construction Management major at NAU, stated that, “We will be back next year.”