November 1-30, 2011 is National American Indian Heritage Month. The theme is Service, Honor, Respect: Strengthening Our Cultures and Communities.
For more information visit http://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/ and for observance presentations visit DEOMI at http://www.deomi.org/SpecialObservance/presentations.cfm?CatID=8

Follow up:

R 282223Z OCT 11

ALCOAST 506/11
COMDTNOTE 5350

SUBJ: NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH

1. November is national American Indian heritage month. The theme of this year’s observance is "service, honor, respect: strengthening our cultures and communities." This theme resonates with the Coast Guard’s values.

2. Unfortunately, we do not have definitive documentation on the first Native American who served. However, as a group, the first who worked in both the lighthouse and lifesaving services came from expert watermen tribes such as the Wampanoags in Massachusetts, Ojibwa in the Great Lakes and the Makah tribe in Washington State.

3. In the 19th century, members of the Quinault tribe stood lifesaving duty at isolated Shoal Water Bay in Washington State. In 1882, a Quinault tribesman known only as Lighthouse George struggled against raging seas to rescue the entire crew of the Iron Bark Lammerlaw. In 1887 and 1888, the nation awarded the silver lifesaving medal to two Quinault tribesmen, brothers Jonas and Sampson Johns, for saving crew members from the wrecks of the vessels Lily Grace and Abercorn off Grays Harbor. In 1896, the lifesaving service awarded its highest decoration, the gold lifesaving medal, to native American Sam Miller, a volunteer who assisted the keeper of Point Arena light station in California in a daring rescue of sailors off the grounded and broken steamer San Benito.

4. In the 20th century, motor machinist mate 2nd class Joseph Toahty of the Pawnee nation took part in the landings at Tulagi and Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands in 1942, becoming the first Native American to participate in an offensive operation with United States naval forces during World War II. Master Chief Aviation Pilot John P. Greathouse, another WWII veteran, was the first and only enlisted pilot to become the Ancient Albatross and the last Coast Guard enlisted member to serve as an aircraft pilot.

5. The legacy of proud Native Americans who have served and the many contributions of those who now serve strengthen our coast guard and our nation. During the month of November, I encourage all members of the Coast Guard family to participate in programs, activities, and special events that highlight the achievements and patriotism of American Indians and Native Alaskans.

6. ADM BOB PAPP, COMMANDANT, SENDS.
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