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American Indian Warriors Association at the 58th Massing of the Colors

by Roy Cook, Opata-Oodham, Mazopiye Wishasha

It is a grand, glorious San Diego with patriotic music day from the Spring Valley Middle School Youth Band at the 58th annual Massing of the Colors on May 4, 2013.

Most American Indian Warriors Association members were there early for the event at the Military Order of the World Wars, MO of WW event at Balboa Park Organ Pavilion. They, AIWA, were there in representation of those military Vietnam veterans and the thousands of Tribal Americans who have served this US of A.

We were pleased to recognize long time AIWA member, Ronnie Murphy Assiniboine USMC. Joaquin Sandoval and I were able to reminisce with him and introduce him to other AIWA members and catch up on shared experiences.

CALIE journalist Roy Cook (Opata-Oodham, Mazopiye Wishasha), American Indian Warriors Association, led his group of Tribal military war veterans carrying a ceremonial Indian staff in the 58th Annual Massing of the Colors.

The San Diego Chapter of Military Order of World Wars (MOWW) organizes this yearly event with Color Guards, Band, and community Leaders. The American Indian Warriors appreciate the consideration of Marine Corp Colonel Jack Hawkins for placement at the right side of the color guard order of entry. From earliest times, in many military units, this right side is the side of Honor.

This 58th annual Massing of the Colors announced commemoration was the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War:

Colonel Jack R. Harkins (USMC retired) presented war veterans with plaques.

A main focus of the day is the long awaited recognition of the Vietnam Veterans. Along with that is the presentation of a commemorative plaque with the signatures of the attending recipients of the Metal of Honor. Attending are recipients of the Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross and three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients were also in attendance: Robert Modrzejewski, Jay Vargas and John Baca.

We, at AIWA, serve to educate, inspire and demonstrate respect by example at this formal presentation of the Colors and our Indian flag is a visible acknowledgement to our traditional sovereignty.

Our participation at these events serves to inspire and motivate Tribal pride in patriotic service. Paramount it is an example and tribute to our Tribal and USA flag and to those who are in harm’s way while serving our country, those who have served, and those who have given their lives in the service of our country.

We thank MO of WW for the invitation, KUSI for TV coverage of the event and the Creator for the blessing to be there today.

September 21, 1012 Dear Tribal Community, A few years past the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall was created to honor the 58,282 brave American warriors that were killed in action or missing during the Vietnam War. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is currently expanding the honoring of these heroes by building The Education Center next to “The Wall." Two local American Indian boys — Joe Pink (Pala), and Willie Lyons (Morongo) — are already included in this memorial. YOUR PERSONAL INVITATION I would like to extend an invitation for you to join us at Ahmium in identifying any other of our brothers or sisters that were killed or missing in Vietnam or any of our Wars or “Conflicts”. Please read my COMPLETE LETTER for more information, including special contact information.... Ernie C. Salgado Jr. Executive Director, Ahmium Education, Inc. Soboba Tribal Member SO CAL TRIBAL TIES PALA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS: JOSEPH PATRICK PINK is honored on Panel 28E, Row 56 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Full Name: JOSEPH PATRICK PINK Wall Name: JOSEPH P PINK Date of Birth: 10/17/1947 Date of Casualty: 10/23/1967 Home of Record: SAN JACINTO County of Record: RIVERSIDE State: CA Branch of Service: ARMY Rank: SP4 Casualty Country: SOUTH VIETNAM Casualty Province: QUANG TIN MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS: WILLIAM JOHN LYONS is honored on Panel 3E, Row 19 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Full Name: WILLIAM JOHN LYONS Wall Name: WILLIAM J LYONS Date of Birth: 7/27/1940 Date of Casualty: 11/4/1965 Home of Record: BANNING County of Record: RIVERSIDE COUNTY State: CA Branch of Service: ARMY Rank: 1LT Casualty Country: SOUTH VIETNAM Casualty Province: PR & MR UNKNOWN JAMUL INDIAN VILLAGE A KUMEYAAY NATION: JAMES GREGORY MESA is honored on Panel 42W, Row 48 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Full Name: JAMES GREGORY MESA Wall Name: JAMES G MESA Date of Birth: 9/24/1948 Date of Casualty: 9/30/1968 Home of Record: JAMUL County of Record: SAN DIEGO COUNTY State: CA Branch of Service: ARMY Rank: PFC Casualty Country: SOUTH VIETNAM Casualty Province: QUANG DUC THE VIETNAM WALL EXPERIENCE: OCEANSIDE, CA — In April of 2004, a replica known as the Vietnam Wall Experience was on display in Oceanside. The wall is a three-quarter-size replica of the 10-foot tall, 493-foot-long black granite monument in Washington, D.C.: MORE.

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93rd Anniversary: Military Order of the World Wars, Nov. 3, 2012 PHOTOS

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WHO PRODUCED THIS AMERICAN INDIAN MILITARY VETERANS BLOG?

ROY COOK is former U.S. Special Forces Army soldier. He currently serves as Tribal historian for the Southern California American Indian Resource Center (SCAIR) organization located in the County of San Diego. Roy founded and maintains the popular website: americanindiansource.com.

Ernie C. Salgado Jr.
Ahmium Education, Inc., Executive Director
Tribal: Luiseño, Soboba Tribe
Founder/CEO: californiaindianeducation.org
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On-line Multimedia Presentation: GARY BALLARD

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