Oregon Air Guard Honors Native Americans

KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. - The 173rd Fighter Wing welcomed members of the Klamath Tribes and others of American Indian descent to a ceremony during Native American Heritage Month Nov. 15.

The event commemorated a locally designed Native American aircraft nose art. Local members of the Klamath Tribes and numerous former and currently serving military members attended the event.

Senior Master Sgt. Eric Harris, 173rd Aircraft Maintenance Flight, welcomed attendees and asked Lt. Col. Richard Schuster, 173rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, to speak.

Schuster talked about the history of Native Americans in various conflicts. He said that through the dedication of nose art, Tech. Sgt. Robert Holster of the 173rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron had learned about his heritage, that of the Choctaw nation.

"We're here today to take the opportunity to not only honor military tradition but also to honor past and present Native American warriors and veterans through a nose art ceremony," Holster said.

"Since September 11th, almost 19% of all Native Americans have served in the armed forces compared to an average of 14% of all other ethnic groups," he said.

Native Americans have had many iconic moments of military service, including using 34 Native American tribal languages to protect secret American military communications during World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars, said Holster.

He noted that 40 Native American service members currently serve in the 173rd Fighter Wing supporting Oregon.

Holster explained how he commissioned Native fine artist Gwen Colman Lester to make the nose art for his Kingsley F-15 Eagle, derived from the symbolic eagle staff and quail plume.

"The eagle staff represents the wing of an eagle protecting the warriors and veterans, also mirroring the wings of the F-15 Eagle," said Holster. "The quail plume means family, consisting of the people who support and love you and the people you can confide in and trust."

The ceremony concluded with a drum circle performed by the Steiger Butte drum and singers, a tradition dating back several thousand years and shared by many tribes across the nation. The Steiger Butte drum and singers performed "Soldier Boy," a patriotic song in homage to those who have chosen to serve.

"The symbolism of the eagle staff being located on the nose of this aircraft is more than fitting, and it will proudly fly for the rest of its flying days," said Lt. Col. Tyler Cox, 173rd Maintenance Squadron commander.