Veterans, active duty, reservists gather for conference at WinStar


This article appeared in the July 2019 edition of the Chickasaw Times

THACKERVILLE, Okla. – Chickasaw veterans, National Guard, reservists and active duty military service members gathered June 19 for the 5th Annual Chickasaw Veterans Conference at the WinStar Convention Center in Thackerville.

Chickasaw Nation Director of Veterans Affairs Phillip Billy offered comments and introduced Governor Bill Anoatubby.

“The Chickasaw people have long been regarded as great warriors, known for their bravery in defending their Homeland. Chickasaw people continue to carry on the tradition today,” Mr. Billy said. “All of our speakers have something in common, they have all served, put on the uniform of the United States military.”

Gov. Anoatubby, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran, followed Mr. Billy with an address. He led the gathering in a moment of silence to recognize Chickasaw warriors who have passed within the last year.

“These individuals sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “There is a price for freedom and their sacrifices are not in vain. These men and women lived to defend freedom and protect their fellow citizens. We honor their sacrifices and are thankful for all they have done.”

It is important, he said, to honor our veterans, who are an exceptional group of men and women. He then extended thanks to the veterans and service members in attendance.

“In defending this great country of ours, you’ve continued the Chickasaw tradition of bravery and service,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “You’ve kept the Chickasaw warrior spirit alive.”

Rebecca Owens, a retired U.S. Navy master chief petty officer, spoke about “Why We Serve.”

Among the reasons she discussed were family traditions, role models, community, selflessness and protecting what and who we love.

“Many of you may have had family members who served and joining was a continuation of a tradition,” Ms. Owens said. “I can certainly relate to that since I had paternal and maternal family members who were in the military.”

There is a feeling of awe, she said, when she looks at old photographs of family members in the military. They were her personal super heroes. One family member in particular, her grandmother, had a large impact.

“My female role model was my Chickasaw grandmother. Her name was Oteka Wires. She was in the Army where she later met my grandfather and they married, Ms. Owens said.

“Seeing my grandmother in uniform left a lasting imprint on me. These young memories and stories I heard sparked a flame in me and probably did with you as well. They fill us with the sense we can do anything and be anything if we set our sights on it.”

She said she believed we all shared an inherent purpose to serve and be of service.

“It’s in our blood as Chickasaw people,” Ms. Owens said. “We know we are stronger when we work together. We joined and served because we possess a warrior spirit.”

Justin Underwood led a Q&A panel titled “Chickasaw Warriors in Action, How We Serve.” The panel consisted of veterans from different backgrounds sharing experiences and how they continued to serve communities and fellow service members. Panelists included Shena Goforth, Ray Orphan, Teresa Reams and Larry Paul.

Other highlights of the event included a musical tribute to each service branch, panel discussions and a performance by the Chickasaw Dance Troupe.

Opening ceremonies included an invocation by Rev. Gene Anoatubby, posting of colors and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Additional coverage and recordings of the veterans conference are available online at Facebook.com/TheChickasawNation.

About the Chickasaw Warrior Society

The renowned reputation of Chickasaw warriors is centuries old. Ancient Chickasaws were known as a warrior nation that formed societies to fiercely participate in battle. These warrior societies were ingrained into the Chickasaw way of life.

The tradition of the Chickasaw warrior has continued to present day, where Chickasaw men and women have answered the call to serve our nation in every branch of the military and fought for their country on numerous battlefields throughout the world.

For more information about the Chickasaw Nation Veterans Lodge or other services offered through Chickasaw Nation Veterans Affairs, call (580) 272-2550 or visit Chickasaw.net/Veterans.

About the Chickasaw Nation Veterans Lodge

Chickasaw veterans are invited to enjoy fellowship 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Saturday, at the Chickasaw Nation Veterans Lodge, 1909 Warrior Way on the Ada South Campus.

The 15,000-square-foot building also serves veterans with a convenient location to apply for benefits available through the state and federal government, as well as the Chickasaw Nation.

The south side of the veterans lodge provides space for tribal experts who counsel and assist veterans in finding various programs and benefits available to them.

The north part of the facility is a gathering place for leisure activities so veterans may enjoy the company of other service members. A large activity room is equipped with a pool table, ping pong and card tables, and a hospitality area. A kitchen and dining room support large gatherings and events. A large sunroom is available as well.

The front courtyard showcases the five military flags and seals of the United States armed forces and features the iconic Chickasaw warrior statue.

The lodge was built near the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center so veterans receiving medical attention could be close to health facilities.