Category Archives: Military

President Shelly Lowers Navajo Flag in Honor of Fallen Code Talker

Posted on by

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly said the Navajo Nation collectively mourns the loss of Navajo Code Talker Albert Smith, 88, who passed away Wednesday morning.

President Shelly has ordered the Navajo Nation Flag be lowered from sunrise April 19 through sundown April 22 in honor of Code Talker Smith.

“Vice President Rex Lee Jim, First Lady Martha Shelly and myself offer our prayers and condolences to the family of Code Talker Smith. His legacy of being a Code Talker will be remembered for generations to come. The Navajo Nation mourns the loss of one of our modern day heroes and warriors,” President Shelly said.

Code Talker Smith was born Dec. 13, 1924. He was Salt People Clan and born for Black Streak Wood People.

Code Talker Smith served in the 4th Marine Division Battalion, 23rd regiment during World War II and served in Saipan, Tinian, Iwo Jima and the Marshall Islands. He began his service as a Code Talker in 1942.

“I think about our Code Talkers and their deeds, it makes me proud to know that these young Navajo men helped defeat the Japanese. Code Talker Smith was among those young men who used our language to defeat the enemy. They came home without being able to tell us of their deeds. We recognize them today and their heroic deeds,” President Shelly said.

Code Talker Smith also served as an advisor to the movie “Windtalkers,” a movie that depicted the inception and service of the Navajo Code Talkers.

In 2001, he was honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service during World War II.

Code Talker Smith also was an honored guest in New York’s Fifth Avenue Veteran’s Day Parade last November.

Code Talker Smith is survived by his daughter, Alberta Holman; brothers, George Smith of Mariano Lake, N.M., Donald Smith of Bluewater, N.M., Leonard Smith of Sundance, and Phillip Lee Smith of Monument Valley, Utah; sisters, Yvonne Denetclaw of Fruitland, N.M., Florence Dick of Iyanbito, N.M., Phyllis King of Iyanbito, and Diane Smith of Sundance; and two grandchildren.

Code Talker Smith was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Smith, of Laguna, N.M; parents, Red and Betsy Dawoola Smith; stepmother Johanna Smith; brothers Sherman Pinto, Ray Smith, George Smith; sisters Mary Christine Begay and Dorothy Jaramillo.

A rosary is scheduled to be held 7 p.m. tonight, Thursday night, at St. Joseph Church in Laguna, N.M. Funeral services are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Friday, April 19, at the same church.

“Code Talker Smith will be remembered as a educator, warrior and a hero among our Navajo people,” President Shelly said.

Navajo President Shelly Orders Navajo Flag Lowered to Commemorate a Navajo Marine

Posted on by

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly announced the loss of a Navajo warrior who was serving in the U.S. Marine Corp in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Jonathan D. Davis, of Kayenta, Ariz. died on Feb. 22 in Afghanistan in the Helmand province while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to Headquarters Battalion, 32nd Georgian Liaison Team, Regimental Combat Team 7, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. 

“The Navajo Nation mourns the loss of a warrior who gave his life defending freedom. We are saddened by the loss of our warrior and we offer our prayers to the family during this difficult time. Staff Sgt. Davis was a valued member of the Kayenta community and often remembered for helping to bring home two state high school basketball championships in late 1990s. His presence will be missed,” said President Shelly.

To honor the legacy of Staff Sgt. Davis, President Shelly has ordered the Navajo Nation flag be lowered from sunrise Tuesday, February 26, through Friday, March 1, and again on the day of his funeral service, which is still pending.

According to the Department of Navajo Veterans Affairs, Staff Sgt. Davis is the 13th Navajo member of the armed forces to be killed in action in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Navajo President Shelly Releases Statement for Veterans Day

Posted on by
Reply

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly released the following statement for Veterans Day 2012.

“Our veterans are among the most cherished people among our Navajo people. For generations, our warriors have protected our way of life as Diné. From our notable warriors and chiefs like Narbona and Manuelito, to our distinguished Navajo Code Talkers of World War II, to our modern warriors serving in Afghanistan, we are forever indebted to you for protecting your people.
This Veterans Day, the First Lady, Vice President Rex Lee Jim and myself honor our veterans and I ask our Navajo people to join us in paying tribute to all our veterans who served in the armed forces and especially to our Navajo veterans who have continuously served to protect our country and our people.

Ahe’hee’ to each and every veteran for your service and sacrifice to protect us, which allows us to live with the freedom we have. We especially remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to serve their people, your duty to your people will be forever remembered and cherished each and every day.

All our service men and women have brought great pride to our Navajo people. Your deeds will never be forgotten and your legacy will continued to be remembered as our active duty service men and women return home.

To our mothers, fathers, wives, children and relatives of our service men and women, you too have made sacrifices and we thank you.

Let us honor all our veterans today and everyday. We have a great way of life and we owe our veterans great appreciation for ensuring our freedoms to live our lives according to the teachings of our grandparents. May the Gods continue to bless our veterans, their families and the Navajo Nation. Ahe’hee’. “

President Ben Shelly Commemorates the Life of Code Talker George Smith

Posted on by
Reply

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly commemorates the life of Navajo Code Talker George Smith, 90, who passed away Tuesday at Gallup Indian Medical Center.

As a tribute to Code Talker Smith’s service, President Shelly has ordered the Navajo Nation Flag to be flown at half-staff from Wednesday, Oct. 31 through sundown Nov. 4.

“This news has saddened me. Our Navajo Code Talkers have been real life heroes to generations of Navajo people. They have brought pride to our Navajo people in so many ways. The Nation’s prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time as they mourn the passing of a great family man who served his country and protected his people,” President Shelly said.

Code Talker Smith was born on June 15, 1922 in Mariano Lake, New Mex. He attended school at Crownpoint, Fort Wingate and eventually earned his diesel mechanic credentials in Chicago, Ill.

Code Talker Smith enlisted with the U.S. Marines in 1943 and was trained as Navajo Code Talker. He achieved the rank of Corporal while serving in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He fought in battles at Siapan, Tinian, Ryukyu Islands and served in places such as Okinawa, Hawa’ii and Japan.

He served as a Code Talker with his brother Albert Smith.

After serving his country, he began work at Fort Wingate Army Depot as destroyer of old ammunition. He then began work as a mechanic at Fort Wingate Trading Post, working for Paul Merrill. His career eventually led him to Fort Defiance where he was a shop foreman. He eventually finished his career in Shiprock working for Navajo Engineering Construction Authority as a heavy equipment mechanic.

“Code Talker Smith led an honorable life. He served his country, then provided for his family,” President Shelly said.

Code Talker Smith is preceded in death by his parents, Redd and Betsy Dawoola Smith, parents, Johanna Smith, stepmother, Sherman Pinto, brother, Mary Christine Begay, sister, and Dorothy Jarmillio, sister.

Code Talker Smith is survived by brothers; Albert Smith of Gallup, Donald Smith of Blue Water, New Mex., Leonard Smith of Sundance, New Mex., Phillip Smith of Kayenta, Ariz., sisters; Yvonne Denetclaw of Fruitland, New Mex., Florence Dick of Iyanbito, New Mex., Phyllis King of Iyanbito, New Mex., Diane Smith of Sundance, New Mex., sons; Raymond Smith of Farmington, New Mex., Gilbert A. Smith Sr. of Sundance, New Mex., Irvin E. Smith of Sundance, New Mex., daughters; Patsy A. Tommy of Sundance, New Mex., Julie A. Livingston of Sundance, New Mex., and Mary Ann Smith of Sundance, New Mex. He also is survived by more than 20 grandchildren and more than 31 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, New. Mex. Burial services will follow at Rehobeth Cemetary in Rehobeth, New Mex. Interment will follow the burial.

Navajo Nation Washington Office Extends Condolences to family of Frank Chee Willeto

Posted on by
Reply

Navajo Code Talker Advocated for Housing, Health Care

The Navajo Nation Washington Office staff extends condolences to the family of Navajo Code Talker Frank Chee Willeto. He died at his home in Pueblo Pintado, N.M., June 23. Willeto was 87.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Willeto, who advocated tirelessly for housing and health care for veterans,” said Navajo Nation Washington Office executive director Clara Pratte.

On November 11, 2011, Willeto was joined by a delegation of Navajo Code Talkers at events in Manhattan honoring Veterans Day.

On November 16, 2011, Willeto was a panelist member on The Way of the Warrior: Native Americans’ Commitment to Country, Community, and Communication. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hosted the event in honor of Veterans Day and National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.

Willeto shared his experiences while serving in the military. He also urged Congress to support funding for housing and health care for veterans.

Born and raised in Crownpoint, N.M., Willeto enlisted in the U.S. Marines 6th Division in January 1944. Following eight weeks of Navajo Code Talker training, he served in the Pacific Theater in the Saipan and Okinawa campaigns.

Upon returning from World War II, Willeto worked from 1946 to 1974 for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, with the roads department, and then with the U.S. Department of Education.

In 1974, Willeto was elected as a Navajo tribal councilman and served in this role until 1986 when he was elected president of Pueblo Pintado Chapter. Willetto was later appointed to serve as a judge on the Navajo Supreme Judicial Council. From August 1997 to January 1998, he was appointed vice president of the Navajo Nation. Willeto is a recipient of the Congressional Silver Medal.

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly has ordered the Navajo Nation flag to be flown at half-staff from June 25 through June 28.

Funeral service for Willeto will take place at 11 a.m. MDT, Thursday, June 28 at Tse Yi Gai High School in Pueblo Pintado, N.M. A reception will follow at the Pueblo Pintado Boarding School. Burial will take place at 1 p.m. MDT, Friday, June 29 in the Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, N.M.

For monetary donations, contact Cope Memorial Chapel funeral director Nancy Lee at 505.722.6671. For food donations, contact Marcella at 505.786.4020 or by cell at 505.809.6353.

Navajo President Shelly Commemorates Fallen Code Talker and Calls for Navajo Flag at Half Staff

Posted on by
Reply

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly has ordered the Navajo Nation flag be flown at half staff in honor of former Navajo Nation Vice President and Navajo Code Talker Frank Chee Willeto who died on Saturday.

The Navajo Nation flag has been order to fly at half staff from Monday June 25 through sundown Thursday June 28.

“I am saddened that we lost Frank Chee Willeto. His served his country and returned home and served his people in many ways. His life is an example of how to help people continuously until his last days. The Navajo Nation’s prayers and condolences are with the family of Mr. Willeto,” President Shelly said.

Willeto. 87, passed away early Saturday morning in his home in Pueblo Pintado, N.M. He was born on June 6, 1925 in Crownpoint, N.M.

Willeto was vice president of the Navajo Nation under the Milton Bluehouse administration.

Willeto’s career of public service began when he enlisted with the U.S. Marines 6th Division in 1944 where he completed Code Talker training classes. He then served in the Pacific Theater in Saipan and Okinawa.

After World War II, he returned back the reservation and began working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs roads department from 1946 to 1974.

In 1974, Code Talker Willeto was elected as a tribal Councilman and served his people in that role until 1986 when he was elected president of Pueblo Pintado Chapter.

Willeto also served on many boards throughout his career and was also a Navajo Nation Supreme Court Justice.

For his service as a Navajo Code Talker, Willeto received the Congressional Silver Medal in 2001.

“Mr. Willeto never stopped trying to make the Navajo Nation better. His presence and his leadership will be greatly missed,” President Shelly said.

Funeral services are pending.

President Ben Shelly Commemorates the Life of Navajo Code Talker Samuel Tso

Posted on by
Reply

The Navajo Nation mourns the lost of another heroic Code Talker.

Code Talker Samuel Tso, 89, passed away Wednesday evening with family members beside him at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, N.M.

“Samuel Tso lived a live that helped his people and he was a model Navajo citizen. He fought for his country and he returned to help our young people, Samuel Tso was a true Navajo warrior,” said Navajo President Ben Shelly.

Code Talker Tso was born on June 22, 1922, at Black Mountain near Many Farms Ariz.

Code Talker Tso was Zuni Tachiinii and born for Nakai Dine’e.

Enlisting in the USMC in March 1943, Code Talker Tso went through basic training and Navajo Code Talker school. Family members said Code Talker Tso wasn’t one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers, though he was commonly mistaken as being one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers. He served in the USMC 5th Marine Division.

He signed on with the Recon Company and was sent to the Pacific Theater. He served in Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Pelelui, Guam, and Okinawa.

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly has ordered the Navajo Nation flag to be flown at half-staff beginning, May 10, through sundown May 14, to honor Code Talker Tso for his service to the Navajo Nation and his country in World War II.

“The Navajo Nation has lost another Code Talker and that saddens my heart. The Code Talkers have brought great pride to our Nation and the loss of Samuel Tso saddens not only myself, his loss saddens the Navajo Nation. On behalf of the First Lady, the Vice President, and the Navajo people, we offer our prayers, condolences and words of encouragement to the Tso family. Samuel Tso was a true Navajo warrior,” said President Shelly.

After his March 1946 discharge, Code Talker Tso continued his education earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. He taught math at Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, Utah, and transferred to the Bureau of Indian Affairs School in Lukachukai, Arizona, in 1975.

As a teacher and then as a teacher supervisor, Code Talker Tso worked there thirty years. Code Talker Tso remained active in education, serving as a school board member for Many Farms High School in Many Farms, Arizona.

Code Talker Tso traveled throughout most of the U.S. conducting presentations about the Navajo Code Talkers and about his life experiences before and after the war. He holds several relevant documents about the Navajo Code Talkers and contributed to the Back to the Battlefields documentary. Code Talker Tso was a member of the Marine Corp League and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1677.

Code Talker Tso was also a leader in the Navajo Code Talkers Association and the Navajo Code Talkers Foundation.

Funeral services for Code Talker Tso are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 16 at St. Isabel Catholic Church in Lukachukai, Ariz.

Interment will follow the services at Lukachukai Veteran’s Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Lukachukai Boarding School Auditorium.

For more information contact Ronald Tso at (360) 393-2646.

President Ben Shelly Orders Flags at Half-staff to Honor Code Talker

Posted on by
Reply

The Navajo Nation has lost another heroic Code Talker.

Samuel Tso, 89, of Lukachukai, Ariz. passed away Wednesday evening with family members beside him at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, N.M.

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly has ordered the Navajo Nation flag to be flown at half-staff beginning at today, May 10, through sundown May 14, to honor Code Talker Tso for his service to the Navajo Nation and his country in World War II.

“The Navajo Nation has lost another Code Talker and that saddens my heart. The Code Talkers have brought great pride to our Nation and the loss of Samuel Tso saddens not only myself, his loss saddens the Navajo Nation. On behalf of the First Lady, the Vice President, and the Navajo people, we offer our prayers, condolences and words of encouragement to the Tso family. Samuel Tso was a true Navajo warrior,” said President Shelly.

Code Talker Tso was born on June 22, 1922, at Black Mountain near Many Farms Ariz. However, he frequently told stories about how he made up his birthdate to get a job.

Code Talker Tso was Zuni Tachiinii and born for Nakai Dine’e.

In addition, family members said, Tso wasn’t one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers.

Funeral services are pending with Desert View Funeral Home in Shiprock, N.M.

For more information contact Ronald Tso at (360) 393-2646.

President Shelly Grateful for Code Talker’s Service

Posted on by
Reply

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly delivered a commanding statement of gratitude in a keynote address during a memorial service for Navajo Code Talker Keith Little.

“You are here because of the Navajo language, because of the Navajo Code Talkers. If it wasn’t for these guys, we wouldn’t be here,” the President said.

President Shelly was one about a half dozen people who offered words of condolences at the Window Rock Sports Center Friday afternoon, while others sang songs offering prayer. About 150 people attended the hour and half long ceremony.

Navajo Code Talkers were dressed in their finest to honor Code Talker Little. They wore their Navajo style gold velveteen shirts. Other veterans from various military branches were clad in military attire and adorned with clothing from their veteran based organizations. 

All were in attendance to honor Code Talker Little as one of the leading visionaries for the Navajo Code Talkers Association and the Navajo Code Talkers Foundation. The foundation had been working for the past several years to raise money to build a Navajo Code Talkers Museum and Veterans Center, which is planned to be built a couple miles outside of Window Rock.

When Code Talker Little spoke about fundraising for the museum, he was often remembered for saying that the museum could be built if every American donated one dollar. President Shelly reiterated that statement.

“Let’s do our part,” President Shelly urged the attendees. His statement was met with applause.

Navajo Code Talker Samuel Tso delivered the opening remarks.

“He will live with us forever,” Code Talker Tso said his comrade.

He added that both he and Code Talker Little were in Iwo Jima in 1945, but he didn’t meet Little until after the war.

President Shelly opened his remarks about Code Talker Little with a story about some of their travels during their friendship. This story took place during a parade in New York.

President Shelly said he was talking with Code Talker Little and about how cold the air was. Then someone gave them a blanket to stay warm.

“I still have that blanket that we were given,” President Shelly said. “I will keep it forever.”

Funeral services for Code Talker Little are scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Assembly of God Church in Fort Defiance, Ariz. on Saturday with the burial following in Crystal, N.M.

The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Code Talker Little’s honor to the National Navajo Code Talker Museum and Veterans Center fund at www.navajocodetalkers.org or contact Wynette Arviso at (505) 870-9167 or by email at wynette@navajocodetalkers.org.

Statement from Governor Brewer in Honor of Fallen Navajo Code Talker

Posted on by
Reply

“This week, Arizona said goodbye to a hero in every sense of the word. Pfc. Keith Little, President of the Navajo Code Talkers Association and one of its most prominent remaining members, passed away in Fort Defiance at the age of 87.

“Pfc. Little joined the Marines when he was 17, stirred to service by the shocking attack on Pearl Harbor and guided by his passion to protect and serve this nation. He was one of hundreds of Navajos recruited by the Marine Corps and trained to use the code language that would play an instrumental role in WWII and save countless American lives.

“As Arizonans and Americans, we are forever indebted to Pfc. Little for his service, his strength and his honor to the United States. On this day that he is laid to rest, let us all take a moment to offer our gratitude and prayers for Pfc. Little, his family and his fellow Code Talkers.”