PANAMA CITY, Fla. - One of the most senior American Indians presently serving on active duty in the U.S. Navy spoke during the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD)'s American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month Nov. 13, in Panama City, Fla.
Lt. Cmdr. Kenneth Vargas, a Civil Engineer Corps officer assigned to Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast (NAVFAC SE), shared Choctaw memories and perceptions in support of the event's theme, Guiding Our Destiny with Heritage and Traditions. The event was hosted by the NSWC PCD Diversity Council onboard Naval Support Activity-Panama City (NSA-PC).
Event attendees were also treated to a special performance by NSWC PCD employee Bobby June who danced a ceremonial Observance of Sacred Feathers with full American Indian regalia. June, a retired U.S. Navy Hull Technician First Class, from Wind River Reservation in Wyoming and Detroit, Mich., presently works on SEAL Delivery Vehicles at NSWC PCD.
"It is always a good day when you're sharing your culture with people," said Vargas.
Prior to giving his keynote speech, Vargas offered prayers to Native American Indian remains that reside on the base. Vargas, whose hometown is Bridgeport, Texas, thanked NSA-PC personnel for taking care of the ancestral remains and said visiting the site was "like a pilgrimage".
Although Vargas cited several important dates in Choctaw and American Indian history, a common message was ever present: American Indians have a culture and extensive past that has shaped American history. They, too, should be recognized and embraced for their rich and diverse history and their heritage should not be lost. For the Choctaw, many historic decisions continue to shape Choctaw heritage and way of life today. One example occurred in 1933 when the Mississippi tribe of Choctaw was established apart from the Alabama and Oklahoma tribes.
"We're the same people. We speak the same language, but now we're three different tribes," said Vargas. "We still have very mixed feelings about this."
In American history, Vargas said Choctaw Indians have fought in wars since 1812 and continue to fight for the freedoms enjoyed in the United States today. Vargas, who is one of the most senior American Indians presently serving in the U.S. Navy, is affiliated with the Oklahoma band of Choctaw and calls Bridgeport, Texas his hometown.
Vargas is a 1988 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and holds a master's of science in engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He is an engineer in training in Texas, holds a Seabee Combat Warfare Officer designation, is prior enlisted and served in the Fleet Marine Force. Currently, Vargas serves as the Disaster Preparedness and Contingency Engineering Officer for NAVFAC SE Headquarters at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.
For more news from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, visit www.navy.mil/local/NSWC/.
| Date Taken: | 11.13.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 11.21.2013 11:15 |
| Story ID: | 117153 |
| Location: | PANAMA CITY, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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