USARJ, MEDDAC-J hosts NAIHM observance

Photo By Candy Pafford | Guest speaker, Col. Amy Brinson, MEDCOM WTC, gives a speech about Native American culture during the 2015 National American Indian Heritage Month observance held Nov. 5 at the Camp Zama Community Activity Center. (U.S. Army photo by Lance Davis)  

CAMP ZAMA, JAPAN

11.10.2015

Story by Candy Pafford 

U.S. Army Garrison - Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan — U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward) in conjunction with U.S. Army Medical Activity-Japan hosted the 2015 National American Indian Heritage Month observance Nov. 5 at the Camp Zama Community Activity Center.

Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Gillinger, assigned to MEDDAC-J, gave a brief history of Native Americans and the U.S. military during his opening remarks.

“Native Americans have supported and served in our U.S. military for more than 200 years. They have participated in every war and conflict since the founding of our nation. Units like the 297th Platoon and the second all Navajo Marine Corps Platoon answered the nation’s call to service and offer their language, culture and strength to support the war effort. The Navajo Code Talkers unbreakable code of WWII was pivotal in saving lives and hasting the war’s end."

"Today Native Americans continue to exemplify their honorable service in Afghanistan and Iraq. At home and abroad, Soldiers of Native American descent contribute daily to the success and legacy of our Army.”

After skit presentations and the reading of the poem, “Our Drums Will Forever Sound,” Col. Thirsa Martinez, commander of MEDDAC-J, introduced the guest speaker, Col. Amy Brinson, G-1, assigned to the U.S. Army Medical Command Warrior Transition Command.

Brinson, a registered member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, said that it is important to continue observances to better understand the cultures that make up American history and the American Army— with each observance people learn a little bit more about each of the different cultures and can appreciate them.

“It helps us understand more about our Army and our environment.”

Brinson said with her speech, she wanted to convey the importance of this year’s theme — “Growing Native Leaders; Enhancing 7 Generations.”

“The legacy that it takes to reach seven generations; we can’t even see seven generations in our lifetime,” said Brinson, and it brings the point home that “we” have to leave a legacy behind for future generations.

"It is 'fascinating' how the Army brings cultures together, said Brinson. “It helps people realize how much we are the same, even as we are all different.”

Staff Sgt. Charlisa Deloney, assigned to MEDDAC-J, said the reason why the Army holds such events is to educate the current workforce and to honor those who have come before.

“We share a little bit of knowledge with the community, Soldiers and everyone who has played a part in our community,” said Deloney.

Native Americans have contributed to our Army, simply by being a part of our history for the last 200 years.

Spc. Felix Mariani Jr., assigned to U.S. Army Medical Command, Public Health Command Region-Pacific, said the observance showed how Native Americans impacted American culture of the last seven generations.

“It’s a long and rich history; it’s important to learn what [Native Americans] did for the U.S. Army and what they still do for us,” said Mariani, “I feel it is important to attend observances — it keeps the U.S. Army rich in culture.”

• Date Taken: 11.10.2015
• Date Posted: 11.09.2015 22:52
• Story ID: 181512
• Location: CAMP ZAMA, JP