Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher Dennis | First Sgt. Samantha Hinson, Company D, 91st Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas - When Samantha Lee Hinson, a descendant of the Cherokee tribe, was in ninth grade, she saw her grandmother standing in front of a local gathering of her Native American community and displaying her influence and leadership.
That experience stayed with her, and helped her develop into the Army leader she is today as the first sergeant of Company D, 91st Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
“She was very comfortable with who she is, and in her own skin, and I think that helped me a lot as a leader,” said Hinson.
For others, military service itself is education in leadership.
Pfc. Jennifer Ruth Knowshisgun, a 19-year-old intelligence analyst for 91st Eng. Bn. from the northern Cheyenne and Crow tribes, has only been in the military for two years and has found her time in the Army has helped her develop as a leader.
“The Army has given me more responsibilities,” said Knowhisgun. “I’m still a private, but I’ve gotten the chance to help out by getting the new Soldiers situated into our unit.”
Established in 1990, Native American Heritage Month is commemorated in November, with the theme this year,
“Growing Native Leaders: Enhancing our seven generations.”
In a tri-signed letter, the Honorable John McHugh, Secretary of the Army; Gen. Mark Milley, U.S. Army Chief of Staff; and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel Dailey, highlighted the service of Native Americans and emphasized the importance of recognizing their service and contributions.
“Native Americans have a distinguished legacy of service in the Army,” they wrote in the Army leadership message. “From the early days of the Revolutionary War to today, thousands have served in critical positions, including as guides with the Lewis and Clark expedition, as Scouts with the U.S. Cavalry and as Code Talkers in World War II. Notably, 27 Native Americans have earned the Medal of Honor for their courage and devotion to our nation. This legacy of distinguished service continues today as Native Americans serve with honor and distinction around the world.”
The heritage month highlights the service and contributions of Native Americans and helps to dispel stereotypes, said Knowshisgun.
“It’s about honoring our culture - getting our culture out there so that more people have respect for our traditions,” said Knowshisgun.
| Date Taken: | 11.20.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.20.2015 16:15 |
| Story ID: | 182496 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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