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    From Navajo Woman to Navy Sailor

    November is American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month where the Navy takes time to recognize the achievements past and present of American Indians and Alaskan natives and the vital contribution they had to the nation’s history.

    Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) 3rd Class Alex Benally, from Rio Rancho, N.M., is a Navajo Indian assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5 proudly serving aboard the Anchorage.

    “I’ve had two uncles who served in the Marines, but I was the first female to enlist from either my mother or fathers side of the family,” said Benally. “My family is proud and supportive of my military career.”

    Traditions are very important in Benally’s tribe and before she could join the Navy there were a few ceremonies for her to complete and prepare her physically and mentally.

    “In Navajo tradition, women are not warriors, they’re the head of the home and care for their family,” said Benally. “The first ceremony was a traditional sweat lodge that the men would do before battle. A medicine man sings and prays for protection. The second ceremony was a Navajo song requesting protection and blessings from Mother Nature while I traveled across the world. The final ceremony was a Native American Church ceremony that again asked for my protection.”

    Benally’s explains that her family was not supportive in the beginning.

    “When I first told my parents that I wanted to enlist they were very surprised and didn’t know how to react,” said Benally. “My father however accepted my decision and eventually the rest of my family came around to the idea.”

    Enlisting in the Navy was a big step for Benally, which has given her courage and confidence.

    “I’m glad I’m serving in the Navy; it’s something I’ll never regret,” said Benally. “It’s given me opportunities to grow, learn and become the person I always dreamed of becoming. I’ve even influenced my younger female cousins to consider joining the Navy.”

    Benally is scheduled to be a guest speaker during Anchorage’s Native American Heritage celebration hosted by the ship’s diversity committee.

    Anchorage and embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit are on a regularly scheduled deployment of the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations as a crisis response force in support of regional partners as well as to promote U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

    For information on the Anchorage, visit www.navy.mil/local/LPD23

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 11.29.2018
    Date Posted: 12.01.2018 09:57
    Story ID: 301638
    Location: RIO RANCHO, NM, US

    Web Views: 115
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN