Lessons From a Warrior

Photo By Staff Sgt. Tristin Maximilian | Sgt. Coty Surrounded leads panel discussion for Native American Heritage Month  

HOHENFELS, BY, GERMANY

11.21.2019

Story by Sgt. Tristin Maximilian 

Joint Multinational Readiness Center

“Requirements for a successful Army career: strength, bravery, pride, and wisdom match those for a warrior,” said Sgt. Coty Surrounded, as he stood on stage, sharing how today’s army values reflect those of his warrior tribe. “We come from a warrior society, and our code embodies the same principles as the U.S. Army.”

Surrounded by Enemies is his native name, and he belongs to the Sicangu Lakota Sioux of Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. Surrounded chose to speak for this year’s observance of Native American Heritage Month. Given the intense political climate today and lack of representation, he decided that the program would be more than a recognition ceremony, but moment to educate.
His mother, who is Blackfoot, is an educator in Native American core competencies, the young NCO always to seek out opportunities to educate others. Surrounded was taken by surprise when heard that he was going be assigned to the Blackfoot Company. He saw the chance to educate his peers on the meaning and traditions of the Blackfoot tribe.

“The world isn’t really educated on observances of Native American people, and it’s not their fault. I believe it’s my duty to educate them,” said Surrounded.

Surrounded’s opening speech gave insight into how the U.S. Government sanctioned native land for religious organizations to convert the indigenous people. He told of the laws that were passed to prevent native Americans from practicing certain spiritual acts. These are the few anecdotes of how this affected native Americans even after laws were passed to rectify the wrongdoing.

“When I was younger, there were a lot more church services available, and that’s how the youth spent their recreational activity. So the church will provide things like basketball, TV, and food. With that, it conditioned me to go to the church for any of my needs, not to an elder or learning my culture,” recalled Surrounded “I grew up with not knowing a lot of traditions because it's lost.”

Surrounded led this year’s annual observance on a different path in hopes for the community, senior leadership, and his peers to have a better understanding. Belonging to a battalion bearing native American namesakes, Surrounded thought it would be necessary to have an open panel discussion with other native Americans assigned to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center. The panel discussion allowed the audience and panel members to have an open and honest dialog with each other. Topics range from health care to mascots.

“I think people became more conscious of who Native Americans are and their identity and how to respect the culture.” said Surrounded.


The discussion gave further understanding of Native American culture and traditions; it focused on dispelling myths and stereotypes. Surrounded looks forward to continuing to educate and share his culture with others. He is thrilled about the results from this year's event and has big plans for next year.

• Date Taken: 11.21.2019
• Date Posted: 11.29.2019 16:53
• Story ID: 353925
• Location: HOHENFELS, BY, DE
• Hometown: LINCOLN, NE, US
• Hometown: ROSEBUD, SD, US