FORT BRAGG, N.C. 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade Providers hosted the Native American Indian Heritage Month Observance at the NCO Academy, Nov. 29.
"Native American Heritage Month is a time for celebration," said Sgt. Patrick Nezzie, a Cavalry Scout with the 82nd Airborne Division 173rd Airborne Brigade, a member of the Navajo Tribe.
"The biggest thing for me is to represent the Navajo nation," said Nezzie. "During World War II, our tribe helped with Code Talking. My grandfather was one of the original 29 Navajo members to go."
This is Nezzie's second year participating in the Native American Heritage Month Observance at his current unit.
"Being a part of the celebration year after year helps keep my grandfather's spirit with me throughout my military career," said Nezzie.
Ramona Moore Big Eagle, an Oral Historian and Legend Keeper of the Tuscarura Nation of North Carolina, was a guest speaker at the Native American Indian Heritage Month Observance event.
"It is my distinct honor to be invited to come and share in your celebration of National Native American Hertiage Month," shared Moore Big Eagle. "This is so important to me as a Native American from the Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina."
Moore Big Eagle travels throughout the United States and Canada as a storyteller, which is precisely what she did during the event.
"My mission is all about preserving, presenting and promoting Native American Indian culture through drumming, singing, storytelling, and artifact presentation," explained Moore Big Eagle.
Moore Big Eagle expressed her gratitude.
“I really appreciate what Fort Bragg does for our state, and for our Country,” Moore Big Eagle expressed. “It’s an honor to be invited.”
In 1990, Congress chose November as the designated month to celebrate National Native American Indian Heritage. During the month of November, we recognize Native American Indians and their contributions to the Armed Forces.