CPN Veterans
CPN Veterans Organization
The Citizen Potawatomi Veterans Organization has recently been formed in Shawnee. All CPN veterans are eligible to be a member of the organization. The group meets once a month, normally on the 4th Tuesday at 6:30pm in the CHC. The meetings routinely have a guest speaker or demonstration, viewing of one of the CPN Veterans Tribute Series DVDs, and a short business meeting. Annual dues for membership are $20.00.
The group has elected the following individuals as it's officers:
Keith Cagle - Commander
Michael Abel - Vice-Commander
Gwen Pellegrino - Secretary
Herb Holton - Treasurer
In addition to the black ribbon shirt that we have worn for several years, the new group voted to include a blue and red vest over a white shirt with black trousers to be worn during the warm weather months. A new distinctive CPN Veterans patch has been designed and will be placed on the back of the vest with the Tribal seal patch worn on the front of the vest.
The new patch is available for purchase from the CPN Veterans Organization. Currently the group has several plans in the development phrase, including recognition and communication with Tribal members currently serving on active duty, welcoming these members upon their return to the local Shawnee area, participation in the burial services of Tribal veterans by providing a flag detail, as well as providiing the Color Guard for the Grand Entry during the Family Reunion Festival and the Gathering of Potawatomi in Wisconsin. Members of the Organization serve as guides for the Veteran's Wall of Honor located in the CHC during the Family Reunion Festival.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the CPN Veterans Organization contact Keith Cagle at 405-735-9571 or stop by the CHC during the Family Reunion Festival or anytime Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. Thank you for serving.
CPN Veterans' Memorial
The CPN Veterans' Memorial, called the Wall of Honor, is located on the walls of the CHC's Long Room. The names and accomplishments of our tribal veterans are in moving displays. Photos, plaques, framed letters, awards, and decorations pay homage to warriors from our nation who stepped forward when called.
More than just a nostalgic look into the past, the Wall of Honor reflects the ongoing sacrifice of our heroes today. As they return from their far-flung assignments, we will welcome them back, salute their accomplishments, and add their names to the Wall of Honor. Our Veterans' Memorial honors both the living and those who sacrificed their lives to keep us all free.
We would like to include all Citizen Potawatomi veterans. If you are an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and you are a veteran or your family member, who is a CPN tribal member, please send your name and tribal enrollment number, a copy of your discharge papers (or current station), a digital or physical version of a 5“X7“ or larger photo, and current address of the veteran or next-of-kin to:
Citizen Potawatomi Nation