Bozho,
An issue that is of primary concern in the U.S. at this time, other than the 2016 election, is the care of our country’s warriors. The Office of Warrior Care Policy offers access to several benefits and services, including compensation, caregiver support and care management, that can provide assistance to wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families as they identify needs and shortfalls in resources and begin searching for solutions. Check out their care menu at: www.warriorcare.mil.
Our trip to Wisconsin to the Gathering of Potawatomi Nations in August was quite an adventure, with three blowouts on one of the trailers on the first day going up and a burned
out bearing on the trip coming back. One of our WWII veterans suffered an injury and required special care on the trip, but he is doing well now. The weather was good though.
Some of us learned to make bows and arrows the old traditional warrior way of the Comanche and we tried them out with great success. Those warriors knew what they were doing. The best part of the Gathering was the honor they gave the veterans at the Grand Entry. The people of Wisconsin really appreciate their veterans. It seemed that every town had a special memorial for them. I still fill with pride and gratitude when strangers recognize me as a veteran and thank me for my service.
We also would like to mention that after a vote during the Family Festival’s CPN Vets Meeting, that effective June 2016, the annual dues for veterans residing outside of Oklahoma will be $10. The meeting also held a vote which affirmed that the CPN Veterans Organization is open to non-Tribal veterans who are spouses of CPN Tribal Members.
Remember the CPN Veterans Organization meets every month on the fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m. (or as soon as you can get there) in the North Reunion Hall on the Potawatomi Powwow Grounds. All CPN and spouse veterans and their families are welcome. A meal is provided.
Migwetch.