TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation honored three veterans with the Medal of Patriotism during the November meeting of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.
David Vann Dunham, of Spavinaw; Jerry Dale Morris, of Vian; and Ronald Lee Brune of St. Louis, Missouri, were recognized by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner and Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, acknowledging their service and sacrifice to their country.
Ronald Lee Brune enlisted in the Army in February of 1982, where he then went to basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After training, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, then went to the 4th Infantry Division in Fort Carson, Colorado. In 1989, he went to the 1st Armor Division in Germany. Brune served two tours with the 2nd Infantry Division Korea ROK and also with the 24th Infantry Division in Fort Stewart, Georgia, before being honorably discharged in February of 2002.
Jerry Dale Morris joined the military in April of 1968. He served in the U.S. Navy and was sent to training at Quonset Point Air National Guard Base in Rhode Island. His last duty station was to the Naval Air Station Ellyson Field, Florida. Morris was ranked as an E-5 and was honorably discharged on February 15, 1972.
David Vann Dunham was drafted into the Army on September 7, 1966. He was stationed at Fort Bliss, located in El Paso, Texas. During his third week of basic training, Dunham suffered an injury to his leg, which resulted in his honorable discharge from the Army.
Each month the Cherokee Nation recognizes Cherokee service men and women for their sacrifices and as a way to demonstrate the high regard in which all veterans are held by the tribe. Native Americans, including Cherokees, are thought to have more citizens serving per capita than any other ethnic group, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
To nominate a veteran who is a Cherokee Nation citizen, call 918-772-4166.