TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation honored two Cherokee veterans with the Medal of Patriotism during the December meeting of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.
Billy Bryant of Muldrow and Landen Scott of Westville were recognized by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, acknowledging their service and sacrifice to this country.
Billy Wayne Bryant joined the United States Army on July 4, 1985, after signing up for the Delay Entry Program on Sept. 6, 1984. He completed his basic training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort McClellan, Alabama, where he was trained as a Military Police Officer. Bryant was then assigned to the 110th Military Police Company in Pirmasens, Germany, where he was required to complete a week-long course in basic German. From Sept. 23, 1986, to May 7, 1986, he was assigned to the 59th Ordnance Brigade in Kaiserslautern, Germany, where he trained soldiers to become security guards. He was later stationed at Fort Ritchie, Maryland until he was honorably discharged on June 28, 1988.
Landen Daniel Scott joined the United States Army on April 23, 2013. From 2013 to 2016, he served with Charlie Company 2/27, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. In 2022, Scott served as a Team Leader for Alpha Company 1/279 Infantry, 45th Brigade Combat Team. While serving, Scott had deployments and training missions in Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and was also part of the activation for President Biden’s inauguration. Scott was honorably discharged on Aug. 22, 2022. During his service, Scott received the Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
“Thank you, this is really special to me,” said Scott. “This award means a lot to me.”
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.