TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation honored two Cherokee veterans with the Medal of Patriotism during the July meeting of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.
Steve Leon Donnell, of Pryor, Okla., and Stephanie Denise Caldwell of Fort Gibson, Okla., were recognized by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner along with Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, acknowledging their service and sacrifice to this country.
Donnell entered into the United States Navy on March 31, 1975. He completed boot camp in San Diego, Calif. and later completed “A” school in Millington, Tenn. After completing his training, Donnell was assigned to the Miramar Naval Air Station and served with the VF-1 fighter squadron and 1 F14 tomcat squadron.
Donnell also deployed with two Westpac cruises on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the first nuclear-powered aircraft in the world. In 1979, Donnell transferred to the Naval Air Station near Meridian, Miss. with the VT-7 training squadron to train marine pilots how to fly jet aircraft deployed aboard the USS Lexington (CV-16).
Donnell was honorably discharged on Sept. 3, 1981. He received the Good Conduct Medal for his service.
Caldwell entered into the United States Army National Guard on Aug. 15, 1996. She joined the 120th Engineer Combat Battalion (H) and completed basic training in February of 1997, at Fort Lenard Wood, Miss. After years of service as a traditional Guardsman and additional training, she started working full time for the Oklahoma Army National Guard as an Active Guard Reserve.
In 2007, Caldwell volunteered to deploy to Iraq with the 45th Infantry Brigade, along with two of her siblings who were called to go. She arrived in Iraq early in 2008. While deployed, she served among other soldiers to monitor a post for 12 to 16 hours a day for six days a week. Caldwell returned to the United States in October of 2008.
She was honorably discharged on May 23, 2014. Caldwell received the Armed Forces Reserve medal, Iraq Campaign Medal W/ Two Campaign Stars, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War of Terrorism Service Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
“I want to express how much I appreciate being honored like this,” said Caldwell.
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.