TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation honored two veterans with the Medal of Patriotism during the May meeting of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.
Samuel Falls Morris, of Fort Gibson, and Patrick Leonard Edwards, of Stilwell, were recognized by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Chief Bryan Warner and Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden acknowledging their service and sacrifices to the country.
Morris entered into the U.S. Air Force in May of 1966 and completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado for TEC school, and his first permanent base was in Mountain Home, Idaho.
From 1967 to 1968, Morris served as a munition specialist in Da Nang, Vietnam, before moving to Elgin Air Force Base in Florida. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Air Force medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal W/2 Bronze Service Stars. Morris was honorably discharged in July of 1970.
“I’d like to thank the Cherokee Nation, Chief, all the delegates here, and all the friends I’ve made here for this presentation,” said Morris.
Edwards entered into the U.S. Navy on May 8, 1988, and completed boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois. In July of 1988, Edwards completed Operations Specialist “A” school and trained as a RADAR Operator/Combat Supervisor at Dam Neck, Virginia.
Later that year, Edwards reported to the USS Flatley in May Port, Florida, where he remained until 1992. Edwards was involved in NOAA Weather Ops, troop transport, Narcotics Ops, and more. He received the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged on April 16, 1992.
“I appreciate this award, the Cherokee Nation, and the United States Navy,” said Edwards.
Each month, the Cherokee Nation recognizes Cherokee service men and women for their sacrifices 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 serve 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.