TULSA, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation’s 11th Cherokee Warrior Flight departed Monday, Sept. 9 for Washington, D.C. with eight veterans who served during the Vietnam War, Cold War Era, Korean War, Desert Storm, Lebanon, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism eras.
The Cherokee Nation funds the flight for Cherokee veterans to see the national war memorials erected in their honor at the nation’s capital.
“Citizens of the Cherokee Nation have a long-standing commitment to the U.S. military, and the courage of Cherokee men and women is partly the reason why we hold our veterans in such high regard,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “It’s inspiring to see these men and women, who have proudly served, have the opportunity to experience such a memorable trip. They have served both our country and the Cherokee Nation with honor, and we can’t thank them enough.”
On Monday, a luncheon was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa to present the warriors with vests and caps ahead of their flight to Washington, D.C.
“It has become a tradition here in the Cherokee Nation to honor our veterans in this way,” said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. “We can never say thank you enough for the sacrifices these brave men and women made for their country and nation but we will continue to honor them every chance we have.”
Rusty Henson, of Spavinaw, served in the Army during Operation Iraq Freedom.
“I am most excited about seeing all the monuments, the things dedicated to the different services and the various memorials dedicated to different conflicts. There is always such a great sense of comradery whenever a group of veterans get together,” Henson said.
Scott Sparks, of Broken Arrow, served in the Air Force during Desert Storm.
“This is my first time going to D.C. and I am looking forward to seeing all the memorials. I have family members – uncles, cousins, grandparents – who have served in wars, and they are no longer here. I am taking this trip on behalf of them as well," said Sparks.
During the four-day trip, Cherokee Warriors will tour the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veteran’s Memorial, Vietnam Wall Memorial and several other sites.
“It’s deeply meaningful to be part of a nation that honors our veterans and their sacrifices,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, a U.S. Navy veteran. “Being in our nation’s capital with fellow veterans is an unmatched experience. This trip is just one way to thank them and recognize their service.”
Veterans will return to Tulsa International Airport on Thursday, September 12.
The Cherokee Warrior Flight is similar to the national honor flight organization’s goal of helping veterans, willing and able, to see the memorials dedicated to honor their service.
Veterans participating in the 2024 Cherokee Warrior Flight include:
Vietnam War
Roy Brown, Army, of Park Hill
Wayne Larson Jr., Air Force, of Joplin, Missouri
Global War on Terrorism
Randall Rogers, Air Force, of Barnsdall
Desert Storm
Scott Sparks, Air Force, of Broken Arrow
Cold War Era
William Sayles Jr., Army, of Owasso
Korean War
Johnnie Prather, Army, of Claremore
Lebanon
Johnny Whitekiller, Air Force, of Fort Smith, Arkansas
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Rusty Henson, Army, of Spavinaw