WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Cherokee Nation’s 12th Cherokee Warrior Flight departed March 10 for Washington, D.C., with seven veterans who served during the Vietnam War and the Vietnam Era.
The Cherokee Nation funds the flight for Cherokee veterans to see the national war memorials.
“We will never be able to repay them enough for all of their sacrifices but providing them this opportunity to see these national monuments erected in their honor is one small way I hope we can thank them,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “I’m so proud that Cherokees serve in the U.S. military at greater per-capita rates than any other ethnicities. These warriors going to Washington, D.C., have served their country and their Cherokee Nation with bravery and honor.”
The seven veterans were given an honorary hat and vest from Deputy Chief Bryan Warner during a send-off ceremony in Tahlequah prior to their flight to D.C.
“It is an amazing sight to see these Cherokee veterans embark on a trip that is more than deserved,” Deputy Chief Warner said. “The Cherokee Nation is blessed to have these veterans.”
Prentice Robinson, of Broken Arrow, served in the Army during the Vietnam Era.
“All of the monuments were very interesting and well-done. I was just amazed at the work that had gone into it and the size of them,” said Robinson. “I like the World War II memorial the most.”
During their trip, the veterans will visit monuments throughout the D.C. area including the World War I and World War II monuments, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Korean Monument. They will also visit Mount Vernon and Arlington Cemetery, among other stops.
Jerry Gipson, an Air Force veteran, searched the Vietnam Veteran Wall and found the names of numerous friends and squadmates lost in the war. Looking over the names, he pointed to one.
“This is Sully,” he said. “He was a Squadron Commander. We lost eight guys out of our squadron and 10 airplanes in about 10 months.”
The Warrior Flight will return to Tulsa on March 13 after the Cherokee veterans touring DC have completed their itinerary.
“This is an annual trip meant to honor our Cherokee warriors, many of whom describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Cherokee Nation Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, a U.S. Navy veteran. “It is always a powerful experience accompanying our warriors on this flight.”
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 2025 Cherokee Warrior Flight include:
Vietnam Era
- Prentice Robinson, Army, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
- Vinnus Jay Hilderbrand, Army, of Watts, Oklahoma
- Ronnie Jean Troglin, Army, of Salina, Oklahoma
- Dennis Ray McKinney, Army, of Houston, Missouri
- John D. McCullough, Air Force, of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Vietnam
- Harrel Phillip Brooner, Navy, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma
- Jerry Franklin Gipson, Air Force, of Longview, Texas