Native Warriors: Protecting the homelands Published Nov. 13, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Jessica Jenkins 52nd Fighter Wing SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- "All of our people all over the country, except pure-blooded Indians, are immigrants or descendants of immigrants, including even those who came over here on the Mayflower." -President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1944 The month of November has been designated Native American Heritage month since 1990. No one lived in the Americas before the arrival of the Indians. Most scientists believe the first Native Americans came from Asia at least 15,000 years ago, although some think they may have arrived as early as 35,000 years ago. Varied tribes and cultures ranged from the Arctic regions of North America to the southern tip of South America. Most Native Americans met by early European explorers were practicing economic and settlement patterns of the Woodland culture. They grew crops of maize, tobacco, beans and squash, spent considerable time hunting and fishing, and lived in small villages. Because Europeans thought they had come ashore in India, they called the Native Americans, "Indians." To date, the most famous Native Warriors of the past served during the World Wars. During the World Wars, many Native Americans served in the military as "Code Talkers." They translated radio messages into their native tongues and wrote messages to be delivered via "runner." The German Army was never able to figure out the encoded messages. In WWII, they used such words as Beesh too, which meant "iron fish" or submarine, and dah-he-tih-hi, meaning "hummingbird" or fighter plane. Some messages were double-encrypted by first encoding the English message, then translating it. The code was so complex, that when a "non-code talker" was captured by the Japanese, he was unable to decipher the transmission despite being tortured and almost beaten to death. During the Korean War, there were no recorded numbers of how many Native Americans served; however, three of the many Native Americans who served received the Medal of Honor. The Vietnam War showed the strongest Native American participation with approximately 42,500 Native American serving. The most decorated Native American soldier in history was First Sergeant Pascal Cleatus Poolaw, Sr. He first served in WWII, followed by the Korean War and finally in the Vietnam War. He served 25 years in the military earning a total of 42 awards, including four Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, one Air Medal, and three Purple Hearts. Ultimately he gave his life for the United States when his wounds from small arms fire proved fatal in 1967. Presently, statistics do not show how many Native Americans are fighting in the War against Terror. However, if history repeats itself, Native Americans will surely continue to honorably defend the United States. In honor of Native American Heritage month, the Spangdahlem AB community is invited to participate in a "5K Turkey Trot Run" held by the fitness center on Nov. 20 at noon. There will also be a luncheon Nov. 29 at the base club. Members can sign up by contacting the Military Equal Opportunity office. For more information on observance events, contact the MEO office at 452-6392.