SMOKE SIGNALS Publisher YAKAMA WARRIORS ASSOCIATION Volume No XXXIV Issue No 34 Date 02-28-2015

From the Flight Deck

Sorry it’s not the flight deck.

But it is FROM THE FLIGHT DECK U.S.S. WARRIOR March, 2015 First of all I want to wish everyone a wonderful Easter weekend. We have been very busy Sacaton trip, fund-raisers and all the usual details. I want to THANK each and every person that pitched in to make this organization successful. I want to touch on a very serious matter for a minute. Our U.S. Senate finally passed the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, this is critical legislation that increases access to quality mental health care and is designed to combat veteran suicide. The bill is named after Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran Clay Hunt, a Marine sniper who died by suicide in 2011.

Please if you know a veteran suffering from PTSD or any form of depression that might lead to suicide please have them or you contact your local Veterans Affairs Office. Lets do our utmost to make sure not one more veteran to takes his or her life. I’m not sure if President Obama has signed this bill as of this letter. Let us pray this very important bill has or soon will be law. Well Warriors keep up the good work, remember what we say, what we do, and our behavior reflect on each of us that wear the patch. Thanks, calm seas and gentle breezes to each and everyone. Vic

********** A couple of December events. December 13, Warriors had their annual Christmas Gathering at the Eagles. Presentations were made to Howard Jenson of Safeway for his generous donations yearly to the Yakama Warriors. Mr. Jensen informed us that he would join whenever possible. Later on that week Loren presented a plaque to Brad McDowell at Washington Beef for their donation to the yearly Warriors picnic. Mr. Brad McDowell was very grateful, and reminded us that he will try to be at the next breakfast or picnic to say a personal thanks to the Warriors.

Corky and Loren also presented a plaque to Budget Septic for their yearly donation of the Port a Potty for the picnic. They were sorry that they could not be at the Christmas Warriors breakfast, as that was the only time they could take a break and go over the mountain to the other side.

. December 26& 27 A few of the Warriors were kind enough to attend the Pow-Wow at the Umatilla Long house after Christmas.

The grand entry photo. ********************************************** 2015***** The Big Trip to Sacaton The Fundraising by the Warriors netted enough to attend the 70th Anniversary of the Flag Raising of Iwo Jima Ceremonies in Gila River Sacaton. February 19th, Thursday before they left, Kalea invited the Warriors to come and eat at Wanity before flying to Sacaton so they would not be hungry as they flew. A group photo as they left the bus at the Tri-Cities airport.

The plane was delayed in Tri Cities for the takeoff time from 3 p.m to about 7 p.m.. Glad that Lana Clark brought some smoked salmon that was shared among the group while awaiting our flight. When we arrived at the Mesa Gateway Airport, Taylor, Dwayne’s granddaughter got so excited when she saw the first big Cactus that she wanted to get some pictures of it right away, we told her there were lots around so she can have a choice of which cactus to get a picture with. Warriors arrived in Casa Grand on Thursday February 19th, and directly to their rooms and to bed. Friday February 20th The group had breakfast at the Holiday Inn where they stayed. Right after they ate they were on their way to the Wesley BolinPlaza to be there before 11 a.m. Just arriving in a nick of time, they were there for the opening ceremonies to honor the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Division. Here Dennis Kavanaugh III started with the opening ceremony as Josie Delsi read the story about how many Marines were lost on Iwo Jima that fateful day. Josie does an amazing, wonderful job in things running smoothly.

The three Andrew sisters did some songs and then Dennis who’s 94 years old join them in a dance. Way to go Dennis. The Warriors standing tall with their warrior vest and hats

After the ceremony Loren played for all the veterans, then some went to join the group for lunch at Mycayo at Central and Clearmont. As we were about to leave Wesley Bolin Plaza after the ceremony Taylor wanted to pick this big flower kinda cactus and load it into the car, until she saw someone taking a picture of her. She left it alone.

We call this just helping yourself for a selfie. Friday evening was the 70th Pre-Event Dinner at the Boys and Girls Club. The event started at 5:30 with welcoming remarks by Commander of the American Legion Post 84, posting of colors by Post 84.

The POW-MIA Remembrance Ceremony, Blessing before dinner. Entertainment was by the Achem-Aal Pima Basket Dancers and Pasty Lugo- USO. Our own Taylor, was invited to dance with the Pima Basket Dancers.

Keynote speaker Governor Stephen Roe Lewis shared some words of wisdom. Then Michael Coon did presentations on behalf of his dad the late Phillip Coon to several individuals. Here he honored the Seminoles Honor guard as they were at the Funeral and To Governor Lewis he presented a Challenge coin that he had made on behalf of his dad.

This is where Adam Beach had his picture taken with different groups and individuals. Even with the Warriors.

Also at the dinner, they always have the oldest and youngest share the first piece of cake. Here is the youngest who is around 20 and the oldest Navy woman veteran being 103 years old. The Post 84 Commander Urban Giff did the honor of cutting the cake.

Evening ended with warriors heading back to their rooms to rest for the early, and I mean early wakeup and breakfast then head to the parade grounds and to be there by 7:30 in the morning.

February 21, Saturday, The Parade was in Gila River in Sacaton south of Phoenix. The fly over was by B25 bomber. It had Michael Coon on board as you see him here by the gun.

Followed by six biplanes to signal the start of the parade.

With over 120 parade entries. This fly-over indicated that the Parade was beginning. The Grand Marshal of the Parade was Kenneth Hayes brother of Ira Hayes. Kenneth Hays was also in the service, earning his service

medals, one being the Bronze star. Unfortunately I do not have his photo Ira Hayes Veterans Honor Guard Post 84 lead the colors. Followed by students from St. Peters School carrying the large American Flag. Here are some pictures where veterans are waiting: Black Water Veterans Group Arizona.

Below:The Mandaree Veterans group from North Dakota.

The Seminoles Veterans Group from Oklahoma, The Potawatomi We-Te-Se Veterans Group Post 410 from Mayetta, Kansas. The Blackfeet

from Montana. George Runningcrane, Keith Heavyrunner, Laura, Joe Bear and Bruce Runningcrane.

Guess what! even Max made it through the parade. Here he is. Max the Marine Bull Dog.

The list goes on with the Yakama Warriors 55th in line. Lana Clark and Ronnie Miller carried the Yakama Warriors Sign. Warriors that wore the war bonnets: Vic Wood, Corky Ambrose, Dwayne Drake, Bud Barron and Max Corpuz. John Smith was there with the drum to keep us in step with Larry Lewis carrying the POW-

MIA flag for the long 1.5 mile walk to the front of the podium where they announced the Warriors.

Loren Corpuz was riding on the tailgate of the “Ron Thompson In Country Vietnam Veterans” truck which was in front of the Warriors and where he kept playing his trumpet. The Marine Corps League Detch.# 1329, Silver City New Mexico were behind the Warriors.

Lots of groups could be mentioned, but the problem this time was the reported was on flag duty and was unable to catch all the groups, but a very generous person by the name of Pamela Drake donated some of her photos so that we might be able to show some other groups that were in the parade. This was what you saw behind us still marching another sixty groups left.

The Ceremony at the J.B. Juan Memorial Veterans Park ran a little behind. If you were there you could have run into old friends and made new friends. The road from beginning to end was pack with people watching the parade. It was just wonderful to witness all that came out for the 70th Anniversary if the Iwo Jima Flag Raising. This was a great day to be here in Gila River to witness and participate in this parade. Lunch: hosted by the Auxiliary Unit 84 and St. Peters School Parents. We all had Indian Tacos. While the parade was still going strong the group had their photo taken in front of the Statue of Ira Hayes.

Here pictured back: Bud, Rebecca, Corky, Max, Vic , Snake Front: Lana, Ronnie, Larry, Brian, Loren and Dwayne. Thanks to Pamela and Taylor for taking this shot. Short order of details at the park: Massing and Posting of Colors by Ira Hayes Post 84, Invocation and Raising of American Flag, National Anthem by St. Peters Missions School Choir in Pima Language, Raising of POW-MIA, Tribal, State and Service Flags. Welcoming Remarks: Keynote speakers, Remembrance Table Ceremony by the Scottish American Military Society: Blessing of Wreaths followed by Wreath laying at the five monuments: Iwo Jima by Michael Coon.

Other wreath laying Matthew B Juan, Purple Heart, Women Veterans and the POW-MIA Monuments. Honoring Fallen Comrades, followed by rendering Taps by Loren Corpuz: with Benediction and Blessing of Food. The final finale was the 21gun salute with Loren playing Taps.

February 21, Saturday evening was the pow-wow that the Warriors attended. The Grand Entry lead by the Mandaree veterans group from North Dakota and Semoniles from Oklahoma.

Below the group watching the pow-wow.

Corky had a duty to complete, he had to find two people from Gila River and present them with a gift that was donated by a lady from Toppenish. Corky couldn’t decide who to give the gifts to. He was walking and looking around after the meal when they had a break. He found them. Here is a lady he gave one to. I did not get her name, but his name is Mike Smith, both were from Sacaton.

Vic Wood also had a request he had to accomplish which Corky witnessed from the distance. There was a special honoring for a Gold Star mother, where all the veterans were asked to participate.

February 22, a group photo in front of Holiday Inn in Casa Grande. In the photo is the oldest Warrior Dennis Kavanaugh, his wife Sugar, and Robert Delsi who lives in Casa Grande.

Who’s Who in the Photo: John Smith, Ronnie M, Lana, C, Robert D, Dwayne D, Dennis and Sugar, Loren, Max, Rebecca, Larry Lewis, Brian McCloud, Buddy Barron, Corky Ambrose, and Vic Wood. The Warriors received great comments about the Newsletter from members and groups that receive the newsletter that we ran into in Arizona. And all are anxiously waiting for the next one to be sent. Other News Before we get to the Upcoming Details If anyone is in the area of Chesapeake on April 18, 2015. There will be the 4th Annual Bataan Death March Memorial Walk in Dismal Swamp Trail in Chesapeake. This is the 73rd Anniversary of the Bataan Death March of World War 2. Also Honoring over 90,000 US and Filipino Servicemen who suffered during this ordeal. Robert and Josie Delsi have been busy, still busy trying to deliver the Christmas Toys for Tots for the city of Casa Grande. Glad they took time to join the Warriors for some photo shots.

If in the kindness of your heart you want to do something for a veteran, send Robert some 2 x 3” beaded Vietnam patches, he in turn puts these patches onto the walking sticks he makes for veterans in and around Phoenix. Call Rebecca if need more information at 509 480-4625. This is his therapy. March 29th Next big event for the Warriors is the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans event at the Sarge Hubbard Park. It will be the 2nd Anniversary since the Bill signing in Olympia in 2013. So, we need everyone to show their respect to all the Vietnam Veterans, the ones that came home and the ones that did not come home. To Remember all of them. There will be snacks after the ceremony. The contact for this event is Gil Calac or call the Vets office in Toppenish. All are welcome to attend. The more the merrier as they say. March 20th Toppenish Middle School Pow wow. Get Well Wishes going out to: Ray James, Pamela Mayhue, Mrs.Lois Thompson, Don Newquist, John Alberty, Larry Strom, Terry Piestewa, Mike Shott. Maxine Hamilton, Steve Kinsey, Lester Hoptowit, Buddy Hoptowit, Dave Hoptowit And to anyone that I may have not heard about. Birthday and Anniversary wishes going out to everyone that had a Birthday and Anniversary in January and February.