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Spotlight

National Native American Heritage Month

The Defense Department honors the storied legacy of American Indians and Alaska Natives who, from the Revolutionary War to present-day missions around the world, contribute greatly to national defense.

Stories

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Resources
Publication |

2023 DOD National American Indian Heritage Month Observance

2023 DOD National American Indian Heritage Month Observance
Related Link |

Presidential Proclamation: National Native American Heritage Month 

Presidential Proclamation: National Native American Heritage Month
Related Link |

DEOMI Observance Page 

DEOMI Observance Page
Related Link |

Commemorating National Native American Heritage Month 

Commemorating National Native American Heritage Month

Photos

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American Indian/Alaska Native Personnel in the Defense Department

American Indian/Alaska Native Service Members

12.8k .......... Enlisted

1.6k .......... Officers

1.3M .......... Total Active-Duty Service Members

1.1% 98.9%

1 out of every 100 DOD civilians are American Indian/Alaska Native.

Watch: Videos

Thomas H. Begay, Navajo Code Talker of WW2, tells his story from his roots in the heart of Navajo territory to the front lines of America’s bloodiest battles, from his home in Albuquerque, NM, Nov 2, 2023. Begay served at the battle of Iwo Jima as well as the Chosin Reservoir, and went on to serve in the Bureau of Indian Affairs as an employment assistance officer, aiding hundreds of Navajos in finding skills and jobs. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Joshua Munsen and Cpl. Oneg Plisner) Play
WWII Navajo Code Talker Shares Story
18:11
WWII Navajo Code Talker Shares Story
A person in Native American garb smiles under a Pentagon seal. Play
Be the Change You Want to See
3:28
Be the Change You Want to See
A service member and civilian smile while standing together outdoors. Play
Base Honors Tribe's Ancestral Homeland
2:38
Base Honors Tribe's Ancestral Homeland
A soldier in uniform smiles. Play
Soldier Reflects on Service, Heritage
1:58
Soldier Reflects on Service, Heritage
A standing soldier speaks into a microphone as an audience stands and listens outdoors. Play
Soldiers Honor Native American WWII Vets
1:33
Soldiers Honor Native American WWII Vets
A circular logo with the words "INDIGENOUS NATIONS EQUALITY TEAM' written in the border. Play
Representing America's First Warriors
3:29
Representing America's First Warriors
In recognition of National Native American Heritage Month, we recognize those military members who serve this nation today and those who served in the past with great distinction and honor. Play
Heritage Pride
1:15
Heritage Pride
Celebrating Native American Indian and Alaska Natives Heritage Month this year we take a look back at 1st Sgt. Pascal Cleatus Poolaw’s life and impact for future generations of Native Americans. Play
A Life That Impacts Generations
0:48
A Life That Impacts Generations
National Native American Indian Heritage Month spot highlighting Carl N. Gorman, a code-talker during WWII. Play
Gorman: WWII Code Talker
0:30
Gorman: WWII Code Talker