Damonicia Dixey-Sheton, The Indian Warrior

The Shoshone Bannock Indians have a long tradition of service to their White Nation, Indian Nation, and their Tribe. None has served with more distinction than Sergeant Damonicia Dixey-Sheton. She’s an eighteen year Volunteer member of the United States Army. Damonicia has served in Iraq [aka] Middle East in both Iraqi wars under both Bush Presidents, she also served in Panama, The Dixey family has a long history of military service going back to the Shoshone Bannock War Chief’s. Targhee, Tyhee, Pocatello, Tendoy, and Washakie, all kin if not by blood in spirit. The Tribe are all family for the Shoshone Bannock Indians.

Sacajawea was the first Shoshone Indian to serve the US Military. The Image of Randy’l Teton is embossed into the latest US Dollar, Damonicia is a veteran of many combat engagements. Damonicia, Randy’l, and Sacajawea are all members of the same Lemhi Shoshone Indian Tribe. Three American Indian women who will forever be recognized in history books as having made major contributions to the good of this country.

Lari Piestewa a Hopi Indian was the first woman to sacrifice her life in the war in Iraq. The Military doesn’t publish records of the heroes and heroines who sacrifice for their country. They leave it to the families to do what they chose. Many Indian families have sons and daughters who gave their lives defending this country. Many Indian families look skyward to the great silver bird flying overhead hoping it will bring their loved ones home alive, and whole.

The media will spend untold amounts of money publishing Cindy Sheehan the lady standing on a roadside in Crawford Texas protesting her sons sacrifice in Iraq. Her son who made the sacrifice never gets a mention. So it is with the Native Americans serving in the military When Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on a recent trip to Iraq singled Dominica Dixey out for a photo-op I didn’t see it on NBC, ABC, CBS or CNN.

In the days of the Indian ancestors when a warrior distinguished himself in battle on his return to his village a song would be sung or a dance in his honor would be preformed, he would be awarded an eagle feather or a bear tooth, something to honor his performance. Since the days, reservations were established the heroes of the Indian Nations all to often returned to become impoverished alcoholics. The Tribes are providing more for the new generation of Veterans to look forward too. Now they’ll be less inclined to give up on life.

Staff Sergeant Damonicia Dixey-Shelton isn’t an exception, she’s the norm that can be expected from Native American Indian serving in the military. The performance of Indians is not only second to none it usually far exceeds the average from the Seminole Tribes in Florida to the Barrow Inuiat in Alaska they have always preformed with honor and dedication.

Not enough attention’s paid to the contributions Native Americans make. Damonicia is only one of hundreds perhaps thousands of Native American Indians serving, and protecting this country. I apologize for not being able to name each of you personally. .

Some of my friends don’t understand why more Native Americans don’t assimilate into the mainstream culture of America. I ask them if they expect Canadians or Mexicans to assimilate into the American culture. The answer is Canada and Mexico are sovereign nations. My answer is, Native American Indian Reservations are Sovereign Nations. That’s when the arguments start. I usually end up asking why the Whiteman didn’t assimilate into Indian culture when they came to Indian lands . You can guess who’s always right and never wins the argument.

Congratulations for a successful 42nd annual Shoshone Bannock Tribal Festival, Fort Hall, Idaho.

Research data from: http://www.shobannews.com