Ansbach community celebrates Native American Indian Heritage Month

By Bianca SowdersNovember 22, 2019

Ansbach community celebrates Native American Indian Heritage Month
The USAG Ansbach community assembled at the Von Steuben Community Center for the annual observance of Native American Indian Heritage Month, which celebrates the original inhabitants, explorers and settlers of the Untied States. It also recognizes th... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ANSBACH, Germany (November 21, 2019) - Native American Indian Heritage Month celebrates the original inhabitants, explorers and settlers of the Untied States. It also recognizes their achievements, continuing contributions and service to this country.

The USAG Ansbach community assembled at the Von Steuben Community Center for the annual observance today and listened to the key note speaker Col. John Broam, commander of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, who highlighted the importance of Native American Indians in the history of the United States and the U.S. Army. "Native Americans have a distinguished legacy in the Army - many thousands have served in the armed forces from the early days of the Revolutionary War, with the Lewis and Clark expedition, as scouts with the U.S. Cavalry, as Code Talkers in World Wars I and II, and in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan," he said.

Broam also explained the history of naming Army aircraft with tribal names: "Army General Hamilton Howze wanted something showing strength and stealth, reflecting a warrior ethos. Hence the names of revered native tribes being used for aircraft."

The aviation commander was followed by guest speaker David Craig, who related a Cherokee story about the opossum who bragged too much about its beautiful tail and was punished with public embarrassment.

The 9th Battalion of Junior ROTC from Ansbach Middle High School followed with a special presentation highlighting the accomplishments of Native American Indian soldiers and combat nurses.

After the official ceremony, Broam thanked the volunteers who supported the event with presentations, set-up and cooking the special food samples, with certificates of appreciation.

To see more photos of the event, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagansbachphotos/albums/72157711875435462