A Minnesota PBS Initiative
Native Women Veterans Honored at Ceremony
Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan honored two Native women veterans at a special pinning ceremony held at the Governor's Office on Feb. 13th, 2019. The pinning honors these two veterans who have been overlooked in receiving Vietnam Veterans pins.
Minnesotans have served our country at a higher percentage than the nation as a whole. The percentage of our adult population that are Veterans is 8.28 percent. The national average is 6.60 percent.
Lt. Governor Flanagan shared, "25% of the population of able-bodied Native Americans serve in the military compared to 3% of the overall popluation. We thank you for being warriors and we thank you for your service."
Valerie Barber and Sandy White Hawk are women who have helped expand the diversity of our Armed Forces and open the door to career paths. Sandy White Hawk and Valerie Barber greatly deserve this honor as do the rest of our Vietnam Veterans who's recognition is coming better late than never.
Sandy White Hawk served during the Vietnam War in the Navy as a communications specialist. Sandy was unable to attend the ceremony but Russel Barber (U.S. Army), Valerie Barber’s nephew, received the honor on her behalf. Sandy will receive the pin at a pow wow this summer.
Valerie Barber served in the Marines during the Vietnam War and was the first Native Woman to complete the Automotive Mechanic School.
Both of their stories are preserved at the Library of Congress as well as in TPT’s “The People’s Protectors” documentary on Native Americans who served during the Vietnam War by Native American filmmaker Leya Hale.
About the Pin from the press release:
"The Vietnam Veteran Pin is a Lasting Memento of the Nation's Thanks!" Living United States Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location are eligible to receive one lapel pin. The Vietnam War Commemoration office is a Defense Department-backed agency responsible for marking the 50th Anniversary of the conflict. The Minneapolis VA Regional Veterans Health Care System and Minnesota Department of Veterans affairs have been two of the many partners in MN. Veterans who have not received their Vietnam Veterans Pins should reach out to the Vietnam War Commemoration Program or your Veteran Service Officer while pins are available. The VA Regional Benefits Office in Saint Paul graciously helped with this presentation."
Valerie and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan exchange manomin (wild rice) from their hometowns
Tom Dimond with the DFL Veterans Caucus organized this event after meeting and talking with Sandy and Valerie at “The People’s Protectors” premiere event at TPT. He shared via email:
November 1, 2018 I attended the premiere of The Peoples Protectors at Twin Cities Public Television. Valarie Barber and Sandy White Hawk were highlighted and spoke after the screening. My wife and I had a chance to sit down with Valarie before the screening. Near the end of the event it became apparent that Valerie and Sandy have not received their Vietnam Veterans pins. I briefly mentioned to them that I would look into getting them their Vietnam Veterans pins.
I have worked with the VA and they have gotten the pins for them. I am working on a pinning event and have requested Governor elect Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. I am waiting on a response of availability. Tim is a Veteran and Peggy is our first Native Woman LT. Governor elect. It is an honor that Valarie and Sandy earned.
It is an honor that Valarie and Sandy earned.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: St. Paul, MN
Story Subject: Military Service
Story Themes: 50th Anniversary, Ceremony, Governor Walz, Honor, Impact, Native American, The People's Protectors, Video
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