afghanistan

2001-2014

18,033 engaged

34 kills in service

The terrorist attack of 9/11 touched Amerindians, like all Americans, deeply and immediately. That day, more than three hundred tribal chiefs from Indian reserves across the country were gathered for a meeting in Washington DC. Their responses to the fatal events of this day were, of course, a mixture of sadness, disbelief and anger.

A press release issued the same day by the California Morongo Band summed up the native reaction. "It's a terrible and sad day in American history. The entire community sends our deepest condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives this morning in the odious and insane terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington DC. As in all the major crises that this country has had to face, we stand with all of America to provide our resources and support in all areas. "

Four Mohawks drove a van filled with emergency relief supplies and cash donations to the city. The Connecticut Mohegan tribe pledged $ 1 million to help the victims and families of the tragedy, and hundreds of thousands of dollars are coming from other tribes around the country.

Operation Enduring Freedom was the name given to America's first military response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The name mainly referred to the war in Afghanistan and the initial search of the leader of al qaeda, osama bin laden. The number of Native Americans serving in the army at that time was around eighteen thousand, although the records do not indicate how many were deployed in Afghanistan.

On September 3, 2006, during Operation Medusa in Afghanistan, Corporal Jason Funnell, of The Royal Canadian Regiment, braves a sharp fire of the enemy to come and lend a hand to comrades who are prisoners of war. a vehicle broken down in an enemy destruction zone. In defiance of his personal safety, he crosses twice an area swept by an effective fire of the enemy; this Haida from British Columbia is successfully contributing to the treatment and evacuation of his wounded or killed comrades, while responding with equally effective shots. His bravery and professionalism save lives and allow his platoon to retire in good order under heavy fire. For his exploits, Funnell receives the Medal of Military Valor. For his part, Corporal Doug Tizya, a member of the Old Crow First Nation, is sent to Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Just days after arriving for his second tour of duty in August 2006, he was wounded in a mortar and rocket propelled attack against the Panjwaii base in Canada. Hit by shrapnel bursts, Tizya suffers several serious arm injuries and is sent back to Canada for recovery. Back home, he is honored by the wounded warrior's dance and the Bear Clan of the Ojibway Nation gives him a witty name at his annual Bear Spirit Ceremony.

Modern wars have the particularity of seeing many women serving in combat and unfortunately making the ultimate sacrifice. Master Corporal Giesebrecht Brant Kristal Lee Anne, a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, serving with the Canadian Medical Corps, was killed in an incident involving an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in June 2010.

Ranks of soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, stood at attention when the US Army recognized Sergeant Sgt. Conrad Begaye for bravery under fire in Afghanistan.

At a ceremony at the Hoekstra Field in Caserma Ederle, Italy, General William B. Garrett III, Commander of the US Army, attached the Silver Star to Begaye's uniform in recognition of his leadership and value at an enemy ambush. , In the province of Nuristan, Afghanistan.

Begaye said he would have preferred a simple handshake or a pat on the back. After all, infantry soldiers do not fight for medals, they fight for each other. That's why Begaye felt grateful to have soldiers from his unit behind him on the parade ground during the ceremony.

"What happened is something I think about every day, it's not easy to forget," said Begaye, recalling today's events.

The Begaye unit had just met with local Afghan leaders. They were hiking east along a small path on rough terrain as his squad, platoon headquarters sections, and a squad of Afghan National Army soldiers began to be caught. enemy fire.

Begaye was wounded in the arm by turning the fire and directing his men. Begaye leapt on a cliff, calling his troops to follow him on the rocky slope to find a blanket.

He kept his cool against overwhelming enemy forces, leading and encouraging his fellow soldiers under fire. A wounded soldier on both legs was still being shot. Begaye shouted to him to make the dead, knowing that the enemy would move their shot if they thought the soldier was killed - a quick thought that probably helped save the life of this soldier.

Ignoring his own wounds, Begaye moved a wounded soldier to a nearby cavern to protect him from enemy fire. Using a radio, he called his upper headquarters and directed the mortar fire at the enemy positions. Then he motivated a soldier to organize a defensive perimeter of Afghan soldiers to prevent their unit from being harassed or overtaken.