NDVS Recognizes Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month and NDVS recognizes our Nevada Native American veterans and those still serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.  

For a community that has persevered through decades of challenges, Native Americans have remained steadfast in their defense of the United States as members of the Armed Forces for centuries. Danielle DeSimone, writer for the USO, provides a perfect example, the Navajo Code Talkers. They became legendary during World War II by creating a special code using their indigenous language to transmit sensitive information. The Navajo people’s unique and largely unwritten language made it an ideal fit for creating a code. According to DeSimone, 29 Navajo men initially joined the Marine Corps for this highly sensitive operation. By the end of the war, there were approximately 400 Native Code Talkers in the military from the Navajo, Cherokee, Choctaw, Lakota, Meskwaki and Comanche tribes, all translating encrypted messages in their native tongues from the front lines in real time as they received them. 

Although Japanese forces were incredibly adept at breaking codes throughout the war, they never broke the Navajo Code. It was their code that helped the United States win the war in the Pacific in 1945. 

The U.S. Department of Defense notes that Native Americans serve at higher rates in the U.S. military than any other demographic or ethnicity in the nation! However, sadly when it comes to obtaining their earned benefits, the data also shows Native Americans have the lowest rate in seeking or obtaining their earned benefits. NDVS can assist in making this connection through our Veterans Service Officers (VSOs). These VA-accredited VSOs assist with providing information on resources, programs, as well as answering questions in addition to providing support with filing claims or appeals. Their service is FREE! Go HERE to “Ask a VSO” a question online or to find a VSO office nearest you. 

As we honor Native American Heritage Month, please join us in sending a big thank you to our Native Americans veterans of Nevada!