Memorials - In Loving Memory of Lori Piestewa & our Soldiers
Family 3
Copyright © 2006 - 2010 Linda Randles
http://www.RandlesStation.com/
Lori Ann Piestewa, was born on December 14, 1979 and was given the name Kocha - Hon - Mana "White Bear Girl." The mother of 2 children Carla & Brandon, she was killed on March 23, 2003. She was the first woman soldier to be killed in Iraq and also the first Native American woman killed in a foreign war. Lori was awarded the Purple Heart and Prisoner of War Medal. May the courageous spirit of Lori Ann Piestewa help the Great Spirit work to bring all tribes of man together, until love and understanding can overcome man's less noble traits.
Randles Station was given special permission by Michael Jeans to post his recording of the song: America The Beautiful in honor of Lori Piestewa and all Native American soldiers.
Michael Jeans, a treasured friend, is Commanche and this is the most beautiful rendition I have heard of this song. Native American soldiers have been serving in the military, ever since George Washington asked for their help. Many of them returned to their homelands only to find limited opportunities. Native Americans were not even granted citizenship until 1924, yet they still answered the call of duty for this great nation.
In loving memory of my other two sons, Ryan and Richie Walter.
Ryan and I shared the same birthday. Lots of times we shared our birthday cake, too. The boys were all on the football team. They only lived a few blocks away, so they were constantly at our house. They practically lived with us and they all called me mom. Ryan and Richie's younger brother, Reid would always tag along.Even though Richie was busy with Karate lessons, we still saw a lot of him. On September 28, 1996, the two were on their way home when they wrecked. They lost control on a curve, both were ejected head first when the car hit the utility pole. Ryan died instantly and Richie died on September 30th. Ryan was employed by Sun T.V. Richie was a Security Guard with the Longaberger Corp. My sons are loved and missed by so many of us.
Richie served our country with the Marines, in the Persian Gulf War . Afterwards, he remained an active Reserve. Always the protector, he had a 2nd degree brown belt in Karate. My 3 children and I attended the funerals. Joni was sobbing when she said, "Mom, I think I'm going to go with them." I said, "Hush, don't talk that way." Just a short time later my daughter Joni was killed. Ryan & Richie had always called her "sissy." Their dad Rick, came to Joni's funeral. He held me and we wept together. It hurts so much to lose your children.I really was shocked to see Rick and his 2nd wife Bobbi there. I knew how it must have hurt them to come to a funeral so soon after such a loss. True friends are precious. I have made many lasting friendships in my life. Many are NDN - all of them have forever left footprints in my heart. Their names are written in my prayers.
Dr. Joe Medicine Crow
Ryan Matthew Walter
9/3/75 - 9/28/96
Richard Matthew Walter
11/8/71 - 9/30/96
Kat Cash, cherished friend of mine.
Wife of Cherokee Chief
Joseph Rising Sun Cash
This music file may not be used without permission of Michael Jeans.
Some gave all - all gave some
Harry J. Bible
1924- 1945 Shown with his father
Killed in Italy
Awarded the Bronze Star
We Yet Live
For eternal ages we played
upon the breast of
Mother Earth
Living, loving, basking
in the presence of
Spirit Grandfather.
Spirits freely worshipped
The Creator
bowing, honoring, ever
giving thanks -
From sun & moon to
every breath for every life
force that we took.
His spirit forewarned our
elders of impending darkness across the land.
Our lives shuttered as
buffalo fell - violence consumed our garden of peace.
Warriors battled, mothers wept children hungered,
all became still
As if we know our time had come - innocent blood
always run Red
Larry Dean
"Falling Star" January 2010
Jerry Wolfe, served W.W. 2
A respected tribal elder in Cherokee, N.C.
George Bible, husband of Eliza (Randles)
Served in the Civil War
February 23-1945:An image we'll never forget Marine soldier Ira Hayes (Chief Falling Cloud) raising the American flag at Iwo Jima. A Pima Native American born in 1923, he died in 1955 from the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Ira Hayes appears personally in the 1949 John Wayne film, Sands of Iwo Jima.
Remember our soldiers who serve in wars and battle depression when they come home.
At top left: Dan & Marie Randles. Both soldiers in World War 2. Raised a family of 13 children.Top right: Bill Hoop Native American (my cousin) 1918 - 2004. World War 2, in Army Air Corps as Aircraft Mechanic, saw action in China, Burma & India. served as Sheriff of Coshocton County, Ohio for 24 years. Above left: Frank Randles, (my Uncle) was an Army Corps soldier of World War 2. He flew 31 missions in a B-24 liberator. Frank was awarded the Purple Heart. Founded Randles Medical Center in Coshocton. Above right: James Randles 1894- 1976 .W.W. 1
Chief Igmu Tanka Sutanaji
Cougarman Standstrong- Chicora Dakota Sioux
Gene Martin
Served in the Army 1961 - 1964
James Polk Randles
My Gr Gr Uncle
Civil War - Enlisted from Ohio
