2011 - YEAR IN REVIEW

The Making of a Photograph

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

The US Attorney's office public relations spokesperson in West Michigan promised a 20 minute interview for the Native News Network with Navajo Code Talker Samuel Sandoval. Somehow 20 minutes turned into 40 minutes. And, what a treat it was to interview someone of such valor.

Sandoval, now 87, was in town for Veterans Day events. The US Attorney of West Michigan, Grand Valley State University and the local Marine Corps organization brought him to Grand Rapids so he could tell the story of the heroism of Navajo warriors during World War II.

During the interview, he was asked how accurate was Hollywood's depiction of the Navajo code talker story in "Windtalkers" with Adam Beach and Nicholas Cage. He chuckled and said he watched it with his wife. When he saw the actor in the film wearing moccasins, he said to her:

"Now you know no Navajo would ever be out in battle without combat boots in the South Pacific!"

This photo was taken at Grand Valley State University's Eberhard Center in downtown Grand Rapids. Corporal Sandoval wooed the crowd with his stories for an hour without notes.

Here is a link to the original story:
Navajo Code Talker Samuel Sandoval Captivates West Michigan Audience

posted December 30, 2011 7:50 am est