Navajo Nation Honors Soldier Killed in Auto Accident

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

Honoring Nolan White

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA - Navajo President Ben Shelly has ordered Navajo Nation flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Sergeant Nolan D. White. White, an Army Sergeant in the First Calvary Division, passed away early Saturday morning, October 8, in a vehicle accident. He was 28 and a recipient of the prestigious National Defense Service and Army Achievement Medals.

“Our Nation is deeply saddened to hear of Sergeant White's passing; another brave warrior has departed our people,”

said President Shelly. "Sergeant White enlisted at a young age to serve our country and to protect our way of life. Sergeant White was a mentor to many people in his community - a good man with a big heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Alvina, daughter Jayanna, and family members."

Sergeant White was born on July 29, 1983, at Sage Memorial Hospital and later graduated from Ganado High School where he excelled in basketball, wrestling, and football. He completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, before being deployed to Iraq for 12 months, and was assigned to train soldiers within the Iraqi Army.

Mrs. White remembers her husband as a committed father, who loved helping others. "After he returned from Iraq, Nolan helped families in our community who had a son or daughter serving in the Armed Forces," said Mrs. White. "He was a mentor to many young people and everyone in the community knew him as a friend. He was always happy, played basketball, rode horses, and loved mutton sandwiches."

At this time, funeral services are scheduled for this week but are pending. Gatherings are scheduled at the Cornfields Chapter House at 6 pm for family and friends.

Sergeant White is survived by his wife Alvina White; mother Josephine Charley; daughter Jayanna White; sisters Vanessa and Tiffany Smith; and brother Dwight Smith.

updated October 12, 2011 9:25 pm edt; posted October 11, 2011 6:40 am edt