Photo of the Week

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Entertainment. Discussion »

LAWRENCE, KANSAS – Chester Nez, 91, was one part original group of 29 Navajo Code Talkers in the 382nd Marine platoon during World War II. He is the last surviving member of that that original group of Navajo Code Talkers.

Chester Nez gets his diploma from Danny Anderson, the Dean of the KU Liberal Arts and Sciences.

This past Monday, on the day the country observed Veterans Day with a federal holiday, Nez was in Lawrence, Kansas at the University of Kansas to receive a Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree.

Nez spent three years at the University of Kansas after his tour of duty in World War II. But before he could graduate his GI bill ran out of funding and Nez left in 1952 and returned to his Navajo homeland.

Mr. Nez was also given his class ring by the KU Alumni Association, the keys to the City of Lawrence by the Mayor Bob Shum, and many other gifts by Haskell and KU administrators.

This photo was placed late on Monday night on the Native News Network's Facebook homepage. Within minutes, people from throughout Indian country "liked" the photograph.

The Native News Network salutes the tremendous accomplishments of all Navajo Code Talkers of the United States and wishes Mr. Nez great health.

photo credit Rhonda LeValdo-Gayton;
updated November 19, 2012 12:40 pm est; posted November 17, 2012 9:40 am est