Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to Host Navajo Code Talker Today

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WASHINGTON - In honor of Veterans Day and Native American Heritage Month, the US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will be highlighting the unique ways that America's Indigenous Peoples have contributed to the U.S. Military's efforts throughout history.

Navajo Code Talker Frank Chee Willetto

The program is entitled "The Way of the Warrior: Native Americans' Commitment to Country, Community and Communication."

Speakers will include: Tom Gordon from the Navajo Nation and Robert Alexander from the National Museum of the American Indian.

Special guest will be Frank Chee Willetto, a Navajo Code Talker who entered the US Marine Corps when he was 17 years old. In addition to serving as a Code Talker, Willeto represented the Pueblo Pintado community in western New Mexico as a delegate to the Navajo Tribal Council from 1974 to 1986 and served as vice president of the Navajo Nation.

WHEN:    Wednesday, November 16

TIME:    2:00 pm est

WHERE:  Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 628

photo credit Navajo Nation Washington Office

posted November 16, 2011 7:10 am est