Veterans and Native Americans

Friends of the Children's Home

 

The American Legion Oklahoma Department Executive Committee's refusal to enter into discussions to extend the ALCH closing deadline will have an immediate and perilous effect on biological brothers and sisters, our Native American children and some veterans.  Here's how:

• Several Native American children and staff members are involved with Ponca Tribe veterans and elders in learning and pursuing their native traditions--an emotionally healing and important step in the lives of these children.  At a recent Ponca Gourd Dance Society event in White Eagle honoring orphans, tribal elders, also veterans, highly praised ALCH and one of our young residents who was participating in the event.  The elders and veterans (and members of the Alfred Little Standing Buffalo American Legion Post 38) discussed publicly and at length, the closing of ALCH and asked all Native American veterans to do all in their power to halt this action.
• Are you aware that without the extension a veteran  who resides on the campus with his family will be left homeless at Christmastime?
• Are you aware that without the extension, three other veteran staff members will lose their jobs, also at Christmas?
• Are you aware that we have three sets of brothers and sisters who will be separated from each other at Christmas?

The Executive Committee received a non-confrontational, relatively simple idea for extending the deadline without harmful effects to the Oklahoma Department of the American Legion.  What is their rush?  Why would an organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans in fact cause great harm to four of its own, not to mention the separation of biological siblings and Native American children connecting to their ethnic roots and healing, perhaps for the first time in their young but turbulent lives?

 

Please keep the pressure on the Oklahoma Department Executive Committee for a fair hearing!

 

Gary G. Davis

ALCH Mentor

Member, Ponca Gourd Dance Society