The Cherokee Nation honored a Muldrow Cherokee veteran with the Medal of Patriotism during the December meeting of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.

Billy W. Bryant of Muldrow was recognized by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, acknowledging his service and sacrifice to this country.

Bryant joined the United States Army on July 4, 1985, after signing up for the Delay Entry Program on Sept. 6, 1984. He completed his basic training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Mc-Clellan, Ala., where he was trained as a Military Police Officer.

Bryant was then assigned to the 110th Military Police Company in Pirmasens, Germany, where he was required to complete a week-long course in basic German.

From Sept. 23, 1986, to May 7, 1986, he was assigned to the 59th Ordnance Brigade in Kaiserslautern, Germany, where he trained soldiers to become security guards.

He was later stationed at Fort Ritchie, Maryland, until he was honorably discharged on June 28, 1988.

Landen D. Scott of Westville was also recognized by the tribe.

He joined the U.S. Army on April 23, 2013, had deployments and training missions in Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and was also part of the activation for President Biden’s inauguration. Scott was honorably discharged on Aug. 22, 2022.

Each month the Cherokee Nation recognizes Cherokee service men and women for their sacrifices and as a way to demonstrate the high regard in which all veterans are held by the tribe.

Native Americans, including Cherokees, are thought to have more citizens serving per capita than any other ethnic group according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

To nominate a Cherokee veteran, call 918772-4166.