The Cherokee Nation honored four Cherokee veterans with the Medal of Patriotism during the Council’s October and November Council meetings.

Charles Gentry Rogers of Tulsa and Rita Sharon Didion of Roland were recognized by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan, and Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden at the October Council meeting.

Michael Lee Shephard of Cookson and Richard Paul Walker of Vinita were recognized during the November Council meeting.

These awards acknowledge the Cherokee Warriors’ service and sacrifices to their country.

Didion joined the U.S. Army in February 1975. She completed basic training at Fort Mc-Clellan, Alabama, then followed with Quartermaster training for Inventory Stock Control and Supply.

Didion was assigned to the 91st Ordinance Detachment, 8th Infantry in Mainz Finthen, Germany, as the only female in her 53-person unit.

She attended Flight Operations Training in Fort Rucker, Alabama. She received both the Good Conduct Medal and the Marksman Qualification Badge (Rifle M-16). Didion was honorably discharged in May 1979.

“It was an honor to serve as a Cherokee veteran,” said Didion.

Shephard joined the U.S. Air Force in May of 1971. He had a Military Occupation of Administrative Specialist, where he demonstrated organizational skills and contributed significantly to the Administration operations within the Air Force.

Shepherd’s military education included specialized training at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Jungle Survival School in the Philippines and multiple administration courses. He was recognized with both the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Shepherd was Honorably Discharged in December 1974.

“Thank you very much for this,” said Shephard.

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

Didion Cutline (L-R): Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan, Rita Sharon Didion, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and District 6 Councilor Daryl Legg.