Chester Nez, the last surviving Original 29 Navajo Code Talker
Source: Indian Country Today Media Network
One way to honor the service and sacrifice of our American Indian Warriors is to carry forth their stories. Introduced here are three tremendous recent books presenting these stories, including those of Original 29 Navajo Code Talker Chester Nez.
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE CODE TALKER
By Chester Nez, with Judith Schiess Avila
Penguin, 2012
After the publication of his acclaimed book, Code Talker, Navajo Code Talker Chester Nez reflects on the path that took him to where he is today—from growing up on the New Mexico reservation steeped in the traditions of his Native American ancestors, to his days fighting alongside other Code Talkers, to his hardships and triumphs after the war. Here are stories of his family, then and now, tales of his close relationship to nature and her creatures, accounts of how his life and legacy have changed since publishing his memoir, and a tribute to his fallen friends.
For further information, clickhere.
To purchase, clickhere.
AMERICA’S FIRST WARRIORS: NATIVE AMERICANS AND IRAQ
By Steven Clevenger
Museum of New Mexico Press, 2010
A timely and moving book that beautifully documents the service of Native Americans in the armed forces. Interviews with Pueblo, Apache, Navajo, Osage, and other Native American service men and women give insight into the warrior spirit. Striking images capture stirring moments of war, grief, community, family bonds, and homecoming.
For an NPR interview with the author, clickhere. For a slide show of photos by the author from the book, clickhere.
To purchase, clickhere.
WARRIORS IN UNIFORM
By Herman J. Viola
National Geographic, 2008
Native Americans have served in the U.S. military during each of this country’s wars, and their stories encompass heroism, tragedy, humor, stoicism, loyalty and conflict. This illustrated history tells the exploits of the last Confederate general—a Cherokee—to lay down his arms, the code talkers who used tribal languages to thwart the enemy in World War II, the first Native American woman to give her life as a soldier, and those serving in Iraq today. Spiritual, poignant, gripping, even shocking (warriors still took scalps in Vietnam), it reveals how ancient traditions of war persevere and how the warrior designation is a great honor to the Native American community. Packed with first person accounts and sharing little-known insights into a culture that is still misunderstood, this page-turning epic includes a stunning gallery of never-before-seen artifacts from personal collections.
For more info, clickhere.
To purchase, clickhere.
Read more athttp://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/03/18/american-indian-warrior-way-words-code-talker-chester-nezs-new-memoir-plus-warriors