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Pro Patria Award to Choctaw Nation

   The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has earned Oklahoma’s committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s highest honor, the Pro Patria Award.   General John W. Hubbard will present the award to Chief Gregory E. Pyle on Friday, February 15^th at 10:00 a.m. in the Durant Tribal Complex auditorium.

   “We support our employees who serve in the military,” said Chief Pyle.  “We have also gone to great lengths to support military personnel who are Choctaw and friends of Choctaws.”  Some of those efforts include transportation to and from Fort Bliss, Texas for National Guardsmen as well as welcome home and departure ceremonies and meals for the 180^th. 

   On several occasions, a special need has been brought to the attention of the tribe.  Many thank you notes have come back to the tribal offices from soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan who have received special knives that can cut vehicle harnesses or safety straps quickly, walkie-talkies so that transport teams can talk to each other when their visibility was too low to actually see each other, phone cards and other great items in Care Packages, and an ultrasound machine to check for embedded shrapnel.

   “The Choctaw Nation has been very willing to support those serving our great country through all branches of the armed services,” said Chief Pyle.  “Employees are highly honored for their willingness to serve and the tribe is excited at receiving this award.   

    “Our Tribal Council members are tremendous advocates for veterans and active military.”  Chief Pyle explained that the Council approved funding to establish a Veterans Advocacy Program, an annual Veterans Ceremony and provided property and funding for a Veterans Cemetery. 

   The Choctaw Nation has also been nominated for the 2008 Freedom Award in the category of large employer.  According to Walter Cross, the Executive Director of Oklahoma Employer Support of Guard and Reserves, the Freedom Award is presented to only fifteen nation-wide outstanding employers of Guard and Reserve members and is presented in Washington D.C. by the Secretary of Defense.