TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation honored two veterans with the Medal of Patriotism during the February meeting of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.
Raymond E. Cantrell of Wagoner and Johnnie Phillip Prather of Claremore were recognized by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner, and Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, acknowledging their service and sacrifice to their country.
Raymond E. Cantrell joined the United States Army on Dec. 22, 1969. Cantrell was military police during the Vietnam War, where he worked in a maximum security cell block at the Ft. Gordon in Georgia, Army stockade. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 8, 1971, with a rank of Sergeant.
Cantrell received the National Defense Service Medal.
“Thank you very much, this is indeed a great honor,” Cantrell said.
Johnnie Phillip Prather joined the United States Army on June 24, 1953. He was sent to Ft. Ord in California to attend leadership school and was a Squad Leader for a machine gun squad. Prather served with the 44th Infantry Division and later with the 2nd Infantry, in which he received several badges and pins for his marksmanship during basic training. He completed his military time at Ft. Lewis in Washington and was honorably discharged on May 26, 1955 with the rank of Corporal.
Prather received the National Defense Service Medal.
“I’d like to thank the Cherokee Nation for this honor,” Prather said. “They’ve been pretty good to me.”
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 veteran who is a Cherokee Nation citizen, call 918-772-4166.