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The Carolina Indian Voice
Published Each Thursday by First American Publications, Pembroke, NC
VOLUME 27 NUMBER / THURSDA Y, JANUARY 6, 2000 TWENTY-FIVE CENTS
FSA Accepting Committee
Nominations for Candidates
The Robeson/Scotland Farm
Service Agency is accepting nominations
for County Committee candidates
from Local Administrative
Area #1 (LAA?1). LAA#1 contains
the Smith-Prospect. Red
Springs-Rennert-Shannon, Lumber
Bridge-Parkton. North St.
Pauls-South St. Pauls, and East
Howellsvilie-West Howellsville
communities. Farmers are encouraged
to nominate, by January 21,
2000, their farm neighbors as candidates
for the County Committee
election.
According to Giles B. Floyd,
County Executive Director of the
Robeson'Scotland FSA. "the Committee
is backbone of the local FSA
office. Without these dedicated
farmers, this office simply could
not function." The County Committee
is the most direct link between
USDA farm programs and
farmers. "The County Committee
helps shape nationwide farm programs
into'programs that work at
the local level on things like farm
loans, conservation programs disaster
assistance, commodity price
support payments and loans, and
marketing quotas". Floyd said.
For further information, contact
the FSA Office.
The Higher Math of
Census 2000
Let's do the math: the 2.4 million
American Indians and Alaska
Natives make up less than 1 percent
of the American population of
274 million.
Every single American Indian
and Alaska Native who completes
a census form has a say in how
federal funds are distributed. Every
single one who counts in Census
2000 can enhance a
community's chances of receiving
support for health care, housing,
education, better roads and job opportunities.
t
But overall, less than 1 percent
is still less than 1 percent - even
assuming the U.S. Census Bureau
succeeds in its efforts to correct the
12.2 undercount of 1990. And 1
percent is not enough to make or
break funding decisions at the
higher federal levels.
On the eve of a millennium generations
of Americans never believed
Natives would survive to
see, a higher math must be pressed
into service here. It is the math of
representation, of one as one, of
individuals with a history and character
to assert as opposed to the
trends and characteristics derived
from aggregate statistics.
Every Native individual whofills
out a census form is asserting a
history and character the ancestors
struggled to preserve. And in a
society where many of the counted,
measured, market-researched,
safely-in-the-database millions are
beginning to feel themselves separated
from any familiar culture or
value system beyond what advertising
offers, the assertion of Native
identity may count for others as
well.
Native A merican Heroes
by Cupt. Eric Tscli Brewington (Lumbee)
U.S.A.F., Native American Program Manager, Uanscom AFB,
MA
"No person among us desires any other reward for performing a
brave and worthy action, but the consciousness of having served his
nation." Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea) Mohawk
When you hear the words "Native American" or simply "American
Indian", what is the first image that pops into your mind? Is it a Lakota
? Warrior dressed out in war paint and riding a war horse, or perhaps a
Cherokee Chief with a long flowing headdress full of Eagle feathers
dancing in a Pow Wow? All Indians say "How" and live in teepees, right.
I'll even bet all Indians look alike too. This couldn't be further from the
truth, but don't feel bad. These stereotypical images were provided by
Hollywood many years ago and are still here today.
First of all, the term "Native American" applies to Native Hawaiians,
Alaskan Natives, as well as American Indians, so using either term
"Native American" or American Indian" is politically correct. The safest
bet is to simply ask the individual that you are dealing with. Native
Americans actually hold real jobs just like everyone else. In fact, when
you hear "Native American War Hero" I'll guess you may think of the
Hunkpapa Lakota Chief Sitting Bull, or the Apache Warrior Geronimo.
These, were true Warriors to the fullest, but there are so many that you
may riot realize that there are true Native American War Heroes of the
20th Century. Next time you think of a Native American, consider these
images "instead: a battle weary Marine PFC Ira H. Hayes (Pima),
valiantly hoisting the American flag at Iwo Jima, or Marine Colonel
Greg "Pappy" Boyington (Coeur d' Alene), the ranking American "ace"
of the Pacific Theater who was accredited with 28 dogfights, and served
as the commanding officer of VMF-214, otherwise known as the "Black
Sheep". Another well-known figure was U.S. Army Major General
'Clarence L. Tinker (Osage), for whom Tinker Air Force Base in
Oklahoma City, OK, was named.
Native Americans have fought for the government in every American
war in which American soldiers participated. Several of those wars
occurred before Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 that
finally granted United States citizenship to Native Americans. For
instance, in 1898, Indians were recruited by Teddy Roosevelt's Rough
Riders during the Spanish American War. Many rode with the Rough
Riders in the famous charge at San Juan Hill. During World War 1.
nearly 12,000 Native Americans joined the U.S. Armed Forces and as
in all previous conflicts, their tenacity in battle was unsurpassed. World
War 11 saw Native American participation swell to nearly 25,000.
These men and women served their country well and were honored with
71 Air Medals, 51 Silver Stars, 47 Bronze Stars, 34 Distinguished Flying
Crosses, and 6 Medals of Honor. Native American zeal to serve was so
great that, according to Arm officials, the draft would not have been
necessary if the country's entire population had enlisted in the same
proportions as did Native Americans. This patriotism, loyalty, and valor
came despite the promises of the German propaganda machine to return
expropriated lands in exchange for Native American allegiance.
Other heroes were the Navajo codetalkers who were credited with
helping to send in messages that the enemies could not break. An Indian
joke is that Dine, or the Navajo people, have a slang way of speaking
English that they call "Joe" talk. Charlie Hill, who is an Oneida
comedian, teases them and says that they were speaking this "Joe" talk
and the enemy still couldn't understand them. Even Navajos thinks this
is funny. He says it like this: "The Navajos were real war heroes. They
had Code Talkers during World War 11 that helped win the War because
the enemy could not understand them and they were speaking English!"
What most people fail to realize is that there were other tribes that used
their languages as code talk as well.
During the Korean War, it was estimated that between 10,000 and
15,000 Native Americans saw action. Included in these numbers is Ben
"Nighthorse" Campbell, served as a USAF Security Policeman near
Pusan, Korea, and who still serves his country as a United States Senator
for Colorado. During the Korean War, three Native
Americans earned the Congressional Medal of Honor.
As with every preceding conflict there was strong Native American
participation in the Vietnam War. Approximately 42,500 Native
Americans served in the armed forces from 1965 to 1975. There are
scores of unsung heroes from the conflict in Southeast Asia, including
Native Americans.
J -M
Eddie Hatcher to remain
in Robeson County Jail
Judge Frank Floyd approved Eddie Hatcher's request to be housed in the Robeson County Jail on Monday
while he is awaiting trial for murder and assault. Hatcher has been housed in Central Prison since his arrest for
the murder of Brian McMillan on May 31.1999. McMillan was shot and killed in his home near Maxton. Amilia
Chavis was also wounded in that shooting. Hatcher is awaiting trial on that charge as well as charges of shooting
into an occupied dwelling, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, assault with a deadly weapon
with intent to kill and first degree murder. District Attorney Johnson Brit has said he will seek the death penalty
in the first degree murder case.
Hatcher, acting as his own attorney. requested to be housed in the Robeson County Jail in order to have access
to a telephone, law library and defense witnesses. District Attorney Johnson Britt argued that Hatcher should
remain in Central Prison because he is HIV positive and needs to be near the medical facility.
Judge Floyd agreed with Hatcher and ruled that he would be housed in tfce Robeson Gwnty Jail. He"did state,
however, that Hatcher could be transferred back to Central Prison if he misbehaved in any way or if he became
in need of medical attention.
^J
Native Americans service members continue to serve as inspirational
leaders in ;the military. As of April, 1998, there were five Native
American general/flag officers on active duty- three with the Air Force
and two with the Navy. Modern day warriors like Rear Admiral Michael
L. Holmes (Lumbee) of Pembroke, North Carolina. He serves as
Commander, Patrol Wings, U.S. Pacific Fleet/Commander, Task Force
Twelve. Others include Air Force Major General Susan L. Pamerlau
(Cherokee), Commander, Air Force Personnel Center, Randolf AFB?
Texas. She commands approximately 2,000 Air Force military, civilian,
and contract personnel. Air Force Brigadier General Wilbert D. Pearson
(Cherokee) is Director of Operations, Headquarters Air Force Materiel
Command, Wright-Patterson AFB. Air Force Major General George T.
Stringer (Cherokee/Choctaw) is Deputy Assistant Secretary (budget),
and Rear Admiral Leonard Vincent (Cherokee) who serves as Commandant
of the Defense Systems Management College in Fort Belvoir,
Virginia.' No discussion of great Native American military leaders
would be complete without mentioning Admiral Joseph J. "Jocko" Clark
(Cherokee) who was the first Indian to graduate from the U.S. Naval
Academy. This great warrior served his country in both world wars and
received numerous decorations including the Navy Cross, the Distinguished
Service Medal (twice) and the Legion of Merit. He retired in
1953 after serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the Seventh Fleet.
From the Revolutionary War to Bosnia, from the Navajo code talkers
of World War 11 fame to various jobs found in America's modem force.
Native Americans have proudly worn the uniform of Soldiers, Sailors,
Airmen and Marines, both officer and enlisted and served this country
honorably. These are but a few of the modem Native American warriors
and while the images of the past may not be forgotten, the facts of the
present carrot he mo red. Some of fhcsemen have earned our nation's
highest honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, and many have given
our country their ultimate sacrifice along side many other Americans, their
lives.
Today, there are not many American Indians in uniform, only .7 enlisted
and .5 officer of the total force. These numbers can be misleading until you
look at the totSI population of American Indians. Let's not forget that the
percentage of people who serve their country among Native Americans
is at 10%, (Spero M. Manson, PhD, "The Matsunaga Study", VHA EEO
National Native American Training Conference in Lowell, Massachusetts,
Sept. 1999). Comparing this to other races, which were just under
3% of their population, means that 3 times as many Native Americans have
served in the Armed Forces per capita and currently half of the American
Indian population is under 21 years old (Mr. James Floyd, VAMC, Salt
Lake City, UT.). Those few of us who do remain in uniform are honored
that our nation recognizes the contributions of our people. "Native
American Heritage Month" is but one opportunity to say thank you to all
who have made it possible for all Americans to remain free. Raymond
Nakai, a former Navajo Code T alker, said it best when he stated his feelings
about Native American participation in World War 11: "Many people ask
why we fight the White man's war. Our answer is that we are proud to be
Americans. We always stand ready when our country needs us."
.web
(NAPS)?For facts about the
lead-acid battery industry, visit
Battery Council International's
site at www.batterycouncil.org.
Fragrances such as those from
Boss Hugo Boss is available at
www.jasmin.com, a new e-commerce
retailer specializing in fine
fragrances.
For information about new
devices that let people send and
receive e-mail by plugging into
virtually any telephone jack, call
1-888-GO-VTECH or visit the
website at www.vtechworld.com.
SurvivalGear.com, at www.sur
vivalgear.com, offers useful products
and advice to help families get
safely through a natural disaster.
For facts about HomMed LLC,
a leader in home monitoring for
disease management, visit the
site at www.hommed.com or call
888-353-5440.
All The Tech You Need To Know To Keep Your Business On The Go
(NAPS)?In small business,
where every decision stands to
make or break your competitive
edge (and your pocketbook) it is
easy to agonize over the best technology
choices for your company
network. Agonize no more?for a
new Web site is here to make it
much easier.
With an annual average technology
spending growth of 8.4 percent
per year, the unique challenges
faced by America's 24
million small business owners
inspired the creation of the
Hewlett-Packard HP Small Business
Technology Resource Center
Web site (http://www.hp.com/
go/smbl).
The site is designed to provide
businesses with convenient access
to the information they need to
consider, purchase, implement,
and receive ongoing support for
vital office technology. The site
provides small business owners
access to a broad array of business-building
advice and technology
solutions. This is a benefit to
those who are not familiar with
the technology available to help
make their busjness successful.
The site also provides answers
to specific technology questions
and can be used to save time and
money whenever you encounter
situations similar to these:
Should we put modems in
each computer or is there a
less expensive way to give
everyone Internet access?
Customers can e-mail their trickiest
technology questions and they
will be answered by someone
experienced in IT consulting to
small, and growing, businesses.
My phone and fax costs
are out of this world. How can
I make them more manageable?
Customers can receive tips
and advice on a variety of topics
affecting small businesses through
articles written by small business
experts.
I'm in the market to buy
a large file server. Where can
I get one and how much
should I expect to pay? Customers
can go to the site and find
a reseller near them that sells a
specific product, such as an HP
NetServer and identify resellers
who are qualified to provide support.
Customers can read examples
of how other customers have
used this type of service.
One of my friends went
out of business when his system
crashed and he lost all of
his customer data! How can I
avoid this from happening to
me? The Web site provides links to
information about HP products
that can minimize this kind of risk
and help you sleep at night.
I need to purchase a new
color laser jet printer for 10 of
my employees. What is the
optimal way to finance an
ord^r like this? Advice on how to
cost-effectively finance purchases
like this may be found at the site.
I'm in the accounting
business, what applications
are particularly suitable to my
technology environment? The
site provides specific advice on
software applications that are
optimal for different professions,
while also showcasing examples of
other businesses that have successfully
implemented technology
and the benefits they have garnered
from using it.
I'm tied to my desk all day
and I just need to buy a toner
cartridge. Many products necessary
to complete a day's work may
be purchased online from HP. The
site also offers information on the
latest products and special promotions.
I'm all alone in this small
business world. There are many
small business people out there
who are experiencing similar challenges
and have similar questions
when it comes to successfully
growing their businesses. The site
gathers this small business community,
enabling customers to
benefit from one another's questions,
while providing a convenient,
one-stop source tips and
technology advice.
For information designed
specifically for the small business
owner, visit HPs new web site at
www.hp.com/go/smbl.
A new web site can be used to
save time and money by finding
technology solutions to your
specific business needs.
Benefit singing
planned Jan. 15
The Native American Gospel Singers
and Rev. Montana Locklear will
sponsor a Cancer Benefit Singing on
Saturday, January 15,2000at 7:00 P M
at the Bill Sapp Center, 1100 N. Cedar
Street, Lumberton, NC. Tickets to be
PRPcat n d00r' Adul,s 55 and kids
?rE , . Pr?ceeds to benefit a sixteen
year old cancer victim.
There will be featured music artists
such as New Grace, The Native American
Gospel Singers, Dovie and the
Purehearts, Anita Southerland MinisGetaway!6
day/two
Lupus Support Group
to meet January 20th
The Lupus Support Group will
meet Thursday Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. in
the Cardinal and Hatteras Rooms
of the Village Drive Education
Center of Cape Fear Valley Health
System, located at 3418 Village
Drive.
The group meets on the third
Thursday of the month at the same
time and location. Those with
lupus, and their family members or
other loved ones, are invited to
attend. For more information,
P'ease contact Regina Benson at
897-6296.
Renal Support Group
meets first Thursday
The Renal Support Group meets
on the first Tuesday of each month.
Patients, family and friends of those
with renal disorders' as well as those
interested are welcome to attend.
The next meeting will be Tuesray:
,an- 4, in the Observation Unit
Waiting Room on the third floor of
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.
For more information, please
call 609-L/NK (5465).
Transplant Support
Group to meet
The Transplant Support Group
will meet on Thursday, Feb. 10 at
11:30 a.m. in the Rehab Classroom
at Southeastern Regional Rehabilitation
Center, located directly behind
Cape Fear Valley Medical
Center.
The group meets on the second
Thursdays of each month at the
same time and location. For more
information, please contact Jim
DePree at 609-6030.
Cancer Support
Group to meet
r*nlhe Cancer SuPP?rt Group, for
cancer patients and their families
meets on the second Thursday of
each month. The next meeting is
Thursday Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. in'the
BE,.? .Southeastern Regional
Rehabihtanon Center, located be'
Cente?^ Va',ey Medical
tenter. For more information
Please call 609-LINK (5465). '
Pid You Know?
(NAPS)?A new dryer sheet,
called Downy Premium Care,
helps reduce wrinkles so clothes
can be ready-to-wear straight
from the dryer.
The environmentally-friendly
Mercury Mountaineer is certified
as ?Low Emissions Vehicle
(LEV)?emitting about half the
pollutants of mpst cars on the
road today?in both its V-6 and V8
engines.
A Senior Research Scientist at
Yale University discovered a
unique ingredient that naturally
adds color to any skin type. The
lotion, called Melasyn Instant Tan
with SPF 15, is available via a toll
free numbpr, 888-322-1335 and
the World Wide Web at www.
melasyncosmetics.com.