HONORING OUR VETERANS
By Harrison J. Bahe
The Yavapai News | hjbahe@fmyn.org | (480) 789 – 7124
On November 11, 2025, community members of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation gathered at the Fort McDowell Cemetery to honor military veterans, a ceremony that also coincided with the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
General Manager Calvin Pilcher opened the event by welcoming attendees and expressing gratitude for their presence. He then introduced Vice President Paul Russell, who offered an opening prayer. President Sandra Pattea followed with remarks recognizing the significance of Veterans Day.
“We’re here to thank those who continue to protect our freedom, honoring all who served,” President Pattea said. “The purpose of today is to honor all those who’ve served in the U.S. Armed Forces, celebrating their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice. It is a day to pay respects to all veterans, both living and deceased, and to express gratitude for their service.”
President Pattea then acknowledged the veterans in attendance, who stood and offered humble waves and proud smiles. A flag-raising ceremony followed, with Fort McDowell veterans hoisting the American flag atop the cemetery flagpoles, beneath which stands a memorial wall honoring those who have passed on.
Miss Fort McDowell Dexwarena Ponciano Wathogoma delivered brief remarks thanking veterans for their dedicated service to the United States. Miss Junior Fort McDowell Millie Rose Duenas-Nelson also thanked the community for attending and emphasized the importance of remembering and supporting all who served. Miss Pai Woman Wendy Thomas concluded with a heartfelt message:
“Your bravery and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. You inspire the world with your courage and strength, and you are loved by our country.”
Derek Jones shared reflections from his own service, describing the transformation he experienced during training alongside strangers from all walks of life, people of different backgrounds, abilities, and fears, who became a unified team over 84 days. Jones paid special tribute to his late father, Vietnam veteran Tom Jones, who never missed a Veterans Day ceremony and who, he said, would have been proud to see the strong turnout after years of declining attendance.
Former President Raphael Bear also addressed the crowd, acknowledging the oldest names on the memorial wall, early enlistees and Yavapai scouts who assisted the U.S. military. After sharing humorous memories from his time in the Marine Corps, he closed by encouraging continued support for veterans: “Thank you for being here. I encourage you all to continue serving and helping the veterans in any way you can. Continue to honor the veterans.”
Wendy Thomas then sang a traditional Yavapai honor song, after which President Pattea and Tribal Royalty placed wreaths at the memorial wall. Attendees were invited to place small American flags on the graves of loved ones who served, and children from the Fort McDowell Presbyterian Church contributed handmade decorative notes for placement on the graves.
In alignment with the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, this year’s Veterans Day event drew a large and heartfelt turnout. The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation proudly joined the rest of the country in honoring those who served courageously in defense of peace and freedom. Thank you, veterans, for your service.
