Comanche Indian Veterans Association Honors Veterans at Powwow

Comanche Indian Veterans Association (CIVA) held a Veterans’ Day powwow on Tuesday, November 11, at Watchetaker Hall.

Combat veterans were inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Honor, including Sgt. Leander Ekwaudah, Sgt. Richard Sapcutt and Lance Cpl. Stefano Ruiz.   

CIVA Commander Roger Tehauno said they wanted to bring them up so people would know what they did.

“I know I had some of the old folks…talk about the World War II veterans…if they didn't do what they did, we might all be speaking German…and it's just the honoring is just part of what we, the respect we have for our elder men,” he said. “And I've read a lot of stories about…some of the old warriors and what have you, and it's inspiring…it makes you want to do the same thing.”

Tehauno said without veterans, the people of the United States may not be free today.

“The idea of thinking about all those guys getting off them boats, trying to make it to shore...with no cover, no trees to hide behind or nothing, and how they did it is beyond me, but they did it for us,” he said.

The organization went on a trip to Normandy, France.

“I know when I come home at the San Francisco International Airport, we were booed, we were called names, and it was a very, very depressing situation…but it wasn't just myself, it was all the military guys that was coming home from overseas…we getting home from Vietnam, and they gave it to us,” Tehauno said. “But the only ones that were showed us honor and showed us respect was our native people. When I came home, my uncle had a dance for me, and not only myself, it happened to, but other veterans...and we really appreciate that, but it was a down feeling...it made you wonder sometimes why you went in there and done what we did, and come home and get booed…but the natives, they built us up…helped us, and that's why I want to come here today. Should do the same thing…to the veterans that was here before.”

He said it feels good to be a veteran himself.

“We honor them, and it's a good feeling…knowing what they did and come home. It's the main thing is getting back home, and they were all three...in different wars,” Tehauno said. “And we know how they feel...it's sometimes scary...but yet...you can change your fate, do what you got to do, what you're trained to do, while they train you to stay alive, and so that's the main reason we honor them is just to...let them know we appreciate...what they did...and we respect and honor them.”

CIVA’s next event will be the Armed Forces Day Banquet. The organization is active throughout the year at community events.

Tehauno wanted to wish all veterans appreciation and respect for all they have done.