Comanche Nation Awards Lanny Asepermy with National Treasure
The Comanche Nation Fair kicked off on Friday, September 19. Events included an MMIP Walk to Remember on Tuesday, September 23, and a Warrior Run on Thursday, September 25, while campers prepared for the long weekend.
Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center showcased its exhibit on Friday, September 26, with horse riding closing out at the Comanche Nation Complex, just before the powwow.
Lanny Asepermy was named a National Treasure that evening, after grand entry.
“I've had many honors in my life in the military and then since I retired, and this probably rates as one of the top five honors I've ever received,” he said.
As for Asepermy’s military history…
“I went in the Army in March of 1966. I retired in October of 1990. I retired as a sergeant major,” he said. “I served a year in Vietnam as a tank commander and a scout section leader. I've served overseas in Germany for 39 months. I served in Korea for 31 months. I served in Hawaii for 16 months. I've served at Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Bliss, Texas, twice; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and I retired at Chula Army Depot in Utah. I had a good career. I enjoyed it. I probably met soldiers from every state in the Union and every race in the United States. And one thing about a soldier, most of us were willing to die for our freedom, bottom line, if we had to, most of us. Some of them went in for college money or this or that, but the majority of us were, that's what we were there for. So, I enjoyed my career, and if I was young enough, I'd go back, but I'm not.”
Asepermy said there are many Comanches who could have received the honor.
“I happen to be the one they selected for this honor, but this honor represents the 1,000,” he said. “I am representing 1,312 Comanche veterans who have served since 1883.”
Still, the Comanche Nation Business Committee examined Asepermy’s work to help all veterans, including Comanche, Native, and non-Native individuals, receive the care they need. Asepermy has also been injured.
“I’m 79 years old now. I've got some physical issues. I can't stand very long. I can't walk very far. These are called from neuropathy, Agent Orange Vietnam,” he said. “I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing to honor our veterans until I'm not able to anymore. So, I've been doing with my military time, and my time with the War Scouts and the CIVA; it's encompassed 58 and a half years of my life. So that's the way it is.”
Asepermy dedicated the award to Comanche veterans and those who served in World War II, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Accept this honor on behalf of four of my very good friends who were my mentors,” he said. “Master Sgt. Albert Clark, Jr., a Korean and Vietnam War veteran. Specialist Five Joseph Plata, a Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient and decorated for heroism. Capt. Ron Parker, awarded the Bronze Star with valor device. And Staff Sgt. George Riddell, who was awarded the Silver Star. They're all deceased, and I miss them very much.”
Asepermy said the award is not for him, but for the veterans.
“It's a great honor, but like I say, it's for them, not for me,” he said. “I will have recognition, but the recognition belongs to them. They are all national treasures.”
Asepermy said the honor wouldn’t have happened without his wife, Shelley, his 6 daughters, 16 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
