NAS Jax honors Native American culture

NAS Jacksonville's Sailors and civilians turned out in force for the event, which featured a Native American cultural display and speeches by NAS Jax Executive Officer Capt. Chuck Tamblyn and Guest Speaker Dr. Dewey ''Flying Eagle'' Painter.

Tamblyn spoke to the crowd about the Native Americans' long tradition of pride and patriotism. ''Their pride and patriotism has been an inspiration to all of us,'' he said. ''I'm honored to pay tribute to a group of people that has so deeply enriched the fabric of our nation.''

After Tamblyn finished with his remarks, YN1 Danyell Rowland, the event's master of ceremonies, introduced the guest speaker.

NAS Jacksonville Multi-Cultural Awareness Committee Member Glenn Mebane sings the national anthem during the Native American Heritage Month Observance.

Dr. Dewey ''Flying Eagle'' Painter serves as the president of Mission Harvest America, a non-profit humanitarian aid organization located in Jack-sonville in addition to serving as the executive vice president of Coral Ridge Baptist Univer-sity and vice president of Angel Aid, a hospice program for children. He also presides over a number of regional organizations dedicated to Native American causes such as the North Florida Elder Council for Native Americans and the Florida District of the National Native Americans Veterans Association. Painter joined the Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air patrol in 1998 and currently serves as the unit's command chaplain.

YN2(SCW) Chrishinda Dobbs looks at the collection of Native American cultural items on display during the Native American Heritage Month Observance Nov. 16.

He encouraged the members in attendance to explore and experience the Native American culture in Northeast Florida. ''There are tribes all throughout Northeast Florida that can be explored,'' Painter said. ''If any of you have Native American ancestors, all you have to do is find out which tribe you're from and get in touch with them. They will help you get in touch with your culture. Everyone, especially Native Ameri-cans, should desperately try to retain what is left of his or her culture. It's up to you to pass it along to the next generation.''

At the conclusion of the observance, many of the attendees stayed behind to view the Native American cultural display the MCAC set up. YN2(SCW) Chrish-inda Dobbs was impressed with Painter's speech and the cultural display. ''The display was very elegant and the guest speaker was amazing,'' Dobbs stated. ''I want to visit one of the local tribes and see if I can participate in a Pow-Wow.''

For more information on Native American heritage, visit www.500nations.com.