"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokees Honor Veteran Josiah Hair

"**Josiah Hair receives a Cherokee Warrior medal from Deputy Principal Chief Joe Grayson, Jr.**"

MOORE, OK - The Cherokee Nation recently honored Josiah Hair, a veteran and Cherokee citizen during the September Tribal Council meeting. Before entering the military, Hair is originally from Tahlequah and now lives in Moore, Oklahoma.

“We appreciate the dedication and commitment our military men and women have provided to our tribe and our country,” said Joe Grayson, Jr., Deputy Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “It is important to recognize these individuals for their allegiance to the Cherokee Nation, our country and citizens. I commend Mr. Hair for the service that he has provided to us all and congratulate him for his military accomplishments.”

Josiah Hair was born in 1961 to Jim and Mary Hair in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Hair enlisted in the United States Navy in 1981 as an Aviation Electrician’s mate. Hair’s first duty assignment was at NAS North Island in San Diego, California where he worked on SH-3 Sea-King Helicopters. In 1984, Hair was promoted to Petty Officer 2nd class and transferred to VA-165 at NAS Whidbey Island in Washington. Hair was deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean in 1985. During a World Cruise in 1987, Hair’s ship was involved with a crisis with Iraq for 104 days at sea. After the conflict, a Navy Expeditionary Medal was awarded to the ship and crew. Hair was honorably discharged in August of 1987. During his military career, he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, a Navy Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, a Battle E Ribbon and a Meritorious Unit Citation. Today, Hair works at Tinker Air Force Base as a Civil Service Aircraft Electrician and is actively involved with the Indian community in and around the Oklahoma City area. He resides with his wife Valeria and their daughter who plans to enlist in the Navy.

“What can I say? Thank you. I am very proud of my service to this country. My father was a Marine, but I chose to serve in the Navy. Now my daughter wants to follow in my footsteps and enlist in the Navy after she graduates next year. I am proud that she is carrying on a tradition,” said Hair.

“It is a privilege to honor our Cherokee citizens for the commitment and dedication that they provide to our government and to the United States. These men and women sacrifice more than most of us will ever know for our freedoms and safety,” said Grayson.

If you know a veteran who is a Cherokee citizen and would like them to be recognized by the Cherokee Nation, please contact Paulette Thomas, phone: 918-453-5541.