Cherokee Nation honors two veterans in March

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - The Cherokee Nation honored two Cherokee veterans with the Medal of Patriotism during the March meeting of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.

Bobby Gene Grigg Jr. of Wood River, Illinois and Philip Eugene Grigg of Vinita and Chelsea, Oklahoma were recognized by Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner and Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, acknowledging their service and sacrifice to the country.

Grigg joined the United States Navy on June 13, 1972, at the Armed Forces Examination and Entrance Station in Louisville, Kentucky. He was ranked as a Seaman Storekeeper Submariner. During his service, Grigg was assigned to the USS Philadelphia.

He was transferred to the Naval Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut and later transferred to the Naval Reserves. He was Honorably Discharged on May 16, 1976 and has received the National Defense Service Medal.

"Thank you for this recognition, and thank you to the people in uniform," Grigg said at the ceremony.

Bobby's brother, John Grigg, accepted a posthumous Medal of Patriotism for their eldest brother, Philip Eugene Grigg.

"Philip would be honored to be here today," said John Grigg. "He was a proud Cherokee citizen, along with my brother and myself. We wish he was here."

Philip Eugene Grigg entered the United States Army on March 28, 1968. After completing Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was sent to Camp Vayama, Thailand as a convoy driver. He transported parts and supplies to bases at U-Tapao, Nakhong Phanom, Undorn, Korat and many other bases.

After recovering from a service-related injury, Grigg returned to Thailand and finished his tour. After his deployment, he completed his service at the Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri training recruits until he was Honorably Discharged on March 26, 1971.

Like his brother, Grigg received the National Defense Service Medal, as well as the Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Each month, the Cherokee Nation recognizes Cherokee service men and women for their sacrifices as a way to demonstrate the high regards in which all veterans are held by the tribe.

Native Americans, including Cherokees, are thought to have more citizens serve per capita than any other ethnic group, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

To nominate a veteran who is a Cherokee Nation citizen, call 918-772-4166.