Nation honors CNY veterans

VERONA, N.Y. >> The Oneida Indian Nation hosted its 18th annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony and breakfast this past Saturday, Nov. 3 in honor of Veterans Day. Known as America’s First Allies, the Oneida Indian Nation has a legacy of supporting the United States military and honors Central New York veterans and active service men and women of the military in many ways throughout the year.

More than 400 local veterans and active service members were in attendance. Colonel Kenneth Dean Harrison, United States Army Fort Drum Garrison Commander, spoke about Fort Drum’s continued efforts to boost community interaction and involvement, highlighting the importance of its continued collaboration with the Oneida Nation, which he credits for jumpstarting the Fort’s outreach efforts.

“We’re working hard to open the gates of Ft. Drum to the community,” Harrison said. “This friendship and cooperation with the Oneida Nation is a treasure.”

Preceding Harrison’s keynote address, Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter, an Army veteran and chair of the New York State Assembly Subcommittee on Women Veterans, addressed the group. An Upstate New York native, Hunter serves the 128th Assembly District, which includes parts of the city of Syracuse.

Hunter addressed her continued efforts in the New York

State Assembly to fight for additional resources for the state’s veterans. As the only female veteran in the state Legislature, she says it’s incumbent on all citizens to honor the men and women in the military. She also highlighted a recent bill that makes it easier for individuals to get into civil service and said she works every day to ensure veterans have every opportunity to succeed.

U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force veteran and Oneida Nation Wolf Clan Councilmember Keller George presented Harrison and Hunter with a friendship feather and a copy of the book, “Forgotten Allies,” which details the Oneida Nation’s history as the country’s First Allies.

During Saturday’s event, the Oneida Nation Foundation also donated $1,000 to Feed Our Vets, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing fully- stocked food pantries for veterans in need.