Force 50 Foundation

Honoring the Oklahoma Native American Warrior

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The Native American Warrior Project

The Project

The Oklahoma Philharmonic is shown enthusiastically performing.

Native American Melodies performed by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic

The Concert

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$25 Community Warrior Challenge

The Challenge

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The Project

HONORING A CULTURE AND HISTORY OF SERVICE

Our great state is long past due in celebrating this special group of Oklahomans. These warriors are patriots deserving of recognition and should be considered a source of pride to all Oklahomans. Native Americans have served in every major military conflict since the Revolutionary War. In the 20th century, more than 12,000 Native Americans served in World War I, and 10,000 Native women joined the Red Cross. During World War II, over 44,000 Native Americans served, including nearly 800 women.

Since 9/11, Native Americans have served at a higher per-capita rate than any other ethnic group. While their reasons for serving are as diverse as their tribal affiliations, many cite their desire to follow in the footsteps of family members and the cultural value placed on patriotism, duty, and Warrior traditions.

Download the Project Information Booklet

PROJECT GOALS

  • NATIVE AMERICAN WARRIOR MONUMENT AT THE STATE CAPITOL

    Our major goal is to fund and dedicate a permanent monument at the newly created Veterans Memorial Park on the grounds of the State Capitol honoring the courage and sacrifice of the Oklahoma Native American Warrior.

  • COMMEMORATIVE BOOK

    Develop and publish a commemorative book honoring Native American warriors including submissions from all 39 Oklahoma Tribal Nations

  • HONORING EVENTS

    Conduct a series of special events in November of 2024 and beyond celebrating Native American veterans.

The Team

  • Coach Barry Switzer

    , Honorary Chairman

  • The Honorable George Nigh, Governor of Oklahoma (1979-1986)

    , Special Advisor

  • THE HONORABLE BILL ANOATUBBY, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation

    , Special Advisor

Project Steering Committee

These committee members will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of the promotional plan, event activities and monument design.

  • Co-Chairperson Debbie Lindsey
  • Co-Chairperson Nathan Hart
  • Project Coordinator Pete Reed
  • Rita Aragon, MG (ret)
    Former Cabinet Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs
  • Myles Deering, MG {ret}
    Former Adjutant General, Former Director, Dept of Veterans Affairs
  • Jeff Dismukes
    Media Advisor
  • Pat Hall
    Strategic Advisor
  • Brent Hart
    Executive Director, Oklahoma City Philharmonic
  • Rich Hess
    Chairman, Force 50 Foundation
  • Senator Shane Jett
    Senate Legislative Advisor
  • Duane Mass, AIA
  • Joe Mathis
    of RumbleDrum, Event Coordinator
  • State Representative Mark McBride
    Project Advisor
  • Scott Mitchell
    Media Advisor
  • Amber Sharples
    Monument Advisory
  • Karen Vahlberg BSN, RN
    Project Advisor
  • Collin Walke
    Legal Advisor
  • Todd Wade
    of RumbleDrum, Event Coordinator
  • State Representative Josh West
    House Legislative Advisor
  • Mark Woommavovah
    Past Chairman Comanche Nation

  • HB4012 AN ACT

    An Act relating to the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority; providing for allocation of funds from the Legacy Capital Financing Fund for purposes of constructing the State Capitol Arch. designating parcel of real property for purposes of construction; authorizing contract for design and construction. This parcel of land will include the Native American Warrior monument and be known as the Oklahoma Veterans Plaza which will be dedicated to every Oklahoma Warrior. READ THE FULL ACT

  • RESOLUTION HR 1026

    A resolution culminating a permanent monument at the State Capitol. READ THE FULL RESOLUTION

  • RESOLUTION SCR22

    November 23, 2024 proclaimed as Oklahoma Native American Warrior Day. READ THE FULL RESOLUTION

  • Become a Major Donor: Join the Oklahoma Warriors

    Leave a legacy for generations. This project is the first of its kind and presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to join the Force 50 Foundation in saluting Warriors from all thirty-nine tribal nations in Oklahoma. Your tax-deductible donation will make this Project a reality. Become a part of history by becoming a member of the OKLAHOMA WARRIORS! Become a Major Donor

  • OKC Philharmonic: Native American Melodies

    Join us for the Governor George Nigh Lifetime Achievement Award presentation and a live performance from the Philharmonic honoring Native American Composers at the Riverwind Showplace Theater in Norman, Oklahoma. Date and time: November 22, 2024 at 7 pm. Everyone is invited to join us! Join Us