It is humbling to hear the actions taking place overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, with our men and women who serve in the military constantly in danger. The things we are able to do for them to show our appreciation are but a drop in the bucket compared to the sacrifices given.

The tribe continues to send care packages to the active military serving in the War Against Terrorism. We encourage you to send any eligible soldiers names and addresses to our Veterans Advocacy Department to be included in these mailings. If they are Choctaw or a friend of a Choctaw, the Choctaw Nation would like to honor them through the gift of a care package.

The Choctaw Nation has also been an official drop-off site for Cell Phones for Soldiers since May 2008. Thanks to the generosity of tribal members, staff and friends, the tribe has been able to send 1,000 old cell phones and accessories to benefit our troops overseas.

Cell Phones for Soldiers sells the donated items for recycling and in turn provides phone cards for soldiers abroad. Drop-off boxes are located in Durant in the lobby of the Choctaw Nation headquarters, 16th and Locust. Donations may also be dropped off or mailed to the Veterans Advocacy Office, 324 N. Washington, Durant, OK 74701.

In addition to the care packages and cell phones, there are many ways that individuals pay tribute to our soldiers. Just recently, an employee told me of her 19-year-old niece who was sitting in an airport dressed in her Army MP fatigues, eating at Burger King while she waited on her flight. When someone sat down beside her and said Hello, Soldier, she was surprised to see it was Kevin Costner. He asked about her, her family, where she was being deployed when she was leaving, and thanked her for the service she was giving to her country. When this young lady boarded her plane, the flight attendant came to her and said, Miss, please come with me, you have been upgraded to first class. Although the attendant said she was not at liberty to confirm it, the young soldier knew that Kevin Costner had paid for the upgrade.

This is just one story of an individual showing appreciation in a manner which they were capable of. Individuals at Choctaw Nation showing appreciation to the National Guard and Reserves is what led to our tribe receiving the 2008 United States Freedom Award. I would enjoy hearing other stories of soldiers who have had unique exhibits of tribute for their service. Please share those stories with me and my office.

May God bless you and your family, and may God bless our military, past and present.