Tony White Thunder, Head Veteran

We asked Tony to tell us a bit about himself. He graciously answered:

"I'm enrolled at Pine Ridge, SD, Oglala Sioux Tribe. U.S. Navy ,Vietnam Era 1974-1977- honorable discharge. I served as a draftsman & electronics tech. in an Ops. division. I drew site maps for our bomb/fighter squadrons aboard the U.S.S. Ranger CV-61. We were running flight ops. during the embassy evacuation in ' 75, we remained on station at sea for one hundred days. That's it. I have no combat experience. I had a very small part in the big machine. If you feel someone else may be better qualified I'll understand.

  I am currently living and serving the Native American community as lay preacher in the Phoenix, AZ area. I have an Associate's degree in Pastoral Studies from Charles Cook College which has a ninety-five year history of service to Native Americans in Arizona. And from which I received their 2006 Ambassador Award. I am also a student at Rio Salado Community College working on completion of a degree in Chemical Dependency and carrying an 'A' average. I have 15 yrs. sobriety. I work two part-time jobs, security and lawn maintenance.

I am involved in Native American events; powwows, parades, arts & crafts shows. I have been Master of Ceremonies for weddings, veterans honorings and cultural/educational exhibitions. I am also a member of the Ira H. Hayes, American Legion Post # 84 in Sacaton AZ. I serve on the executive committee and have recently participated in a course for service officer representative.

I am a Northern Plains Traditional Dancer ( I don't contest, I dance for the people and not for the $.) I have also sundanced and been on vision quest for four years. And I recently became an honorary Gourd Dancer. I have and continue to mentor youth in Northern Traditional dance/art and spirituality. I am also a silversmith and have worked for our tribal Voc. Rehab teaching the basics of silversmithing. And I do my own beadwork!! (and others). I love to powwow, learn good/bad jokes, make new friends and drink lots of coffee!! I've been an x-husband, x- trucker, x-junkie/alcoholic, and x-offender. I love God, my country, Indian people and my bros & sis -in-arms!! Thank U for Your time & consideration.