Kiowa Comanche Apache lands recognized as a Purple Heart Reservation

Saturday marked a significant moment outside the Kiowa, Comanche, Apache (KCA) Land Use Committee offices, one that had been a long time coming.

With the KCA lands being recognized by the Military Order of the Purple Heart as a Purple Heart Reservation, it marks an important inclusion for Native Americans.

KCA Veterans Association Commander Kristopher Killsfirst said this day was “our time.”

“Today is the day we celebrate all warriors,” he said. “We’re going to dedicate the whole KCA reservation, even though they say they took it away.”

Killsfirst noted the vastness of Southwest Oklahoma that was KCA reservation lands. There are still significant land holdings the tribes retain. And in all that land, a large number of Native Americans have served and sacrificed in the military in order to protect it.

With the color guard readying to present the flags of the nation, of each tribe and branch of the military and those prisoners of war and missing in action, Killsfirst said Native Americans are unique.

“Our warriors go to war under two flags,” he said, “the national flag and their tribal flag.”

With the proclamation naming the KCA lands as a Purple Heart Reservation made by Apache Chairman Durrell Cooper, Comanche Business Committeeman No. 4 Jordan Fox and concluding with Kiowa Chairman Lawrence SpottedBird, KCA Land Use Committee Executive Director Yolanda Ramos spoke of being the mother of two sons who serve.

“This was always up to me to make this happen,” she said, “and very important to do this for our vets.”

The son of a father who was a prisoner of war during the Bataan Death March, National American Indian Veterans Association Region 5 Commander Michael Coon said there will be federal recognition coming soon from Congress for Native American veterans to be recognized with their own charter. There will be a ceremony at noon March 14 in Washington, D.C., and, he said, the Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society will serve as color guards.

“This is the time coming for Native Americans to be honored,” he said.

Cooper said the story of the Purple Heart should be taught to everyone, especially in Indian Country. With the smallest ethnic numbers in the nation, it’s well known that Native Americans serve at the highest percentage, he said.

One of those who served, along with his three brothers, is retired USMC Lance Corporal Kenneth Lookingglass. The Marine Corps was a family tradition shared between the brothers. Purple Hearts are one he shared with his younger brother, Leroy.

The two Lookingglass brothers served two tours in Vietnam during the 1960s. Both would earn the right to wear the purple and gold medal adorned with the image of the award’s founder, President George Washington, through their time in combat.

Another brother served earlier and was severely injured during a parachute mission gone wrong in California. The oldest brother served in the Korean War and then in California where he was subjected to nuclear warhead tests. He died much later from radiation poisoning, Lookingglass said.

His uncle was killed in action in 1951 in the Korean War. The loss of her brother hit his mother.

“My mother became a ghost of my mother,” he said.

When the two sons were injured during the Vietnam war, Lookingglass said she took him and his brother to powwows and made sure they were honored for their service and sacrifice. He appreciates surviving through those traditions.

“It’s just a blessing to be here,” he said. “I’m still fighting Agent Orange. I look fine, though; I’m healthy.”

Representing the Mount Scott Chapter 602 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, retired USMC Staff Sgt. Bruce Dwyer, appreciated the day’s stories. He’d been in the boots of these fellow veterans. He’d spent time recovering from the battlefield. And he recognizes that all who serve and support are family.

“I am overwhelmed with the beauty of this day,” he said.