Comanche princess on mission for active-duty military families

The Comanche Indian Veterans Association (CIVA) princess is on a mission.

You could even call it a duty.

Since beginning her reign as the 2024-2025 CIVA Princess, Clara Yazzie has been working on recognizing the Comanche Blue Star families. She said there’s a personal reason for her mission.

“My father is now retired, but I still have an uncle on active duty and this project is a way for me to honor both of them,” she said. “The goal is to reach as many Comanche families with active-duty service members as possible.”

Clara is working to send service flags in support of all Comanche active-duty military families.

“When it was announced that I would represent this prestigious Comanche organization, I decided early on that I would do as many community events and projects that honored our warriors as possible,” she said. “These flags will be presented at no cost to the families and is a way for me to express my gratitude for their service members sacrifice in serving our country.”

The service flags were first authorized during World Wars I and II by the Department of Defense. They are to be displayed by families who have immediate family members serving in the Armed Forces.

Clara said the Comanche flag has a blue star for each family member serving their country. The service flag is an indoor flag and should be flown facing out from the front window of your home.

“To show our patriotism, we proudly display these flags during times of war or hostility,” she said. “Seeing a flag always makes me remember just how much not only the service member, but their families as well sacrifice while they are on active duty.”

For those wishing to assist Clara in making this mission succeed, they can email her at [email protected]; or contact her mother, Roxie (Kerchee) Yazzi at 253-298-9931.

The deadline to assist with this project is Sept. 1.

Being selected to represent the CIVA means a lot, Clara said.

“Thank you all for allowing me to represent our Comanche warriors,” she said. “It is truly an honor.”