Navajo medal for vets tabled

By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Navajo Nation Council tabled legislation Friday to approve the policy and procedures for the nomination process, review and award of the Diné Nation Medal of Honor for veterans.

The Council did passed legislation to authorize the demolition of the police headquarters in Chinle and the condemned detention center in Tuba City on the last day of the Council’s summer session.

The Diné Nation Medal of Honor policy and procedures were tabled to the fall session to get more input from Navajo veterans. Tachee/Blue Gap/Whippoorwill delegate Tom Lapahe noted that a Navajo Nationwide veteran conference will be held soon in remarks making the motion to table.An amendment was proposed to change the name of the award to the Medal of Valor due to legal considerations of using the term “Medal of Honor.” In a memorandum to Morgan, Council attorney Tamsen L. Holm pointed out that, “‘the Diné Nation Medal of Honor’ cannot copy, imitate or purport to be connected in any way to the military medals or decorations authorized by Congress for the armed forces of the United States, or any of the service medal or badges awarded to the members of such forces ... without exposure to potential criminal penalties involving fines or imprisonment, or both.”

Jerry Bode, Sanostee, said even though he is a six-year veteran and served two tours in Vietnam, he still doesn’t deserve the medal of honor.

“The medal of honor is for a person that physically individually put his life in the danger zone in saving others other than himself,” Bodie said.

He added that veterans want to see more services instead.

“They want to see something that is tangible. They want housing. They want a better service,” he said.

In Holm’s memorandum, she also stated that the term used in the legislation — “Diné Nation” — may be problematic since “Navajo Nation” has been mandated as the phrase to use to describe the lands and people of the Navajo Nation.
In the memo, Holm also wrote that legally, Morgan is not required to obtain input from veterans’ organizations. “While they may be reputable organizations comprised of honorable and distinguished individuals, veterans organizations are not official entities of the Navajo Nation government with legal authority to dictate or veto the policy decisions of the Navajo Nation Council ... Politically, however, the Speaker may want to consider input from veterans and the various veterans organizations regarding the veterans medallion as these are not only constituents of the Navajo Nation, but the intended recipients of the medallions.”

The proposed medal would be awarded to Navajo veterans honorably discharged from any of the armed forces of the United States for acts of heroism and courage risking their own lives above and beyond the call of duty, bravery and courage while in great personal risk, exceptional services which are clearly above and beyond the call of duty or for outstanding performance and exceptional achievements in the service of the armed forces.

According to the procedures attached to the legislation, the speaker of the Council would coordinate with the president and the chief justice when a chapter resolution to recognize a Navajo veteran for the medal is received. The nomination would include the certified chapter resolution, veteran’s name and Navajo census number and a copy of military discharge papers. The speaker would be responsible for reviewing each nomination.

The medal would be bestowed upon the recipient by the branch chiefs during a regular or special session of Council.

Demolition

On Friday, Council also authorized the demolition and removal of Tuba City Detention Center and the demolition of the Chinle District Police Headquarters. While Bodie had questions regarding the cost of the demolitions, Raymond Maxx, Coalmine Canyon/Toh Nanees Dizi, and Delores Grayeyes from the Dept. of Corrections said that they have applied for funding with several sources.

Maxx motioned to add the Tuba City Detention Center removal to the Chinle request by amendment. The amendment passed with a vote 60-4.

A directive was also added to the legislation for regulations regarding the demolition and removal of such buildings to be drawn up and brought back to Council with a report in 45 days.

The directive came about after Legislative Counsel Frank Seanez told the Council that provisions allow for disposition of Navajo Nation property if regulations have been proposed by Property Management and adopted by the oversight committee.

“However today no such regulations have been produced or set forth for consideration by the Navajo Nation standing committees,” Seanez said.