Ann Kirkpatrick: “Mr. Speaker, growing up in Indian Country, I learned at an early age the long history of Native Americans sacrificing in…”

“Mr. Speaker, growing up in Indian Country, I learned at an early age the long history of Native Americans sacrificing in service to our country. This history includes Indian scouts assisting United States units throughout the American West. It includes the best known example, the brave and honorable service of the Navajo code talkers who saved the lives of countless Americans in World War II and the Korean War by using Dine to transmit sensitive military communications. And it continues to this very day as Native Americans serve proudly and honorably in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world. Today, the Department of Housing Affairs estimates that 20 percent of Native Americans are veterans or are currently serving. That's the most of any ethnic group.”