ONEIDA NATION (NBC 26) — Veterans day is on Thursday, it's a day to recognize the men and women who currently are or who have served in America's armed forces.
In northeast Wisconsin, many of those men and women are Native Americans. In fact, statistically speaking according to the USO, tribal members serve in the armed forces at a rate of five percent more than other demographics across the country. Some Native American Veterans say it's a role they took not just for the betterment of the country as a whole, but for their communities as well.
"It's been a real honor for all of us who have had the opportunity to serve our country. The recognition that we get is not necessarily that important it's the fact we can now come back and give back to our community," says John Breuningert a retired Air Force Veteran of the Oneida Nation.
The Oneida Nation in particular has helped serve in American conflicts dating back to the Revolutionary War and has representation assisting in every war since.
On Thursday at the Veterans Affairs Office in Oneida, Veterans will be recognizing the day by serving their community a feast. At 11 am local Veterans will host the feast consisting of a pig roast, fry bread, and booyah. The event is open to all and is free of charge.
