Monday, May 26, 2025 – Native American veterans reflect on the lessons learned in the 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War

Native America Calling

More than 42,000 Native Americans served in the military during the Vietnam War, the vast majority as volunteers. They faced racist and stereotypical taunts from fellow service members. After their service, veterans suffered psychological and emotional trauma at a higher rate than other populations. As the nation marks 50 years since the fall of Saigon and the end of the war, we’ll hear from Native Vietnam veterans about what the conflict means to them now. This is an encore show so we won’t be taking live calls from listeners.

GUESTS

Frank Sewell (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and Creek), Vietnam War veteran

Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes), artist and Vietnam War Marine veteran

Rachelle Pablo (Diné), museum specialist for the National Native American Veterans Memorial at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian

Francis Whitebird (Rosebud Sioux Tribe), Army Vietnam War veteran

Allen Hoe (Native Hawaiian), attorney and Vietnam veteran

Break 1 Music: Flag Song (song) Black Lodge (artist) Veteran’s Honor Song (album)

Break 2 Music: Crow Push Dance Song (song) Authentic Native American Music (artist) Authentic Native American Music (album)