Back home in Tahlequah, where this Choctaw was born and spent my childhood among the Cherokee, only a few minutes drive from Muskogee, the old Keetoowahs will be saying "There is a new campfire in the sky tonight; may his spirit find peace and happy hunting."
I am grateful to him for his sacrifice and saddened for his family for theirs. May he rest in peace and while his cross will be but one among the thousands, may his death not be in vain and may his comrades accomplish their mission and come home with honor and dignity.