This weekend is a very special weekend. Memorial Day is Monday. So what is Memorial Day? Sadly, for some it's just a day off work, or maybe it's a day to celebrate with family and have a picnic. And even more sadly, it's a day for car sales or mattress sales. Well, that's not what Memorial Day is all about. Memorial Day
was first set up right after the Civil War. Over a half a million people died in the Civil War, and for the first Memorial Day, women down south were putting flowers on the graves of not just Confederate soldiers, but their cousins and brothers in the Union side as well. If you're trying to find a way to commemorate Memorial weekend and do something special with your family, I would
invite you to join us at Veterans Memorial Park. Rolling Thunder has an amazing program they do each and every year.
It's today at two pm. This is a free event that honors prisoners of war and missing an action from World War One seven four hundred and seventy prisoners of war and missing an action World War II one hundred and twenty four thousand and seventy nine, Prisoners of War thirty thousand, three hundred and fourteen missing in action, Korean War seven thousand, one hundred and forty, Prisoners of War eight thousand, one hundred and seventy seven missing in action,
Vietnam War seven hundred and sixty six, Prisoners of War seventeen hundred and nineteen missing in action, during the Cold War Era one hundred and twenty six missing in action, and Iraq War six missing in action. It's difficult to pinpoint the exact pow MIA statistics specifically for South Dakota and Minnesota during World War One, but for World War Two from South Dakota three hundred and fifteen from Minnesota fourteen hundred, Korean War from South Dakota thirty four and
from Minnesota nineteen. For the Vietnam Era from South Dakota five from Minnesota thirty three. Cold War numbers for South Dakota and Minnesota are not readily available, same with the Iraq War. Now, after all of those numbers, let's talk about a different number. One. There's one person we are going to honor today at the event. Please allow me to introduce you today to someone who represented and embraced
the meaning of service to our country. It is with great privilege that we share his story with you today. Donald E. Laudner's military service reads like an epic chapter of dedication, skill, and resilience, a testament to a tradition in which Native Americans have long answered the nation's call enlistment and early training. In nineteen fifty, amid the fervor of the Korean War, Laudner, a proud member of the Hunpaki Sioux tribe, lined up alongside countless young men and
women to service country. Driven by a deep sense of duty and inspired by a storied history of Native American service, he embarked on his military journey at Fort Carson in Colorado. There, rigorous basic training laid the foundation for his future, instilling discipline, resilience, and the skill that would later define his contributions. Shortly after, he attended communications school, where his proficiency and code encryptation soon turned him into a lynchpin in the Army's efforts
to secure vital military communications. With the demands of war requiring not only bravery but meticulous precision, Ouner distinguished himself during training exercises his expert handling of Grenade's remarkably accurate under pressure earned him the nickname Tomahawk. This moniker was more than just a label. It symbolized the fusion of modern techniques with timeless cultural heritage and forged his reputation
among his peers. His progress from a trainee to an instructor in the field underscored both his technical acumen and his commitment to mentoring others in the art of secured communications. Laudner's role evolved from training ground achievements to active involvement in combat operations. Beyond the physical perils of battle, he faced an equally challenging adversary discrimination. As a native American soldier,
he encountered instances of segregation and prejudice. One particular episode, told in his interviews, recounts how even civilian establishments like a local cafe would sometimes deny him service because of his heritage. Yet, amidst the trials, the steadfast support of his commanders and fellow soldiers helped him overcome such challenges,
reinforcing his resolve and further defining his character. Every day in the war zone served to solidify his beliefs in duty, honor, and the importance of respecting both his tribe and his nation with integrity. Laudner's military career did not conclude with the end of the Korean War. Rather, it marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to service, rising through the ranks to become a Chief Warrant officer before retiring in
nineteen eighty three. His legacy was sealed by his determination to impart knowledge and safeguard military communication methods for the next generation. His experiences in combat and in the training field not only provided him with first hand insights into modern challenges of warfare, but also instilled in him a passion to advocate for Native American veterans later in life.
His story continues to inspire a vivid reminder of the sacrifices made and the perseverance required to overcome both enemy fire and societal prejudice. Donald E. Laudner's military journey from the determination of a young recruit at Fort Carson to a respected instructor and leader in the crucible of combat illustrates a narrative filled with courage to tch tchnical mastery and the continual drive to excel despite adversity. His life as a beacon for those who believe in service tradition
and the transformative power of resilience. What aspects of his wartime experiences or later contributions resonate with you the most, or would you like to delve deeper into another facet of his remarkable journey. Donald E. Laudner influenced Native American veterans representation through a multifaceted approach that intertwined his personal military experience with dedicated public service and leadership roles. Championing
veterans organizations and public policy. Laudner used his leadership position to ensure that Native American veterans' voices were heard at multiple governmental and community levels. As a prominent figure in veteran organizations, he worked tirelessly to highlight the unique challenges faced by Native American service members, including discrimination and a
lack of proper representation. For instance, his involvement in organizations such as the American Legion and Disabled Veterans of America provided a robust platform for which he pushed for better access to benefits, health care, and educational support for Native veterans by advocating for policies that recognized the contributions of
Native American soldiers, often overlooked due to historical marginalization. He helped reframe the narrative around Native service, emphasizing a proud lineage of valor, even at a time when full citizenship rights were yet to be granted. Bridging community and government beyond the realm of veteran organizations, Laudner's work in government
roles significantly bolstered Native representation. Appointed as South Dakota's Coordinator of Indian Affairs and later serving as an Agency superintendent within the Bureau of Indian Affairs, he directly influenced policy
decisions affecting Native communities. His service on key committees such as the National Census Advisory Committee representing American, Indian, and Alaska Native populations, and the National Cemetery Administration Advisory Committee ensured that federal systems acknowledged the contribution and needs of
Native veterans. These roles enabled him to advocate kate not only for better benefits, but for dignified recognition in national memorials and public records, thus advancing a broader narrative of respect and inclusion for Native Americans, elevating the cultural narrative. Loudner's own military journey, marked by overcoming discrimination and earning the respect of his peers, as evidence by his earned nickname, Tomahawk,
provided him with a powerful personal platform. By sharing his experiences in interviews and public appearances, he brought attention to the lifelong tradition of Native American military service, a history filled with sacrifice, resilience, and honor. This cultural narrative, woven through his personal recollections and public advocacy, played a crucial role in changing perceptions both within the military and in
the broader society. His efforts reasserted that Native Americans have long been pillars of military strength, deserving the same recognition and honors as their counterparts. Through these avenues, ranging from direct advocacy and veterans organizations to influential roles in governmental advisory and policy making bodies, Donald E. Laudner created enduring pathways for Native American veterans to receive the acknowledgment, benefits,
and representation they rightfully earned. His legacy continues to resonate as a beacon for future efforts aimed at bridging historic gaps and ensuring that Native voices remain integral to the national conversation on military service and veterans. Affairs. Donald Elaudner's impact on improving veteran benefits for Native American service members
was both broad and deeply transformative. His leadership, particularly as National Commander of the National American Indian Veterans, catalyzed several key improvements. Enhanced healthcare access. Recognition that many Native veterans had historically been underserved due to systematic barriers, Loudner pushed
for improved healthcare benefits. His efforts helped to highlight the unique medical challenges faced by Native veterans, thereby influencing policy discussions that aimed to make quality healthcare services more accessible and tailored to their needs. Educational support and training opportunities. Loudner also championed initiatives to expand educational benefits available to
Native veterans. By emphasizing the need for advanced training programs and educational opportunities, he helped create pathways that allow veterans to pursue further education after their service, an essential component for reintegration and long term career development. A critical barrier from many Native American veterans had been the complexities of navigating the Veterans Administration's benefit system. Loudner's advocacy was instrumental
in pushing for clearer, more accessible processes. He supported efforts to train service officers and streamline claims, ensuring that veterans received the compensation, rehabilitation, and support they were entitled to without undue bureaucratic obstacles. An issue that resonated deeply with Loudner was the equitable treatment of Native veterans even in death. His initiatives helped to secure measures so that Native American
veterans were no longer overlooked during military funeral ceremonies. This included insurance ring that veterans receive proper military honors, a recognition of their sacrifice that had often been denied due to systematic neglect. Through these focused efforts, Laudner not only improved tangible benefits like healthcare, education, and streamlined via support, but also elevated the dignity and visibility of Native veterans
in national policy and public consciousness. His work contributed to a foundational shift in how veteran benefits are administered for Native communities, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and honored equally alongside those of other service members, and a reminder you are invited to join us for a special program celebrating his amazing life today at two p m. At Veterans Memorial Park in Sioux Falls. More information can be found at Facebook dot com Slash Sunny Radio