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This month, in observance of Native American Heritage Month, Team Ramstein will be hosting several activities to celebrate and encourage awareness of Native American history and heritage.
“Native American Heritage Month is a celebration of the Native American culture,” said Senior Master Sgt. Gary Marsh, 86th Munitions Squadron material flight chief. “This year, we highlight the influences and contributions that Native Americans have made to our country, as well as the American culture of today”
This year, the theme for Native American Heritage Month is “Life is sacred — celebrate healthy native communities.”
This theme focus is on dietary, healthy living and food that was contributed to our culture by the Native Americans, said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Hose, Native American Heritage Month committee member.
“Many people do not know how ingrained the Native American culture is in the fabric of American culture,” said Sergeant Marsh, Native American Heritage Month committee chairman. “For example, many of the foods we eat such as potatoes, beans, corn, peanuts, pumpkins, tomatoes, squash, peppers, nuts, melons and sunflower seeds were originally introduced to European settlers by Native Americans to help them survive after arriving to the New World. The Native Americans are also credited with shaping the American English language with words such as barbecue, chipmunk, mahogany, wood chip and hurricane.”
Since Ramstein has not had a committee to help organize events for Native American Heritage Month in recent years, this year’s committee planned strategically to put together a month-long program that would enhance awareness in the KMC.
“We are also sponsoring an essay contest for KMC area high school seniors,” Sergeant Marsh said. “Winners of the essay contest will be awarded a $400 scholarship to be used toward furthering their education. The topic of the essay is ‘Native Americans in Service to America.’”
Seniors interested in entering should contact Greg Hatch at Ramstein High School or Laura Spenser at Kaiserslautern High School.
Along with their service to the U.S. military, Native Americans have influenced much of today’s culture.
All members in the KMC are encouraged to get involved, regardless of whether they are of Native American descent or not.
“When you can look at the person next to you and understand where they come from — regardless of race, you can really create a bond of healthy living,” Sergeant Hose said. “And when you have that bond, it really creates a healthy lifestyle and harmonious environment.”
For more information on Native American History Month, as well as Native American recipes for a truly traditional Thanksgiving meal, visit the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute Web site at www.deomi.org/SpecialObservance/presentations.cfm?CatID=8.
Also, for those interested in getting involved and volunteering, call Sergeant Hose at 480-2088 or 06371-47-2088.
Seniors can take part in Native American Heritage Committee Essay Contest
PRIZE: a $400 gift certificate toward furthering education
START DATE: Monday
DUE DATE: noon, Nov. 16
The requirement is a 750 word essay to include the following:
» Introduction
» Body: five paragraphs (at least six to eight sentences each paragraph)
» Conclusion
» List source(s) of research on a separate page (Internet, books, etc.)
» Cover page with your name and school.
» Separate page to explain what you plan to do with the prize if you win (not to be judged).
The first five items listed above will be judged on clarity, content, neatness, grammar, spelling and organization.
FORMAT: The essay should be in 12 point, Arial or Times New Roman font, on double spaced, typewritten pages.
SUBMIT essays to linda.robertson@ramstein.af.mil or drop it off at your school POCs: Greg Hatch at Ramstein High School or Laura Spencer at Kaiserslautern High School.
