Navajo Hopi Honor Riders

Funeral escort for USMC LCPL Erick Sonny Tsosie on 7/29
2023-07-29 05:00 - 08:30 (America/Phoenix)
Towaoc, CO – The family of USMC LCPL Erick Sonny Tsosie humbly requesting a funeral escort on Saturday, July 29, 2023.
STAGING LOCATION: 4:30am Ute Mountain Casino, 3 Weeminuche Dr, Towaoc, CO 81334
KSU:5:00am
DESTINATION: Narrow Canyon Rd MP 406, Kayenta, AZ
USMC LCPL Erick Sonny graduated from Kayenta High School. Then went on to join the United States Marine Corp, he served 4 years. His last duty station was in Japan. He was in Tacoma, WA on a business trip where he was involved in a fatal car accident. He has one young son named Lucas Tsosie from Gallup, NM. He is survived by his parents; Fritz and Rita Tsosie. He is their 6th child out of 8. He has 5 sisters and 2 brothers. He was living in Phoenix, AZ at the time of his passing. He had such a kind soul and a big heart. He deserves to be escorted honorably because of the person he was and his dedication.
On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of USMC LCPL Erick Sonny Tsosie. Rest in peace marine.
Contact : Malinda Tsosie (sister)

Funeral escort for US Army veteran Danny Francis Claw on 7/24
2023-07-24 06:30 - 10:00
Tuba City, AZ– The family of US Army veteran Danny Francis Claw humbly requesting a funeral escort on Monday, July 24, 2023.
STAGING LOCATION: 6:30am Valley Ridge Mortuary, Tuba City, AZ
KSU:7:00am
DESTINATION: 8:30am Navajo Fellowship Baptist Church, 111 Elk Rd, Page, AZ. Grave site services promptly at 10 am at Page cemetery.
US Army veteran Danny Francis Claw will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of US Army veteran Danny Francis Claw. Rest in peace soldier.
Contact : Shannon Claw (daughter)

Funeral escort for US Army veteran Wallace De McGilbert Sr on 7/14
2023-07-14 10:00 - 11:30
Farmington, NM– The family of US Army veteran Wallace De McGilbert Sr. humbly requesting a funeral escort on Friday, July 14, 2023.
STAGING: 10:00am Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Shiprock, NM
Burial- TeecNosPos
KSU: 11:00am
DESTINATION: Teec Nos Pos AZ family Plot is located stateline, road 9040 east then 9035 north then left turn up hill. Reception- Catholic Center
Our beloved father was 95 years old and a Purple Heart Veteran in the 45th Infantry Division from 1950-1953. He worked for the Navajo Tribe for several years. Also, he served as a council delegate and served as a member of various committees.
My father passed away on July 7th in Durango CO. He is survived by my mother Betty whom he was married to for 68 years, They have 3 children, 3 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. We all loved him very dearly.
On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of US Army veteran Wallace De McGilbert Sr. Rest in peace soldier.
Contact :Shonna McGilbert (daughter)

Funeral escort for USMC PFC Kelroy Gene Zahne on 7/10 Mon
2023-07-10 10:00 - 12:00
Tuba City, AZ – The family of USMC PFC Kelroy Gene Zahne humbly requesting a funeral escort on Monday, July 10, 2023.
STAGING LOCATION: 10:00am (DST) Valley Ridge Mortuary, 123 Moenave Rd, Tuba City, Az
KSU:10:30am (DST)
DESTINATION: AZ Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Camp Navajo, Bellemont, AZUSMC PFC Kelroy Zahne, age 67, originally from the community of Tuba City, Arizona served with the USMC from 1975 to 1978 in Camp Pendleton, California. He received a Good Conduct Medal and Rifle Meritorious Mast. Primary Specialty was a Rifleman. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Alice Zahne and daughter, Karry Zahne, and son, Vincent Zahne. Kelroy was a graduate of Tuba City High School (“Once a Warrior, always a Warrior”) and joined the military after high school. He worked as a Journeyman, Pipefiter and Welder. He passed on July 4, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. He is the son of Shirley Barlow and JT Barlow of Tuba City, Arizona. Siblings are Billy Zahne, Genevieve Multine, Cheryl Barlow, Felicia Barlow and Tyrone Barlow.

His clans are Naasht’ezhi Tabaaha’ (Water’s Edge Zuni), born for Tl’izilani (Manygoats), Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle People) and Honaghaahnii (One Walks Around).
On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of USMC PFC Kelroy Gene Zahne. Rest in peace marine.

Contact : Karry Zahne (daughter)

Funeral escort for US Navy E3 Darlita Puente (Herrera) on 7/07
2023-07-07 08:00 - 10:00
Winslow, AZ – The family of US Navy E3 Darlita Puente (Herrera) humbly requesting a funeral escort on Friday, July 7, 2023.

STAGING LOCATION: 8:00am Greers Mortuary, 316 W. 2nd St, Winslow Az
KSU:8:30am
DESTINATION: 10:00am Round Cedar Cemetery (family plot, 42 miles)

US Navy E3 Darlita Puente (Herrera) served as a deck seamen 1st Division on board USS Santa Barbara AE-28 out of Chaleston,South Carolina.
She received National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Sea Service Deployment ribbon.
She visited Spain,Sicily,Greece, Egypt, Suez Canal, Bahrain,Dubai,Kuwait,
She Sailed The Atlantic Ocean, The Caribbean,The Mediterranean Sea, The Red Sea and The Persian Gulf.

She was a mother of 2 and a loving wife. She grew up in the Grandfalls area.

On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of US Navy E3 Darlita Puente (Herrera). Rest in peace.

Contact : Pamela Tsinijinnie (cousin sister)

GEORGE WILLIE SR. MEMORIAL VETERANS STAND DOWN
2023-06-29 09:00 - 16:00 | Twin Arrows Casino
HONORING THE WARRIOR TRADITION
Thursday . June 29th 2023 . 9 am Arizona Time . Twin Arrows Navajo Resort Courtyard near Flag Poles

GEORGE WILLIE SR. MEMORIAL VETERANS STAND DOWN
Thursday . June 29th 2023 . 9 am to 4 Pm Arizona Time . Twin Arrows Navajo Resort . Dine’ Conference Center
Contact Leupp Veterans Organization: 928-286-7446

Marine League Charities Spider's Poker Run on 6/24/23
2023-06-24 08:00 - 14:30
Marine League Charities Spider’s Poker Run on Saturday June 24th. Registration fee is $30 per poker hand. Cash prizes for high and low hand, BBQ & Entertainment provided at the end of the poker run. STAGING: 8:15am Mormon Lake – KSU 9:15am All proceeds benefit the Wounded Marine Program. More info: www.nazmarineleaguecharities.com marines912sfp@gmail.com

Funeral escort for USMC Lance CPL Maurice Yazzie on 6/8
2023-06-08 11:30 - 13:00
Albuquerque, NM – The family of USMC Lance CPL Maurice Yazzie humbly requesting a funeral escort on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

STAGING LOCATION: 11:30am Trujillo Family Funeral Home, 110 Alvarado Dr SE, Albuquerque
KSU:12:00pm
DESTINATION: Santa Fe National Cemetery

USMC Lance CPL Maurice Yazzie was a father of two , a husband and disabled combat vet. He graduated from Valley High School in Sanders, Az and he enlisted in Feb. 2000, he was an engineer equipment operator. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of USMC Lance CPL Maurice Yazzie. Rest in peace marine.

Contact : Dewayne Yazzie (brother)

CHICHILTAH VETERAN'S PARK on 5/29
2023-05-29 08:00 - 12:00
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES
CHICHILTAH VETERAN’S PARK
CHICHILTAH, NEW MEXICO
MAY 29, 2023
0800 Hrs. Prayer
☆ FLAG RAISING & HALF STAFF
☆MEMORIAL FLAG FOLDING
☆SPEAKERS
☆LUNCH
☆PUBLIC WELCOME
NO DRUGS & ALCOHOL OR YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE PARK…RESPECT

Funeral escort for Kenneth Goldtooth on 5/276
2023-05-26 10:00 - 17:00
Cameron, AZ– The family of Kenneth Goldtooth is humbly requesting a funeral escort on Friday, May 26, 2023.

STAGING LOCATION: 10:00am DST Cameron Trading Post
KSU:10:15am DST
DESTINATION: 11:00am DST, St. Jude’s Church, Tuba City, Az.

Kenneth Goldtooth had two daughters and three sons, he was Dibé Łizhiní born for Bįįh Bitoodnii, his maternal grandfathers are Honágháahnii and his paternal grandfathers are Tł’ááshchí’í.

Kenneth was not a veteran but he whole-heartedly supported and helped the military families in this community. He came from a family of men who served, his father Keith Goldtooth Sr served in the US Army and his brother Keith Goldtooth Jr served in the USMC. Also Kenneth’s son Stephen served in the USMC for 4 years.

Kenneth loved riding his motorcycle, at a very young age approximately 14 yrs old, he was involved in a motorcycle accident and his injuries kept him out of school for awhile but he completed and received his GED. After high school, he went to school to learn about heavy equipment operation and also went to school to be a computer technician and eventually retired.

Kenneth will be dearly missed by the biker community, his friends and his family. He was a humble man with a big heart.

On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of Kenneth Goldtooth. Rest in peace.

Contact : Faylene (wife)

Funeral escort for USMC CPL Thomas Yazzie Jr 5/16
2023-05-16 10:00 - 12:00
Gallup, NM – The family of USMC CPL Thomas Yazzie Jr and also US Navy veteran humbly requesting a funeral escort on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

STAGING LOCATION: 10:00am DST Rollie Mortuary, Gallup, NM
KSU:10:30am DST
DESTINATION: Gallup State Veterans Cemetery

Thomas was born May 2,1953. He graduated from Intermountain High School in Brigham City, Utah. He joined the US Marine Corps for 6 years and also served in the US Navy for 4 years. He was a licensed Journeyman Electrician. He was a devoted husband, wonderful father, and a lovable grandpa. He was very friendly and outgoing, always lending a hand when a friend was in need. He enjoyed seafood and having cookouts. He had a special heart for the stray dogs and took in as many as he could. He loved watching western and war movies. He was an employee with Fire Rock Casino where he was respected by his coworkers. He was loved and will be missed greatly.

On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of Navy veteran USMC CPL Thomas Yazzie Jr. Rest in peace marine.

Contact :Jenny Yazzie (wife)

Funeral escort for US Army SPC Sheldon R. George on 5/9
2023-05-09 10:00 - 11:30
Gallup, NM – The family of US Army SPC Sheldon R. George humbly requesting a funeral escort on Tuesday, May 9, 2023

STAGING LOCATION: 10:30am DST Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Gallup, NM
KSU:11:00am DST
DESTINATION: Gallup State Veterans Cemetery

US Army SPC Sheldon R. George graduated from Page High School in 2002. After high school, he joined the US Army from 2002-2006. He served in the Operation Iraq Freedom War, he was also a recruiter for the National Guard. He received his associate degree in Auto Collision Repair from the University of New Mexico-Gallup branch. He loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and his fur babies, Paris and Riley who he loved dearly. He loved country music and his favorite artists wer Aaron Watson and Brook n’Dunn. Sheldon was one of a kind, he was very kind and self-giving. He always took care of everyone, friends, family and strangers. You are loved by many and will be deeply missed.

On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of US Army SPC Sheldon R. George. Rest in peace soldier.

Contact: Janice George (wife)

NHHR Meeting
2023-04-17 18:00 | Comfort Suites, Gallup, Nm, 3940 E. Highway 66, Gallup, NM, 87301, United States
NHHR Meeting
Monday, April 17 · 6:00 – 7:30pm DST
Gallup Comfort Suites, Exit 26

Funeral escort for US Army CPL Francis Davis on 4/14
2023-04-14 08:00 - 09:30
Window Rock, AZ – The family of US Army CPL Francis Davis humbly requesting a funeral escort on Friday, April 14, 2023.

STAGING LOCATION: 7:45am (DST) Chevron in Window Rock (due to some flooding near Silver Creek Mortuary, all riders meet at Chevron) KSU:8:00am MST
DESTINATION: family plot at Whiskey Creek (35 miles north on Rt.12)
US Army CPL Francis Davis lived in Wheatfields, AZ his whole life and was a rancher; he lived to be 90 years old. He served honorable in our United States Army and was a Korean War Veteran. He received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorable discharged on Dec 1, 1954. From 1985-1987, he also served as the VFW Post Commander in Fort Defiance, AZ.

On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of US Army CPL Francis Davis, Rest in peace soldier.

Contact : Leslie Davis (son)

6th Annual Vietnam Veterans Day Gourd Dance
2023-03-29 10:30 - 17:00
Shiprock, NM – 6th Annual Vietnam Veterans Day Gourd Dance 12pm-6pm, Wed 3/29 at Fairgrounds under white tent.
Contact: Davis Filfred

Funeral escort for US Army PFC Yazzie Charley on 3/28
2023-03-28 08:00 - 10:00 | greer’s mortuary, winslow, az, 316 W. 2nd St, Winslow, AZ, 86047, United States
Winslow, Az – The family of US Army PFC Yazzie Charley humbly requesting a funeral escort on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

STAGING LOCATION: 8:45am (MST) Greers Mortuary, 316 W. 2nd St, Winslow, Arizona KSU:9:00am MST
DESTINATION: Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Camp Navajo, Bellemont, Az
US Army PFC Yazzie Charley was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He proudly served in the US Army for two years, stationed in Germany, after the military, he continued serving others as a bus driver for BIA for 30 years. He had 8 children, 6 girls and 2 boys, one of his sons also served in the military, the marines and served during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. His clans: Nát’oh dine Táchii‘ nii, born for Tódich ií nii, maternal grandfather Tábááhá, and paternal grandfather isTséńjikiní.

On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of US Army PFC Yazzie Charley, Rest in peace soldier.

Contact : Donovan Charley (son)

Piestewa Fallen Heroes Sunrise Memorial
2023-03-23 06:30 - 09:30 | Piestewa Peak Ocotillo Ramada, 1973 E. Maryland Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, United States
Phoenix, Az – Piestewa Fallen Heroes Sunrise Memorial on March 23, 2023, Thursday 6:30am-8:30am.
STAGING: 5:30am Navajo-Hopi Honor Riders meet at the Best Western Inn Suites, 1615 E. Northern, Phoenix, AZ 85020 to help organize honored guests and POWs; at 5:45 a.m, escorting honored guests to the Lincoln Heights Christian Church Parking Lot, 2121 E. Lincoln. 5:50 AM Church parking lot other honored guests/Gold Star families may join the group. KSU 6:05 a.m. PGR and Navajo-Hopi Honor Riders start escorting the group from the church to the Ocotillo Ramada. Phoenix Police will assist with traffic control.

Contact: Ernest azforpiestewa@gmail.com for event details & Bobby Martin, NHHR president for motorcycle staging details.

NHHR meeting
2023-03-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Comfort Suites, Gallup, Nm, 3940 E. Highway 66, Gallup, NM, 87301, United States
All riders, volunteers and Gold Star Families are invited to the NHHR Meeting on Sunday March 12th at 1pm, Conference room at 3940 E Hwy 66, Comfort Suites, Gallup, NM. The 2023 Annual Navajo Hopi Honor Ride will be on August 25, 26, 27, 2023.
– Be a part of the route planning
– Volunteer on all three days or a day within your community
– All sponsors welcome to contribute
– 20 years since #RideForLori ~ Army Spc Lori Piestewa

NHHR Meeting
2023-02-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Quality Inn Navajo Nation Capital (Window Rock, AZ), 48 West Highway 264, Window Rock, Arizona 86515, Window Rock, az, 86515
NHHR Meeting on 2/26 @1pm-3pm at Quality Inn, Window Rock, Az. All riders, gold star families and volunteers welcome ~ see you there! #navajohopihonorriders #nhhriders #honorRIDERS

Funeral escort for US Army veteran Herman Silas on 2/23
2023-02-23 08:00 - 10:00
Shiprock, NM – The family of US Army veteran Herman Silas humbly requesting a funeral escort on Thursday, February 23, 2022.
STAGING LOCATION: 7:45am Desert View Home, Shiprock, NM
KSU:8:00am
DESTINATION: Family plot in Aneth, Utah

US Army veteran Herman Silas served fours in the Army, after completing high school, he was drafted into the Vietnam War. After the war, he returned home and started a family. He will be dearly missed by everyone, he was a good father.

On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of US Army veteran Herman Silas, Rest in peace soldier.

Contact : Jonathan (son)

Native Veterans Procession in Washington, DC on 11/11
2022-11-11 10:00 - 15:00
Washington DC – #NavajoHopiHonorRiders registered to take part in the Native Veterans Procession in Washington, DC from 2-4 pm on Friday, November 11, 2022. Please Check-In at 10am before we line you up to take part in the walking Procession. Livestream begins at 2:00PM at https://americanindian.si.edu/

We (NHHR) are registered in the color group Turquoise under the name of Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, look for Fred & Brenda Miller they will both be there, as well as Regan Hawthorne from Lupton, Az. Please read the following carefully so that you will know how to check in and when to line up for the Procession.

Check -In (Friday, November 11, 10 AM –1 PM)
Before you join the procession, you must check in to receive your Procession Packet.

o Turquoise and Orange Groups- Please send only one designated POC person to pick up the Procession Packets.

§ If your group’s POC is different from the name listed above, kindly designate a different POC and have them pick up the Procession Packets.

o Veterans Hospitality Tents on Maryland Ave., SW and Third St., SW. See attached map for tent locations and procession route.

v Photo Release Forms

o A Photo Release Form for every member of your group. Please complete them at the Check-In Tent and hand them into the Check-In staff.

Procession Line Up/Staging (Friday, November 11, 1:00- 2:00 PM)

o Assembly and line up for all participants will be begin promptly at 1:00 PM outside the museum across from the Hospitality Tents on Maryland Avenue.

o Participants will be organized according to their color; Turquoise first, followed by Orange, then Plum, then Green.

o Assembly Time according to your group:

§ Turquoise: 1:00 PM (arranged alphabetically by their organization’s name)

o Each group section will be identified by a sail flag sign and there will be NMAI and Event staff with paddle signs to assist as well.

o Turquoise and Orange will be arranged alphabetically by their organization’s name (Alaska Native Veterans Association will be in front of the American Legion Cherokee Post 143)

Memorial Escort for the late US Army SPC4, 82ND Airborne Milton James
2022-11-10 08:30 - 12:00
Memorial Escort for the late US Army SPC4, 82ND Airborne Milton James.
When: Thursday, November 10, 2022
Staging Location: 8:30am Window Rock Veterans Memorial Park

Destination: Ganado Chapter House Ganado, Arizona
Route: West on Hwy 264 to Ganado Arizona.
Milton served in the Army for 3 years with the 82nd Airborne. Milton was a Proud Veteran and Traditional Healer, which he learned from his father.
Join us in a Memorial escort in remembrance of Milton James.

Contact Person: Lawrence Lano

Veterans Day Ceremony at Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
2022-11-05 11:00 - 12:00
La Jolla, CA – The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial will honor the Navajo Code Talkers through a live in-person and virtual tribute event on Sat., Nov. 5, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (PDT) streamed right here on the Mt Soledad Website.
Our keynote speaker will be U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. James A. Ryans, Assistant Division Commander, 1st Marine Division. He previously served as a Commanding Officer at the company and battalion levels and has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan.
We are excited to honor the legacy of Navajo Code Talkers on this year’s Veterans Day. The first class of 29 Navajo code talker U.S. Marine recruits completed initial training in 1942 and these men developed a unique military code using their mostly unwritten language, and were placed in a guarded room until this task was completed. Eventually, more than 400 code talkers would serve in the U.S. Armed Services with 12 still listed as missing in action (MIA) today. Despite their heroic contributions during World War II, American Indian code talkers had to keep their work secret until 1968. While there was some recognition in the 1970s and 1980s, it wasn’t until 2001 when Congressional Gold Medals were awarded to the Navajo and other code talkers. Regan Hawthorne, CEO of the Navajo Code Talkers Museum will be in attendance and one of our guest speakers.
https://soledadmemorial.org
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Funeral escort for US Army SPC4 Andrew Kelly Jr on 10/21
2022-10-21 10:00 - 12:30
St. Michaels, Az – The family of US Army SPC4 Andrew Kelly Jr. humbly requesting a funeral escort on Friday, October 21, 2022.

STAGING LOCATION: 10:00am DST at Summit Funeral home, St Michaels, Az
KSU: 10:30am DST

DESTINATION: Family Plot in Sanders, Az. Gravesite service at 12:00pm DST

US Army SPC4 Andrew Kelly Jr clans are Honágháahnii (One-walks-around clan), born for Tsé deeshgizhnii (Rock Gap People), maternal grandfather is Naakai (Mexican) and paternal grandfather is T ł ‘ízí lání (Manygoats clan).

Andrew was a family man, loved his children and grandchildren deeply. He had five daughters and two sons, 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He had seven siblings and is the third oldest in his family.

Andrew enlisted into the US Army on August 7, 1969, he succeeded in the US Army 1st Air Cavalry Division and served as an Army Medic with the rank of SPC4. While he served his country proudly, he also earned a number of medals and awards; the Silver Star, Bronze Star with combat V, Purple Heart, two Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal with combat V, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and also the Air Assault Badge and Combat Infantry Badge.

On June 7, 2022, Andrew received the keys to his new hogan home from the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration in Tuba City, Az.

On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of US Army SPC4 Andrew Kelly Jr. He will be deeply missed by the biker community, he whole-heartly advocated for all veterans. Rest in peace soldier.

Contact: Sarah Kelly (daughter)

(Map: Family plot in Sanders, AZ. 3.5 miles north from Bashas in Sanders, Az. on Indian Rte. 9405)

Run to the Rez
2022-10-15 10:00 - 14:00
San Carlos, Az~ #RuntotheRez 2022, a good turn out to honor all veterans in the Armed Forces We thank you for your service 10/14-10/15/22.

Funeral escort for US PFC Army Victor Joe McCabe on 10/3
2022-10-03 11:00 - 13:30
FLAGSTAFF, AZ – The family of US PFC Army Victor Joe McCabe humbly requesting a funeral escort on Monday, October 3, 2022.

STAGING LOCATION: 11:00am MST, Norvel Owens Mortuary, 914 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, Az
KSU: 11:30am MST
DESTINATION: Flagstaff Citizen Veterans Cemetery

US PFC Army Victor Joe McCabe is from Leupp, Az. His clans are Yucca Fruit born for Towering House. He enlisted into the US Army in June 1956 and was honorably discharged. He had strong Christian values and shared his faith with others. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of US PFC Army Victor Joe McCabe. Rest in peace soldier.

Contact: Bertha Begay (niece)

Funeral escort for USMC CPL Vincent Smith Sr.
2022-09-16 09:00 - 11:30
GALLUP, NM – The family of USMC CPL Vincent Smith Sr. humbly requesting a funeral escort on Friday, September 16, 2022.

STAGING LOCATION: 9:00am at Rollie’s Mortuary in Gallup New Mexico
KSU: 11:00am
DESTINATION: Gallup State Veterans Cemetary

USMC CPL Vincent Smith Sr. was from Mexican Springs New Mexico, he was the type of person that had a lot of love for his family and friends. He cared for everybody that he knew. He grew up in Mexican Springs, did his education at Gallup High School. After completing his education, he enlisted into the military to become a Marine for two years. He enlisted on August 20th, 1969 and was discharged on August 20th, 1971. He had 4 sisters, 2 are deceased and 1 brother whom is also deceased.

On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of USMC CPL Vincent Smith Sr. Rest in peace marine.

Contact: Shirley Earle (niece)

Funeral escort for Navajo Code Talker, USMC PFC Samuel F. Sandoval
2022-08-03 11:00 - 11:30
FARMINGTON, NM – The family of Navajo Code Talker, USMC PFC Samuel F. Sandoval is requesting a funeral escort on Wednesday August 3, 2022.
STAGING: 11:00am Ryder Chapel, Navajo Methodist Mission School, Farmington, NM
KSU: 11:30 am
DESTINATION: 12:00pm Memory Gardens Cemetery, Farmington, NM
ROUTE: see route map below
Funeral service will be conducted for immediate family only. A public memorial will be on Saturday, August 6, 2022, location to be announced. Thank you for understanding and cooperating.
Navajo Code Talker Samuel F. Sandoval, was 98 years old. He was Zuni Clan and born for Red Cheek Clan, he was originally from Kimbeto, NM, near Chaco Canyon. After graduating from school, he enlisted into USMC on March 26, 1943 and after completing basic training he spent 20 weeks at Camp Pendleton, California, learning the Navajo code used in South Pacific Theater. He served in the Marine Corps from 1943-1946. He served in five combat tours, including Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, Peleliu, and Okinawa.
In 2001, Sandoval received the Congressional Silver Medal from President George W. Bush. The 2012 documentary “Naz Bah Ei Bijei: Heart of a Warrior” chronicles Sandoval’s life story and role as a Code Talker.
On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to his wife, Malula Sandoval and family. We thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace marine.
Contact: Clarissa Bowman (niece)

Funeral escort for US Army CPL Harry John Nez
2022-06-21 11:00 - 12:00
TUBA CITY, AZ – The family of US Army CPL Harry John Nez humbly requesting a funeral escort on Tuesday June 21, 2022.
STAGING: 11:30am Tuba City Full Gospel Church, Tuba City, Az.
KSU: 12:00pm
DESTINATION: Flagstaff Citizens Cemetery, Flagstaff, Az.
US Army CPL Harry John Nez was a Korean War veteran, he served 3 years 5 months 26 days. He was over sea for 1 year 16 days, Korean Conflict 12/1948 to 5/1952. He received Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars. He was a Police Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, also the Tuba City Chapter official: vice-president and president. Tuba City District 15 School Security Officer, retired. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of US Army CPL Harry John Nez. Rest in peace soldier.
Contact: Calvin J. Nez Sr. (son)

Funeral escort for US Army PFC Billie Sheperd
2022-06-20 07:30 - 09:30
ST. MICHAELS, AZ – The family of US Army PFC Billie Sheperd humbly requesting a funeral escort on Monday June 20, 2022.

STAGING: 7:30am Summit Funeral Home, St. Michaels, Az
KSU: 8:00am
DESTINATION: Family burial plot in Ganado
ROUTE: West on HWY 264, south on C428, west on C292 (near Ganado airport)

US Army PFC Billie Sheperd was born on May 20, 1928 in Ganado, AZ to the Tse Njikini clan. As a youth, he worked for the railroad. He entered the military in September 1950. He was married to his wife Jane Sheperd on Feb 17, 1951. His military service during the Korean War was with CO G 34th INF REGT in Okinawa where he would then hop from Island to Island after landing to reach Korea below the 38th parallel. He was wounded by shrapnel the size of a thumbnail during battle. He received the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan) and he received a change of company to the rifle company. He was discharged from the Army in August 1952.

He came home to Ganado Arizona to his wife and young son William. He worked for the Ganado Unified School District for 34 years as a Bus Driver and a Janitor. During that time, he and his wife had 3 additional children (Marie, Wilbert and Tony) and adopted their youngest son Larry. Billie was a practicing hataalli. He blessed and prayed for family and friends. His love of healing spilled over to singing with a Song and Dance group as well as attending numerous ceremonies to help with singing. Billie leaves this earth to be united with his sons William and Tony who preceded him in death. He leaves behind his wife, his daughter, his 2 remaining sons and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of US Army PFC Billie Sheperd. Rest in peace soldier.

Contact: Marie Jim (Daughter)
