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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 1, 1989)
HONORING OUR WARRIORS: Si v h RICK MCKNIGHT By Mary Ring Social Services Director January's Warrior is a Vietnam veteran, Rick Mcknight. Drafted into the Army, Rick reported to Ft. Lewis, Washington on October 9, 1966 where he completed basic training with C Company 3rd Battalion. "My secondary MOS was an HB, infantry, and every body wanted me, buy my primary MOS was 36K, field wireman, which was working with switchboards and telephones so I got out of infantry to work on field communications." In March 1987, Rick reported to Viet Nam. Stationed in a rear landing zone, it was Rick's job to keep the lines of communication running smoothly. He would monitor the lines from the field telephones, headquarters and bunkers. "Once in a while the tanks would run over the lines and we would have to go into the field to replace them," Rick recalls. Being an air mobil unit, the biggest danger around McKnight were the helicopters. "They liked to shoot them while they were on the ground, so we would receive a lot of mortar and rocket fire. The atmosphere was tense to say the least." Letters and news about home is what Rick credits with "keeping my mind operating. One night in Kan To, this warrior was able to meet up with a friend from back home, Dennis Mercier and they were able to catch each other ud on the news from home. , , Rick extended his Viet Nam tour and spent a total of 15 months in-country, celebrating his 21st birthday in Viet Nam. STUDENT PROFILE: TOBY McCLARY . , By Michael Childers UiU- Toby McClary in his Killer Bees uniform. Toby Clayton Mercier McClary who is age 10 attends the Grand Ronde Elementary School. Toby says that his favorite subject in school is mathematics and that it's always been an easy class for him, that's why he enjoys it the most. This is Toby's second year of football. He started out as a Full-Back and later was a Guard. Football has been Toby's favorite sport as far back as he can remember and would like to keep on playing, (but just for fun!). When Toby grows up he would like to learn about medicine and be a doctor so that he is able to make lots of money and be rich. But Toby has also shown a lot of leadership in school and with the Tribe. He is willing to give a helping hand- setting up and taking down chairs and tables before events. He has stood before his classmates to read a poem dedicating a tree to help inspire other youth. And he makes the extra effort to share his Tribal Heritage through participating in parades and wearing his regalia on special occasions, he has recently won a Safety Patrol Award. (CON GRATULATIONS TOBY!) Underneath it all, Toby is really just a nice, calm boy who likes to go fishing with his dad (who just also happens to be his Hero!) and sit with his family in the evenings and make Indian Crafts while they eat ice-cream! Page 3 When talking about his experience, Rick relates, "the downer was we didn't play to win, we just played." The military experience is one highly recommended by McKnight. "When you're that age, it's like you are in limbo. The Army teaches you how to do things for yourself, and not be completely dependent on anyone else." Rick and his family, wife, Viv, children Leanna, Tommy and Jake, are active in tribal programs. Rick is a member of the Hunting, Fishing and Gathering commit tee and is eager to help with youth activities. We are very proud of this Tribal member warrior, a bronze star recipient of Viet Nam, and our friend, January's Warrior, Rick McKnight. J ' tpiplptf 11111111 zy I (I ? ;,V'Jf In uniform, Rick McKnight, with brother Melvin. Adult Ed. Highlights We wish to give recognition to all of our participants in the Adult Education Program. I have chosen to highlight our office staff this month. . Tammy Fry is continuing her education this year at Chemeketa Community College. Tammy's goal is to become a DrugAlcohol Counselor. She has a keen interest in social psychology and is receiving an "A" in the psychology course she is currently taking. Joann McClary is discovering the wonder of how the human mind and emotions work together. Joann is attending Chemeketa Community College in McMinnville with the goal of majoring in psychology. She is currently carrying an "A" average. Joann has set her sights high, with a plan to eventually open a private counseling practice. Darlene Aaron will be returning to class starting Winter Term at Chemeketa Community College. Darlene has a desire to improve her job skills. She realizes that with today's technology, it is important to continue to keep her skills current. Bonnie Martin has been taking Adult Education classes for the past three years. These included communication skills development classes and chemical dependency counseling classes. Her long-term goal is for certifica tion in the Chemical Dependency Specialist field and as a Medical Assistant. -Donni Curtis JOMAdult Education
