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.
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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