#the Choctaw cultural center

[baebeylik]

Kapucha (Stickball). Brenner Billy, Choctaw(Chahta) American. 2019. Oklahoma.

The Choctaw Cultural Center.

[ladyimaginarium]

coining the term twospiritphobia / twospiritmisia.

Q: what is twospiritphobia / twospiritmisia?

A: the discrimination, hatred, exclusion & erasure of those who identify as two spirit and/or indigiqueer.

Q: why not just call it homophobia/transphobia against indigenous qipoc / queer indigenous poc?

A: because not every indigenous person identifies by western lgbtqia+ labels which are a predominantly western eurocentric concept that does not always align with indigenous turtle island concepts, not all queer natives identify with two spirit due to its heavy inherent historical, social, political, cultural, spiritual & ceremonial connotations & because we deserve to have our terms to describe our own experiences of discrimination that inherently includes our indigeneity & our own sacred two spirit nature.

Q: why did you(&) coin this term?

A: because i've noticed that in the past year & even before, the predominantly white queer community refuses to include us let alone see us & when they do, it's usually to tokenize us then throw us away when we're no longer convenient, erase us (see: nex benedict, when the mostly white queer community erased their indigenous two spirit identity to make them their trans/nonbinary martyr despite them being choctaw & completely ignoring mmeiwg2s+/mmeip issues which is never talked about in queer spaces unless natives talk about it), talk down to us when we don't conform to your western concepts of gender & orientation that do not inherently apply to us, speak over us & our issues & push us out of your fucking queer spaces without ever actually trying to work with us despite the fact that we the two spirit community who were revered as sacred have existed on turtle island for over 5000 years & were the first victims & survivors of racist imperialist homophobic & transphobic based war crimes & genocide & have been fighting & resisting for our liberation far before anyone else ever set foot on these lands, longer than any other queer community on turtle island, longer than stonewall & whenever queer history is brought up, two spirit people & the violence against us from the beginning of colonization of turtle island are never discussed & quite frankly i've had enough of native erasure both historically speaking & in the present day. there's a reason why there's a 2s in front of 2slgbtqia+ in "canada", because we were here first. we will not be erased. there can be no liberation without two spirits at the center of queer activism. by adding this to your vocabulary you acknowledge & honor two spirits as the first queer people of turtle island & we deserve your allyship, respect, protection & solidarity, respect the indigenous roots of the term two spirit, honor indigenous peoples' way of living, loving & learning & building communities across turtle island, emphasize the importance of indigenous perspectives & identities within the broader 2slgbtqia+ community & further acknowledging & recognizing the historical & ongoing contributions of indigenous peoples to discussions about gender & sexual diversity & highlights the need for visibility & inclusion of two spirits in these conversations & acknowledging, respecting & honoring indigenous peoples as the traditional stewards of the land & that indigenous peoples were the first to build communities that honored romantic, sexual, gender & sex diversity on the land of turtle island ever since time immemorial.

Q: what are some examples of twospiritphobia?

A: the erasure of two spirits both historically & in the present, assaulting/committing hatecrimes against individuals who are, or who are perceived or assumed to be two spirits, nonnatives — both white settlers & nonnative poc — culturally appropriating two spirit when it's an exclusive closed term from closed cultures for indigenous people of turtle island, if you are not first nations, métis, inuit, indigenous american, alaska native, indigenous mexican, indigenous central american, greenlandic inuit or otherwise not indigenous to turtle island and/or mixed with any of those groups, & you are not either reconnecting, semiconnected or connected to your culture, you cannot use the term, using antinative slurs against two spirits on any context or form that one cannot reclaim and/or using said antinative slurs casually/as insults, harassing/threatening/mocking/intimidating two spirit individuals while motivated by said individual's two spirit & indigenous identity whether online or face-to-face, treating two spirits differently than pericishetallo natives, even if one is native themselves, attempting to "correct" two spirits on their own identities, saying our two spirit identities are wrong, using religion and/or spirituality as an excuse to harm or exclude two spirit people, fetishizing/objectifying/sexualizing/romanticizing individuals based on their two spirit identities, opposing and/or dismissing the need for explicit two spirit representation & progress for two spirit rights & two spirit liberation, erasing two spirit issues as inherently gay/trans issues, not acknowledging twospiritphobic behavior in others, refusing to speak up for two spirit people, telling two spirits that they're unnatural or "attention seeking", speaking over two spirited people when they tell you you're being racist/being twospiritphobic, policing two spirits on who we can & can't be in relation to ourselves especially from nonnatives even more from white settlers, accusing two spirits of "oppression olympics" whenever we bring up our issues, not acknowledging two spirits as the first queer people who've existed for thousands of years on turtle island & denying indigeneity as the core element of being two spirit.

disclaimer: do not fucking remove credit from us& being the coiner of this term, while the experiences of twospiritphobia/twospiritmisia are nothing new, we& as an indigenous bodied system demand respect as the coiner of this term. please ask if you intend on using this term on your wikis/masterlists. do not use this term for yourself to describe your experiences if nonnative/2S. nonnatives do not fucking derail, especially yt folx.

[thechanelmuse]

Juneteenth is a Black American holiday. 

We call Juneteenth many things: Black Independence Day, Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day. We celebrate and honor our ancestors. 

December 31 is recognized as Watch Night or Freedom’s Eve in Black American churches because it marks the day our enslaved ancestors were awaiting news of their freedom going into 1863. On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. But all of the ancestors wouldn’t be freed until June 19, 1865 for those in Galveston, Texas and even January 23, 1866 for those in New Jersey (the last slave state). (It’s also worth noting that our people under the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations wouldn’t be freed until April 28, 1866 and June 14, 1866 for those under the Cherokee Nation by way of the Treaties.)

Since 1866, Black Americans in Texas have been commemorating the emancipation of our people by way of reading the Emancipation Proclamation and coming together to have parades, free festivities, and later on pageants. Thereafter, it spread to select states as an annual day of commemoration of our people in our homeland. 

Here’s a short silent video filmed during the 1925 Juneteenth celebration in Beaumont, Texas:

(It’s also worth noting that the Mascogos tribe in Coahuila, Mexico celebrate Juneteenth over there as well. Quick history lesson: A total of 305,326 Africans were shipped to the US to be enslaved alongside of American Indians who were already or would become enslaved as prisoners of war, as well as those who stayed behind refusing to leave and walk the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma. In the United States, you were either enslaved under the English territories, the Dutch, the French, the Spanish, or under the Nations of what would called the Five “Civilized” Native American Tribes: Cherokee, Creek (Muscogee), Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Seminoles. Mascogos descend from the Seminoles who escaped slavery during the Seminole Wars, or the Gullah Wars that lasted for more than 100 years if you will, and then settled at El Nacimiento in 1852.)

We largely wave our red, white and blue flags on Juneteenth. These are the only colors that represent Juneteenth. But sometimes you may see others wave our Black American Heritage flag (red, black, and gold).

Juneteenth is a day of respect. It has nothing to do with Africa, diversity, inclusion, immigration, your Pan-African flag, your cashapps, nor your commerce businesses. It is not a day of “what about” isms. It is not a day to tap into your inner colonizer and attempt to wipe out our existence. That is ethnocide and anti-Black American. If you can’t attend a Black American (centered) event that’s filled with education on the day, our music, our food and other centered activities because it’s not centered around yours…that is a you problem. Respect our day for what and whom it stands for in our homeland. 

Juneteenth flag creator: “Boston Ben” Haith 

It was created in 1997. The red, white and blue colors represent the American flag. The five-point star represents the Lone State (Texas). The white burst around the star represents a nova, the beginning of a new star. The new beginning for Black Americans. 

Black American Heritage Flag creators: Melvin Charles & Gleason T. Jackson

It was created in 1967, our Civil Rights era. The color black represents the ethnic pride for who we are. Red represents the blood shed for freedom, equality, justice and human dignity. Gold fig wreath represents intellect, prosperity, and peace. The sword represents the strength and authority exhibited by a Black culture that made many contributions to the world in mathematics, art, medicine, and physical science, heralding the contributions that Black Americans would make in these and other fields. 

SN: While we’re talking about flags, I should note that Grace Wisher, a 13-year-old free Black girl from Baltimore helped stitched the Star Spangled flag, which would inspire the national anthem during her six years of service to Mary Pickersgill. I ain’t even gon hold you. I never looked too far into it, but she prob sewed that whole American flag her damn self. They love lying about history here until you start unearthing them old documents. 

In conclusion, Juneteenth is a Black American holiday. Respect us and our ancestors.

[kryptonianclone]

Hey guys I won't be around today since it's my birthday but because it's my birthday you should consider donating to the Choctaw Culture center! They support and preserve Choctaw culture.

[tired-fandom-ndn]

What's your take on the Monster High Isi Dawndancer situation? Isi was their only Native American doll, but the company, citing many concerns and criticisms from Native people over the course of the original doll's release, have decided not to reissue her in the Monster High reboot, as they feel she's an offensive character and do not wish to insult Native people.

This has caused some people - who are white - to defend why she's a great character actually, and I don't like that I can't find Native voices talking about this. So I turned to you to get actual Native input: is this a character who should be rereleased as a doll and included in the new webispodes, in your opinion, or did the company do the right thing by removing her?

TV Tropes has a quick overview of the character here under Isi Dawndancer (since digging through the 10+ fan wikis is a pain): http s://tvt ropes.or g/p mwiki/pm wiki.ph p/Char acters/Mons terHigh

Okay so I looked at the TV Tropes page and her wiki page and here are my thoughts:

She's a deer spirit, specifically based off of the Deer Woman apparently. Really don't know how I feel about the Monster High franchise using a sacred spirit as inspiration for a character, but she's not a w-ndigo, which is. . . something, I guess. More than I expected. Also I just hate deer-centered Native characters in general. They're tacky, overdone, stereotypical, and often dehumanizing.

"Native Scaremerican" can we fucking not actually. In complete seriousness though, she doesn't seem to have any official tribe/nation, which is very aggravating.

She's wearing what looks to be dreamcatchers, which are Ojibwe (Northern midwest US). The wiki says that her clothing patterns are "Aztec", but they definitely look more like they're inspired by a number of different Southwest tribes, namely the Apache, Diné, and Hopi. She's from "Boo Hexico", which supports the Southwestern influence, but her name is Choctaw, which is a Southest nation. So she's a mishmash of a whole bunch of unrelated cultures :/. Also the feathers are shitty and unnecessary and her name is just stereotypical in general.

"She is a deer spirit from Boo Hexico who lived there all her life until a vision notified her of Monster High and urged her to study there." A vision? Really? The Native American character gets spiritual visions to guide her?

Dancing seems to be the only cultural thing she's got going for her. What kind of dancing is unclear. Is she a jingle dancer? Fancy shawl? Buckskin? Because traditional dances have purposes and meanings, they're not just generic swaying and that seems to be the vibe they're going with for her.

(I hope it's not buckskin dancing. That would be weird all things considered.)

The TV Tropes page says that she has a power that makes guys fall in love with her and she's repeatedly described as flirty. There's a lot of awful stereotypes centered around the idea of Native women being seductive and irresistible and I do NOT like seeing that continued here.

"The birds of the air and beasts of the field are all my friends. I would not want to cause jealousy by choosing one over the other." Wow. A Native American character who just loves animals so much and has a special connection to them. How unique and interesting.

All in all, she's a fucking mess and even just looking at her design makes me want to cringe out of my skin. I definitely support the company's decision to discontinue her for the reboot, but it would ring very hollow if they continue to produce dolls of her. I also feel like just discontinuing her completely is a cop-out because companies use that sort of backlash against stereotypical characters as an excuse to not include Native characters at all, claiming that it's just not worth risking offending people when they really just don't want to put in the work.

[piizunn]

Dance Clubs Cannupa Hanska Luger, 2022 6 ceramic and walnut objects with synthetic hair, fuel hose, synthetic sinew and vermillion ink Photo by @garthgreenangallery

Dance Clubs is a series of objects designed to be held in ones hand for a performance which is never to be activated.

Comprised of gas pumps slip cast in ceramic, coated with a brilliant orange ink, intended to stain ones hand if touched. The visual language is based on Indigenous war clubs of my ancestors - the ceramic and hand carved wooden clubs mirror the ingenuity in creating new technology - These objects transpose power of one idea into another, they are artifacts of necessary behavior shifts and a warning for humanity to pivot from our current actions if we are to survive as a species.

Now on view for BELONGING: Contemporary Native Ceramics from the Southern Plains now at the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, Texas through March 23, 2024. Participating Artists: Karita Coffey (Comanche), Chase Kahwinhut Earles (Caddo), Anita Fields (Osage/Muscogee), Raven Halfmoon (Caddo/Choctaw/Delaware), Cannupa Hanska Luger (Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara/Lakota), Jane Osti (Cherokee National Treasure), Cortney YellowHorse-Metzger (Osage)

“This exhibit spotlights the diversity of contemporary ceramics practices among Native American artists in the region, and their reflections on belonging based in particular cultural roots, ancestral connections, personal insights, and individual experiences. Curating selected works from eight Native artists, this show incorporates a range of artistic practices from futuristic and customary works based on vessel forms, to more experimental practices that push clay in new directions through multi-media installation and performance.”

(via cannupahanska on Instagram)

[casbooks]

Books of 2023

Book 22 of 2023

Title: The Ravens: The Men Who Flew in America's Secret War in Laos Authors: Christopher Robbins ISBN: 9780517566121 Tags: A-1 Skyraiders, AC-47 Spooky, Ambassador Leonard Unger, Antonov AN-2 Colt, Aviation, B-52 Stratofortress, C-130 Hercules, C-46 Commando, C-47 Skytrain, CH-34 Choctaw, CIA Allen Dulles, CIA Hugh Tovar, COD Democratic Republic of the Congo - Congo-Kinshasa, COD Kinshasa (Leopoldville), COD Lubumbashi (Elisabethville), COD MNC Congolese National Movement, COD Mobutu Sese Seko, COD Patrice Lumumba, COD Simba Rebellion (1963-1965), CSAR, EC-47 Electric Goon, F-105 Thunderchief, F-4 Phantom II, FAC, Fast-FAC, FRA ADT Colonel Roger Trinquier, FRA ADT French Ground Army (Armée de terre), FRA ADT General Henri Navarre, FRA ADT General Raoul Salan, FRA ADT Marshall Jean de Lattre de Tassigny, FRA France, FRA Madame Lulu, From LAPL, HH-3E Jolly Green Giant, HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giants, IRN Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, IRN Iran, KHM Cambodia, KHM Cambodian Civil War (1967-1975), KHM Khmer Rouge, KHM King & President Norodom Sihanouk, KHM Phnom Penh, KHM Tonle Sap (Great Lake), LAO Attopeu, LAO Ban Ban, LAO Ban Ban Valley, LAO Ban Son, LAO Bataillon Guerrier 403 (Laotian Civil War), LAO Blind Bonze Pho Satheu, LAO Bolovens Plateau, LAO Colonel Deuan Sunnalath, LAO Communist Neutralists, LAO Defense Minister Sisouk Na Champassak, LAO Hmong Meo Tribesmen, LAO Hotel Lima, LAO ICC Internationl Control Commission, LAO Ice House One and Two, LAO Jungle's Mouth, LAO Khang Khay, LAO Khang Khay - Chinese Cultural Center, LAO King Savang Vatthana, LAO King Sisavang Vong, LAO Klick 11, LAO Lam Son 719 (1971) (Vietnam War), LAO Lan Xiang 9 - Raven Hooch, LAO Laos, LAO Laotian Civil War (1959-1975), LAO Les Rendezvous des Amis, LAO Lhat Houang, LAO Lima 35 - Paksane (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 103 - Phu Da Pho (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 108 - Moung Soui (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 113 - Moung Cha (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 15 - Ba Na (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 15 - Phong Saly (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 20 - Sam Thong (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 204 - Khang Kho (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 20A - Long Tieng (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 262 - Ban Xon / Ban Houei Pamone (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 276 - Lat Sen (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 32 - Boung Lam (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 36 - Na Khang (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 46 - Seno (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 85 - Phu Pha Thi (Laotian Civil War), LAO Long Tieng, LAO Luang Prabang, LAO Moung Soui, LAO MR Military Region (Laotian Civil War), LAO MR1 (Laotian Civil War), LAO MR2 (Laotian Civil War), LAO MR3 (Laotian Civil War), LAO MR4 (Laotian Civil War), LAO MR5 (Laotian Civil War), LAO Muong Mai, LAO Nong Het, LAO Operation About Face / Kou Kiet (1969) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Barrel Roll (1964-1973) (Laotian Civil War) (Vietnam War), LAO Operation Bedrock (1971) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Black Lion IV (1972) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Blind Bat (1964-1970) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Glass A (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Goodlook (1970) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Leapfrog (1970) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Nighty-Night (1969) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Northwind (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Pig Fat (1968) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Rain Dance (1969) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Shining Brass / Prairie Fire / Phu Dong (1965-1975) (Laotian Civil War) (Vietnam War), LAO Operation Steel Tiger (1965-1968) (Laotian Civil War) (Vietnam War), LAO Operation Tiger Hound (1965-1968) (Laotian Civil War) (Vietnam War), LAO Operation Westwind (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation White Star (1959-1961) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation X (1946-1954) (French Indochina War), LAO Operation Yankee Team (1964) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Padong, LAO Pakse, LAO Paksong, LAO Pathet Lao, LAO Phong Saly, LAO Phou Khean, LAO Phou Nok Kok (Black Lion), LAO Phou Tham, LAO Plain of Jars / Plaine des Jarres, LAO Prime Minister Phoui Sananikone, LAO Prime Minister Souvanna Phouma, LAO Prince Souvanna Phouma, LAO Project Waterpump (1964-1973) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Purple Porpoise, LAO RLA Captain Kong Le, LAO RLA General Oudone Sananikone, LAO RLA General Phoumi Nosavan, LAO RLA General Vang Pao, LAO RLA Royal Laotian Army, LAO RLA SGU Special Guerrilla Units, LAO RLAF CPK Chao Pha Khao Hmong Pilots/Backseaters (Laotian Civil War), LAO RLAF Lt Colonel Lee Lue, LAO RLAF Royal Lao Air Force, LAO Roadrunner Lake, LAO Route 13, LAO Route 19, LAO Route 23, LAO Route 4, LAO Route 6, LAO Route 7, LAO Route 7/71 Junction, LAO Route 71, LAO Sam Nuea, LAO Sam Thong, LAO Saravane, LAO Se Kong River, LAO Skyline Ridge, LAO St. Valentine's Day Massacre (Laotian Civil War), LAO Tchepone, LAO US Programs Evaluation Office (Laotian Civil War), LAO USAF Butterfly FAC (Laotian Civil War), LAO USAF Project 404 (Laotian Civil War), LAO USAF Steve Canyon Program - Ravens FAC (Laotian Civil War), LAO Vientiane, LAO Vientiane - US Air Attache (Laotian Civil War), LAO Vientiane - US Embassy (Laotian Civil War), LAO Wattay Airport, LAO White Rose, LAO Xieng Khouang, LBY Colonel Muammar al-Qaddafi, LBY Libya, O-1 Bird Dog, OV-10 Bronco, Pilatus Porter, PT-76 Amphibious Light Tank, SpecOps, T-28 Trojan, THA Ban Vinai, THA CIA 4802 Joint Liaison Detachment Logistics Office - Udorn (Laotian Civil War), THA Nam Phang, THA PARU Border Patrol Police Aerial Resupply Unit, THA RTAF Royal Thai Air Force, THA RTAFB Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, THA RTAFB Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, THA RTAFB Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, THA Thailand, THA USAF ISC Infiltration Surveillance Center - Nakhon Phanom (Igloo White) (Vietnam War), U-17 Skywagon, US Air America Eugene Hasenfus, US Albert Hakim, US Ambassador George McMurtrie Godley III, US Ambassador Llewellyn Thompson, US Ambassador William Sullivan, US Averrell Harriman (Governor of NY) (Ambassador at Large), US CIA Anthony Posepny (Tony Poe), US CIA Burr Smith, US CIA Central Intelligence Agency, US CIA Dave Morales, US CIA Douglas Blaufarb, US CIA Ed Wilson, US CIA Frank Snepp, US CIA Henry Hecksher, US CIA Jerry 'Hog' Daniels, US CIA John Stockwell, US CIA Kham Sing (Gold Lion), US CIA Lawrence Devlin, US CIA Pat Landry, US CIA Phillip Agee, US CIA Richard Helms, US CIA Ted Shackley, US CIA Tom Clines, US CIA Will Green (Black Lion), US CIA William Colby, US COA CASI Continental Air Services International, US COA Continental Airlines, US Dr. Henry Kissinger, US Edgar "Pop" Buell, US Father Lucien Bouchard (Catholic Priest), US Iran-Conta Affair, US John Gunther Dean (Diplomat), US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, US Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, US Secretary of State Dean Rusk, US Senator Edward Kennedy, US Senator J. William Fullbright, US Senator Stuart Symington, US State Department, US T.D. Allman (Journalist), US Tom Corcoran (Diplomat), US USA Biological Warfare Corps, US USA General Earle Wheeler, US USA General William Westmoreland, US USA Green Berets, US USA United States Army, US USA USSF Special Forces, US USAF 14th Air Commando Wing, US USAF 1st Air Commando Wing, US USAF 1st Air Commando Wing - Det 6 (Laotian Civil War), US USAF 20th Helicopter Squadron, US USAF 22nd Special Operations Sqd - Zorro, US USAF 23rd TASS - NAIL FAC, US USAF 23rd TASS - OL1 - Rustic FAC (Ubon) (Cambodian Civil War) (Vietnam War), US USAF 56th Air Commando Wing, US USAF 56th Special Operations Wing, US USAF 56th Special Operations Wing - Det 1, US USAF 7th ABCCC Airborne Command and Control Sqd - Cricket, US USAF 7th Air Force, US USAF 7th/13th Air Force, US USAF Colonel Mike Heenan, US USAF Fairchild Air Force Base WA, US USAF General Curtis LeMay, US USAF General George Brown, US USAF General John D. Lavelle, US USAF General Louis T. Seith, US USAF General Richard V. Secord, US USAF General William Momyer, US USAF Generl Robert L. Petit, US USAF Gus Sonnenberg, US USAF Hurlburt Field FL, US USAF JEST Jungle Environment Survival Training, US USAF Lt Colonel George Vogel, US USAF Lt Colonel Mark Berent, US USAF Major General Harry Heinie Aderholt, US USAF Major John Clark Pratt, US USAF United States Air Force, US USMC Lt Colonel Oliver North, US USMC United States Marine Corps, USAID, USSR 1st Secretary Nikita Khrushchev, USSR Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko, VNM 1972 Easter Offensive (1972) (Vietnam War), VNM Bien Hoa, VNM Bien Hoa Air Base (Vietnam War), VNM CIA Air America (1950-1976) (Vietnam War), VNM DRV Lao Dong Party, VNM DRV NVA 148th Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 174th Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 312th Division, VNM DRV NVA 316th Division, VNM DRV NVA 766th Regiment, VNM DRV NVA General Vo Nguyen Giap, VNM DRV NVA Group 559, VNM DRV NVA North Vietnamese Army, VNM DRV NVAF North Vietnamese Air Force, VNM DRV VC Viet Cong, VNM DRV VM 304th Division, VNM DRV VM Regiment 98, VNM DRV VM Viet Minh, VNM FRA ADT Cap St Jacques Military School, VNM French Indochina War (1946-1954), VNM Green Beret Affair (Vietnam War), VNM Ho Chi Minh Trail (Vietnam War), VNM II Corps (Vietnam War), VNM Nha Trang, VNM Operation Arc Light (1965-1973) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Igloo White (1968-1973) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Linebacker II (1972) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Pony Express (1965-1969) (Laotian Civil War) (Cambodian Civil War) (Vietnam War), VNM Paris Peace Accords (1973) (Vietnam War), VNM Phan Rang Air Base, VNM RVN ARVN Army of the Republic of Vietnam, VNM RVN Nguyen Van Thieu, VNM RVN Vietnamization Policy (Vietnam War), VNM US MACV Military Assistance Command Vietnam (Vietnam War), VNM USAF TACC Tactical Air Control Center - BLUE CHIP (Vietnam War), VNM Vietnam, VNM Vietnam War (1955-1975) Rating: ★★★★★ (5 Stars) Subject: Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.Laotian Civil War.Aviation.FAC.Ravens

Description: Officially the war in Laos did not exist - both North Vietnam and the USA denied they had troops there. In fact, thousands of North Vietnamese were invading the country and pouring down the Ho Chi Minh Trail on their way to the south, and the Americans were fighting a vigorous war against them from the air.

The Ravens were the pilots, all volunteers, who flew through heavy groundfire to identify targets and call in air-strikes. Their mission was so secret that they were 'sold' their prop-driven planes for a dollar apiece so they could be struck from US Air Force records. They wore no uniform and carried no identification. Refugees from the bureaucracy of the war in Vietnam, they accepted the murderous casualty rates of what was known as the Steve Canyon Program in return for a life of unrestricted flying and fighting.

Devoted to the hill tribesmen they fought alongside, the Ravens did their job with extraordinary skill and crazy courage and with a humour that was all of its own. This is the story, brilliantly told for the first time, of these extraordinary men. Based on extensive interviews with the survivors, it is a tale of undeniable heroism, blending real-life romance, adventure and tragedy.

Review: This was a great book with a lot of problems. 

The #1 problem was that I was reading an ebook version from Apostrophe books that was, quite simply, poorly done. So many issues with the conversion... I’s became 1′s... places and names were spelled 3 different ways throughout the book... issues like that.

The #2 problem was that there were multiple stories being told in a book about one story. This book had some good info on the Raven FACs, but it also went deeply into the story of the Laotian Civil War, the French Indochina War, the Hmong people, Henry Kissinger and the Nixon Administration. All of these things are intertwined and important, but the author uses up a LOT of the books real estate for these topics which tends to take a lot of the focus away form the Ravens, which the book is supposed to be about. 

It’s still a 5 star book because it does go deeply into the stories of the who, the what, the when, and the where. You get a real good feel for the cast of characters that made up the Raven FACs, and you learn a lot about the Laotian Civil War, the CIA, the political issues and more. 

It’s really a good primer and a good way to get a feel for what happened in the region. 

[oklahomahistory]

Creek Civil War

Centered by the 1810s in the Alabama River Valley, the Upper Creeks were led by the determined Opothleyahola. Though not engulfed in the Yamasee War of a century before, they held conservative, traditionalist beliefs with little interest in assimilating into American culture or embracing American institutions. To the east in Georgia along the Chattahoochee, Ocmulgee, and Flint Rivers, lived the Lower Creeks, who had their own strong leader, William McIntosh. Ironically, though desperate foes of the English and proto-Americans in the Yamasee War, they now possessed a more “progressive" philosophy and favored adoption of most American ways, including education, commerce, technology, and the Christian faith.The philosophical divide between the Upper and Lower Creeks exploded into violent civil war in the Red Stick War (1813-14). Influenced by the great Shawnee chief and war captain Tecumseh, Opothleyahola simultaneously led the Upper Creeks (Red Sticks, for their red war clubs and their shamans’ supposed magical red sticks) into a disastrous alliance with the British during America’s second war with Britain, the War of 1812. The Lower Creeks, meanwhile, sided with the American colonists. This conflict, incited by atrocities such as the Upper Creek massacre of nearly 250 white settlers and Lower Creek men, women, and children at Fort Mims, near Mobile, Alabama, culminated in the Upper Creeks’ bloody defeat at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in 1814. The victorious American forces in that famous fight included General and future President Andrew Jackson, future “Father of Texas” Sam Houston, the Cherokees, the Choctaws, and most of the Lower Creeks. After their landmark pummeling at Horseshoe Bend, the Upper Creeks retreated to a more subtle rejection of American ways. But their anger and bitterness at those—and the Lower Creeks support of them-simmered, to flash into bloodshed again later. The United States government The Creeks voted in a death did more penalty for any tribesman than simmer. who attempted to sell Creek They forced land to white settlers. the Creeks to cede twenty-two million acres of land in Alabama and Georgia and then pressured them to move west. All this triggered long-term as well as shortterm consequences for the tribe. It turned the majority of Creeks so strongly against further land cessions, including an exchange for lands out west, that they determined to give up no more land to the Americans. They also voted in a death penalty for any tribesman who attempted to sell Creek land to white settlers. Sadly, opinions on the land issue were not unanimous within the tribe. “Red Stick” Upper Creeks massacring white settlers, Lower Creeks, and militia in 1813 at Fort Mims, near Mobile, Alabama. Such bloodshed led to the Upper Creeks’ crushing defeat by the U. S. and its Indian allies at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in 1814  Read the entire Oklahoma story in John J. Dwyer’s The Oklahomans: The Story of Oklahoma and Its People volume 1 of a 2-part series on the 46th state and the people who make this state very special.

[umangkumar919]

The Role of Libraries and Museums in Philadelphia Mississippi United States

Preserving History, Enriching Minds:

The Role of Libraries and Museums in Philadelphia, Mississippi Libraries and museums play a vital role in preserving history promoting cultural heritage, and fostering lifelong learning in Philadelphia, Mississippi. As gateways to knowledge and exploration, these institutions serve as community hubs, providing access to information, resources, and experiences that enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.In Philadelphia, the Neshoba County Public Library serves as a cornerstone of the community, offering a wide range of services and resources to meet the diverse needs of its patrons.

From books and digital media to computer access and educational programs, the library provides a wealth of opportunities for learning, discovery, and personal growth.One of the key functions of the library is to promote literacy and lifelong learning. Through initiatives such as storytime programs for children, adult literacy classes, and educational workshops, the library fosters a love of reading and learning from an early age. By providing access to books, educational materials, and technology, the library empowers individuals to expand their knowledge and skills, enhancing their prospects for success in school, work, and life.

In addition to its role in education and literacy, the library serves as a community hub, offering a space for social engagement, cultural enrichment, and civic participation. From hosting community events and guest speakers to providing meeting spaces for local groups and organizations, the library fosters connections and collaboration among residents, strengthening the fabric of the community.

Museums also play a significant role in preserving and showcasing the history and culture of Philadelphia and Neshoba County. The Philadelphia-Neshoba County Historical Museum, located in downtown Philadelphia, serves as a repository of local artifacts, photographs, and documents, preserving the heritage of the region for future generations.

Through its exhibits and educational programs, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Philadelphia's history, from its Native American roots to its role in the Civil Rights Movement. By highlighting important events, figures, and traditions, the museum helps to foster an appreciation for the past and a deeper understanding of the community's identity and heritage.

In addition to preserving history, museums in Philadelphia also serve as centers of cultural enrichment and artistic expression. The Choctaw Indian Fair Museum, for example, celebrates the heritage and traditions of the Choctaw Nation through exhibits, demonstrations, and special events. By showcasing the art, music, and cultural practices of the Choctaw people, the museum promotes cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among visitors.

Together, libraries and museums in Philadelphia play a vital role in preserving and promoting the history, culture, and heritage of the community. By providing access to information, resources, and experiences, these institutions empower individuals to learn, explore, and connect with the world around them, enriching the lives of all who call Philadelphia home.

[umangseo]

The Legacy of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in Philadelphia Mississippi United States

Preserving Heritage: The Enduring Legacy of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in Philadelphia, Mississippi Nestled in the rolling hills of Mississippi, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has left an indelible mark on the town of Philadelphia and the surrounding region. With a rich cultural heritage spanning centuries, the Choctaw Nation continues to be a vibrant and integral part of the community, contributing to the area's cultural, economic, and social fabric.

Let's explore the enduring legacy of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and their profound influence on Philadelphia.

**Cultural Preservation and Heritage** At the heart of the Choctaw community is a deep commitment to preserving their cultural identity and heritage. Through traditional practices, language revitalization efforts, and cultural events, such as the Choctaw Indian Fair, the tribe ensures that its traditions and customs are passed down from generation to generation. In Philadelphia, this cultural richness is evident in the vibrant powwows, storytelling sessions, and artisanal craftsmanship that celebrate Choctaw heritage.

**Economic Development and Entrepreneurship**

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has been instrumental in driving economic growth and development in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. With a focus on entrepreneurship and job creation, the tribe has established successful enterprises, including the Pearl River Resort, which encompasses gaming facilities, hotels, and entertainment venues. Additionally, initiatives such as the Choctaw Indian Fairgrounds and the Choctaw Health Center provide essential services and employment opportunities for tribal members and local residents alike.

**Education and Community Outreach**

Education is paramount within the Choctaw community, and the tribe is dedicated to providing educational opportunities that empower its members and contribute to the overall prosperity of the region. Through initiatives such as the Choctaw Tribal Schools and scholarship programs, the tribe invests in the academic success of its youth, ensuring they have the tools and resources to pursue their dreams. Furthermore, community outreach programs, cultural exchanges, and partnerships with local organizations foster understanding and cooperation between the Choctaw Nation and the broader community.

**Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability**

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians recognizes the importance of protecting the environment for future generations and is committed to sustainable practices that preserve natural resources and promote ecological resilience.

From land conservation efforts to renewable energy initiatives, the tribe prioritizes environmental stewardship in its decision-making processes, serving as a model for sustainable development within the region.As the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians continues to thrive and evolve, their legacy in Philadelphia and beyond remains a testament to the resilience, strength, and perseverance of indigenous communities.

Through their unwavering commitment to cultural preservation, economic development, education, and environmental stewardship, the Choctaw Nation continues to shape the landscape of Mississippi, leaving an enduring legacy that will be celebrated for generations to come.

[radrayven11]

Made this lil craft at the Luksi activity place in the Choctaw cultural center while my kids played. Today was the Choctaw-Irish friendship fest ☘️🪶🇮🇪

[georgiarootslandscaping]

Exploring Georgia's Rich Cultural Tapestry Unraveling the Threads of Georgia Roots

Georgia, a state nestled in the southeastern United States, is a land rich in history, culture, and diverse influences that have shaped its identity over centuries. To truly understand the essence of Georgia, one must delve into the intricate tapestry of its roots, woven together by the threads of Native American heritage, colonial legacies, and the vibrant traditions of the American South.

At the heart of Georgia's roots lies its indigenous heritage. Long before European settlers arrived, the land now known as Georgia was home to several Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Choctaw. These indigenous peoples cultivated a deep connection with the land, leaving an indelible mark on the state's culture and landscape. Today, their legacy can be explored in places like the Etowah Indian Mounds, where ancient earthen structures bear witness to the sophisticated societies that once thrived in the region.

The colonial era ushered in a new chapter in Georgia's history. Founded in 1733 by James Oglethorpe as a haven for debtors and a buffer against Spanish Florida, the colony of Georgia became a melting pot of diverse settlers. The early years were marked by the establishment of Savannah, one of the first planned cities in the United States, with its unique layout and picturesque squares. The architectural legacy of this period, characterized by historic homes and cobblestone streets, still graces Georgia's landscape, providing a glimpse into its colonial roots.

Georgia's pivotal role in the American Revolution further solidified its place in history. The state witnessed significant battles, including the Siege of Savannah in 1779, where American and French forces sought to liberate the city from British control. The scars of war are preserved in places like the Revolutionary War Battlefield Park, where visitors can stand on hallowed ground and reflect on the sacrifices made for the cause of freedom.

The antebellum period brought both prosperity and challenges to Georgia. Cotton became the economic engine of the South, and plantations flourished. However, this period also saw the entrenchment of slavery, leaving an enduring impact on the state's social fabric. The historic homes of the Old South, such as the iconic Gone with the Wind plantation, stand as reminders of this complex and tumultuous era.

The Civil War brought Georgia to the forefront of a nation divided. The state bore witness to pivotal moments, including the burning of Atlanta and General Sherman's March to the Sea. The scars of war are etched in the landscape, with sites like Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park offering a poignant reflection on the cost of conflict.

Post-Civil War, Georgia underwent a process of reconstruction and rebirth. The rise of Atlanta as a transportation hub and economic center marked the beginning of a new era. The city played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement, with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. shaping the struggle for racial equality. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta serve as beacons of remembrance and education, highlighting Georgia's contributions to the fight for justice and equality.

In the 21st century, Georgia continues to evolve, embracing its multicultural identity while preserving the threads of its storied past. Atlanta, a vibrant metropolis, stands as a testament to the state's resilience and dynamism. From the eclectic neighborhoods of Little Five Points to the sprawling green spaces of Piedmont Park, Georgia's capital reflects the diverse influences that have shaped its contemporary character.

Georgia's roots run deep, intertwining the legacies of indigenous peoples, colonial settlers, and the challenges of a tumultuous history. By exploring the state's cultural tapestry, one can gain a profound appreciation for the diverse threads that weave together to form the unique identity of the Peach State. Whether wandering through historic sites, savoring Southern cuisine, or engaging with the vibrant arts scene, Georgia invites all to unravel the rich layers of its past and discover the beauty of its enduring roots.

For more info:-

Georgia Roots

Georgia Roots Outdoor Living

[alejashistoryblog]

Introduction:

In the vast realm of ancient sports and games, there is one that stands out for its historical significance and intriguing gameplay: Chunkey. Originating from the Native American tribes of the Mississippi River Valley, Chunkey captivated the hearts and minds of its participants for centuries. Join me on a journey through time as we dive into the fascinating world of this ancient game. 1. Origins and Significance:

Chunkey, also known as "chunkey-stones," emerged around 600 CE and was primarily played by tribes such as the Natchez, Choctaw, and Chickasaw. The game held great cultural and spiritual significance, serving as both entertainment and a means of settling arguments. It provided a platform for social interaction, encouraging fellowship and unity among tribes. 2. Gameplay and Equipment: The game of Chunkey centers around a stone disc or "chunkey stone" and a long throwing stick called an "atlatl." The stone disc, typically made of soapstone or clay, measures around 3-4 inches in diameter and is decorated with complex designs. The atlatl, a wooden tool with a handle and a hook, is used to push forward the stone disc.

To play Chunkey, participants would gather on an appointed playing field, often a flat stretch of land. One player would roll the disc across the field, and the others would take turns throwing their atlatls, attempting to land as close to the rolling stone as possible. Points were scored based on how close the participants' atlatls landed to the stone. This adds an element of strategy and precision to the game.

3. Rituals and Cultural Significance: Chunkey was not merely a recreational game; it was deeply intertwined with the spiritual and social fabric of Native American tribes. Before each match, rituals and ceremonies were performed to honor the spirits and seek their blessings. The game was seen as a manifestation of celestial forces and was believed to have a direct influence on tribal prosperity and harmony. 4. Legacy and Revival: As European settlers arrived in North America, Native American cultures and traditions faced significant challenges. Chunkey, like many other indigenous practices, experienced a decline in popularity. However, in recent years, efforts have been made to revive and preserve the game. Native American communities and cultural organizations have organized Chunkey tournaments, offering a platform to celebrate and showcase this ancient sport. 5. Lessons from Chunkey:

Beyond its historical significance, Chunkey holds valuable lessons that resonate with us today. The game teaches us the importance of community, cooperation, and respect for nature. It reminds us of the profound connection between sports and culture, and the role they play in shaping our identities. Conclusion: Chunkey is more than just a game; it is a testament to the rich heritage and resilience of Native American tribes. As we explore the ancient world of Chunkey, we discover a sport that goes beyond mere entertainment, carrying deep cultural and spiritual significance. By reviving and celebrating Chunkey, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and ensure that their unique traditions continue to inspire generations to come.

By Aleja Ekwall

[swanlake1998]

Article: Inaugural Five Moons Dance Festival Honors Oklahoma’s Native American Ballerinas

Date: August 18, 2021

By: April Deocariza

In the 20th century, five Native American ballerinas from Oklahoma became trailblazers in ballet, performing with the world’s most renowned companies, becoming artistic directors, and founding schools, some of which are still active today. Their stories are ones to be celebrated and retold, particularly as the industry lies at an inflection point where diversity and women in leadership are becoming of greater priority. Known as the “Five Moons”— Maria Tallchief, Marjorie Tallchief, Rosella Hightower, Moscelyne Larkin and Yvonne Chouteau—these women will be honored in the upcoming Five Moons Dance Festival taking place August 27–29 on the University of Oklahoma (OU), Norman, campus.

The goals of the inaugural festival are threefold: to recognize the legacies of Oklahoma’s five Native ballerinas; create a platform for woman choreographers from underrepresented populations to present their work; and to bring more education and awareness of Native culture to dancers and nondancers alike. This year’s festival will have a special focus on the Osage ballerinas, Maria and Marjorie Tallchief. (Subsequent festivals will highlight one of the Five Moons and her respective tribe.) 

“The conversation in the dance world has been ‘Why aren’t there more women choreographers and in leadership roles?’” says Michael Bearden, director of the OU School of Dance and curator of the festival. “Here are five women who were born in the 1920s in Oklahoma who went on to do incredible things.”

Warren Queton, festival planning-committee member and former tribal liaison at the OU Office of Diversity and Inclusion, agrees.

“Dance has always been, and will continue to play, a vital role in Indigenous identity,” explains Queton, a citizen of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, who is also affiliated with the Cherokee and Seminole nations. “The Five Moons paved a way for others through their dedication and hard work. My hope is that our next generation will know their story and be inspired to follow in their footsteps.”

Making Their Marks

Each of the Five Moons performed with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Maria Tallchief is widely considered to be America’s first prima ballerina. George Balanchine created several roles for her while she was a principal dancer at New York City Ballet, including her signature Firebird. She went on to establish the Chicago City Ballet in 1974. Her sister, Marjorie Tallchief, was the first Native American dancer to become an étoile at the Paris Opéra Ballet. She later served as the director of dance at the Harid Conservatory from 1989 to 1993. She is the last surviving member of the Five Moons and resides in Boca Raton.

Rosella Hightower, of Choctaw heritage, performed with American Ballet Theatre (then known as Ballet Theatre) from 1941–45 and 1955–56. She went on to found the Center for Classical Dance in Cannes, France, in 1962. In 1981, Hightower became the first American director of the Paris Opéra Ballet.

Moscelyne Larkin, a member of the Shawnee-Peoria tribe, co-founded Tulsa Ballet with her husband, Roman Jasinski, in 1956. Yvonne Chouteau, of Shawnee and Cherokee heritage, established OU’s Department of Dance, now the OU School of Dance, in 1963 with her husband, Miguel Terekhov. The couple also founded the Oklahoma City Civic Ballet, now known as Oklahoma City Ballet, that same year.

“The Five Moons broke through barriers that took generations to make an impact,” reflects Jenna Smith LaViolette, an Osage dancer and choreographer who directs Dance Maker Academy, a school on the Osage reservation in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. “Maria Tallchief’s directors tried to talk her into changing her name to a Russian name, but she refused. She was Osage and proud of her heritage.”

Connecting Past and Present

The three-day festival will feature a series of panel discussions and educational presentations, including one on Osage history and culture by a representative of the Osage and Cherokee tribes. The program will culminate with a performance featuring institutions with ties to the Five Moons, including ABT, Tulsa Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, Osage Ballet and students from the OU School of Dance. Native dancers from Osage County will also perform traditional dances. 

Stefanie Batten Bland, creator of Company SBB and a choreographer for ABT’s inaugural Women’s Movement Initiative, will present her piece MonuMEnts, featuring ABT artists Melvin Lawovi and Kanon Kimura.

“I was looking at ballet as a living monument and how its vernacular and storytelling capabilities can better reflect the ‘me,’ or individual, inside of our times, our institutions,” says Batten Bland. “I think right now is a moment where we are examining how we celebrate memory. The idea of celebrating Indigenous women who participated in, what we considered at the time, a completely European-led vernacular, is honoring and bringing the past into the present.”

The festival will also feature Osage Ballet dancing excerpts from LaViolette’s ballet Wahzhazhe, performed by Native American ballet dancers (although not all are Osage). The ballet, which premiered in Oklahoma in 2012, depicts the history of the Osage people and is set to music written by Lou Brock, also of Osage descent.   

“It is crucial to continue to promote the Five Moons’ work because of the lack of representation of Native Americans in professional ballet,” emphasizes LaViolette.  “Festivals like this one will help educate the public about the greatness that has been achieved by Native American ballet dancers and inspire young dancers to want to excel in their art.”

[horchatachinchilla]

Can someone please help me find an indigenous romance novel to read??? One where BOTH love interest are indigenous people.

When I look on online, I keeping finding (disgusting) buzzwords like "Savage" and "tame" and it is gross because the majority of "indigenous" romance novels I'm finding are historical fiction that always include a white settler🤢💀 ALSO the imagery of the historical romance couple is CRINGE as you can see below

WARNING: There are terms such as Sl@ve and S@v@ge below on these covers, and there is a lot of racial fetishization of indigenous men :(

The title is called “Cheyenne Captive”, This feels like the author is fetishizing Indigenous men by seeing them as their “captor” WTF?!?!

The term “half-breed” is absolutely disgusting! And yet once again, I can only find interracial “indigenous’ romance novels as you can see with the latter.

 This one has some nerve. Lakota princess? LAKOTA PRINCESS!?! That’s a white lady! And for those who say there are blonde indigenous ppl, yeah. The book summary say that this is a girl from England >_> “ Driven from her home in England by hostile political forces, Estrela was little more than a girl....” BLAH BLAH BLAH, I got bored from it. 

I think this Karen Kay author have some sort of gross fetish because she has 3+ books with white women with “S@v@ge” indigenous men  💀 

The kicker is that Karen Kay is claiming she is of Indigenous descent because as an adult she found out her great-great Grandmother was a member of the Choctaw tribe. And she writes these romance novels to learn more about about her culture.

Ma’am... WHAT?!?! All of her novels centers on white women being either slaves/captives, brides, and damsels to stereotyped indigenous men. Why would someone want to create content like this??? and i’m not lying, please check her portfolio of works. All of her books are like this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Kay

ANOTHER “Princess”, reminds me of all those white girls who swear up and down that their great great great great grandmother is a Cherokee “princess” 

White Bear’s woman also happens to be a white woman, Why am I not surprised? -_- This is also example of harmful racial fetishization towards Indigenous men! Read the summary of this book: “After killing her lecherous stepfather in self-defense, Hannah Gibbons fled to the New World where another cruel fate awaited her as slave to the fierce Seneca Indians. Terrified, her first thought was escape. . .until she met her new master”  🤢 🤢

I almost found a novel where the main love interest are BOTH indigenous, BUT apparently we’re supposed to root for the white girl and knowing clichés, she’s going to win.  🙄

And before I leave, here:

Don’t forget that indigenous women are also racially fetishized. (apparently that lady on the cover is a Sioux native, I couldn’t tell at first until reading the summary).

Please leave me novel suggestions that I can read where the two love interests are both Indigenous people. I know that there are actual Indigenous writers out there but unfortunately, people with racial fetishes are over saturating the space. I even tried looking for novels taking place during the Incan empire and there were novels that focused on the Incan princesses and her conquistador “lovers” excuse me, that’s not their lover, that’s their r@apist.   🤢

AND if you are a young writer and feel self-conscious about your work, I know you can do better than this junk!!

[casbooks]

Books of 2023

Book 26 of 2023

Title: The Tiger FACs: A Dance With the Devil Authors: Don Bell Tags: A-1 Skyraider, AC-130 Spectre, B-52 Stratofortress, C-123 Provider, CSAR, EC-121 Warning Star, F-100 Super Sabre, F-105 Thunderchief, F-4 Phantom II, FAC, Fast-FAC, H-34 Choctaw, KC-135 Stratotanker, KHM Cambodian Incursion (1970) (Vietnam War), LAO Arrow Head Lake, LAO Ban Ban, LAO Ban Ban Valley, LAO Ban Karai, LAO Ban LaBoy Ford, LAO Barthelemy Pass, LAO Boloven Plateau, LAO Chinese Road, LAO Fishes Mouth Region, LAO Hmong Meo Tribesmen, LAO IDP Interdiction Point, LAO Keo Neua, LAO Khang Khai, LAO Khang Khay, LAO Khang Khay - Chinese Cultural Center, LAO Kingdom of Xieng Khouang, LAO Laos, LAO Laotian Civil War (1959-1975), LAO Lima Site 02 - San Tiau (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 20A - Long Tieng (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 32 - Boung Lam (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 36 - Na Khang (Laotian Civil War), LAO Lima Site 85 - Phu Pha Thi (Laotian Civil War), LAO Luang Prabang, LAO MR Military Region (Laotian Civil War), LAO MR1 (Laotian Civil War), LAO MR2 (Laotian Civil War), LAO MR5 (Laotian Civil War), LAO Muong Soui, LAO Na Khang, LAO Nong Het, LAO Operation About Face / Kou Kiet (1969) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Barrel Roll (1964-1973) (Laotian Civil War) (Vietnam War), LAO Operation Commando Hunt (1968-1972) (Laotian Civil War) (Vietnam War), LAO Operation Rain Dance (1969) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Steel Tiger (1965-1968) (Laotian Civil War) (Vietnam War), LAO Operation Yankee Team (1964) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Pathet Lao, LAO Plain of Jars / Plaine des Jarres, LAO Prime Minister Souvanna Phouma, LAO Prince Souvanna Phouma, LAO RLA General Vang Pao, LAO RLA Royal Laotian Army, LAO RLAF Royal Lao Air Force, LAO Road Runner Lake, LAO Route 13, LAO Route 19, LAO Route 61, LAO Route 7, LAO Route 7/71 Junction, LAO Route 71, LAO Sam Neua, LAO USAF Project 404 (Laotian Civil War), LAO USAF Steve Canyon Program - Ravens FAC (Laotian Civil War), LAO Vientiane, LAO Xieng Khouang, O-1 Bird Dog, O-2 Skymaster, OV-10 Bronco, PHL Philippines, PHL US USAF Clark Air Force Base, POW, RF-4, SA-2 Guideline SAM, SAM, SEAD / Wild Weasel, T-28 Trojan, T-39 Sabreliner, THA RTAF Royal Thai Air Force, THA RTAFB Korat Royal Thai Air Base, THA RTAFB Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, THA RTAFB Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, THA RTAFB Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, THA RTAFB Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, THA Thailand, US Ambassador George McMurtrie Godley III, US Ambassador William Sullivan, US Birdair Airlines (Vietnam War) (Laotian Civil War) (Cambodian Civil War), US CIA Central Intelligence Agency, US COA CASI Continental Air Services International, US COA Continental Airlines, US Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, US USAF 11th TRS - Atlanta, US USAF 11th TRS - Bullwhip, US USAF 19th TASS - Rustic FAC, US USAF 21st TASS - Rustic FAC, US USAF 23rd TASS - NAIL FAC, US USAF 23rd TASS - OL1 - Rustic FAC (Ubon) (Cambodian Civil War) (Vietnam War), US USAF 25th TFS - Assam Dragons, US USAF 33rd TFW, US USAF 34th TFS - Hatchet, US USAF 355th TFW, US USAF 366th TFS - Stormy FAC, US USAF 388th TFW, US USAF 388th TFW - Seafox (SEAD), US USAF 388th TFW - Tiger Fast-FAC, US USAF 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Sqd - Crown/King, US USAF 40th TFS, US USAF 416th TFS - Det 1 - Misty FAC, US USAF 432nd TRW - Wolf FAC, US USAF 469th TFS, US USAF 553rd TRW - Bat Cat, US USAF 606th Special Operations Sqd - Candlestick, US USAF 6250th Support Squadron - Scatback, US USAF 7th ABCCC Airborne Command and Control Sqd - Alley Cat, US USAF 7th ABCCC Airborne Command and Control Sqd - Cricket, US USAF 7th ABCCC Airborne Command and Control Sqd - Hillsboro, US USAF 7th ABCCC Airborne Command and Control Sqd - Moonbeam, US USAF 7th AF Task Force - Big Eye / College Eye / Ethan / Rivet Top / Disco /, US USAF 8th TFW - Wolf FAC, US USAF Eglin Air Force Base FL, US USAF JEST Jungle Environment Survival Training, US USAF United States Air Force, US USMC Ernest C. Brace, US USMC United States Marine Corps, VNM CIA Air America (1950-1976) (Vietnam War), VNM Da Nang, VNM Dien Bien Phu, VNM DMZ Demilitarized Zone - 17th Parallel (Vietnam War), VNM Dong Hoi, VNM DRV NVA 316th Division, VNM DRV NVA North Vietnamese Army, VNM DRV VM Viet Minh, VNM Ho Chi Minh Trail (Vietnam War), VNM Mu Gia Pass, VNM Operation Arc Light (1965-1973) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Barrel Roll (1964-1973) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Combat Skyspot (1965-1973) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Steel Tiger (1965-1968) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Yankee Team (1964-1973) (Vietnam War), VNM Route 1, VNM Route Pack I (Vietnam War), VNM RVN ARVN Army of the Republic of Vietnam, VNM RVN SVNAF Da Nang Airbase, VNM RVN SVNAF South Vietnamese Air Force, VNM Song Bong River, VNM Tuy Hoa, VNM USAF Phu Cat Air Base (Vietnam War), VNM Vietnam, VNM Vietnam War (1955-1975) Rating: ★★★★★ (5 Stars) Subject: Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.Aviation.USAF.FAC, Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.Laotian Civil War.Aviation.FAC.Tiger

Description: They were the Tiger FACs, the forward air controllers who flew fast-moving F-4E Phantoms over the deadly skies of Laos and North Vietnam in an air war that history forgot to mention. These are their stories, in their own words, of missions in AAA-filled skies with supersonic angels as their wingmen. They challenged the enemy down in the weeds, eyeball-to-eyeball; cutting the supply lines that plunged through the mountains and karst formations of Laos on their way to South Vietnam. The mission required flying sorties up to six hours long with four to six air-to-air refuelings. It demanded extraordinary teamwork and bravery, and this small group of men paid the price, suffering up to eighty percent of the combat damage of a seventy-two aircraft wing. Their stories are often irreverent and far from today's political correctness, yet they are filled with the reality of war. "The Tiger FACs" will take you back to experience the days and nights of these fighter crews at Korat Air Base in Thailand. It is a recantation of the life and times of the men who chose to fly and fight, and while you won't experience battle damage, you will feel what they lived, and know, without doubt, that you are on their wing.