Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Seven employees of the Cherokee Nation have been called to active duty by the United States military to help with Operation Enduring Freedom. However, they will continue to remain on the Cherokee Nation payroll until they return.

"We continue to pay them because we want to show our support for the United States and also to show our pride and appreciation for our employees", said Ben Stevens, executive director of human resources for the Cherokee Nation.

Since September 11, 2001, the Cherokee Nation has paid employees called up to active duty any difference between their military pay and what they were earning working for the Cherokee Nation.

"We were not going to allow those employees, and their families, to suffer financially because they left their homes and jobs to protect our freedom", said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "We always worry about our Cherokee soldiers, but we wanted to make sure they didn’t have to worry about their families while they are protecting ours."

The policy ensures that the military service member and his or her family can maintain their household and way of life should they be called to active duty.

"We did this for the employee and their families", Stevens said. "We feel that they should not be penalized for doing their patriotic duty."

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma Attn: (Department Name) P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465 Telephone: 918-456-0671 (Toll Free OK) 1-800-256-0671