"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Family of Soldiers Honored

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Honoring its military men and women, the Cherokee Nation recognized a family of warriors during the Tribal Council meeting in August.

“The Cherokee Nation is pleased to honor our Cherokee soldiers and their families for the sacrifices that they make for our country and for the Cherokee Nation,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

The Summerlin family has offered three generations of Cherokee citizens to military service. George W. Summerlin served during WWII in the South Pacific and Turkey. Together, with his sons, grandsons and great-grandsons, the Summerlin family has served over 100 years in the armed forces. At the August meeting, the family members were recognized by fellow veteran Deputy Principal Chief Joe Grayson, Jr., with commemorative plaques and the Cherokee Medal of Patriotism.

Gerald Summerlin, of Gore, joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and retired from the service in 1973 as a Master Sergeant. Gerald served for 22 years and is a veteran of the Korean and Vietnams Wars. He has served in Europe, Japan and North Africa. Gerald is currently the VFW Post 3707 Commander and a member of the American Legion.

Keith E. Summerlin, of Jacksonville, AR, joined the army in 1985. After completing basic training he was assigned to an outfit in Alabama. Upon returning to Arkansas Keith was assigned to Camp Robinson as a military policeman. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1993. Currently, Keith works for the Arkansas Department of Health as a Bio-Terrorism Response Coordinator and is a member of the Department of Justice Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council.

Eric S. Summerlin is the son of Keith and Kay Summerlin. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2002. Eric is an Aerial Gunner and is currently assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Command in Hurlburt Field, Florida. During his service, Eric has been deployed to Germany, Kuwait and Iraq. To date he has more than a dozen service medals to his credit.

“I commend the Summerlin family and their commitment to the armed forces,” said Smith. “Cherokees have a rich history of military service and the Cherokee Nation feels it is important to honor and recognize the dedication of all of our veterans.”