Private First Class Bryan “Jake” Chanate was selected for the Military and Veteran Honor
Banner because he was a role model, mentor for Native Americans and Veterans, and a man
that I greatly admired, loved and respected. A full-blood Kiowa, he was drafted into the U.S.
Army in 1969 and on January 14, 1971 his unit was ambushed in Vietnam. Despite being shot
six times in his legs, he was able to order in support and save his unit. He left the military as an
Airborne Ranger with Company H Rangers, 75 th Infantry Airborne and 1 st Calvary Division
receiving the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and a Presidential Citation Award. From Cherokee
Nation to dedicating 35 years of service to Northeastern State University, he served Native
Americans and Veterans. He impacted me through Native American culture in dance troops, as
lead singer of the Drumbusters Southern drum group, and as a teacher by influencing me on
how to respect people, our culture, Veterans, and the country.

Tahlequah Proudly honors Bryan "Jake" Chanate who served as a PFC in the United States Army.