Native American Airman Upholds Heritage

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. - As November comes to a close, Department of Defense officials encourage Airmen to take time to acknowledge the contributions of Native Americans to American and military history.

Master Sgt. Fawn Runs After, the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in charge of individual protective equipment, is a Native American Airman who spent her childhood at both the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation and the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation, S.D.

She is a member of the Cheyenne River Lakota tribe and has ties to both the Itazipa Cola (Without Bows) and Owohe Nupa (Two Kettle) Bands. While she was still in high school she decided she wanted to join the Air Force.

"I wanted to see the world and expand my horizons," Sergeant Runs After said. "I also liked the structure and discipline of military life."

While indulging in her desire to see the world, Sergeant Runs After was continuing her family's tradition of military service. Her grandfather was in the Navy during World War II, and she also has uncles in both the Army and Marines.

"A lot of people don't realize just how proud Native (Americans) are of military service and veterans," Sergeant Runs After said. "This deep respect can be seen at any pow-wow (an event where both Native American and non-Native American people meet to dance, sing, socialize and honor Native American culture)because the first members to enter a pow-wow are veterans and military members. This warrior heritage is deeply embedded in our culture."

Since joining the Air Force, Sergeant Runs After has volunteered for multiple assignments at various bases, including Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Sembach AB, Germany and Lajes Field, Azores.

In addition to these assignments, Sergeant Runs After has also deployed to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Southwest Asia.

Though she joined the Air Force to see new places, Sergeant Runs After is grateful to be stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base and closer to her hometown, because it has allowed her to spend more time with family.

While here, she has also been dedicated in her duties with the 28th LRS, overseeing all aspects of mobility bag and weapons management for the wing.

"She is a great mentor and everyone in her shop looks up to her because she has a lot of supply knowledge," said Senior Airman Erendira Schroeder, of the 28th LRS. "She always makes sure that everyone she trains is on the same page."

In addition to training those she supervises, Sergeant Runs After also encourages the Airmen of her shop to help further their careers and education.

"She takes good care of her Airmen by making sure everyone has a [driving] plan on the weekends for when they go out and a place to go for the holidays," Airman Schroeder said. "She also encourages her Airmen to volunteer in the community and attend school."

Sergeant Runs After has remained an active member within her hometown and the local community by "adopting" a first grade class every year from her hometown. With each class, she shares her life experiences and provides each child with a backpack and basic school supplies.

Her hard work has earned her the 2009 28th Bomb Wing Lance P. Sijan Award, and the 2008 28th Bomb Wing Military Volunteer of the Year Award.

Her efforts were also recognized within the Lakota community when they presented her with the name Pretty Bear Woman, or Mato Waste Wi (pronounced: mah-toe wa-stay wee) during a naming ceremony honoring her accomplishments.

As for her future, Sergeant Runs After plans to receive a bachelor's degree in business.

"It's been a challenge, sometimes I take four classes at a time, but now I am just seven credits shy of graduating," Sergeant Runs After said.

As for her decision to join the military, Sergeant Runs After said it has given her many opportunities and a sense of pride within her family and community.

"My family is very proud of me and I'm very proud to represent my family and people," Sergeant Runs After said.

Native American Heritage Month is just one part of several diversity programs supported by the federal government, DOD and the Air Force.

According to the Department of Defense Web site, the month of November was designated as Native American Heritage Month in 1990 by President George H. W. Bush after approval of a joint resolution. Similar proclamations have been issued each year since 1994.