Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces by Alexandra N. Harris and Mark G. Hirsch

Abstract

Reviewed by: Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces by Alexandra N. Harris and Mark G. Hirsch Joseph G. Hiller (bio) Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces by Alexandra N. Harris and Mark G. Hirsch National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, 2020 THIS COLLECTION-QUALITY BOOK broadly pursues a somewhat familiar question. There is no short or simple answer, however, to such an apparently simple inquiry. This rich book explains why the question is asked and relates in detail the many varied answers. Well-chosen illustrations and photographs, along with an attention-grabbing book cover, help make this book a sought-after collector's item. Since the question cannot be directly answered by our long-gone ancestors, the authors carefully describe the historical involvement of Natives in warfare. Several historical vignettes present captivating stories revealing comprehensive data and narratives that in a circumstantial way begin to answer the "why" question. When the "why" was asked of contemporary veterans and their families, however, a pattern of responses began to emerge. Why We Serve justifies the original reason for the question and continues to provide numerous authentic, thoughtful, and elegant answers laid out by testimony, stories, illustrations, and historical notes. Several themes align along a timeline that organizes this book. The first theme asks the question and establishes context. In view of both the historical and the contemporary relationship between Natives and the United States, how can Natives possibly sign up and support the federal sovereign in times of war? The question is perplexing and cumbersome to many; but the book reveals why it is not such a dichotomy to be Native and to serve in the military. The second theme explores warfare in a Native context—the reasons it occurs and how/why alliances between tribes were beneficial—albeit often temporary—for family and tribal homelands protection. Next comes the relationship with Europeans and the nuances they brought as third parties to existing alliances. In many cases members or clans of the same tribe aligned themselves with opposing European forces. Finally, major conflicts involving the U.S. dating from the early Indian Wars to the current Global War on Terrorism are one-by-one briefly addressed and accompanied by anecdotes, notable quotes, and illustrations addressing the central [End Page 145] "why" question. Stories are carefully told—by veterans, including Native Hawai'ian, Alaska Native, and American Indian—of the Native experience and singular sacrifice of service members, their families, and communities. Today with an all-volunteer military force, we find a mix of contemporary, traditional, and familial reasons to serve, ranging from the practical (the G.I. Bill, salary and benefits, job training, adventure and respect) to the more personal and tribal notions of doing greater good by serving society honorably and being from "a family that served" (157). Whatever the reason, Native military service is made known and honored in this book. Why We Serve is unique; it brings together in one place an authoritative, well-researched text that tells the collective story of Natives in military service to the United States. It presents an impressive collection of artwork and photographs and is footnoted extensively for further reference and reading. The book cover is perfectly eye-catching for this topic. Why We Serve is well worth the read and serves as an excellent reference on the topics of Natives and military service. [End Page 146] Joseph G. Hiller JOSEPH G. HILLER, Ph.D. (Oglala), LTC(R) U.S. Army Special Forces, is professor emeritus at the University of Arizona. Copyright © 2022 Regents of the University of Minnesota