Former Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Director Pete Reed made a stop in Eufaula Oct. 2 on behalf of the Season of the Warrior campaign tour. The goal of the campaign is to reach 100 cities in 100 days to raise funds for the Native American Warrior Project.
The passing of House Bill 4012 established $4.3M to create the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial Park just south of the state capitol in Oklahoma City. The 45th Infantry Arch will stand as the anchor of the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial Park and will serve as the gateway to the space of re- membrance.
The Native American Warrior Monument will be the first of many tributes on these grounds, honoring Oklahoma’s deep-rooted legacy of military service, sacrifice and valor.
Reed, who began his public service career at age 25 and became the department’s director at just 29, is working alongside the Native American Warrior Project to establish a permanent tribute recognizing the service and sacrifice of Native Americans in the U.S. military. His passion for veterans and preserving this history leads the way for this project.
“Per capita, Native Americans have served more than any other ethnic group in our nation’s history,” Reed said. “They understand, as Oklahomans do, the deep connection to the land and what it means to be called a warrior.”
Native Americans have served in every major U.S. conflict since the Revolutionary War. During World War I, more than 12,000 Native American men served alongside 10,000 Native women who joined the Red Cross. In World War II, the number rose to over 44,000 Native service members, including nearly 800 women.
Since 9-11, Native Americans continue to serve at the highest percapita rate of any ethnic group in the country – a testament to the enduring Warrior tradition that dominates Native culture.
This park will be the first of its kind at the state level. Reed hopes this will not be just a tourist attraction but a tourist destination for people all over the world.
‘We hope this park will symbolize the rich military heritage that Oklahoma has,” Reed said.
The visit was not a routine stop but a mission to bring all 77 counties into the journey of participation and recognition here in Oklahoma.
The campaign will travel to 100 communities in fewer than 100 days, meeting with civic leaders, visiting local landmarks, and connecting with newspapers to spread awareness about the project.
The goal: to raise $2.5 million from 100,000 Oklahomans donating $25 each.
“This is going to take about ten years to fully develop,” Reed said, referencing the master site plan that features an amphitheater, the towering 45th Infantry Arch, and walking paths lined with statues of individual military heroes. “But the Native American Warrior Monument is our anchor – the first, and most significant step in this vision. Once we build the first monument, it’ll be easier to get support for the rest.”
“That’s just a quarter of one percent of our state,” Reed said. “We believe there are 100,000 Oklahomans who will step up.”
The project has received support from an impressive list of honorary figures. Football coaching legend Barry Switzer serves as Honorary Chairman, along with Governor Brad Henry, and the late Governor George Nigh, whose name remains listed “in memoriam.” Governor Bill Anoatubby of the Chickasaw Nation is also a senior advisor.
At the heart of the effort is the creation of the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial Park at the Capitol, which will feature the 45th Infantry Arch as its centerpiece. The planned Native American Warrior Monument will be the first of its kind in the nation, highlighting Oklahoma’s proud and diverse military heritage.
Reed said future monuments are already envisioned to honor Black veterans, women veterans and potentially Asian American service members.
Oklahomans wishing to contribute, or volunteer can do so through the Force 50 Foundation website.
