The California Valley Miwok Tribe (located at 10601 N. Escondido PL, Stockton, CA, as listed in the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ BIA/DOI Spring 2011 Tribal Leaders Directory), a federally recognized tribe eligible to receive and distribute services from the federal government – on Tuesday, April 17th, 2012, the San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge members donated bottled water to the California Valley Miwok Tribe to distribute to the recipients whom receive monthly allotments of USDA food commodities. This month, the Tribe was privileged to participate in the “Quilts of Valor” honoring ceremony of Mr. Freddie M. Canez, a San Joaquin Native American veteran.
The “Quilts of Valor”, initiated by the “Women of the Oakland Indian Center”, make quilts to honor veterans whom have served this great nation. Ms. Billie Springs has led this effort and has been the point of contact in receiving the quilts and it was she whom organized the quilt making for veterans. She also, along with the many women from the Oakland Indian Center, has taken the time to create each quilt, personalizing it to the recipient for whom it is intended. Commander of the San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge, Richard “Windfeathers” Muniz, USN CVA 61 USS Ranger, presented the “Quilt of Valor” to Mr. Canez. The ceremony was very heartwarming with all present congratulating Freddie on receiving such a high honor. Mr. Canez’s fellow lodge members Mike Trujillo and David Romero, stood alongside him to give their support and to congratulate him for his well-deserved honor.
The California Valley Miwok Tribe would like to sincerely thank the San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge members for sacrificing their time to donate bottled water to the Tribe to distribute out to the USDA Food recipients whom are so appreciative of receiving the monthly allotment of water. Also, our “CONGRATULATIONS!!!” to San Joaquin Native Veteran Lodge member Mr. Freddie M. Canez. Our hearts are with you and we will forever be thankful for being given the privilege of participating in the “Quilts of Valor” honoring ceremony.
CVMT would also like to give a well-deserved hand shake to commander of the San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge, Mr. Richard “Windfeathers” Muniz, for taking such good care of his fellow veteran lodge members, and for his (and their) continued commitment to serving the needs of the Native American communities.
