FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (November 5, 2003) – On Monday, November 10, 2003, the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe will celebrate Veteran’s Day with a special luncheon honoring veterans of the United States Military. The luncheon will be held at the Community Gathering Center on the Reservation and will feature a ceremony with retired paratroopers from Northern Arizona All Airborne Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Retired veteran, John Sheffield, will be the featured speaker. Sheffield is a member of the Northern Arizona All Airborne Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division.

“We are grateful for all of the country’s veterans. This luncheon is our small way of thanking them for their service,” said Ernie Jones, Sr., President of the Tribe. “It is because of their service that we as Americans continue to enjoy our freedoms.”

Veterans from all four branches of the military are expected to attend the luncheon, including those veterans who are also tribal members. The Tribe will also host individuals recuperating at the VA Hospital at the luncheon. Tribal president Ernie Jones, Sr., himself a Vietnam veteran, will welcome the guests with opening remarks, and Gary Swigart, the Tribe’s personnel manager and a retired Air Force colonel, will lead the guests in the pledge of allegiance.
The Veteran’s Day luncheon will be held at Noon on Monday, November 10, 2003 at the Tribe’s Community Gathering Center. For more information, contact the Tribe at (928) 445-8790.

Located adjacent to the central Arizona community of Prescott, approximately one hour north of Phoenix, the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe consists of 160 members and occupies a reservation of nearly 1,500 acres.