Navajo Navy Recruiters

One with the Earth

August 16th, 2007

A few years ago I had the privilege of being the Chief Recruiter of Navy Recruiting District Phoenix. One of the many great things about the NRD is that within its territory was the Navajo Nation.

Navy Recruiting Station Flagstaff was one of the NRS’ that covered the Navajo Nation, we would make every attempt to place Sailors who were Navajo in Flagstaff. We were lucky enough to have two Navajos stationed there during my tour.

Before most Navajo would commit to joining the Navy they would complete a “Ceremony”. I am not the expert I should be on the process but from what I remember the Ceremony could be as long as 3 days encompassing rituals, meditation and spiritual healing - it is a very religious event.

I found the Navajo to be great listeners who have a deep relationship with nature. One of my Sailors showed me his corn pollen pouch which he would use during prayer, an example of the use of something pure from the earth that further strengthened my belief the Navajoes spiritual connection allowed them to “see” nature.

NRS Flagstaff was a station with the best view - it had a big window that allowed a picturesque view of the the nearby mountains. During one of my visits late in the fall I was having a conversation with both of my Navajo Shipmates when one of them carefully looked out the window and stared at the mountain. After a few seconds passed the Sailor turned to me and stated, “It is going to snow tonight.” I looked out the window at the mountain, there was not a cloud in the sky. I asked, “How is it you know? There isn’t a cloud in the sky.” I was thinking he saw a certain color in the sky, smelled a scent or had a spiritual feeling and he replied, “I saw it on the weather channel this morning.”

The look on my face and my explanation caused the three of us to burst out in laughter - it reminded them of the part in “The Outlaw Josey Wales” when Clint Eastwood came upon a Native American with his ear to the ground saying something like, four men on horseback past through here 4 hours ago at a full gallop. Eastwood replied, how do you know that listening to the ground? I can’t, they ran me over.

I spent the rest of the day enduring the many quips they both could muster - a day I will never forget.

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