Today’s military successes depended heavily on American Indians.

The National American Indian Heritage Month is observed annually during the month of November.  

Throughout November, Robins will celebrate and provide ways for its community to learn more about the American Indian culture and how it has contributed to the history of the U.S.

The Robins Diversity Council will kick off its American Indian cultural celebration by hosting an arts & crafts booth at the base’s Fall Bash Nov. 2, from noon – 4 p.m.

The council will host a reading program event at the base library Nov. 6 at noon. Volunteers will also read to children at C.B. Watson Elementary school Nov. 18 – 21.

The month’s events will wrap up with a Lunch & Learn at the Heritage Club ballroom Nov. 18 at 11 a.m.

Staff Sgt. Karol-Anne Wheeler, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron’s Commander Support Staff, and Robins Diversity Council member, said as someone with American Indian heritage, she wants people to know how people like her ancestors served in our military.

“I’m half Native American,” she said. “My tribe is Kiowa from Oklahoma. I want Robins to know the different amazing things that Native Americans do for the military and for our country. No one really knows much about Native Americans. It’s like we’re fading out.”

Wheeler said her great-grandfather and four grandfathers fought in the Vietnam War.

According to the 2010 Census, it is estimated that over 150,000 veterans identified as American Indian and Alaska Native alone.

There are currently over 24,000 active duty native service members in the U.S. Armed Forces, according to the National Congress of American Indians.