Blackwell Navy veteran honored with Cherokee Nation Medal of Patriotism

Blackwell Navy veteran honored with Cherokee Nation Medal of Patriotism

A Blackwell veteran has been recognized for his years of military service with a prestigious honor from the Cherokee Nation.

Jerry A. Wieland of Blackwell recently received the Cherokee Nation Medal of Patriotism in recognition of his service in the United States Navy.

In a letter dated Feb. 23, 2026, Wieland was formally notified of the recognition and thanked for his service. The letter congratulated him on being selected as a recipient of the Medal of Patriotism and acknowledged the long tradition of military service among Cherokee citizens and Native Americans.

“Cherokee Nation is proud of our warriors and thankful for the service they gave to their country,” the letter states. “Native Americans have a proud history of service and Cherokees have been present in every American conflict since the American Revolution.”

Wieland joined the Navy in 1992 as a search and rescue swimmer. His early duty stations included Ingleside and Fort Worth, Texas.

In 2001, he converted to the rate of Master-at-Arms, serving in military police and mobile security force roles. During that time he was stationed in Bahrain, Gulfport, Mississippi; Millington, Tennessee; and San Diego, California.

Throughout his career, Wieland spent a combined five and a half years deployed in the Middle East, serving in Iraq, Kuwait, Dubai, Bahrain, Jebel Ali, Fujairah, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

He retired from the Navy in 2012 as a Master-at-Arms First Class with Mobile Security Force Squadron 3.

During his service, Wieland received numerous military decorations and qualifications, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, eight Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two National Defense Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Additional honors include the Armed Forces Service Medal, five Good Conduct Medals and the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation.

He also earned several warfare and professional qualifications, including Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist, Expeditionary Warfare Specialist and Certified Master Anti-Terrorism Specialist.

The Medal of Patriotism is awarded as a testament to a veteran’s service and as part of the Cherokee Nation’s tradition of honoring sacrifice and patriotism. Along with the medal, Wieland also received a Warrior Award Certificate recognizing his contributions.

The recognition was sent with appreciation from Chuck Hoskin Jr., Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, and Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner, along with members of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council.

Wieland said receiving the honor from the Cherokee Nation is deeply meaningful.

“Words cannot describe what an honor it is to receive this award from the Cherokee Nation,” he said. “I’m grateful to the Cherokee Nation in recognizing its veterans. Serving this great country was a privilege and an honor.”

A Blackwell veteran has been recognized for his years of military service with a prestigious honor from the Cherokee Nation.

Jerry A. Wieland of Blackwell recently received the Cherokee Nation Medal of Patriotism in recognition of his service in the United States Navy.

In a letter dated Feb. 23, 2026, Wieland was formally notified of the recognition and thanked for his service. The letter congratulated him on being selected as a recipient of the Medal of Patriotism and acknowledged the long tradition of military service among Cherokee citizens and Native Americans.

“Cherokee Nation is proud of our warriors and thankful for the service they gave to their country,” the letter states. “Native Americans have a proud history of service and Cherokees have been present in every American conflict since the American Revolution.”

Wieland joined the Navy in 1992 as a search and rescue swimmer. His early duty stations included Ingleside and Fort Worth, Texas.

In 2001, he converted to the rate of Master-at-Arms, serving in military police and mobile security force roles. During that time he was stationed in Bahrain, Gulfport, Mississippi; Millington, Tennessee; and San Diego, California.

Throughout his career, Wieland spent a combined five and a half years deployed in the Middle East, serving in Iraq, Kuwait, Dubai, Bahrain, Jebel Ali, Fujairah, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

He retired from the Navy in 2012 as a Master-at-Arms First Class with Mobile Security Force Squadron 3.

During his service, Wieland received numerous military decorations and qualifications, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, eight Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two National Defense Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Additional honors include the Armed Forces Service Medal, five Good Conduct Medals and the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation.

He also earned several warfare and professional qualifications, including Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist, Expeditionary Warfare Specialist and Certified Master Anti-Terrorism Specialist.

The Medal of Patriotism is awarded as a testament to a veteran’s service and as part of the Cherokee Nation’s tradition of honoring sacrifice and patriotism. Along with the medal, Wieland also received a Warrior Award Certificate recognizing his contributions.

The recognition was sent with appreciation from Chuck Hoskin Jr., Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, and Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner, along with members of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council.

Wieland said receiving the honor from the Cherokee Nation is deeply meaningful.

“Words cannot describe what an honor it is to receive this award from the Cherokee Nation,” he said. “I’m grateful to the Cherokee Nation in recognizing its veterans. Serving this great country was a privilege and an honor.”