Army Pfc. Sheldon Hawk Eagle
Died November 15, 2003 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom
Army Private First Class Sheldon Ray Hawk Eagle, 21. Her nephew was quiet and loyal, a mature young man who gave every decision careful thought, says Turner, who helped raise him after his parents died. “He didn’t jump into anything,” she recalls. “He was very meticulous and organized.” Sheldon was from Grand Forks, North Dakota and was a member assigned to the, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; killed Nov. 15 when two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters crashed in Mosul, Iraq.
Sheldon was killed from injuries suffered during combat operations in Iraq. Sheldon Hawk Eagle was a talented artist who loved to draw and paint, and a classic car buff who knew every model he saw on the road. Hawk Eagle also adored kids and talked about a career in child psychology, and looking forward to using the Post 9-11 GI Bill. Our Eagle soars with wings, today.
If you listen closely, you will hear the angels pray.
He’ll be watching from above Still sharing of his love. “Our nation owes him our utmost gratitude and earnest thanks. To his sister, grandfather, the elders and friends of his Native American Tribe. Know that your precious one loved his family and country deeply. Private First Class Hawk Eagle joins the thousands who have given, so that you and I might enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy today.”
The Wings Of An Eagle
Sheldon Ray Hawk Eagle of Grand Forks, North Dakota was carried to the Heart of
All that is, Paha Sapa, the Black Hills and laid to rest as
Warrior with honor, dignity and respect.
The coffin and the pall bearers were purified with
Sweet grass. Each of the twelve, wore yellow ribbons
Tied around their arms.
The Lakota people are a warrior people. It is an honor
To be a warrior and protect your land, your freedom and
Your family. Because they were here first,
They love the land more than any other race.
This Lakota Warrior made the ultimate sacrifice
For both his Nations.
For 18 hours, an overnight vigil, hundreds of Tribal
Members listened to both Christian and Lakota
Prayers and honor songs by drum groups.
There were giveaways and feasts.
At sunrise, a two hour funeral, followed by a three
Hour procession, carried Hawk Eagle’s body
One hundred and fifty miles to the Black Hills,
The heart of all there is in Lakota tradition.
Color guards from the Cheyenne River, Rosebud,
Standing Rock, Oglala and Sisseton Wahpeton
Tribes bore the flags of the Nations.
Proof of the family’s goodwill was evident,
When they began giving away jars, vases, and
Baskets of flowers that had been sent.
They handed out bouquets to the elders and then
One flower for each of the mourners to press in the
Memorial program in remembrance.
Pillows, towels, baskets bowls and household goods
Were passed out to the hundreds in attendance.
Giveaways are traditional among the nations during
Important occasions. It is the Lakota way.
Sheldon’s sister, Frankie and their relatives,
Stood to drape stack after stack of
Lakota Star quilts over friends and elders.
The Lakota have a relationship, with the Big Dipper
Constellation. In Lakota culture, it is said to help the
Deceased on their way to the spirit world.
The family completed the giveaway and faced the east.
Mitakuye Oyasin, all my relatives, began the elder.
Tunkasila, (grandfather)
We pray for this day, your wisdom and not our own.
We pray for one mind and one spirit.
Sheldon descends from Tshunka Witko.
Chief Crazy Horse who helped defeat
Lt. Col.George Armstrong Custer, at the
Battle of Greasy Creek (Little Big Horn).
As he was being buried, a Black Hawk helicopter flew
Over the cemetery, lingered in the snowy hills.
It flew into the heart of all that is,
And was gone.
~~Somehow, it did not seem like enough. ~~
Our Eagle soars with wings, today.
If you listen closely, you will hear the
Angels pray.
He’ll be watching from above
Still sharing of his love.
Sources:
- CBSNews.com
- MilitaryTimes.com
