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Barnes brothers return from Iraq, area vets to be honored

Nov-10-2004 » Filed Under: Tributes

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Joy and happiness were abundant in Browning this week as Sgt. Sean Barnes and Spec. Ryan Barnes returned to visit family after tours in Iraq. Sean was working in Browning and attending Blackfeet Community College when he joined the US Army in 1996. Ryan, a 1997 graduate of Browning High School, followed his brother into the Army in 1998. Both brothers went into the infantry with Sean in air assault and Ryan eventually graduating from the airborne school.

Brothers Sean and Ryan carried the Blackfeet Nation flag with them on tours throughout the world. A gift from their parents, these flags were proudly displayed in the Republic of Korea by Sean on two different tours, one tour at the Suez Canal and one tour in Bouquba, Iraq. Ryan carried his flag to Panama and Mosul, Iraq. Ryan's unit, nicknamed the Stryker Brigade, was deployed with the Army's newest and latest combat assault vehicles. Both boys took pride in sharing their Blackfeet heritage with people around the world.

Sean returned from Iraq and duty with the 4th Infantry Division in January and finished his term of enlistment in March. He and his family currently reside in Houston, Texas. Ryan is stationed at Ft. Lewis, Wash. He is with the 1/[2]3 Infantry and has six years of service left. Returning from Iraq at the end of November and reuniting with his kids, Ryan's biggest thrill is to return to hunt on the Blackfeet Reservation. No mortars here, Sean.

Both Sean and Ryan will be honored Veteran's Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, at Browning's new Veterans Center (formerly the Eagle Shield). Presentation of eagle feathers, prayers and honor songs will be followed by a feed. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. By resolution of the Blackfeet Tribal Council, the center will become home to veterans' activities in the future, reported Keith Heavy Runner, Blackfeet Tribal Veterans Coordinator. Please stop by and tell Keith about your vision for the new center.


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