Pete Buffalohead is the current commander and Dana Wilson is the Adjutant of Buffalo Post 38. The Buffalo Post was unique, as it was the first post in nation comprised entirely of American Indians. After World War I, thirty Ponca Indians became members of the Buffalo Post. Albert Makes Crye, Sr., was the post bugler at that time. He was instrumental in performing Memorial Day services at the Ponca cemetery every May. David Buffalohead, the last of the WWI veterans, died in 1989. During the post WWI era, November 11 (Armistice Day) was always a big day for Post 38. There was always a big dance on Armistice Day to honor all WWI veterans. Much pride and honor was evident at these dances. In those days, most of the veterans were honored with individual Ponca songs: today only a few can be remembered. Most are gone and forgotten; the memories of the war drum grow dim and silent. Post 38 was quite active during the 20's and 30's. After WWII broke out the post became inactive and lost its charter. In the summer of 1946, the post was reactivated, and organized again as the All Indian American Legion Post 38, in the CCC hall. Morris Zaitshik was the first commander after reorganization. At the initial meeting there were about forty veterans in attendance. During the 50's and 60's the post usually had around 60 members. The post is still active in the Ponca tribal community. The post is most visible during tribal dances, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and at grave site rites for a departed veteran. There are still many WWII veterans many having their own individual Ponca honor song. An honor song describes a veteran's war experiences, with pride and honor. This is an age-old custom among American Indians During the Korean war, sixteen young Ponca men went overseas as a group. As members of the 45th Infantry Division. They stayed together during combat. During WWII there were 165 Ponca warriors serving in all theaters of that war. Many saw combat. The casualties were great, some never returned. Ponca men and women served in all branches of service, and many were cited and decorated for distinguished service. It is worth noting that American Indians as a whole have fought for the United States in every war, an served in the armed forces at a rate six times their percentage in population far greater than any other group. Today, at nearly 100 years of age, Post 38 is the oldest veterans organization in the Ponca Community. With pride and honor, Post 38 members served in all theaters of war, and during peacetime. Poncas join the armed services to serve their country and community, and the protect the rights, lands and dignity of their tribe. With pride and honor, the All Indian American Legion Post 38 pays tribute to all veterans of all wars It is a hard and honorable thing to put on a uniform, and go in harms way for your country. The sacrifice and valor of all veterans should never be forgotten. Gilbert "Smokey" Cole Historian, and Commander 2016 Buffalo Post 38 Went Post Everlasting October 23, 2016