[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF CHIEF ROBERT YOUNGDEER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARK MEADOWS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2018

  Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Robert 
Youngdeer of the Qualla Boundary in Swain County, North Carolina. On 
behalf of the people of Western North Carolina, I would like to thank 
Chief Youngdeer for his decades of service to the Eastern Band of 
Cherokee Indians and the United States of America.
  Chief Youngdeer was born in Ravensford, NC near the town of Cherokee, 
NC in Western North Carolina. After graduating from High School, he 
joined the United States Marine Corps and served in the Marines for 
eight years. Chief Youngdeer served in World War II and had been in the 
service for two years when he was wounded during the battle of 
Guadalcanal and was awarded with a Purple Heart. After serving with the 
Marines for eight years, he then joined the Army Paratroopers and 
retired after twenty years of military service to our nation.
  After leaving the military, Chief Youngdeer served in numerous law 
enforcement positions in the Bureau of Indian Affairs Agencies, working 
with tribes in Alaska, Arizona, North Dakota, Mississippi and South 
Dakota. Chief Youngdeer returned to Cherokee, North Carolina and served 
as the Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from 1983 to 1987. 
Since his time as Chief of the Eastern Band, Chief Youngdeer has been 
bestowed the title of ``Honored Man'' by the Tribal Council of the 
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and has been honored by the Four 
Chaplains Memorial Foundation. Chief Youngdeer married Geneva Alene 
Stafford Youngdeer on Nov. 6, 1943, and together they have two 
children, Merritt and Judy.
  Chief Youngdeer is revered by many for his lifetime of service to the 
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and to the United States of America. 
As a serviceman and as Chief, he has always put the needs of others 
ahead of himself. Western North Carolina has been blessed to have such 
an extraordinary leader in our community. For his faithful service to 
the people of Western North Carolina, I express to Chief Youngdeer the 
gratitude and best wishes of the people of North Carolina.

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