[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 20]
[Senate]
[Pages 27709-27710]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO GORDON J. JONES

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of 
Gordon J. Jones of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, who passed away on 
October 6. He was a man of great faith in God and had a strong 
conviction to serve his country, State, city, and Santee Sioux tribal 
community in many generous and selfless capacities.
  After graduating from Oglala Community High School in Pine Ridge, SD, 
Gordon joined the Armed Forces and served in the Air Force until his 
discharge in 1954. Eventually, he returned home to Pine Ridge to work 
as a police officer.
  Gordon went on to serve the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in a number 
of leadership positions, including tribal chairman, treasurer, trustee, 
and judge. His knowledgeable and competent abilities remained evident 
throughout his service in each of these official tribal roles. Gordon 
also fought for the interests of Indian Country during his time with 
the Bureau of Indian Affairs and as the executive director of the 
Flandreau Santee Sioux Gaming Commission. His leadership and guidance 
while with the Commission resulted in greater accountability within 
Indian gaming in the form of the National Indian Gaming Regulations, 
which he was instrumental in developing.
  Gordon's lifelong service to veterans and citizens of South Dakota is 
reflected in his membership in the American Indian Veteran Lodge, the 
American Legion, the Flandreau Bible Church, the Kiwanis, the Shriners, 
and the VFW. Gordon was the longest serving member of the South Dakota 
Human Rights Commission which he served on from 1985 and resigned in 
2001 due to health issues. He was the legion chaplain for South Dakota 
from 1997-1998. This type of active and continuous involvement stands 
as a testament to Gordon's commitment to his community and his fellow 
South Dakotans. It is this type of selfless volunteerism which makes 
South Dakota truly great.
  Gordon's opinions and actions influenced policies and decisions at 
all levels of government. His involvement within his local community, 
his service to his tribe and State, his time in the Armed Forces and 
his testimony before U.S. congressional leaders all speak to the great 
devotion and passion which Gordon demonstrated throughout his life. His 
many accomplishments show the enormous difference a single life can 
have on so many others. South Dakota is better because of the life and 
efforts of Gordon. This life of active

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service and involved citizenship provides an example for each of us to 
follow.

                          ____________________