She prefers the title "warrior" to "first class,"

[havocmom]

Glad she made it home from Iraq and to the people who honor her.

More than 100 members of her Crow Tribe came to Billing's Logan Airport to welcome home Sgt. 1st Class Mitchelene Big Man from her tour of duty in Iraq. Drums, bonnets of eagle feathers, black paint of victory for her cheeks and a circle of those who love and honor her. A symbolic walk to mark her 'long journey home' and hugs from her dad.

Billings Gazette Article

<snip> The traditional ceremony recognizes the soldier’s bravery, welcomes them home and cleanses them from an environment of hostility, according to Crow elder Barney Old Coyote, who received the same treatment in 1943 when he returned from World War II.

<snip> “They are no longer among the enemy. They are among family and friends,” Old Coyote said. </>

Old Coyote is one of the men who organized a ceremony for warriors around the Fourth of July to honor members of the tribe who served. They graciously invited the parents of my neighbor, Owen Witt, who died in Iraq in May.

Owen's mom was touched by the love and caring shown them by the Crow People. She told my husband there is 'a little' Crow blood in the family. She is a small blond woman and Owen was much like his mom. That the Crow worked to find a connection to Owen's family and included them in the ceremony to honor and heal shows what a wise and loving people they are.

<snip> Two of Big Man’s uncles, both veterans, were the first to greet Big Man. Wearing her army uniform, she was adorned with a warrior head dress and was marked on both of her cheeks with black paint to symbolize victory.

<snip> Men in head dresses played drums, representing gunfire, and sang songs of praise and honor. The crowd followed Big Man as she led the group toward the baggage claim area. The walk symbolizes her long road home. </>

Welcome home, Warrior Big Man. I too share your family's relief that you made the Long Journey back to Montana. And I wish all returning warriors the same welcome and healing embrace of honor and context.
We wish for them all a leader of our nation who is worthy of them and their sacrifices. They deserve better than they have at present. They deserve wisdom, healing and understanding that life is a precious gift which should never be squandered.