This week, the Force 50 Foundation’s Pete Reed made special stops at the offices of the Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Free-Lance as part of his “Season of the Warrior” campaign – a sweeping grassroots effort to raise public awareness and secure funding for the creation of a permanent Native American Warrior Monument on the grounds of the Oklahoma State Capitol. The visit was not just a routine promotional stop – it was the embodiment of a deep, heartfelt mission to bring all 77 Oklahoma counties into a shared journey of respect, remembrance, and recognition.
“This is more than just remembrance,” Reed said. “It’s about building a future where the service and sacrifice of Native American warriors are forever honored and never forgotten.”
— A Historic Undertaking
The Native American Warrior Project is the inaugural monument planned within the newly established Oklahoma Veterans Memorial Park – a multi-million- dollar initiative approved by the state legislature last year. While the state allocated $4.3 million to develop the park infrastructure, all sculptures and memorial monuments must be privately funded.
That’s where the Force 50 Foundation stepped in. Reed, a veteran advocate and former director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs under Governor George Nigh, explained that the Native American monument is the foundational project of many. Future monuments are already envisioned to honor Black veterans, women veterans, and potentially Asian American service members, with each design guided by steering committees of veterans representing those groups.
But the Native American Warrior Monument comes first, and for good reason.
“This is going to take about ten years to fully develop,” Reed said, referencing the master site plan that features an amphitheater, the towering 45th Infantry Arch, and walking paths lined with statues of individual military heroes. “But the Native American Warrior Monument is our anchor – the first, and most significant step in this vision. Once we build the first monument, it’ll be easier to get support for the rest.”
— Deep Roots of Service
Native Americans have served in every major U.S. conflict since the Revolutionary War. During World War I, more than 12,000 Native American men served alongside 10,000 Native women who joined the Red Cross. In World War II, the number rose to over 44,000 Native service members, including nearly 800 women.
And since 9/11, Native Americans continue to serve at the highest per-capita rate of any ethnic group in the country – a testament to the enduring Warrior tradition that permeates Native culture.
Reed emphasized that service among Native peoples is not simply about patriotism. It’s tied to their identity.
“The cultural value placed on duty, family, and warrior heritage is woven into the very fabric of their communities,” Reed said. “We owe it to them to tell that story in a way that lives forever.”
— The Season of the Warrior
To meet that mission, Reed has launched what may be one of the most ambitious grassroots awareness campaigns in recent memory: 100 communities in 100 days. Armed with brochures, a heartfelt speech, and a personal commitment, he’s visiting every corner of Oklahoma – from Okemah to Antlers, Durant to Broken Bow.
At each stop, Reed meets with city leaders, community groups, veterans, media outlets, and residents. He delivers not only information – but an invitation.
The campaign seeks to inspire 100,000 Oklahomans to each give $25, enough to reach the fundraising goal for the monument. It’s a strategy proposed by the late Governor George Nigh – Reed’s mentor and one of the project’s first supporters.
“George told me, ‘You can get big donors. But that’s not Oklahoma. Oklahoma is all 77 counties,’” Reed recalled. “‘What I want you to do is visit at least 100 cities and get one $25 donation from every single county. That way, this becomes a symbol of statewide pride.’” It’s a vision Reed took to heart – and is now delivering door to door.
— A Living Tribute with Broad Support
The monument has received support from an impressive list of honorary figures and advisors. Football coaching legend Barry Switzer serves as Honorary Chairman, joined by Governor Brad Henry, and the late Governor George Nigh, whose name remains listed “in memoriam.” Governor Bill Anoatubby of the Chickasaw Nation is also a senior advisor.
Reed is also hopeful that former Governor Frank Keating will join the project team soon.
In addition to political leadership, the Oklahoma Arts Council is playing a critical role in commissioning the monument. As Executive Director Amber Sharples helps facilitate calls for proposals, Reed affirmed that for each monument – whether for Native Americans, Black veterans, women, or others – the design and artists will reflect the community being honored.
“We want Native artists designing the Native American monument. We’ll do the same for all the others,” he explained. “It’s not just about telling their story it’s about letting them tell it themselves.”
— Monument Design & Park Layout
The future home of the Native American Warrior Monument is an expansive site located at the northeast corner of the State Capitol, at Lincoln Boulevard and NE 18th Street. The layout includes:
• The 45th Infantry Arch: A transparent structure that anchors the entire Veterans Memorial Park.
• An Amphitheater and Gathering Lawn: For public ceremonies, concerts, and civic events.
• Designated Monument Locations: The Native American Warrior Monument and the future Black Warriors Monument will flank the Arch. Space is reserved for future tributes to women and Asian American veterans.
• Monument Walks and Memorial Lawns: Curving paths will be lined with sculptures and plaques highlighting distinguished individuals who earned honors such as the Medal of Honor.
Each piece of the park is part of a larger vision to turn the Capitol grounds into a sacred space of reflection and learning.
“This won’t be a place you just visit once. It’ll be a destination for families, veterans, students – everyone,” Reed said. “And with the Capitol’s existing historic landmarks nearby, it’ll create a seamless story of who we are as a state.”
— A Movement Fueled by Community
While the monument will ultimately stand in Oklahoma City, the campaign itself is powered by small towns and counties across the state – like Okmulgee and Henryetta.
During his stop at the Okmulgee Times, Reed discussed how tribal communities and rural cities have responded with open arms. He has received support from tribal leadership and hopes that each of the 38 federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma will contribute stories, veterans’ names, and images for inclusion in a commemorative book that will accompany the monument’s dedication.
Support is also being requested from the business community, in the form of grants and sponsorships to fund events and promotion. Community groups and schools are encouraged to host donation drives or educational programs.
The message? Everyone can help. “This is Oklahoma’s story. And it’s not a political story – it’s a human one,” Reed said. “Every person who gives, who shares the message, who attends a ceremony – they become part of this legacy.”
— Upcoming Events & How to Donate
The project will culminate in a week of special recognition events in November, coinciding with Veterans Day and Native American Heritage Month. The planned festivities include:
• Concerts and musical tributes
• Honor ceremonies for living and fallen veterans
• Educational exhibits and storytelling presentations • The formal dedication of the Native American Warrior Monument (pending funding goals) Those interested in contributing can visit www. force50foundation.com, or contact Pete Reed at 405314-4301 or Pete23Reed@gmail.com.
— Beyond the First Monument
While the Native American Warrior Project is the first and most urgent step, Reed’s vision goes far beyond a single sculpture.
“This is about creating a National Model,” he said. “We want other states to look at what Oklahoma did and say, ‘That’s how you honor your veterans. That’s how you build community.’” And as the campaign progresses across counties and communities, the stories being shared are helping to build a tapestry of pride and perseverance.
“This project is not just about the past. It’s about our future,” Reed said. “It’s about teaching our kids what honor looks like, what service means, and how to never forget where we came from.”
— Final Words from a Warrior’s Advocate
As Reed prepared to continue his journey to the next Oklahoma town, he paused to reflect on the one thing that keeps him motivated.
“This was Governor Nigh’s last request,” Reed said quietly. “And I’m going to make sure we honor it. Not for me – but for the warriors, for their families and for every Oklahoman who believes that sacrifice deserves to be seen.”
With the campaign now underway and the vision clearly laid, the Force 50 Foundation invites every Oklahoman to join this historic journey.
