Navajo Code Talker and Iwo Jima Hero | Thomas Begay
American Veterans Center
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fo0m_Y7vqc
https://www.youtube.com/@americanveteranscenter
I was honored to have met Grandfather Thomas Begay in 2008. I and a friend sat with him, as he shared his story as a Code Talker, and his participation on Iwo Jima. We sat and listened for 3 hours. As a gift I gave him an Elk hide I brought.
As we were leaving, Grandfather's grandson came running out. In his hand was the bright orange cap with "CODE ...
TALKER" on the front, that Grandfather had been wearing. On the bill of the cap, it was autographed to me. There was a message in Navaho for me, and it was signed by Grandfather. I donated it to the USMC recruiting station, here in Vancouver Washington, where I live. I also gave them a photo book with his photo and story, along with fellow Code Talkers.
Next to my family, it remains one of the highest points of my life. What an honor it was, I cherish his time always. Thank ...
you, Grandfather. Rest in peace, your mission here on earth is done. AHO!