By Scot McKie
 
This news article is reprinted with permission from Cherokee One Feather.
 
The mission statement of the American Legion Auxiliary starts “in the spirit of service, not self”.  Patsy Everhart Ledford, Steve Youngdeer American Legion Unit 143 Auxiliary president, has served the members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for years in various capacities, and now she is an honorary member of the Tribe.

Res. No. 29 (2021), passed unanimously by Tribal Council during its regular session on Thursday, Nov. 4, made the designation stating, “Patsy Everhart Ledford embodies the Auxiliary’s mission statement beginning with educating our citizens by working 17 years at the Cherokee High School; and, during her time at the high school, Mrs. Ledford taught physical education and coached cheerleading, softball, volleyball, and assisted with track and football.”
 
Ledford addressed Council following passage of the resolution.  “For the past 40+ years, it has been an honor to be here and to be accepted by the community and to be accepted by those who I have worked with for so many years.  I appreciate this very, very much.”
 
She went on to say, “It just took me by complete surprise and usually that doesn’t happen.”
 
Ledford said she appreciates the work of the other women in the Post 143 Auxiliary.  “I appreciate all of the work that they do, and I appreciate our veterans.  And, I appreciate the community and support that we get from the community.  The words ‘thank you’ are not adequate by any means.  But, thank you and I look forward to continuing the work that we’re doing.”
 
Principal Chief Richard G. Sneed noted he has known Lambert for years.  “Since my time in office, really from day one when I was in the Vice Chief’s office all the way through my current term, Patsy has always advocated for the people.  She has lived a life of service.  She cares very deeply about the community.  She cares very, very deeply about our veteran community.”
 
He added, “Every time she comes through the door it is never anything for herself.  It is always for somebody else.  I think that she embodies the values of who we are as a people.  She embodies that, personifies that, and demonstrates that throughout her life.”
 
Vice Chief Alan B. Ensley commented, “Myself being in the Vice Chief role, every time the phone rings when it’s her, she’s advocating for some issue for the veterans and our community.  I want to thank her for her service and what the ladies do…”
 
Cherokee Co. – Snowbird Rep. Adam Wachacha, a U.S. Army veteran, made the motion to pass the resolution and said, “I appreciate your smiling face every time we see you at any of the veterans’ events or any events that you’re around…thank you for your service.”
 
Birdtown Rep. Boyd Owle said Ledford is a wonderful advocate for the community and veterans and noted, “She has been a wonderful asset to the Tribe.”
 
Res. No. 29 was submitted by Gail Parker with the full support of the Steve Youngdeer Post 143 and the American Legion Auxiliary Steve Youngdeer Unit 143.