2002

Stanley M. Speaks
Recently honored for his 45 years of service to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mr. Speaks' career has included serving as a teacher, supervisor, manager, agency superintendent, area director and most recently as the director of the BIA Northwest Regional Office in Oregon.  His career has also involved his service as acting director of Indian education, acting deputy commissioner for Indian affairs and acting director for the Eastern Oklahoma Regional Office.  Mr. Speaks is dedicated to protecting tribal rights and in helping tribes to achieve economic and business development success. 

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Edgar Allen Asbury, Jr.
During his service in the U.S. Asbury was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.  His bravery under fire earned him great respect.  His selfless acts of courage saved the lives of his commander, a glider crew and members of his unit.  He served in the 82nd Airborne Division.

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John Bennett Herrington
First Native American astronaut in the United States space program, Commander Herrington is a great inspiration to youth of all walks of life.  He spends a great deal of his free time serving as a motivational speaker to young people, encouraging them to pursue their education.  He was selected by NASA in 1996, and serves as a mission specialist in the space shuttle program.  His first mission will include adding to the international space station and ferrying the crew exchange of the station.