Akdar Shrine Indian Unit

(back row, left to right) Kenny Wilburn, Melvin Bevenue, Carl Lantz, Eugene Gourd

(front row, left to right) Mitch Mitchell, Terry Love

Picture taken 2009 at the Akdar Shrine Center lower level.

 

   The Akdar Shrine Indian Unit of Tulsa, Oklahoma

  Honors the United States Veterans, past, present and future, for their military service to America.

  It is their patriotism and courage that have earned them the gratitude of all Native

  Americans. Their unselfish service and sacrifices have enabled us to continue to

  exist and to carry on the traditions of our ancestors. For that, we express our sincere appreciation! Mvto!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noble Charles Chibitty, the last of the Comanche “code talkers,” died July 20, 2005 in Tulsa, Okla. He also reportedly was the last hereditary chief of the Comanche, having descended from the great leader, Chief Ten Bears.  Charlie was also a proud member of the Akdar Shrine Indian Unit.

 

 

 

 

Noble Melvin Bevenue, Chaplin of the Akdar Shrine Indian Unit, died October 10, 2010.  He was very proud of his Native American heritage. He was named Honorary Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation by Chief Dode McIntosh. He was a U. S. Marshall and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police.  He proudly served his country in The United States Navy & The United States Marines during World War II. He also was a very talented Silversmith, creating beautiful silver & turquoise pieces. He won many awards and ribbons for his beautiful jewelry. Some of those pieces are on display in the Smithsonian.  He was a very gifted musician and a member of the Musician's Union. He played with many noted artists. Among his favorites were Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Roy Clark, & Leon Russell.

 

 

 

Something to think about as Winter approaches:

Many moons ago when the world was still very young, the plant and animal life
was enjoying the beautiful summer weather. But as the days went by, autumn set
in, and the weather became colder with each passing day. The grass and flower
folk were in a sad condition, for they had no protection from the sharp cold.
Just when it seemed that there was no hope for living, he who looks after the
things of His creation came to their aid. He said that the leaves of the trees
should fall to the ground, spreading a soft, warm blanket over the tender roots
of the grass and flowers. To repay the trees for the loss of their leaves, he
allowed them one last bright array of beauty. That is why, each year, during
Indian summer the trees take on their pretty farewell colors of red, gold, and
brown. After this final display they turn to their appointed task-covering the
Earth with a thick rug of warmth against the chill of winter.