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Allen Dale June, one of the last surviving original World War II Navajo Code Talkers, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, which, according to Congress, is given as the "highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements on contributions." In 2005 the Longmont community raised enough funds and in-kind gifts to give the Junes a newer, larger trailer home. Allen Dale June is photographed at his home he shares with his wife, Virginia, on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006. June died Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010. He was 91. (Joshua Buck/Times-Call)
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Allen Dale June, one of the last surviving original World War II Navajo Code Talkers, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, which, according to Congress, is given as the "highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements on contributions." In 2005 the Longmont community raised enough funds and in-kind gifts to give the Junes a newer, larger trailer home. Allen Dale June is photographed at his home he shares with his wife, Virginia, on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006. June died Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010. He was 91. (Joshua Buck/Times-Call)
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Allen Dale June, one of the last surviving original World War II Navajo Code Talkers, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, which, according to Congress, is given as the "highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements on contributions." In 2005 the Longmont community raised enough funds and in-kind gifts to give the Junes a newer, larger trailer home. Allen Dale June is photographed at his home he shares with his wife, Virginia, on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006. June died Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010. He was 91. (Joshua Buck/Times-Call)
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Allen Dale June, one of the last surviving original World War II Navajo Code Talkers, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, which, according to Congress, is given as the "highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements on contributions." In 2005 the Longmont community raised enough funds and in-kind gifts to give the Junes a newer, larger trailer home. Allen Dale June is photographed at his home he shares with his wife, Virginia, on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006. June died Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010. He was 91. (Joshua Buck/Times-Call)
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Allen Dale June, one of the last surviving original World War II Navajo Code Talkers, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, which, according to Congress, is given as the "highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements on contributions." In 2005 the Longmont community raised enough funds and in-kind gifts to give the Junes a newer, larger trailer home. Allen Dale June is photographed at his home he shares with his wife, Virginia, on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006. June died Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010. He was 91. (Joshua Buck/Times-Call)
We Americans lost another hero last week.
Allen Dale June was not an ordinary World War II veteran. One of only 29 original Navajo Code Talkers during WWII, he and his brothers helped create unbreakable military radio codes using their native tongue.
Allen Dale June died Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010 in Prescott, Ariz. He was 91.
I first met June in 2006 when I was assigned to photograph a portrait of him in his Longmont home — a home he and his wife obtained because of the generosity of the Longmont community. When American Legion Post No. 32 veterans discovered the June and his wife Virginia had moved from the Southwest to a rundown, cramped trailer in Longmont, members held a spaghetti dinner and silent auction fundraiser. The event raised enough money to move the couple into a larger mobile home in another trailer park.
When I arrived to their new home it had looked like they’d lived there forever. Photos of June with the President of the United States, American Flags hanging everywhere and a U.S. Marines jacket propped on a chair. June, suffering from the onset of dementia, was hard to understand, I remember, but he got his point across. I can say that it was not only an honor to meet him, but an even greater honor to capture his portrait.
Looking through these photos today I regret not making a few better frames. I guess I can say that about every assignment, but if I could go back and re-photograph only a few this would be one.
To Virginia, his children and family, I am sorry for your loss. His presence in Longmont will be lasting and his service to the nation will not be forgotten. I only met him a few times, all brief, but each time I could see how proud he was of his life, especially when he handed me an autograph. (I still keep in my office., in case you’re wondering.)
Often times as a journalist I have the great pleasure of meeting some amazing people. Not only do I meet and talk with them, but I’m also fortunate enough to create simple photographs to share with the world. This was one encounter that I will never forget.
I believe Lawrence T. Morgan, speaker of the Navajo Nation Council, sums it up best: ” The Navajo Nation lost a great warrior. His unique service to his country brought positive attention to the Navajo Nation. He will be missed.”
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Thanks for your posting here.
My daughter and I had the honor of attending the house warming ceremony in 2006. It was an honor to visit with him, but even more so to be present at such a private event.
If people would like to make a donation in his honor I can think of no better place than the museum foundation at http://navajocodetalkers.org/