Oklahomans and American Indian Chamber of Commerce rush to aid of Last Comanche Code-Talker
3/11/2005
Tulsa, OK---Charles Chibitty, one of the last surviving Comanche Code-Talkers, and one of Oklahoma’s most gifted dancers has been admitted to a nursing home where he is alone, perhaps a little disoriented by his new surroundings and seemingly abandoned by all.
Chibitty is now a resident of Maplewood Nursing Home, 6202 E. 61st, Tulsa, OK.
The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma and concerned Tulsa Indians have taken it upon themselves to offer aid and comfort to one of Oklahoma’s true war heroes.
The Chamber called upon its members to see what they could do. The support has been swift and beneficial.
State Chamber President Margo Gray and Chamber Director Cathy Wilkins have pulled Indian people and businesses together in a few hours to meet Chibitty’s immediate needs. Stated Gray, “The AICCO feels its commitment not only to “Support Our Troops” at its website, AICCO but also to continue to support all of our Native veterans.” A hard and uncomfortable bed has been replaced with a new medical bed that he will be able to raise himself. Chamber member Scott Sanders, owner of SS Medical Supplies, generously donated the bed and other crucial items. Maplewood staff and the Chamber are coordinating the installation of the new bed with Sanders and his Bixby company.
Gray has opened an account with Chamber member Bank 2 in Oklahoma City for monetary donations for Chibitty’s needs. Bank 2 is owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation. Call Bank2 at 1-405-946-2265 or 877-409-2265 for information on how to donate to Chibitty’s special account. The name of the account is the "Charles Chibitty Substaining Account."
The room is sparse and has nothing to reflect the colorful nature of Chibitty. There were over 16 members of the original Comanche Code-talkers. Much has been written about the contributions of the Navajo code talkers. Little has been said or written about Oklahoma’s code talkers, which also include the Chickasaw Nation.
Before that, Chibitty raised a family and continued to dance and promote Native American Indian culture everywhere we went. His infectious smile and warm laugh helped bridge many gaps in white and Indian relations. Chibitty lost his wife and both children.
For more information on how to help, call the Chamber at 1-800-652-4226.
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Last updated on March 16, 2005