Frank Chee Willeto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Chee Willeto
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| 4th Vice President of the Navajo Nation | |
| In office August 1998 – January 12, 1999 |
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| President | Milton Bluehouse, Sr. |
| Preceded by | Milton Bluehouse, Sr. |
| Succeeded by | Taylor McKenzie |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 6, 1925 Crownpoint, New Mexico |
| Died | June 23, 2012 (aged 87) Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico |
| Nationality |  Navajo Nation and USA |
Frank Chee Willeto (June 6, 1925 – June 23, 2012) was an important American leader. He was a politician and a brave Navajo code talker during World War II. Willeto served as the Vice President of the Navajo Nation. He held this position under President Milton Bluehouse, Sr. from August 1998 until January 1999.
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Early Life and Heritage
Frank Chee Willeto was born in Crownpoint, New Mexico, on June 6, 1925. His family was part of the Navajo people. According to the Navajo Times, he belonged to the Bit'ahnii (Folded Arms Clan). He was born for the Tódích'íi'nii (Bitter Water Clan). His great-grandfather on his mother's side was from the Ta'neeszahnii (Tangle Clan). His father's family was from the Naakai dine'é (Mexican People Clan).
Heroic Code Talker
Willeto joined the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1944. This was during World War II. He became part of the 6th Marine Division. He served in the Pacific Ocean areas, including Saipan and Okinawa.
He was a special kind of soldier called a Navajo code talker. These brave men used their native Navajo language to send secret messages. The enemy could not understand these messages. Their important role in the war was kept secret until 1968. That is when the documents about them were made public. In 2001, Willeto and other surviving Navajo code talkers received the Congressional Silver Medal. This award honored their amazing service.
A Career in Public Service
After World War II ended, Willeto returned to the Navajo Nation. From 1946 to 1974, he worked for the roads department. This department was part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Later, he joined the United States Department of Education.
In 1974, Willeto was elected to the Navajo Nation Council. This council helps govern the Navajo Nation. He served on the council until 1986. Then, he was elected as the president of the Pueblo Pintado Chapter. Willeto also worked as a judge. He served on the Navajo Supreme Judicial Council. This was an early version of today's Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation.
In 1998, there was a change in the Navajo Nation government. On July 23, 1998, President Thomas Atcitty left office. His vice president, Milton Bluehouse, Sr., became the interim president.
In August 1998, Bluehouse chose Frank Chee Willeto to be the Vice President of the Navajo Nation. Bluehouse and Willeto then ran together in the November 1998 presidential election. They hoped to serve a full four-year term. However, Kelsey Begaye won that election. Willeto remained Vice President until Begaye took office on January 12, 1999.
Later Years and Legacy
Even after his time as Vice President, Willeto stayed active in public life. He strongly supported building the new Tsé Yi’ Gai High School in Pueblo Pintado. He also wanted a new bridge built between the high school and Navajo Route 9.
Willeto often visited the eastern United States, especially Washington, D.C.. In 2008, he gave a special blessing. This was for the start of construction on the USS New Mexico (SSN-779) nuclear submarine. He was also invited to the White House. There, he saw U.S. President Barack Obama sign an important law in 2009.
In November 2011, Willeto spoke at a special event. It was called "The Way of the Warrior: Native Americans' Commitment to Country, Community, and Communication." This event was held by the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
Willeto passed away at his home in Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico, on June 23, 2012. He was 87 years old. New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez ordered flags to be flown at half-mast to honor him. Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly also had all Navajo flags flown at half-staff. Willeto's funeral was held at the Tse Yi’ Gai High School. He was buried at Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on June 29, 2012. Many people, including Governor Martinez, attended the ceremony.
