NAVAJO CODE TALKER ALLEN DALE JUNE

Navajo Code Talker Allen Dale June - by Snake Blocker

In 2006, I had the privilege to meet World War II Navajo Code Talker Sgt. Allen Dale June.  He was a guest speaker at Front Range Community College in Colorado.   It was November, which was Native American Heritage Month.  Allen Dale June did not speak but just sat while his wife told his story.  His wife and children didn’t even know he was a Code Talker until recently.  He swore to not speak of his duties and he kept his word.  It was years after the Code Talker were allowed to go public with their story that he finally told his family.  President George W. Bush honored him and the remaining Navajo Code Talkers by giving them the gold Presidential Coin worth $35,000 in the early 2000s (worth about $75,000 plus today).  Sgt Allen June brought the coin with him, which usually a Marine will guard during special appearances.  This day, Allen could not get a Marine to accompany him on such short notice.  I handled the heavy gold coin and felt proud that President George W. Bush had honored our Native people in this way.  Allen Dale June was one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers enlisted into the United States Marine Corp and he proudly wore a Marine cover during his appearances.  He was part of the Pacific Corridor – Division 1 group.  In 2002, Allen June was invited to the premiere viewing of the movie Wind-Talkers and sat with the star of the movie, Nicolas Cage.  Allen said Nicolas Cage was very excited to meet an original Navajo Code Talker and felt honored at their meeting.  Like many of my native friends say, “I was proud to be native before it was popular.”