Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame inducts Comanche, U.S. Army Sgt. Maj Lanny Asepermy

Comanche Tribal Member and former Comanche Indians Veterans Association (CIVA) Commander U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Lanny Asepermy was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 26, at Embassy Suites in Norman, Oklahoma.

Asepermy served in the Vietnam War in four campaigns with tank and scout units and earned the Combat Infantry Badge. Since retirement, he has established the Tahsequah Garden, Apache OK Veterans Memorial Park and has worked with the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation.

Asepermy said being inducted was a reward after 30 years of hard work.

“In the military, I served from 1966 to 1990. I retired as a Sergeant Major, which is the highest enlisted grade that you can make,” he said.

Asepermy said he had several good memories.

“Well, surviving the Vietnam War was a good thing. A lot of the positions I held were very prestigious positions, and I enjoyed them,” he said. “The thing I enjoyed the most was the soldiers. They were from every race, every color, creed…I met so many soldiers from every state in the Union of all different backgrounds, and it's amazing that they formed a good team.”

Asepermy said he’s proud of his heritage.

“I enjoyed my time with the Comanche Indian Veterans Association and also with the Comanche War Scouts and thank you,” he said.

Five tribes participated in the color guard, including CIVA.

Comanche Nation Princess Bluesky Tosee, Comanche Nation Jr. Princess Arlene Schonchin, CIVA Princess Clara Yazzie and Peggy Maynahonah of the Kiowa tribe performed The Star-Spangled Banner.