Frank Chee Willeto, a Navajo Code Talker and former Navajo Nation Vice President, died at his home in Pueblo Pintado, N.M., on June 23. Willeto was 87 years old.
“Our nation has lost an honorable Navajo leader and protector with the passing of Frank Chee Willeto, and we are greatly saddened by ourloss. His love for the Navajo people was exemplified by his lifelong commitment to public service, and we are grateful for his dedication and personal sacrifices,” Speaker Naize said.
As a young man, Willeto enlisted in the U.S. Marines 6th Division in 1944. Upon completion of Navajo code training, he became a Code Talker. As such, Willeto was one of a small number of Navajos who were instrumental in the victory of War World II. Post-war, the young marine returned to the reservation, continuing a life of service to the Navajo Nation. people.
Willeto was a Navajo Nation councilman, chapter president in the community of Pueblo Pintado, Navajo Nation Supreme Court Justice, and Vice President of the Navajo Nation under the Milton Bluehouse, Sr. administration.
“The departure of Frank Chee Willeto is a tremendous loss to the Navajo Nation,” said Council Delegate Jonathan Hale (Oak Springs, St. Michaels), “On behalf of the Health Education and Human Services Committee, we send our prayers and condolences to the family and to all veterans of the Navajo Nation.”
President Ben Shelly ordered the Navajo Nation flag to be flown at half-staff from June 25 through sundown on June 28.