Return to the sacred mountains
Friends, family welcome Air Force veteran home after 24 years of service
By Ethan Williams
Navajo Times
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(Times photo - Ethan Williams)
Air Force veteran Billy Goodman Jr. holds his flight helmet embroidered with his name. "This was my tool for a decade and I was surprised they let me keep it. It's custom made to fit my head, so I don't think anyone else would want it," he said.
It's 8 a.m., the day after the Fourth of July. Master Sgt. Billy Goodman Jr., 43, arrives in his white Mitsubishi Lancer at the Big Lake Trading Post parking lot with his younger sister and mother.
His honor run begins in an hour and he's the first one there.
Despite the promise of rain, bikers from Tuba City and other distant places begin to roar in, joining the local contingent in the east parking lot.
Some are veterans, some are not. Some are Navajo, some are not.
But all are there to honor Goodman for 24 years of service in the Air Force and the Utah National Guard, riding with him the 50 miles from Page to his family's home in Ts'ah Bii Kin Chapter (formerly Inscription House).
Goodman served as an electronic warfare systems specialist and was last stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson.
"The symbolism for me, for this ride is to bring (Billy Jr.) home inside the sacred mountains," said his mother, 77-year-old Mary Joe Goodman, through an interpreter. "This way he doesn't have to, in the future, say he doesn't have a home."
"My mother wanted to do something special for my brother," said Pauline Mooring, his oldest sister.
Another sister, Carolene Goodman Ekis, said their mother was listening to KTNN radio and heard about the motorcycle convoys organized by Navajos to honor active duty and retired military people. She wanted that for her son too.
And the riders were happy to help.
"Gotta take care of (our veterans) no matter where they're at," said Marine veteran Byron Poocha of Tuba City.
Navy veteran Malcolm McKerry said, "There are a lot of veterans out here that need the recognition that they deserve. And we're trying to do our best to make sure they do get that recognition. And this is a good example."
"It's honor. It's appreciation," said Clyde Tsinnijinnie, a Vietnam veteran.
The ride ended in a small clearing among the juniper trees, where Goodman's family had set up a large tent to welcome him home.
A committee comprised of his sisters planned the program. Family friend Leroy Nez was master of ceremonies.
Goodman's nephew Tyler Mooring played "The Star-Spangled Banner" on guitar, and his little niece and nephew recited the Pledge of Allegiance in Navajo. A color guard added to the sense of ceremony.
Family and friends took turns sharing their feelings about Goodman and his career.
"(Billy Jr.) went into the service, put in 24 years. Most of us get out in four years. And he stayed. It takes a lot of commitment and a lot of dedication," said his brother-in-law, Greg Mooring, a Vietnam veteran.
"It takes a lot of will to serve in the armed forces," said Kale Goodman, Billy Jr.'s younger brother and a Navy veteran. "It takes a strong person to be away from loved ones for extended amounts of time"
"I can't imagine the turmoil they go through every time the president calls," Billy Jr. said of his loved ones. "I know they worry about it when I deploy... I don't. I know it's part of my job.
"(But) after 24 years it's sort of a life fulfillment. It's a very rewarding career," he said.
"We're happy to have him home," said his sister Pauline. "He's been going to different places, to different countries, and it's been a long time in between that we haven't seen him."
Speeches soon turned to talk of Billy Jr.'s future plans, and of the accomplishments of his father, Billy Goodman Sr.
Margaret spoke of their father as being very involved in the community and local politics as well as being a World War II Marine veteran and code talker.
"My dad led a life of service, public service. If not wearing a uniform, he was working for the tribe," Billy Jr. said.
"I want to let (Billy Jr.) know that our dad accomplished a lot and I know my little brother will too," Pauline said.
"Billy, he's still young. He's got a lot of years ahead of him, now he's got careers to chase around now," Leroy Nez said.
Billy's younger sister Margaret Goodman said they tried to hide the commemoration from him, but he somehow found out about it.
"I wanted to have an obscure retirement and my family decided to put this big tent up and have MCs and guests... recognize my service. I don't think it's that big of a deal, but to them I guess it is," Billy Jr. said.
Family friend Sam Yazzie Webb, a Vietnam veteran, reminded everyone present that many Vietnam veterans felt - and still feel - slighted by the homecoming they received.
"We Vietnam veterans came back... nobody ever set up anything like this for us. Nobody got together for us," he said.
Carolene said, "For us, we have a lot of military in the family. We hold them in the highest esteem. We have a lot of respect for them."
Goodman's mother, who speaks entirely in Navajo, said she was happy her son's siblings had prepared this for him. She expressed thanks for everything that had been done and accomplished.
Billy Jr. said the retirement means "cleansing your soul... and reintroducing yourself to your people.
"When all is said and done, when this tent comes down, (my family) will be there," he said.