“In the spirit of harmony and diversity” – An Augusta Veteran honors his American Indian heritage
Today, Charles “Little Eagle” Reyes, a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran, shared facts about his family lineage. His father is a member of the Kiowa Nation, and his mother is a member of the Cheyenne Nation, from the Twin River Reservation.
Little Eagle reminded us that we each have a role in helping Veterans access the services they’ve earned and deserve. As a former VA Augusta Health Care System employee of 46 years, unlike his regalia (pictured), he never took that responsibility lightly.
He shared the significance of each feather on the regalia to illustrate how each piece is purposeful, guided by “The Creator.”
As Little Eagle demonstrated a traditional American Indian dance commonly performed at a Pow Wow, he didn’t skip a beat in sharing how vital the drums play a role in communicating with the Creator.
“Dance taught us how to be filled with the creator spirit,” said Little Eagle. “The pow-wows help connect all of our communities.”
Each step he takes is dedicated to the Creator.
I worked at VA Augusta for 46 years,” said Little Eagle, after his time at VA, he went back to school and is now an instructor to Aiken youth at the Aiken Technical Career Center where he teaches a variety of public safety and emergency response courses to high school students. “I wanted to give everything I had to make the creator proud.”
He had some medical issues which led to him being hospitalized. While there, he says he saw the Lord's angels and his light. It reassured him that he would one day dance again.
“I’ve enjoyed life,” said Little Eagle. He turns 79 years old in May of 2025.
November is American Indian Heritage Month, an opportunity to educate VA Augusta staff and the local Veteran community about tribes and raise awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and how tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges. Meet Native American Veterans where they live with a VA career - VA News