Amanda White

Ya’at’eeh, Hello, I’m Amanda White. I was born in Phoenix and raised both in the metropolitan area and on the Navajo Reservation. I am an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and was taught to introduce myself as well as my clans in my Navajo tradition. I’m Tabaaha (Water’s Edge) born for Todich’ii’nii (Bitter Water). My maternal grandfather’s clan is Tótsóhnii (Big Water), and my paternal grandfather’s clan is Tsenjikini (Honey Combed Rock People). My Diné way of life teachings and my upbringing have taught me to “Always to Work Together” (Ahil Na’anish). This teaching taught me to determine and manage my future with respect. 

I went to Westwood High School, where I discovered the UNITY program and Native American Club that did joint events with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. I familiarized myself with the Community very well and appreciated the splendid generosity they demonstrated in offering programs to our youth. 

I attended the East Valley Institute of Technology for law enforcement. I met an Army recruiter, and that led me on my path to join the Army National Guard, enlisting in 2007. I’m the third generation of my family to serve in the U.S. military. I served as a Petroleum Supply Specialist (92F), and I also conduct secondary MOSs of Automated Logistical Specialist (MOS 92A), Army Unit Supply Specialist (92Y MOS) and Motor Transport Operator (88M). I served full-time, active-duty status as a federal technician at Camp Navajo located at Bellemont, Arizona, for nine years. 

I honorably relinquished my duties there to take this tremendous opportunity as one of your Veterans Representatives here in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. I’m looking forward to serving the Community-member veterans and assisting with any particular needs. I’m very proud of the SRPMIC Administration Department, which I have acquainted myself with, and they have always been ready to help handle any veterans’ service issues. Thank you, Admin Team! Together, I see us striving to maintain Community traditions and fulfilling the mission to bring positive influences in the lives of veterans and their family members. Ahéhee’—Thank you for allowing me to be part of your Community!

Troy Truax Jr.

Hello, my name is Troy Truax Jr. and I am one of the two newly hired veterans representatives for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The veterans representatives are able to assist Community veterans with documenting and filing claims for benefits and entitlements with the Veterans Administration Veterans Affairs Office; provide education and assistance to Community veterans and their families regarding Veteran’s Administration benefits; facilitate and assist Community veterans with getting to required service-related meetings, appointments, etc.; and provide general information to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community regarding veterans’ rights.

We plan to conduct quarterly open-house meetings within the Community. Also, we would like to develop and maintain a master list of all the Community-member veterans. The Veterans Representatives Office will strive to have a database here for the Community veterans and their family members. We as the Veterans Representatives will be conducting health and welfare checks on Community-member veterans to ensure that every veteran is reached and accounted for.

Thank you.