Fallen Navajo Code Talker Honored In NM

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson announced that he has signed an Executive Order lowering flags across the state to half staff in honor of Navajo Code Talker George Chavez Sr., 85, who passed away on April 18^th.

Code Talkers played an essential role during World War II; the Japanese were never able to break their secret, tactical messages. In 2000 George Chavez Sr. was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Bush for his service during World War II.

George Chavez grew up in Nageezi, NM and joined the Marines when he was 18. He served as a radio telephone operator in the United States Marines until 1945. After the war he made his home in Farmington and worked for the Gas Company of New Mexico for more than thirty years.

George Chavez is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ernestine; eight children, Janet Harris, Loretta Chavez, Melvin Chavez, Julia Chavez, Alvin Chavez, George Chavez, Jr., and Lisa Chavez; stepchildren Nancy Chavez and Vern George; more than 30 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Irvin Chavez; and his parents Martin and Eva Chavez.

According to the Governor’s Executive Order, flags across the state will be flown at half staff in honor of Navajo Code Talker George Chavez on Tuesday, April 27, 2010.

Full text of the Executive Order follows:

EXECUTIVE ORDER 2010-013

FLAGS FLOWN AT HALF STAFF IN HONOR AND

MOURNING OF NAVAJO CODE TALKER GEORGE CHAVEZ, SR.

WHEREAS, George Chavez, Sr., Navajo Code Talker, passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2010, at the age of 85 in Farmington, New Mexico;

WHEREAS, Mr. Chavez was born on January 12, 1925, in Nageezi, New Mexico. He spent most of his life in Farmington, New Mexico;

WHEREAS, Mr. Chavez joined the Marines in May of 1943 at the age of 18. He served in the 4^th Division, 25^th Regiment from May 1943 to March 1945. He served during World War II as a U.S. Marine Corps Navajo Code Talker, and as a radio telephone operator. The Navajo Code Talkers participated in battles in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. The Navajo Code was the only military code never to be broken. Chavez participated in operations against enemy forces in Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima;

WHEREAS, after returning from the war, Mr. Chavez worked for the Union Pacific Railroad, El Paso Natural Gas Company and The Gas Company of New Mexico. He retired from The Gas Company of New Mexico after 33 years of service;

WHEREAS, Mr. Chavez is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ernestine Chavez; children Janet Harris, Loretta Chavez, Melvin Chavez, Julia Chavez, Alvin Chavez, George Chavez, Jr., and Lisa Chavez; stepchildren Nancy Chavez and Vern George. He was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Eva Chavez and his son, Irvin Chavez; and

WHEREAS, George Chavez, Sr.’s service and dedication to New Mexico will always be remembered.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bill Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of the State of New Mexico, do hereby order that all flags be flown at half-staff on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 until sundown, in honor and mourning of George Chavez, Sr. The thoughts and prayers of the people of New Mexico go out to his family as well as a heartfelt thank you for his years of dedication and service.