01/18/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - President Nez and Vice President Lizer sign proclamation in honor of the late Navajo Code Taker Alfred K. Newman
WINDOW ROCK – On Thursday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer issued a proclamation honoring and recognizing the late Navajo Code Talker Alfred K. Newman who passed away on Sunday at the age of 94. The proclamation declares that all flags on the Navajo Nation shall be flown at half-staff on Jan. 19, 2019, to honor his service.
“The Navajo Nation is saddened by the passing of a Diné warrior. His service and dedication as a Navajo Code Talker will forever be remembered and cherished. The Nation is truly grateful for Code Talker Newman’s sacrifices and those of his family, to defend the freedom and liberty of our country,” said President Nez.
Code Talker Newman was Naaneesht’ézhi Dine’é (Zuni Clan) and born for Tsi’naajínii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). He was born on July 21, 1924, at Rehoboth Hospital in Gallup, N.M. and resided in Kirtland, N.M. He passed away at Bloomfield Nursing Home in Bloomfield, N.M.
Newman served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Navajo Code Talker in the 1st Battalion, 21st Marine Regiment, and 3rd Division from 1943 to 1945, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal and later awarded the Congressional Silver Medal of Honor. His tour of duty included Bougainville Island, Guam, Iwo Jima, Kwajalein Atoll, Enewetak Atoll, New Georgia, and New Caledonia.
Following his service, he returned home and continued to serve our country as an ammunition inspector at Fort Wingate and retired from a coal mining company after 25-years of service.
President Nez and Vice President Lizer offer their sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, comrades, and community members.
“Newman paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the Navajo Nation and the United States. I could not imagine what his family went through during and after his service. He was a man of faith and worked hard to provide for his family. We offer our prayers for strength and comfort,” said Vice President Lizer.
Newman is survived by his wife Betsy E. Newman, whom he was married to for 69-years. Together they have five children, 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
The funeral service for Navajo Code Talker Alfred K. Newman is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the Maranatha Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Farmington, N.M.