Morris James Sam, District #6, is Choctaw Nation’s Veteran of the Month.
Sam was born and raised in California, attending school there until, in 9th grade, he transferred to Jones Academy in Hartshorne, Oklahoma.
In 1979, Sam enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served until 1981, attending basic training in San Diego, California. He trained for work in the Infantry 0311 Grenadier unit. Upon completing Boot Camp, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, 62 Area, San Mateo, Calif., where he participated in extensive training exercises in preparation for deployment and participated in the Amphibious Parade.
His favorite duty station was a four-month assignment at Pickle Meadows, Calif., home to the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center. As part of his training, he served aboard a Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Tarawa, in the Pacific, witnessing firsthand the strength of the United States Military, an experience he described as awe-inspiring. He earned his PFC Meritorious Sleeve and the Rifle Marksman Badge. He concluded his military career with the rank of EFC.
After serving, Sam traveled between California and Oklahoma, but in 2004, he began working at Jones Academy. In 2011, he moved to the Haileyville School system, where he worked until 2017. He then transitioned to Wilburton Public Schools, where he is currently employment.
Sam is a devout student of the Bible and considers himself a “Soldier of the Cross,” affirming that he serves under the greatest Commander in Chief of all time. He has been married to his wife, Roberta, for seven years and has three children: Andrew, Joshua, and Melissa. He has a proud military heritage as the son of a Marine who served during WWII and the Korean War.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma holds our Veterans in the highest esteem and appreciates their sacrifices and contributions to preserve our freedoms and the way of life we hold dear.