The Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) recognized Marine Corps Lt. Col. T. Jay Hunting Horse, Operational Law Division, Office of the Judge Advocate General (OJAG), with its 2012 award for his contribution to Native American/Alaskan Natives at the 10th Annual SAIGE National Training Conference in Denver, Colo., June 6.
“Lt. Col. Hunting Horse is a superlative lawyer and military officer who epitomizes Navy and Marine Corps' core values,” said Capt. James Crisfield, director of the Operational Law Division, OJAG. “He is most deserving of this recognition and we couldn't be more proud of him. In addition to his active engagement in local Native American activities, Hunting Horse was instrumental in the establishment of an armed forces mentorship group for Native American and Alaskan Native service members. The group offers professional/personal guidance to active-duty service members as they navigate through their careers. “It is an honor and privilege to be recognized as a SAIGE service award honoree. This honor is recognition of the work that has been accomplished not only by myself, but also by several others in planning and establishing the newly minted Native American Service-Members Mentorship Group. This work has been made possible with the full support of my Navy JAG chain of command,” said Hunting Horse.
“Lt. Col. Hunting Horse was chosen from a very competitive group of applicants. His exceptional character and his dedication to serving this country embody the core values of the SAIGE awards,” said Cmdr. Mery-Angela S. Katson, Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion. SAIGE presents awards to individuals who, through their personal commitment and professional initiative, have made demonstrable contributions in recruiting, retaining, and providing career advancement opportunities to American Indian employees in the Federal workforce, and who have assisted with the advancement of American Indian and Alaskan Native professionals, role models, and future leaders.