Force Master Chief James Osborne, force master chief, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited with the Fargo Native American Commission (NAC) while visiting Fargo, N.D., during Fargo-Moorhead Metro Navy Week.

Osborne met with the NAC, which is the first of its kind in the United States, to gain a better understanding of their history in the area, their history of service in the Armed Forces, the challenges they are facing today and the work that some of their members do within the Department of Veterans Affair.

"Our goal for the meeting today was to let the master chief know about the concerns and challenges faced by Native American people today in urban environments, such as Fargo," said Sharon White Bear, a member of the Arikara tribe and the NAC chairperson.

The meeting included welcome songs performed by a local group of Native American tribal musicians, presentations from several different members of the NAC and traditional Native American cuisine from the North Dakota area.

"Today I was here to honor the (NAC), hear their story, (to learn about) their history and dedication of Native Americans to our nation and serving the country, specifically the Navy," said Osborne.

Osborne, who is visiting Fargo for the Fargo-Moorhead Metro Navy Week, went on to say, "Navy week itself is a way to educate the community, but also a way to educate us as well on what is happening. That is what took place this morning, and it was all very rewarding to hear about their dedication to serving the community and veterans."

The meeting between Osborne and the NAC concluded with the NAC gifting Osborne with a traditional Native American star quilt, which was draped around Osborne's shoulders as a symbolic way to honor and protect him on his journey through life.

"We give the (star quilts) to people that we are honoring," said White Bear. "He came to visit us, at his request he came and asked to see the native people for Navy Week, and we were very happy to see that he was interested in us, and wanted to see what, and how, we were doing. It was a real honor to have him come hear and see what we are doing"

"(When receiving the quilt I) was almost in tears. It was very humbling, (I felt) very privileged, and did not expect that," said Osborne. "I was very moved, humbled and honored to have received (the star quilt)."

The Navy Office of Community Outreach uses the Navy Week program to bring Navy Sailors, equipment and displays to approximately 14 American cities each year for a week-long schedule of outreach engagements designed for Americans to experience first-hand how the U.S. Navy is the Navy the nation needs.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.