Silent Drum

"Vernon ""Silent Drum"" Lopez was a member of the Navajo Nation and a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was born on September 6, 1947, in a remote area of the Navajo reservation in New Mexico.

Lopez was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 and was trained as a helicopter mechanic. He was sent to Vietnam in 1969 and served as a crew chief on a UH-1 Huey helicopter. During his time in Vietnam, he flew over 300 combat missions, providing critical air support to ground troops.

Lopez was known for his bravery and his ability to remain calm under pressure. He earned the nickname ""Silent Drum"" because he was so quiet and focused during missions.

After returning from Vietnam, Lopez struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and turned to alcohol to cope with his trauma. However, he eventually sought treatment and became a counselor for other veterans suffering from PTSD.

Lopez was also an advocate for the Navajo language and culture. He worked to preserve the Navajo language and was a skilled traditional drummer. He passed away on July 30, 2015, at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy of bravery, resilience, and cultural preservation."