“My Diary Of Memories” by Kenneth E. Peltier, Sr.

This is the life story of Kenneth Eugene Peltier, Sr. Many words can describe his life - Christian, Native American, Courage, Veteran, Pro Football Player, Potawatomi, Perseverance, Navy, Shawnee, Oklahoma, Farm Boy, but no other words sum it up more than Faith, Love and Family. Kenneth's life is filled with many blessings, trials and triumphs like many who grew up in the Great Depression. Growing up as a Native American farm boy in Oklahoma, he'd experience the values of hard work, the pain of racism and the joy of family. He went out of his way, from Oklahoma to California, to volunteer for the military to fight for his country that he loves so much. In his journey, he'd play for the Pacific Coast Professional Football League, which outperformed the NFL in its day. His time in the United States Navy would forever change his life. Serving in World War II on the most decorated Navy ship of all time, the U.S.S. Franklin (AKA "Big Ben"), he'd survive on of the largest Japanese kamikaze attacks and live to tell about the dramatic experience, and great loss. His love for God would get him through the tough times as well as his family he loves so dearly. His wife, Pauline, and their four children were the blessings of all blessings to him. His career at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City enabled him to provide for his family and later retire. As an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, he served as the tribe's Secretary-Treasurer in the mid-late 1980's. About that same time, he would be widowed and lose the love of his life, Pauline. The same year, their life-long best friends as a couple, Jack and Lillian Hale, also experience that pain as Jack passed away. After a couple of years of mourning, Kenneth and Lillian would go on their first date and marry about a year later. They celebrated their 20th anniversary just a few years ago... not many can even say that about their first marriage. Kenneth appreciates Lillian beyond words, especially in her efforts of typing this book for him in 1997. As this book is being published today, April 12th, 2013, Kenneth and Lillian are both alive and kicking. At 90 years of age and nothing has changed Kenneth. His wealth is his family.