Special to The Daily Times

Lieutenant Josh Bird celebrates his commissioning ceremony May 26 at the USAF Academy. Bird is the first member of The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians to graduate from the United States Air Force Academy. (Left to Right:) Larry Blythe, vice chief of the Eastern Band, Lt. Josh Bird, Col. Tom Shaughnessy USAF, Ret., and Richard Bird, Josh's Father.

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Bird first Eastern Cherokee to graduate United States Air Force Academy

From Staff Reports
Originally published: June 02. 2009 3:01AM
Last modified: June 01. 2009 7:10PM

Joshua Daniel Bird, a 2004 graduate of William Blount High School, became the first member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian Tribe to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. He graduated from the Academy May 27 and received his second lieutenant rank in a commissioning ceremony last week.

Bird is a resident of Maryville.

Retired Air Force Col. Tom Shaughnessy, from William Blount High School, delivered the Oath of Commission. Vice Chief Larry Blythe of the Eastern Cherokee Tribe and Josh's father, Richard Bird, presented him with his grandfather's eagle feathers, symbolizing courage and protection. Josh's mother, Tammy Powell and his stepfather, Jon Powell, and other family members attended the ceremony.

Bird will now attend pilot training at Whiting Field in Pensacola, Fla. in July. He will marry classmate Second. Lt. Dempsey Slough of Elverson, Penn. on June 27. Slough will be stationed at Hurlburt Air Force Base, located in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

Bird, who was an honor student, was also a member of the varsity football and baseball teams while attending William Blount High School. He was nominated to the service academy by Congressman John Duncan Jr. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in management from the Air Force Academy.

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