11.11.2021

Saluting My Dad, Warner Hale Dulan and my Uncle Adolf Dulan on VETERANS DAY 2021


By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

HELLO ALL:

Usually, when you celebrate VETERANS Day, you generally think of commemorating those fallen soldiers who have given their lives in service to their country - the USA.  I salute my Dad and my Uncle who are now  ANCESTOR ANGELS, and WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US AND TRIED TO MAKE A WAY FOR US BY RAISING, NURTURING, EDUCATING, DEFENDING AND LOVING US TO LIFE.

In keeping with the tradition of honoring those who served in the Military, I am honoring my father, Warner Hale DULAN, Sr., who served in WWII
 
He was stationed in Camp Seibert Army Base in Gasden, Alabama; served as a Military Policeman (MP), and probably experienced more racism in his young life there, than he ever did growing up in Oklahoma.  In fact, his experiences there shaped his militancy for the rest of his life.  He had enlisted to save the country that rejected him - and got a full dose of racism during the time he was there.  Of course, he was not the only one; and it was not something he discussed with us until I was well into my teens and participating in the Sit-ins, and Civil Rights activities in Oklahoma City, under the mentorship and leadership of Ms. Clara Luper.  

I remember him clearly saying to me, during one of our many epochmaking debates, when he was trying to get me to stop participating in the sit-ins  - "You don't want to integrate with the kind of people these people are!!"  I was 17 years old.  Tinker Air Force Base had threatened to fire him because was an "agitator."  He asked (not told) me to stop because he could lose his position at Tinker.  He had been there for 20+ years at the time.  I looked at him like he had to be kidding, and responded, somewhat arrogantly,  that I was not going to stop - so he probably should get a different job - why would he want to work for a company that did not respect his rights?   
 
I half expected him to smack me or reprimand me, or ground me or withhold my allowance.  Instead, I saw this look of pride come across my Dad's face - he couldn't hide it.  I realized he was testing me to see how committed I was to the movement.  I later found out from my Mom that he had pretty much informed the higher ups at Tinker that it would be my own decision to stop, but he wouldn't force me to do so.  My Dad was a silent militant.  We would go walking sometimes in those racist parts of OKC, where they had the signs in the window that said "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone we choose."  Daddy would walk into the shop, stand there, not saying a word, waiting for one of the caucasoids to refuse him service - no one ever did. 

As you can see, my Dad was a FINE BLACK MAN - he set high standards for our family, because high standards were set by his Dad, my grandfather, Silas S. DULAN, who served in WWI.  They all served their country,  in a highly racist, segregated army.   Despite that, they all had high standards, ethics and definiteness of purpose



My Dad, Warner Hale DULAN, Sr.  WWII Veteran



In addition to my Dad is his younger brother, and my favorite Uncle - Adolph A. DULAN, who served in the Korean War, following in the footsteps of his older Brother.  My Uncle was also a FINE BLACK MAN, as you can clearly see.  He  took advantage of his GI Bill, went to college, got his degree in Social Work, but decided that it was time to apply what he learned to economic development and entreprenurial endeavors.  He tried to teach other Black Vets to do the same thing.    He started a program teaching Black Men entreprenurial skills, in Los Angeles.  He had a very down to earth, Oklahoma Old Boy method that worked, and eventually led him to establish the Millionaire Men's Club, where he and his fellow Black Millionaires met and strategized how to share their knowledge and contribute to society.
My favorite Uncle made his transition 4 years ago leaving a legacy of accomplishments from establishing businesses in LA, through starting organizations that empowered Black men and women to excel.

My Uncle Adolf A. DULAN served in the Korean War




Blessings to all the brave, loving Brothers and Sisters who dedicated their lives to ours!!!  
Thank you for your love and your service.
 
NOW THAT YOU KNOW
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
 
Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK 
 
Gloria DULAN-Wilson

 






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