Pawhuska, OK – Legendary distance-runner, Olympic gold medalist, and veteran, Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) will be giving the key-note address for the upcoming Veterans Appreciation Reception in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. This annual event hosted by the Osage Veterans Memorial Commission will be held at the Osage Casino in Pawhuska on Friday, November 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. (Location: Osage Casino, 1421 John Dahl Ave. Pawhuska, OK 74056). The reception is free and open to the public. Join the Commissioners in welcoming Mr. Billy Mills and his wife Pat as they recognize him with the 2026 Osage Veteran Warrior Award. Mr. Mills is a retired U.S. Marine officer and one of the greatest distance runners in American history. And yet, he has remained humble and approachable, candidly sharing his story that gives hope and uplifts those who have struggled in poverty, loss, and isolation.
Renowned for his inspirational speeches, Billy Mills will share his personal account of one of the most dramatic upsets in Olympic history. Mr. Mills entered the international Olympic stage as a virtually unknown athlete during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and literally transfixed the world as he made history by winning the 10,000 meters in a dramatic come-from-behind finish. His time of 28:24.4 set a new Olympic record, and he remains the only American to ever win gold in that event.
Billy Mills was born on June 30, 1938 in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Also known by his Lakota name Tamakhóčhe Theȟíla, meaning “loves his country,” he is Oglala Lakota (Sioux) and grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Billy did not have an easy childhood. Surrounded by poverty and orphaned at the age of 12, he started running to channel his energy into something positive. In high school, his gift for running became more apparent as he set records in numerous track events. He went on to earn a track scholarship from the University of Kansas and then served as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps. At age 26, he continued competing after the Olympics and went on to set U.S. records in the 10,000 meters, three-mile, and six-mile runs, further establishing his legacy as one of the greatest distance runners in U.S. history.
A selection of military-related items from the Osage Nation Museum will be on view during the event. In addition, information tables to share veteran resources and program information from the American Legion Post 198, Grayhorse War Mothers, and Hominy War Mothers, will be available. Mr. Mills recently published children’s book Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills will be available for purchase at the event. Commission member Frances Williams shared, “We are so honored and humbled to have Mr. Bills Mills for the key-note address this year. The Commission wants to keep the spirit of the military alive, helping support our veterans, and uplifting them. Veterans need all the support that this nation can give them.”
Mr. Mills will also be making a private address to the students of Pawhuska middle and high school and will be a special guest for the Hominy War Mothers Veterans Dance on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the Hominy Village Community Center. The dance begins at 1:00 p.m., and the meal is served at 5:00 p.m. with social dance to follow.
Osage Veterans Memorial Commission, 2024. Photo: Cody Hammer
For more information:
918.287.5413
museum@osagenation-nsn.gov
https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/boards/veterans-memorial-commission
About the Osage Veterans Memorial Commission
The Osage Veterans Memorial Commission, formerly the War Memorial Commission, was established by the Osage Nation Congress in 2011. The purpose of the Commission is to follow the Osage Nation tradition of honoring Osage veterans and to provide a physical reminder for present and future generations of the contributions and sacrifices of Osage veterans and their families. Commission: Chair, Franklin McKinley (Vietnam Veteran, U.S. Navy); James Norris (Vietnam Veteran, U.S. Army Special Forces); Marvin Stepson (Vietnam Veteran, U.S. Army); Frances West-Williams (President of the Hominy War Mothers and Past-President of the Oklahoma State American War Mothers); John Henry Mashunkashey (Vietnam Veteran, U.S. Marine Corps).
Register a Veteran
To register a name for the Veterans Memorial, you can submit the required information using our online form: https://forms.osagenation-nsn.gov/view.php?id=38238. You will need to supply a digital copy of the person's DD214 or mail in a physical copy.