Vena Tahkofper
Specialist, U.S. Army

Tahkofper received her Basic and Advanced Individual Training, as a Military Policeman, at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Upon completion of training she was assigned to Hanau, Germany.

Specialist Tahkofper's next assignment was deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She served with the 127th Military Police Company, 18th Military Police Brigade at Forward Operating Base Falcon just outside of Baghdad, from 19 April to 19 November 2004.

During that time, she lived in Saddam Hussein’s Palace for a brief period and swam in his swimming pool. Specialist Tahkofper and her team survived an IED explosion when their vehicle hit a mine.

Medals, Awards & Badges

Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Combat Action Badge

This Honoree Record was prepared with the valuable assistance of Lanny G. Asepermy, Sergeant Major, U.S. Army (Ret.) [Honoree Record ID 227117], Historian for the Comanche Indian Veterans Association in Lawton, OK. Photo is courtesy of SMG Asepermy.