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Airman connects to Native American heritage through mother’s journey

  • Published
  • By 375 Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  

Guided by her mother's journey of self-discovery, one Team Scott member has embraced her Native American culture, transforming what once felt like a source of isolation into a source of pride and identity. 

Staff Sgt. Morgan Elaine Bradley, a command scheduler for Air Mobility Command, said that as a child she felt disconnected and “not worthy” of her Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe heritage. 

“Growing up, being far removed from my culture, I struggled with imposter syndrome, not feeling like I was worthy to have my culture because I didn’t grow up in it,” Bradley reflects. 

Staff Sgt. Morgan Elaine Bradley, a command scheduler for Air Mobility Command, embraces her Native American culture, transforming what once felt like a source of isolation into a source of pride and identity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rachel Sansano)

Staff Sgt. Morgan Elaine Bradley, a command scheduler for Air Mobility Command, embraces her Native American culture, transforming what once felt like a source of isolation into a source of pride and identity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rachel Sansano)
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However, over time, she realized that “there’s no right or wrong way to appreciate your culture.” She said that “being as involved as you can be and as respectful as you can be to where you came from and your past” is all that matters.  

Though she wasn’t raised as an active member of her tribe, attending cultural events, like powwows, grew her understanding and developed her identity. 

“One of the biggest ones we went to is called the Red Earth Festival in Oklahoma. It’s a gathering of family, and a mix of traditions from different Native American tribes,” said Bradley. “You get to see people you haven’t seen in years and experience the awesomeness of the music and dancing, all while everyone is there being happy.” 

Bradley’s journey started with her mother’s quest for identity. “My mom didn’t grow up with her culture. She knew she was Native American, but in order to find her culture and what it meant for her, she had to do a lot of searching,” Bradley shares.

The research Bradley’s mom accomplished helped grow her daughter’s desire to further her understanding of their heritage. 

“The information that I have [about my heritage] came from my mom doing that searching and wanting to get to know who she was and where she came from,” Bradley explained. “The respect that I have for the culture and the respect that I have for myself and where I came from came from her.”

Now, as a mother herself, Bradley said she is determined to instill this pride in her own daughter. 

“I don’t want [my daughter] to be afraid to talk about who she is and where she came from. I don’t want her to ever feel like she has to hide it or that it's something to be ashamed of,” said Bradley, who was recently selected for Officer Training School. “I want her to be able to have pride in where she came from and what her culture means to her.” 

When asked about her future goals, Bradley emphasized her commitment to doing her best, wherever the Air Force sends her - this time as a second lieutenant. Bradley’s mindset embodies a legacy that extends beyond individual achievement, inspiring future generations of Native Americans.

“I’m really hopeful for the new path that I have in life to become an officer because I think it's going to open up a lot of doors, not just for myself, but for other people too,” she said.