SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Cherokee Nation citizen and Navy veteran Libby Neugin helped bring in the colors at the San Francisco 49ers game against the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 18.
As a member of the Native American Woman Warriors color guard, she had the honor of presenting the colors for the preseason game at Levi’s Stadium. Neugin has been with the color guard for a year.
“The experience was unforgettable. I had never been so nervous and battling the wind on stage eased some of that fear,” she said. “It’s an honor I’ll never forget and shows the power of unity and respect.”
She added that the event staff were “fantastic” and people were really excited to meet the flag guard and asked for photos.
“They told us how amazing it was that Native American women veterans were receiving such great recognition, and as we walked past the box seats, the whole area gave us a standing ovation. I tried not to get too emotional, but it was truly an incredible experience,” she said.
Previously, NAWW has participated in the Presidential Inauguration, the Veterans Day Parade in New York City, several events for the National Museum of the American Indian, and several powwows. According to Neugin, the 49ers game was one of the biggest events NAWW has participated in to date.
“We hope it will lead to many more exciting experiences. I also had the honor of participating in the Indy 500 Festival Parade last July,” she said.
Neugin is also a member of the Cherokee Nation Veterans Color Guard. She has been with the CNVCG for three years and is currently the deputy commander. She joined the Navy in 2001 right out of high school and was honorably discharged in 2005.
“Participating in the flag guard gives me a voice for my tribe and I am honored to share our history. At events, people always ask about our identity, tribe and heritage, so we can educate others about who we are and where we come from. I am proud to be a veteran of the Cherokee Nation,” she said.
