This month, we had the opportunity to speak with Eddie Foote, a Northern Cheyenne and Nakota veteran whose life reflects resilience, service, and cultural pride. Raised in Montana, Eddie faced significant challenges, including addiction and incarceration, but through recovery he rebuilt his life and found purpose in helping others. Today, as a Warrior Bridge Resource Navigator with Veterans Navigation Network, he travels across the state connecting Native veterans with vital resources, mentorship, and community support. Whether he’s organizing resource fairs on reservations, mentoring fellow veterans, or sharing his own journey of sobriety and healing, Eddie embodies strength, compassion, and the power of giving back.

PERSONAL JOURNEY AND BACKGROUND

Can you share your tribal affiliation and where you grew up, a little about your family and upbringing?

 I am Northern Cheyenne/Nakota and enrolled in Northern Cheyenne (Tsétsêhéstâhese, or more commonly, Tsitsistas). As a child, I was raised by my mom, big sister, grandma, grandpas, and cousins. At that time, we had to leave the reservation and live in a homeless shelter in Billings for a long time until my mom could get back on her feet. Alcohol was common in and around my household and almost seemed normal.

My mom made sure to keep me busy with sports—tackle football, swimming, and baseball, which was my favorite. I truly believe that if I had kept at it, I could’ve played in the big leagues. From middle school through graduation, I lived in Colstrip, Montana, where I attended church and played basketball, baseball, cross country, football, and track and field. During this time, I lost some touch with my traditions, except when I was with my grandma Joy (I really miss her) or my grandpa Clifford (I miss him too).

I was raised to always respect my elders and help whenever I can, and I still live by that today. When I see an elder who could use help, I step in without question.

I was raised to always respect my elders and help whenever I can, and I still live by that today.

What inspired you to serve in the military, and how did your service shape your path?

I was inspired to join the military because of 9/11, and most of my great uncles are Vietnam veterans. Through basic training, my MOS (Military Occupational Specialty), and my ASI (Additional Skill Identifier), I was shaped into an American soldier. Time spent in Germany, Kuwait, Iraq, and Fort Benning, Georgia, helped shape me both personally and professionally.

I also recently learned that a few of my great uncles were POWs. When I was medically discharged, I had no direction and felt lost. That experience inspired my mission to help veterans transition after military service, so they don’t have to navigate it alone.

You’ve overcome significant personal challenges, including a past felony conviction. What was the turning point that led you toward sobriety and rebuilding your life?

The turning point came while I was in jail, calling my mom from a small jail phone, watching TV through a tiny window, and being locked up 24/7—getting only 30 minutes outside in the morning and evening. I had to crawl out of a hole I dug myself. I initially blamed others for my downfalls, but ultimately, my bad decisions got me there. These challenges are part of what made me who I am today.

I had to crawl out of a hole I dug myself. January 14, 2019, I had my last drink. Still going strong.

Being an Army combat veteran came with a price—my mental health declined. After losing my cousin to suicide and struggling with addiction, felony charges, losing my kids, my job, my house, and my family, I was placed in CAMO (Courts Assisting Military Offenders). This gave me some clarity and a second chance. I enrolled in college full-time, worked three jobs, and pursued a business degree.

After graduating from CAMO, I became a licensed peer support specialist, working with jails, sheriffs’ offices, police departments, and other recovery organizations. I also became a mentor for CAMO and worked with homeless individuals struggling with addiction. January 14, 2019, I had my last drink—and I’m still sober.

Through my work in the community, Judge Knisely and the retired District Attorney dismissed my charges without prejudice, meaning my case cannot be reopened. Today, I have my children (daughter 16 and son 17) back in my life. I’m engaged, sober, a homeowner, and I help fellow veterans find their path. There is a saying we use as veterans: #IGY6.

Eddie sharing veteran support resources at one of the many community events held across Montana.

PROFESSIONAL ROLE AND IMPACT

As a Native veteran working with Veteran’s Navigation Network (VNN), what unique challenges do Native veterans face, and how does your role address them?

Native veterans often struggle to access resources due to distance from urban centers. This disconnect is especially significant on reservations. My role as the Warrior Bridge Resource Navigator reconnects modern-day warriors with the resources they need, while supporting them with any challenges that arise.

Can you describe the Warrior Bridge program and its significance for Native veterans in Montana?

The Warrior Bridge program, led by VNN, is veteran-centered and designed to connect Native American service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF) with essential resources. By partnering with tribal communities, Native-serving organizations, and local agencies, VNN ensures that Native veterans receive the care, support, and recognition they deserve for their service.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your work with VNN?

The most rewarding part is traveling to reservations and engaging directly with communities to learn what is needed or missing. Being in the presence of other warriors is fulfilling on its own, and showing up alone demonstrates VNN’s ability to adapt and overcome.

How does VNN collaborate with tribal communities and urban Indian organizations to support veterans?

VNN collaborates by emphasizing culturally competent, peer-based support for Native veterans, service members, and their families. Through programs like Warrior Bridge, VNN partners with tribal governments, IHS providers, and urban Indian organizations to provide healthcare, behavioral health, housing, and employment services while honoring cultural traditions.

These collaborations include case management, peer mentorship, and outreach events, ensuring services are accessible and respectful of Native values. By addressing social determinants of health—transportation, food security, housing stability—VNN helps remove barriers so Native veterans are not left behind

What role does peer mentorship play in the transition from military to civilian life, and how do you facilitate this process?

Peer mentors use lived experience to guide veterans through the transition to civilian life. As a “battle buddy,” I walk alongside veterans so they don’t feel alone, helping maintain the camaraderie and support familiar from military service.

Eddie travels extensively across the state for his work. In these photos, he is pictured with the Helena Indian Alliance (left) and the Montana United Indian Association (right).

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ADVOCACY

You’ve been instrumental in organizing events like the Veteran Resource Fair on the Crow Reservation. What impact have these events had on the community?

Resource fairs bring services directly to Native veterans who might not otherwise have access. We provide connections to VA care, specialty services, mental health support, suicide prevention tools, gun locks, and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training. We also support VA character of discharge determinations and DOD discharge upgrades so veterans can access healthcare, disability compensation, and other earned benefits.

Supporting Native women veterans is a key focus for VNN. How are their needs being addressed, and why is this focus important?

Native women veterans need to be heard. By bringing VA representatives to listen to their concerns, we give these “lady warriors” a voice and ensure their issues are addressed.

The biggest challenge Native veterans face is the disconnect from resources. My role is to reconnect our modern-day warriors and walk alongside them.

What does it mean to you to be part of a network that emphasizes community support and volunteerism among veterans?

Being part of a veteran network is amazing. It brings back the camaraderie from military service and reinforces teamwork while helping fellow veterans and their families.

How do you see your personal story influencing and inspiring other veterans, especially those facing similar struggles?

My story is one of many in Montana. By sharing it, I help other veterans tell their stories, see that they aren’t alone, and recognize that there are doors they can walk through to rebuild their lives.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Looking ahead, what are your goals for both your personal life and your work with VNN?

My personal growth and work with VNN go hand in hand. By improving myself each day, I can plant seeds in the community and continue nurturing them, knowing that growth naturally spreads outward.

What message would you like to share with other Native veterans who might be struggling or feeling disconnected?

Reach out and don’t be afraid to ask for help. We share a bond through our service that can’t be replicated. If you see me in the community, say hi—I’m always happy to talk. #IGY6

Reach out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We share a bond that can’t be broken. If you see me in the community, say hi. #IGY6

How can the broader community support Native veterans more effectively?

The community can support Native veterans by getting involved and staying informed. Suicide is a heavy issue among veterans, and understanding mental health resources is essential. Being informed benefits veterans and the wider community. Visit our webpage: https://www.veteransnavigation.org/.

In what ways do you hope to see the veteran community evolve in the coming years?

I hope the veteran community grows into a large, connected group dedicated to helping others. The more veterans and allies know about available resources, the more we can collectively support our communities. We have many resources statewide, and the goal is for people to keep helping people—especially veterans helping veterans.