The North Dakota National Guard’s newest helicopter, the UH-72A Lakota, was dedicated in a ceremony in September that included a blessing by a “Native American spiritual leader:”

As part of the dedication ceremony, two Lakota helicopters were blessed by Native American spiritual leader and elder, George Ironshield of Standing Rock, and officially named “Eagle” and “Turtle” respectively. The Eagle symbolizes spirituality and hope while the Turtle is honored as a protector and healer.

Naming a helicopter “Turtle” is a bit awkward, but the meaning is understood.

Fortunately, George Ironshield wasn’t a Catholic Priest or a Baptist minister, so he avoided the wrath of religious freedom critic Michael Weinstein, who decries the intermingling of religion and “the machinery of the state” — but only when its Christians.

The US Army has a long tradition of naming its helicopters for Native American tribes, something the tribal nations of North Dakota supported.  Whether a religious leader of any faith “blesses” something or not is neither here nor there, but it was a worthy opportunity to engage with the community on matters near to their heart, something that always benefits the US military in the long run.