Sheldon Hawk Eagle, a descendant of Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, became a soldier to further his education.

Hawk Eagle, whose Indian name was Wanbli Ohitika, or Brave Eagle, was interested in a career in child psychology, his aunt said. He joined the Army in hopes of financing his education.

Hawk Eagle, 21, was sent to Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. He was one of 17 soldiers killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash.

More than 1,000 soldiers have died in Iraq. Lori Piestewa, a member of the Hopi Tribe of Arizona, and Lee Duane Todacheene, a member of the Navajo Nation, were killed there.

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Descendant of Indian chiefs who loved the Army (AP 9/7)

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