Ja-Li-Si Pittman, 2015-2016 Miss Cherokee, receives a certificate of appreciation from Col. Brian Burger, 188th Operations Group commander, at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Ark., for her participation in the 188th Wing’s Native American Indian Heritage Month celebration Nov. 18, 2015. Pittman is currently the vice-president of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council and her platform has tackled youth needing strong mentors in school. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Cody Martin/Released)