WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council extends condolences to the family, fellow veterans, and community of Vietnam War veteran, Sgt. Daniel H. Yazza, who passed away on Dec. 27 at the age of 74.
Daniel, a U.S. Air Force veteran originally from Fort Defiance, Arizona, was Tábąąhá and born for Tł'ááshchí'í. He passed away due to terminal cancer at the New Mexico Veterans Affairs Hospital in Albuquerque.
“Our Navajo veterans gave selflessly of themselves as they defended our sacred homeland in combat, and Sgt. Yazza was no exception. The 25th Navajo Nation Council honors his service and his family for their support and sacrifices,” Speaker Crystalyne Curley said. “Following his honorable service to our country, he continued to support his fellow veterans and gave back so much to our Nation.”
As the Commander of the Tséhootsooí Twin Warrior Society, Daniel and his group were often called upon by the Navajo Nation to post the colors at various events and Council sessions.
According to his nephew, Clifford Little Elk, Daniel was a proud veteran who looked after the military medals of his father, the late Navajo Code Talker Peter Yazza.
As an advocate of education and faith, he worked as a substitute teacher with the Window Rock School District and was a board member of the Good Shepherd Mission.
“He was really passionate about assisting with veteran’s issues. He worked with his veteran's community through the Fort Defiance Chapter, up until he passed away,” Little Elk said. “Even in his final days, he was worried about work that he was finishing up in his community.”
Council Delegate Dr. Andy Nez (Crystal, Fort Defiance, Red Lake, Sawmill) said he remembers Daniel as a pinnacle for veterans near and far. Nez said he looked up to Daniel to help enhance his advocacy for veterans.
“I’m saddened by the passing of Sgt. Yazza, days after we lost another veteran, Sandoval Jesus, from our communities. My sincere condolences go out to both families, and many relatives who have heartache at this time” Nez said. “The 25th Navajo Nation Council extends their prayers and condolences to the families of Sgt. Daniel H. Yazza and Pvt. Sandoval “Sandy” Jesus. The Council honors their legacy.”
Daniel was preceded in death by his two children, Danny and Donna Ray Yazza.
Funeral services for Daniel will take place on Jan. 4 at the Good Shepherd Mission in Fort Defiance, Arizona. Viewing starts at 9 am with services to immediately follow. Burial services will take place at the Fort Defiance Veterans Cemetery with the reception to follow at the Fort Defiance Chapter House.
