Ben Reifel's 105th birthday article

[rabidrabbit]

A very special tribute to our Distinguished SDSU Alumni. From Rosebud Indian Reservation to Congress and Bureau of Indian Affairs Director. He never forgot his roots, and always kept family strong.

http://www.argusleader.com/comments/...ave-boost-S-D-

Monday would have been the 105th birthday of Reifel, who was born in a log cabin on the Rosebud reservation and served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1961 to 1971.

He was instrumental in locating EROS Data Center in South Dakota and in keeping Ellsworth Air Force Base active in the state.


Reifel, the first Lakota elected to the U.S. House, also was active in Native American issues.
But Reifel wouldn't want to be remembered as the first Plains Native American elected to Congress, Samp says. (see article for more)

[Jacks#1Fan]

Re: Ben Reifel's 105th birthday article

Ben was, indeed, a very special guy. He was as personable as one can be, and I always enjoyed my visits with him through the years I was the alumni director...he was a true Jackrabbit in its essential meaning. Thanks RR for posting this link for others to read.

[Nidaros]

Re: Ben Reifel's 105th birthday article

Once upon a time I was a Campus Young Republican. Congressman Reifel made many appearences at our activities. I shook his hand many times. He did a great job as a congressman and represented the First District of SD. Yes SD once had two congressional districts.

I do not recall reading much about his part in Indian Affairs, but I think he was very careful to keep his work in the background.
Being of mixed race, he seemed to understand both cultures and so carefully comparmentalized issues affecting both groups.
Sometimes you can win the battle but lose the war. His press releases were often about issues that affected European Americans such as myself and thats because he represented an overwhelming white majority.

I think rabidRabbit is and should be very proud of his uncle.

[boxerboy]

Re: Ben Reifel's 105th birthday article

He was the first Congressman I remember from SD and I believe a really great American.