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Heroes of Cibecue exhibit opens in Globe
By Toni Gibbons Staff writer Mar 21, 2026
In a ceremony that centered history, service and remembrance, the Heroes of Cibecue Museum Exhibit opened Feb. 28 at the Gila County Historical Society, bringing together veterans, students from Dishchii’bikoh Community School in Cibecue and leaders from across Arizona for a moment that carried both local and national significance.
The event drew families, educators and representatives from local, state and federal offices, reflecting the wide-reaching effects of a project rooted in one Apache community but felt far beyond it.
At its heart, the exhibit showcases the student-authored “Heroes of Cibecue” book series, a community-based history project documenting the lives and service of White Mountain Apache veterans.
Among those in attendance were Navajo County Supervisor Dawnafe Whitesinger, School Board President David Bonito, representatives from veterans organizations and congressional offices, and families of honored Apache veterans, including former Chairman Ronnie Lupe, Steven Lupe, Sr., Ernest Murphy and Korean War veteran Homer Beatty.
Artejia Adgerson and Katelyn Thompson, secretary and president of the Dishchii’bikoh Community School History Club, led the program, guiding attendees through a ceremony grounded in both tradition and purpose. Matilda Childs opened with prayer, followed by the National Anthem performed by Chasity Gregg.
Museum Manager Kenneth Johnson also spoke telling the story of the museum, exhibits and services they offer.
According to History Club adviser Jeron Velasco, the program’s most memorable moment came as Beatty, 96, received a replacement Purple Heart medal.
Beatty’s original medal had been lost in a series of house fires. But through coordination with congressional offices and veteran support networks, a replacement was secured and presented by VFW Arizona District 6 Commander Mark McCloy, VFW Department of Arizona Jr. Vice Commander Hugues Byrne and Jeff Timm, director for veterans and military service for Congressman Eli Crane.
As the medal was placed in Beatty’s hands, the crowd gathered on the museum porch fell silent. Velasco said the moment became a symbol of remembrance, sacrifice and the community’s commitment to ensuring that no hero is forgotten.
In his remarks, Velasco said the work behind the exhibit represents something deeper than a classroom project. “These students are becoming guardians of their own history,” he said, thanking the families, veterans organizations and community partners who helped bring the effort to life
During the program, Whitesinger formally accepted a rare collection of student artwork created in 1967 by children of Cibecue Day School. Donated by the Fast family of New Jersey through Marlowe Cassadore of the San Carlos Apache Cultural Museum, the collection reconnects today’s students with voices from nearly 60 years ago: a reminder that their work is part of a much longer story.
The exhibit features the student-authored books alongside family photographs of Apache veterans, each image and narrative capturing stories of service, resilience and identity.
The effect of the project is already being recognized nationally. It is supported by Arizona State University’s School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, and was recently named a recipient of the 2025 Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award. Students will also present their work at the National Council for History Education Conference later this month in Alabama.
Looking ahead, the exhibit will continue to travel. It is scheduled to be featured at the Heard Museum in Phoenix on May 25 as part of a Memorial Day celebration, where students will share their work alongside additional historic pieces from the 1967 collection.
Velasco also extended appreciation to the teachers and staff whose work helped bring the project to life, including Jovel Beramo, Julia Gasmen, Simon Kibe, Gene Velasco, Hilbert Hermoso, Christine Dawn Hermoso, Rubert Molavin, Ma. Lina Sangrador, Hedy Kelewood, Kathy Wallen, Lolita Endfield and Pris Williams.
School leaders, parents, veterans’ organizations and community partners, as well as Johnson and Bob Bigando, the museum executive director, were also recognized for their continued support.
Velasco said the exhibit represents more than a museum display. “It honors the past, empowers the present generation, and ensures that the stories of Apache veterans will continue to inspire future generations.”
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