If you missed the Lumbee Tribal Council meeting Thursday night, you missed the opportunity to see three Lumbee greats together.

If you missed the Lumbee Tribal Council meeting Thursday night, you missed the opportunity to see three Lumbee greats together. Tribal Chairman John Lowery and the Lumbee Tribal Council honored Mr. Furnie Lambert for his contributions and lifetime of service to his tribal community. Mr. Furnie Lambert received a standing ovation as he was presented with an Eagle feather. Lambert, a retired US Marine and Lumbee Warrior, served multiple terms on the Commission of Indian Affairs following his appointment by Governor Pat McCrory in 2016. He was a Master Gunnery Sergeant.

Mr. Larry Townsend was also recognized and received the “Unsung Hero” Award. Mr. Larry was selected last year by the United Tribes of NC, but he was sick and was unable to accept the award so we looked for an opportunity to recognize him and Mr. Furnie Lambert together because both of them worked to establish the Lumbee Veterans office. The Lumbee Tribe Veterans Office assist veterans of all races from around the nation.

Mr. Larry Townsend also received a standing ovation. Mr. Larry has dedicated his life to service for his community and for veterans. Mr. Larry helped to draft legislation to begin this office, which opened in 2004 and has helped thousands of veterans. Mr. Larry is a Vietnam Veteran and he spent years serving as a Veterans Service Officer for the Lumbee Tribe. Mr. Larry also served multiple terms on the Lumbee Tribal Council, and would go on to serve as the Southeast Region Vice President to the National Congress of American Indians. During his time at NCAI, Mr. Larry represented 29 American Indian tribes throughout the Southeast. He worked with the full NCAI Executive Committee Members to fulfill a variety of national and regional responsibilities to ensure that NCAI remained a strong, stable organization that serves the broad and best interest of American Indians and Alaska Native tribal governments and communities. He also served on the Robeson County Board of Elections.

Chairman Lowery and the Council also recognized Professional Baseball Player and commercial artist Mr. Gene Locklear and gifted him with an Eagle Feather. Gene, who is from Union Chapel Community, was a Major League Player with the Padres, Yankees, and Reds and also played overseas in the Japan's leagues. He is also well known for his Sport Paintings which are on display through the U.S. Locally his paintings celebrate Lumbee history, culture and community and our hero Henry Berry Lowrie. Gene is also a Vietnam Veteran. They are proudly displayed throughout our tribal community, in businesses and museums. All three Lumbee legends received a standing ovation

Also recognized was Emily Deese and Ronnette Sutton who were recognized as the newly sworn in Supreme Court Justices. They were sworn in on February 28, 2025 by chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Mark Brooks.