That’s the name of a book by photojournalist Steven Clevenger, who in 2006 began documenting the warrior tradition of Native soldiers serving in Iraq.

A National Public Radio report, here, has a slideshow of his work.

Clevenger, who is Osage, writes that “A warrior is the protector of his people.” As NPR’s Sarah Handel writes, the qualities that make a great warrior – loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage – also are key to a successful career in the U.S. military:

Clevenger spent time embedded with Native American military members in Iraq in both 2007 and 2009. He took photographs and interviewed Apache, Navajo, Osage, Pueblo and other Native military members, capturing how their culture affected and informed their wartime service.

He also attended traditional ceremonies in the U.S., such as the War Mothers’ Dance and the Welcoming Home/Cleansing Ceremony. He spoke with the soldiers’ families about the Native traditions meant to protect, honor and provide solace to the warriors.

Gwen Florio

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