Alvin Tso

This week’s Veterans Spotlight shines on Alvin Tso.

Alvin C. Tso was born in May 1932 in Kaibeto, Arizona, a region later affected by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam. Raised on the Navajo reservation, he spent his youth working as a cowpuncher on his family ranch and managing various responsibilities.

Tso's pride in his Native American heritage was profoundly influenced by the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II. These individuals, initially forced to abandon their language in government-run boarding schools, were later enlisted by the U.S. military in 1942 to develop an unbreakable code that proved essential during the war. Inspired by their legacy, Tso joined the Army as an infantryman in 1952, amidst the tensions of the Korean War and a politically charged period in the United States.

Soon after marrying his wife, Margie, Tso was assigned to the 45th (Thunderbirds) Division and deployed to Korea. There, his unit bolstered U.S. efforts to defend South Korea from Chinese forces and resist North Korea's attempts to establish communist rule. Observing the heavy casualties among frontline radio operators, Tso volunteered as the company’s forward observer, tasked with coordinating indirect fire and communication while moving quickly between observation points. Before undertaking this risky role, a supervisor told him to pack his rucksack and dog tags, jokingly remarking that as a Native American, “Tso should be a good runner.”

Despite facing stereotypes, inadequate training, and low survival odds, Tso played a critical role in ensuring his company’s safe retreat. His leadership and decisiveness earned him the rank of staff sergeant and numerous honors, including the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Reflecting on his service, Tso later remarked, “It was a long overseas journey from Monterey, CA, to Korea aboard a naval ship.”

After returning from the war in 1954, Tso encountered challenges at home, including efforts by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to force his parents off their ancestral land. Acting as an interpreter for his family, he sought legal counsel from a relative who was a community lawyer to defend their land rights and resolve boundary disputes.

Tso also struggled with reintegration into civilian life and battled alcohol dependency. With the support of his wife, surviving children, sister Nina, and a renewed faith in God, he turned his life around. He became a pastor in the Church of the Nazarene and spent over 25 years as the lead speaker for the Ranch Hand Ministry (RANCH), ministering throughout the Navajo Nation and beyond.

In addition to his pastoral work, Tso served his community as a Chapter Official on the Health Board and Grazing Committee for over 20 years, as well as a livestock inspector for 12 years. Even in his 80s, he remained active, mentoring the youth rodeo team and sharing his passion for horseback riding.

Alvin Tso passed away in August 2018 in Lechee, Arizona, and was buried at the family ranch, where he had established a small family cemetery. His legacy of service and commitment to his community continues to be honored and remembered.

Thank you for your service!