Te' e ; be - té (Grandfather) a Sünide (Man) of Honor. T' aikabede (Chief or Cacique) Francisco Paiz Holguin ("Frank") passed away on Friday, June 16, 2017. He was born on August 22, 1920. "Frank" Holguin was raised in Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, TX and was the son of Meliton Holguin. At 96 years old, he had a remarkable record of service to the Tigua community and to the United States of America. At the time of his youth the Pueblo, like other Native communities, were facing many challenges including termination policies meant to exterminate indigenous communities and cultures resulting in extreme poverty and social hardship. Despite the obstacles, Frank Holguin was motivated to become a productive and inspiring individual as well as a model, mentor and leader to the Tigua community. In 1936, the Pueblo were asked to participate in the Texas Centennial which recognized the tribe's role and impact toward the development of the region and state. The Centennial was considered an important milestone and the first celebration of the state's multicultural heritage. A contingency of Tiguas traveled to Dallas, TX where T' aikabede (Chief) Damacio Colmenero met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, an act that symbolized friendship between the two heads of state and mutual respect for each sovereign. At 15, Frank Holguin was a member of the delegation of Tiguas. A few years later he graduated from Ysleta High School. He was one of the first Tiguas to receive a high school diploma. These acts would be among his first to preserve and advance the Pueblo community and culture. Most impressive, T'aikabede Frank Holguin is a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served from September 1942 through October 1945. His military qualifications include an Air Corps Member Badge with a Radio Repairman occupation specialty. His air defense battles and exploits encompass Normandy, S. France, N. France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland and Central Europe. T' aikabede Frank Holguin was the most decorated citizen of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. For his service and bravery he was decorated and cited with 7 Bronze Stars, EAM Ribbon and a Good Conduct Medal. Upon being discharged from the Army he began his career as a plumber and pipefitter. On December 31, 2010, he was elected T' aikabede (Cacique of Chief) of the Pueblo and continued to honor and serve his people. With dignity and respect, he lived his life as a warrior and champion for his community. Hawu and Hherkum (Thank You), T' aikabede Holguin for your contributions to your community and country, your spiritual guidance and teachings and for all you did to embrace and embody the values of Tigua culture and traditions.