2026 Gin’tith Richard Frank Military Service Award Recipient
Samantha Ophelia Sam (Tukkuyeetłno) was born to the late Hudson Sam, Sr. and Selina Sam. Samantha’s maternal grandparents are the late Lydia and late Edwin Simon and her paternal grandparents are the late Big Sophie (Ophelia) and late Little Sammy Sam. Samantha was raised alongside her siblings Annette, Ross, late Hudson Jr., Elizabeth, Clifford, Dominic, Barbie, Natalie, and David. Samantha is the proud mother to her beloved son Simon Hudson Sam-Frazier.
Samantha graduated as valedictorian from Jimmy Huntington School in Huslia in 2009. She enlisted in the United States Army in September 2010. She completed Basic Training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. She was deployed to Afghanistan from January to October 2013. She has achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and serves as a Human Resource Specialist. Samantha intends to serve 20 years in the military before retiring and is pursuing a career in Human Resources within the Federal Government.
Samantha has received six Army Commendation medals, four Army Achievement medals, three Army Good Conduct medals, a Certificate of Meritorious Unit Commendation, a Combat Action Badge, and a Driver/Mechanic Badge during her service.
Samantha enjoys being involved in the Native community and attending various Native gatherings and spring carnivals. She enjoys helping others from any walk of life. She loves to snowshoe, go hiking, and play basketball and softball. Additionally, Samantha loves to participate in her son’s extracurricular activities which include the same sports. Samantha is pursuing a degree in Human Resources Management at Southern New Hampshire University and is expected to graduate with her Bachelor of Science Degree in May of 2027.
Samantha chooses to live sober to give her son and herself the best life possible and to serve as a role model for her son, nieces and nephews, single parents, Soldiers, and Alaska Natives.
The Board of Directors of Doyon, Limited on behalf of the shareholders hereby recognizes Samantha Ophelia Sam for demonstrating strong leadership qualities in service to our country and commitment to fellow Alaska Natives. The Board of Directors hereby honors Samantha Ophelia Sam as the recipient of the 2026 Gin’tith Richard Frank Military Service Award.
