Gilbert Jones, 2004 Inductee

A true leader working to improve the lives of his people at Fort McDowell, Mr. Jones served many years on the tribal council including several terms as president.He also worked as the Director of Tribal Housing Authority. A decorated U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Way, he was a member of the 187th Airborne Division. He was serving as vice president of the tribe, when federal agents raided the Fort McDowell Gaming Center. Using heavy equipment from the sand and gravel operation, he organized a blockade of the gaming center parking lot preventing the large moving vans from leaving with the slot machines. An avid golfer, he dreamed and talked of the day when Fort McDowell would have its own golf course. That dream became a reality with the opening of We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. He also was a baseball fan and was working on bringing a major league spring training facility to Fort McDowell at the time of his death in 2000.