Joe Grayson, Jr.- Deputy Principal Chief

Joe Grayson , Jr. is a highly decorated veteran, having served his country in the United States Army, 4 th Infantry Division in Vietnam .

Grayson , Jr., was born and raised in Cherokee County where he and his wife Gwen make their home. Gwen and Joe have both been actively involved in community service, volunteering for a number of organizations, including Help-In-Crisis and the Cherokee Heritage Center . Together they have five children, Joe III, Grant, Aaron, Stuart and Mary-Charlotte.

His special initiatives during his term as Deputy Principal Chief include:

Instituted the Cherokee National Medal of Patriotism.

Initiated the construction and establishment of a Cherokee Warrior Memorial and expanded services to native veterans.

Supported and expanded community based self help construction for housing, community buildings and utilities.

Launched the Cherokee National Park System.

Installed community groups to protect and restore historic sites and buildings.

Initiated and supported expanded services for scholarship and training in vocational education and construction trades