Lame Deer Family Honors Daughter Serving on USS Abraham Lincoln

20-year-old Jadyss Hugs is stationed in the Middle East as the war with Iran escalates.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:38pm

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A family from Lame Deer, Montana is missing their 20-year-old daughter Jadyss Hugs, who is serving as a Quartermaster E-3 aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East as tensions with Iran have flared up. Her parents, Trixy and Les BirdChief, are proud of her service but also deeply concerned for her safety as she is on the front lines of the conflict.

Why it matters

This story highlights the personal sacrifices military families make when their loved ones are deployed to combat zones, especially when the conflict escalates quickly. It also shines a light on the experiences of Native American service members and their communities.

The details

Jadyss Hugs felt a calling to serve in the U.S. Navy long before the current conflict with Iran. When tensions flared and her ship was redirected to the Middle East, her parents Trixy and Les BirdChief were filled with fear but also immense pride. As veterans themselves, they understand the risks but are heartbroken that their daughter is now in harm's way. The family cherishes every brief phone call they can get with Jadyss, who is stationed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

  • Jadyss Hugs joined the Navy prior to the current conflict with Iran.
  • When the conflict started, Jadyss' ship was redirected to the Middle East.

The players

Jadyss Hugs

A 20-year-old Quartermaster E-3 serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East.

Trixy BirdChief

Jadyss' mother, who is proud of her daughter's service but deeply concerned for her safety.

Les BirdChief

Jadyss' father, who is a veteran himself and understands the realities of war.

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What they’re saying

“She is in the Middle East serving our nation.”

— Trixy BirdChief, Jadyss' mother

“When the conflict started with Iran, she was already out at sea. So she was doing a certain operation, and her ship, the USS Abraham Lincoln, was redirected to the Middle East.”

— Les BirdChief, Jadyss' father

“When I served, you know, I was fighting a war so my kids wouldn't have to fight a war. And then, you know, to find out that your daughter's actively, you know, on a naval ship that's actively, you know, bombing another country, you know, it was hard.”

— Les BirdChief, Jadyss' father

What’s next

The BirdChief family will continue to anxiously await updates on Jadyss' safety and well-being as the conflict in the Middle East unfolds.

The takeaway

This story underscores the immense sacrifices military families make when their loved ones are deployed to combat zones, especially Native American families like the BirdChiefs who are serving their country despite the personal toll. It is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.