Tony Wade is a proud Pima Indian born in Chandler, Arizona south of the Gila River Indian Community. He was a second cousin to Ira Hayes who was one of the Marines raising the flag on Mt. Surabachi at Iwo Jima during World War II. Tony and Ira were both born on January 12th, but nine years apart. Tony would join the Marines because of his cousin's legacy and then meet Jim Bronson in San Francisco while stationed at the Treasure Island Marine Detachment.

Jim and Tony became good friends; while taking a class at a junior college which Jim was attending. Tony was very interested in Native American history and at that time was planning to earn a degree in that subject, with hopes to someday teaching his own people in their heritage to keep the tribe alive. After returning to Arizona he married and had a son. Tony was pushing 40 and he believed he was losing his ability to be and Indian. He went into the desert to fast and somehow see his future and bring his Indian spirit back and become a warrior to lead his people and his family. With Jim's help that summer Tony fulfilled his self task.

Tony eventually earned a PHD in Indian Affairs in U.S. Government. He currently works for the Association on American Indian Affairs in Phoenix and is the special assistant to the Governor.