“The work we do, we don’t do it expecting gratification. It’s gratifying to know that people are being helped by the work that you do.” – Grover Wind
OKMULGEE – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Secretary of Veterans Affairs Grover Wind was honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the Oklahoma Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) on Oct. 10. The recognition ceremony took place at the MOPH’s chapter in Muskogee. Those in attendance included MCN Principal Chief David Hill, MCN Second Chief Del Beaver, and Okmulgee Mayor Mickey Baldwin. Wind is an Air Force veteran and has served in his current role as secretary of Veteran Affairs since 2021.
Wind repeatedly used the word “humbling” to describe his reaction to receiving the award. It was an honor Wind did not expect to receive.
“It’s very humbling from the standpoint that people are recognizing the job that we do,” Wind said. “I couldn’t have done this without my staff. We’ve come a long way in the past four and a half years.”
Veteran Affairs has worked with the MOPH for several years now. They both have the same goal in mind: to recognize and serve Native veterans. MOPH Organizer Donald Nichols remarked that the MCN is very lucky to have Wind in charge of services for its veterans.
“Muscogee Creek Nation should be justifiably proud of how well Mr. Wind serves their Veterans— nobody does a better job of serving Veterans.” Nichols said at the recognition ceremony.
This is not the first honor Wind has received this year. In April, he was honored with a Quilt of Valor. The Quilt of Valor is a special honor that recognizes veterans with a handmade quilt.
“It’s something that is given to you to help you remember your service,” Wind said. “There are probably more veterans who deserve the recognition of that than I do.”
Native veterans are very close to Wind’s heart. Being one himself, he understands their unique needs and issues that set them apart from other service people. Wind remarked that Native veterans sometimes only feel comfortable in social environments where other Native veterans are present. Part of his mission is to provide that comfortable space where Native vets can come together to share their stories and trauma.
“Native veterans are proud and quiet veterans. Sometimes they need somebody to speak up for them. Our office is there so they feel comfortable and trusting,” Wind said.
Some of the key issues facing Native American vets are homelessness, substance abuse and lack of benefits. Although these issues still prevail today, Wind believes progress has been made at the Tribe under the current administration.
“I couldn’t do what I do without their (Hill Administration) help moving this office forward. I believe my staff is the best in the Nation,” Wind said.
A new issue the department is tackling is the transition from military service to civilian life. Wind said VASO is developing a sweat lodge and a PTSD roundtable service for veterans. A date has not been announced when those services will be available. Wind said his department is also working with the Quilts of Valor Foundation to honor more Mvskoke veterans with a Quilt of Valor.
