TULSA – Michael D. Coon (Mvskoke) is a Vietnam-era U.S. Army veteran who comes from an enduring family tradition of serving their country. Michael D. Coon served with the XVIII Airborne Corps Headquarters Company as G2 Intelligence. His father was the late Phillip Coon (Mvskoke), a World War II veteran and a survivor of the Bataan Death March. His son, the late Michael K. Coon, was a veteran who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf. In honor of Michael D. Coon’s military service and his efforts to support veterans, he was selected as the Hometown Hero for the Driller’s home game on Saturday, May 16.
During the game, Michael D. Coon was presented with a Quilt of Valor. The handmade quilt was made by Rita Roberts and Shauna Schwarm. Quilt of Valor is a nonprofit that provides quilts to veterans, symbolizing healing.
“This award is not for me. I advocate a lot for the veterans, but when I receive awards, it’s for the family of the veterans, it’s for all veterans. It’s like they’re standing up there with me when I’m receiving that award,” Michael D. Coon said.
On the same day, Michael D. Coon was one of the featured speakers at the 6th Annual Gold Star Families Memorial Honor Ride. There, he spoke on the topic of veterans who struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder. The event featured 300 motorcycle riders escorting Gold Star Families from Veterans Park in Broken Arrow to the Hard Rock Casino in Catoosa. A Gold Star Family refers to family members of a service member who died in service to the United States.
Michael D. Coon has dedicated his life to serving other veterans in need. He currently serves as the Sergeant-At-Arms for the Native American Indian Veterans, a nonprofit organization that advocates for Indigenous veterans in the United States. In 2022, he helped bring the War at Home Memorial to Broken Arrow. The memorial features the silhouettes of 20 soldiers who lost their lives to suicide, including his son, Michael K. Coon. Since his son’s passing, Michael D. Coon has been a staunch advocate for veterans who struggle with mental health.
“I don’t want to see another veteran or another parent have to lose their child like I had to bury my son,” Michael D. Coon said. “That’s been on my mind since the day I lost him. I make it a point to make sure this is not going to happen anymore.”
Suicide rates for veterans have declined in the last 5 years. According to the 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report released by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, 2023 saw 44 fewer veteran suicides than 2022. However, the report explains that continued prevention efforts, like personal connection and support, are still crucial for veterans at risk of suicide.
Michael D. Coon also works with Patriot Rehab Services, an organization that treats veterans with substance abuse issues. Located in New Iberia, Louisiana, the organization offers an eight-week rehabilitation program with 24-hour facilities staffed with psychiatrists and registered nurses. The program serves both men and women veterans and addresses the unique traumas they carry.
Michael D. Coon explained that it is his mission to honor every veteran with a Quilt of Valor. He believes veterans deserve their service to be properly recognized and honored. Last year, he helped select and honor Mvskoke veteran Tom Pickering as a Hometown Hero in 2025. He is currently seeking other Native American veterans for the honor and encourages everyone who sees a veteran in public to thank them for their service.
“When you see a veteran, always remember to shake their hand, put your hand over your heart, when you see them, thank them for their service because it means a lot to veterans who don’t think people care,” Michael D. Coon said.
