TVLSE, Oklahoma – The Muscogee Nation Veteran Affairs Services Office, River Spirit Casino Resort and Creek Brothers Films partnered to create a benefit concert for Mvskoke Veterans. This event aims to enrich Mvskoke Veterans’ lives. This special event is open to all ages and starts at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 4 at the Cove.
The transition from military life to civilian life is not always an easy one. Thousands of veterans struggle to find their purpose again, cope with their experiences, and live with bodily and psychological scars. These organizations have teamed up to assist with career and benefits counseling along with the battle against homelessness, hunger, and physical and mental health.
“These veterans have different needs. Not everyone has the same needs,” said Michael Harjo (Mvskoke), co-owner of Creek Brothers Films. “We’re going to initiate new programs with the money that comes in, and we’re going to help many areas requiring assistance.”
Harjo served as a medic in the Army Reserve for eight years and comes from a military family. He is a film producer with years of experience in Native films in California and Utah. Harjo has been working with the VASO as the executive producer for the concert and is also directing part of the event.
“There’s a lot of veterans’ causes, there’s a lot of exposure for veterans, but I have never seen anyone focus on Native American veterans specifically for a cause, and that’s what I’m trying to do,” Harjo said.
The proceeds from the event, apart from the cost to put on the show, will go directly back to the VASO to help veterans in Indian Country.
“The benefit’s strictly for our office here, and that’s so that we can do some things that we can’t do now,” said Grover Wind, VASO Director. “That will allow us to help with some of the homeless veterans we can’t now.”
Ticket prices start at $50 for the Upper Bowl section and increase for the Lower Bowl and Floor sections. Anyone can also donate a seat for a service member for $100. All donations are tax-deductible, and the seats available to soldiers are in sections 101 or 103. Corporate sponsorships are also available, with packages starting at $1,000.
The opening ceremony will begin with the Mvskoke Nation Honor Guard and Este Cate Hoktvke Suletawv Honor Guard presenting the colors. Headlining the event is Tanya Tucker and C. Thomas Howell and his Nashville band. Joining the event, the 1983 film The Outsiders star Darren Dalton will be the Master of Ceremonies. There will also be other bands and special guests.
Veterans can sign up to receive one or two donated tickets for the event at www.creekvaso.org. Those selected will be notified Monday, Jan. 30, and the tickets will be available for pick up at will-call Sat. Feb. 4 at River Spirit. Anyone can also purchase tickets, donate, or sign up to be a corporate sponsor on the VASO website. For more information or questions, contact the VASO at (918) 732-7616.
Excellent I hope to attend the concert.