TULSA – Heart-themed events are a common staple of February. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Veterans Affairs Services Office (VASO) joined in the festive spirit with Hearts of Honor, a Valentine-themed get-together for Mvskoke veterans. The event took place at the Tulsa Creek Indian Community Center on Thursday, Feb. 12. It offered bingo, treats, prizes, and a laid-back atmosphere for Mvskoke veterans to socialize.
Certified peer support specialists Matthew Davidson (Choctaw) and Stephanie Moore (Mvskoke) were present at the event to talk with veterans. According to the nonprofit Mental Health America, peer support specialists have recovered from either addiction or mental health struggles and use their own experiences to help others. Davidson and Moore received their peer support specialist certification through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
Moore is an Army veteran who served from 2001 to 2010. She now volunteers for VASO. When Moore transitioned from active duty to civilian life, it was a hard adjustment and found the transition lonely. Over time, she began therapy through the Veterans Affairs system. The people who helped Moore through her mental health struggles inspired her to help others.
“A lot of the people who helped me had already been in my shoes. They were able to help me with what I needed to do,” Moore said. “That, in turn, made me want to help others who were in the same predicament that I was in. Hopefully, they did not have to struggle as long as I did.”
VASO Assistant Director Rachel Riddle (Mvskoke) said the holiday-themed socials are a great opportunity for veterans to participate in the program and mingle. It was also a good opportunity to talk with peer support specialists within the Mvskoke veteran community.
“To see them (Davidson and Moore) get out and work together and spread their love and joy is special. It is near and dear to their hearts, and they give that joy to other veterans. It means a lot to the veterans, especially the elders who were not welcomed home after Vietnam,” Riddle said.
Riddle also discussed how the loneliness epidemic affects veterans and their spouses. According to Riddle, veterans or veteran spouses who are widows can especially have a hard time if they live alone. Riddle said they are welcome to attend VASO events and socialize. Her favorite part of each event is seeing veterans smile when they feel appreciated for their service.
“Especially for the spouses that are widowed now, their spouse has passed and they’re left home alone and that’s all they knew for so long. We always invite them out, they’re always welcome to come,” Riddle said.
Moore shared that she found her community through VASO, volunteering for events like Hearts of Honor. She has even found the experience of helping others healing. She loves her community so much that she doesn’t mind making the three-and-a-half-hour drive from her home in Altus to the Mvskoke Reservation.
For those interested in becoming a certified peer support specialist, visit the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services website. There, resources are available to learn about the steps to becoming certified. According to Moore, the class lasts three days and can be completed online.
To stay up to date on VASO socials and events, visit their Facebook page, Muscogee Nation Veterans Affairs. The department can be reached at 918-732-7739.
