Morgan Taylor/Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – Muscogee (Creek) citizen Grover Wind has been named Acting Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs. Wind was officially named via Commission of Executive Officer dated Oct. 12, he said he already has big plans to serve the Muscogee Nation’s veterans.
Wind was formerly the Chaplain for the MN Department of Health, working closely with Secretary of Health Shawn Terry. Wind claimed he is spending time finishing up those projects with Health as he enters into the new position.
As an Air Force Veteran serving from 1971-1977, Wind said it is an honor to have this opportunity of service.
He has spent most of his professional career in sales and marketing as well as being an ordained minister. All of which, according to Wind, gives him the experience to handle the executive cabinet position.
Each Principal Chief nominates the cabinet’s members at the beginning of each term. Stepping into this position seemed to be somewhat unexpected for Wind.
“It’s an unfortunate situation the way it happened,” Wind said.
Wind believes it is his established connection and previous work with the department that lead him here.
“Over the years, I have done quite a bit of work with the veterans,” Wind said. “I think the Administration was aware of my involvement.”
He stated he is the Chair of the Advisory Council for the Veterans Cemetery in which he has been a part of for the last seven years.
Wind has played a helping hand the last two years in making signs for Veterans Day that are displayed on the side of the road near the tribal complex.
Now in its beginning stages, Wind has helped to develop the Mvskoke Veteran Native Motorcycle Riders, a group that helps escort Veterans to their final resting place.
“This is a job that yes, I really look forward to being a part of,” Wind said. “This was an opportunity for me to be able to service and help our Veterans further.”
He said the VASO building has a quote on the front that he lives by, “Then, they were young – they defended us. Now, they are old – we protect them.”
For the upcoming Veterans Day celebrations, Wind claimed he would like to do something special although it is a short timeline for him to initiate any new events.
Wind would like to extend his invitation to any Native or Native Veteran with respect for Veterans to join the Motorcycle Riders.
He also would like to remind those with Veteran family members to submit information for them to be recognized on the special day with a sign displayed on Highway 75 in Okmulgee.
Although Wind is now Acting, he will have to be confirmed by the National Council but when that would happen has yet to be determined.
For further information regarding the current events at VASO, contact Grover Wind at: 918-732-7616 or email at gwind@muscogeenation.com.
