Tribal leaders, city officials and decorated veterans were recently in attendance an event that honored Grover Wind, Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the Muscogee Nation.

Wind was presented with a Distinguished Service Award by the Oklahoma Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH). The recognition took place during the group’s weekly meeting in Muskogee, where Wind was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to honoring and supporting Native American veterans.

Donald Nichols of the MOPH presented the prestigious award, praising Wind’s work and devotion. “Muscogee Creek Nation should be justifiably proud of how well Mr. Wind serves their Veterans nobody does a better job of serving Veterans,” Nichols stated.

Wind, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Muscogee citizen, was appointed to his current role in October 2021. Since then, he has led various initiatives to elevate services and support for veterans within the Muscogee Nation. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the mission of the Mvskoke Riders, a motorcycle group dedicated to veteran advocacy, as well as the Muscogee Veterans Cemetery Advisory Council, which works to ensure dignified resting places for Muscogee warriors.

Surrounded by distinguished guests including Principal Chief David Hill, Second Chief Del Beaver, Okmulgee Mayor Mickey Baldwin and guest speaker James Gulley – President of Love Bottling Company and Chair of the War Memorial Trustee Board – Wind humbly accepted the honor.

“I have a great staff of individuals,” Wind said in brief remarks, acknowledging the team effort behind his accomplishments.

Mayor Baldwin also took a moment to recognize Wind’s impact, stating, “Getting to know Mr. Wind over the years has been a pleasure as he is highly motivated to bring support to veterans and he is greatly respected by those he works with.”

The award ceremony was a moment of reflection and pride, not just for Wind but for the broader Muscogee Nation community and all who serve or have served. It reaffirmed the values of dedication, honor, and community spirit that Wind exemplifies in his role.