Muscogee Nation Vietnam Veterans Reunite at River Spirit

TVLSE, Oklv – For Vietnam War veterans of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, June 11 was a day of remembrance. At the River Spirit Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a large number of veterans from one of the most controversial wars in American history attended a welcome recognition event. It honors those who fought in Vietnam and did not receive the welcome they deserved upon returning from overseas. In one of the casino’s grand ballrooms, on the second floor, veterans sat and enjoyed a moment of brotherhood, friendship and, above all, remembrance of those who had fallen before them.

The event brought together veterans from across the United States, including one from as far away as California. The meeting was also attended by many people, including National Council members such as Rep. Randall Hicks, Rep. Thomasene Yahola Osborn, Rep. Mary Crawford, Rep. Joyce Deere, and Rep. Anna Marshall, as well as Second Chief Del Beaver.

The meeting was introduced by Grover D. Wind, Secretary of Veterans Affairs of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Chief Beaver delivered a brief speech with an opening prayer before lunch.

After lunch and the continued exchange of stories and experiences, the first speaker was introduced as Mitchell Reed, the Legislative Ambassador for the Department of Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) of Oklahoma. Reed then presented an honorary award to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation for its service to veterans, which was accepted by Chief Beaver.

Wind then introduced the next guest, who was the keynote speaker of the event, Dwight W. Birdwell. Birdwell was a Specialist Five when he received his second of two Silver Stars in Vietnam, which was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor in 2022. Birdwell, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, spoke about his experiences. This included how he received his Medal of Honor and how he left the military, got married, became a lawyer and later chief justice of the Cherokee Nation. He received an incredible amount of applause and support from the attendees listening to him.

Secretary Wind noted that he hopes that VASO and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation can soon host more events like these to honor the tribe’s veterans, to give them the honor and respect that ‘they deserve.