The Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame will celebrate its 27th Banquet and Induction Ceremony on Nov. 7 at the Embassy Suites, Norman. This year’s class includes 12 living and deceased service members representing all services and all ranks and the Oklahoma Dustoff/Medevac Crews of the Vietnam War. Their achievements are as numerous and inspiring as those who have been inducted.
The formal event drew almost 600 attendees in 2025, according to retired Col. Kelly Zachgo, President of the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation, who operates the Hall of Fame. Zachgo added, “Our banquet is nothing like you have or will see anywhere else. Patriotism abounds; fantastic entertainment. Watch our combined Honor Guard made up of Pawnee, Cherokee, and Comanche tribal members carrying flags to the beat of drummers and singers. The stories you hear will resonate with you forever. Oklahoma does it right!
Families, friends and corporate sponsors like the Tinker Federal Credit Union attend to celebrate the honorees. The 145th Army Band will perform patriotic music.
Retired Maj. Gen. Douglas O. Dollar, who founded the Hall of Fame, explained the purpose behind the ceremony. “We try to honor veterans for one thing, for valor. They’ve been outstanding in combat. The other criteria is that they may have done community/public service for veterans, and they certainly deserve recognition and encouragement. Also, I think it’s very important to educate the public, especially the state’s youth, about military service and the remarkable stories of Oklahoman service.”
A trained “Ambassador” works closely with each honoree or their family, if deceased, to ensure their attendance is enjoyable. Lt. Jim Locke said, “As the Ambassador for the induction of the DustOff Association and members from Oklahoma, it is my distinct honor to represent the only group dedicated to not taking lives, but to saves lives in combat…A true life-saving mission who rarely landed, but hovered, to take the wounded out.”
Inductees are selected through a rigorous process to ensure Oklahoma’s most worthy are chosen. Candidates must have a connection to Oklahoma, full biographical information, outstanding civilian and/or patriotic service and most importantly, according to the Hall of Fame’s website, “The military record…must demonstrate heroic and/or extraordinary leadership action, service, or sacrifice; and principal awards received.”
Seating for the ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m. The Embassy Suites Norman is at 2501 Conference Drive, Norman, Oklahoma. Seating is $95 per person, with a check, credit card or online payment due by Oct 28. Dress is Sunday best, business suit, Service Uniform or Mess Dress. For event details and to reserve seats, visit www.OKMHF.ORG or email [email protected].
Synopsis of several inductees
Capt. Ivan J. Weaber, U.S. Army, 1907-1945, and 2nd Lt. George S. Weaber, U.S. Marine Corps, 1919-1944, were brothers who were born in Dacoma, OK, graduated from Enid High School and attended OK A&M College before entering the military during WWII. Capt. Ivan J. Weaber died in 1945 onboard a Japanese “Hell Ship” after being captured by the Japanese and imprisoned at Cabanatuan. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and POW Medal. As a member of the 5th Marine Division, Lt. George Weaber died in 1944 after exposing himself to attract enemy fire and was posthumously awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart.
Sergeant Mad Bear, U.S. Army, 1847- 1913. Sergeant Mad Bear was born in Nebraska in 1847 and is a citizen of the Pawnee Nation. During the Indian Wars of 1865-1877, he was assigned to the 5th Cavalry Regiment. During an engagement with Cheyenne warriors led by Tall Bull, he mounted his horse, attacked the enemy, and was wounded in the hip. Mad Bear became the first indigenous recipient of the Medal of Honor.
Oklahoma Dustoff / Medevac Crews of the Vietnam War, U.S. Army. In Vietnam, the extraordinary courage, skill, and selfless service of helicopter pilots and crews known by the call signs “Dustoff” and “Medevac” helped save 900,000 wounded soldiers. In September 2024, Congress awarded these crewmembers the Congressional Gold Medal. Oklahomans were among these elite rescue crews.
MG Doug Dollar Distinguished Public Service Award
Brigadier General Ben T. Robinson, U.S. Air Force. As an Army helicopter pilot from 1969-1972, he flew 100 combat missions in Vietnam. Later, after joining the Air Force, he earned his fixed pilot wings. He commanded the 552nd Air Control Wing during his final tour at Tinker AFB. Robinson advanced STEM education and aerospace opportunities in Oklahoma, and since 2013, has been a docent at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. • Story by Retired Lt. Col. Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFR website: Rich Travel Niche
