The National Museum of the Marine Corps reunited a World War II veteran with the tank he drove during the Battle of Iwo Jima, in a ceremony held Aug. 15 at the Museum Support Facility.

In a powerful moment of living history on the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, Corporal Leighton Willhite, 100, stood beside “Lucky,” the very M4A3 Sherman tank he drove ashore during the assault on Iwo Jima in 1945. He was joined by his son, grandson and great-grandson.

“It’s amazing,” Willhite said. “I never thought I would see the tank again. That tank was my life.”

At just 19 years old, Willhite landed with C Company, 5th Tank Battalion, in Lucky during the opening assault on Iwo Jima. Lucky was among the Marine Corps’ newest standard tanks and saw its combat debut on the island. Willhite’s crew supported Marines near Hill 362A, north of Mount Suribachi, and carried out rescue missions under heavy fire.

In one defining moment, when a fellow tank, Jeannie, became trapped, Willhite volunteered to cover his commander, Lt. Leonard Blake, as they moved to rescue the crew. Willhite was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device for valor, and Blake received the Silver Star.

After the battle, Lucky returned to Hawaii in April 1945 and was one of 72 tanks selected for conversion into CB-H5 flamethrower tanks in preparation for the planned invasion of Japan. Following the war, Lucky was transferred to Camp Lejeune, N.C., where it remained largely unnoticed until the early 2000s, when it was recovered and entered the Museum’s collection. At the time, its historical significance was not yet known.

Its true identity came to light in 2023, when Jon Bernstein, the Museum’s Arms & Armor Curator, conducted a routine inspection of the tank. During the inspection, Bernstein noticed a set of distinctive weld scars, marks unique to the 5th Tank Battalion’s improvised self-protection modifications for Iwo Jima.

Through careful analysis of those scars, along with field modifications and comparisons to archival photographs and historical records, Bernstein was able to positively identify the tank as belonging to C Company, 5th Tank Battalion. Further paint excavation revealed the name “Lucky” and the unit’s tactical markings, confirming not only the tank’s battlefield role but also its direct connection to its original crew, including Corposal Willhite.

Today, Lucky is one of only six confirmed Sherman tanks from Iwo Jima still in existence.

“Today is the end of the beginning and is the culmination of two years of research and piecing the story together, said Bernstein. “To bring Corporal Willhite back together with the tank he drove in battle is to bring that story to life.”
This reunion carried even greater meaning because 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Emperor Hirohito announcing Japan’s surrender and ending World War II. For Willhite, who celebrated his 100th birthday on April 9, standing beside Lucky once more was more than just a personal milestone-it was a living reminder of the service and sacrifice of Marines in one of the Corps’ most pivotal battles.

As the number of World War II veterans dwindles each year, gatherings like this become increasingly rare and precious. They offer something no book or artifact alone can provide: the chance to see history embodied in those who lived it.
“Having Corporal Willhite here, standing beside this tank again after 80 years, is very special,” said Museum Director Keil Gentry. “It is a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice that defined the Marines who fought on Iwo Jima.”

Lucky’s journey is far from over. It is now undergoing a meticulous restoration to its 1945 appearance…For generations to come, Lucky will stand as a storyteller in steel, carrying forward the legacy of those who battled on Iwo Jima.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps, located near Marine Corps Base Quantico in Triangle, Va., is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines-past, present and future. With immersive exhibits and world-class collections, the museum preserves and shares the history, culture and traditions of the Marine Corps. For more information, visit www.usmcmuseum.com or use the qr code here. •
story by Karen Amaro, USMC Training Command.

The Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame will celebrate its 26th Banquet and Induction Ceremony on Nov 1 at the Embassy Suites, Norman. This year’s class includes 11 living and deceased service members representing all services and all ranks, one civilian and the Kiowa Code Talkers of WWII. Their achievements are as numerous and inspiring as those as those who have been inducted.

The formal event drew over 600 attendees in 2024, according to Colonel (Ret.) Kelly Zachgo, President of the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation, who operates the Hall of Fame. Families, friends and corporate sponsors like the Tinker Federal Credit Union attend to celebrate the honorees.

Zachgo also stated the entertainment will feature singer, performer and speaker Maggie Bond and guitarist Dennis Hoch, a Navy veteran of Vietnam. The 145th Army Band will perform patriotic music.

Major General Douglas O. Dollar, USA (retired), 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.” As an example, Dollar highlighted Private Oscar Upham, a U.S. Marine who erected barricades under enemy fire in 1900 during China’s Boxer Rebellion and was awarded the Medal of Honor.

A trained “Ambassador” works closely with each honoree or their family, if deceased, to ensure their attendance is enjoyable. Colonel (Ret.) Ernest Goodman, a frequent Ambassador assistant, said, “I’m honored to arrange for the family of Colonel Philip Adair, a deceased WWII Air Force pilot, to attend this year’s ceremony, he stated. “He’s an Oklahoma hero and deserves to be recognized.”

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 is $95 per person, with a check or credit card due by Oct 20th. Dress is Sunday best, business suit, Service Uniform or Mess Dress.
For details or to reserve seats, visit www.OKMHF.ORG or email INFO@OKMHF.ORG.
Inductees
Col Philip R. Adair, U.S. Air Force, 1920 – 2017. Adair enlisted in the Army Air Corps in January 1942, training as a pilot and flew P-40s and P-47s on 139 combat missions in the China-Burma-India theater from 1943 – 1944. On December 13, 1943, he bravely attacked a large enemy bomber formation, earning the Silver Star.
SP4 Glen E. Blood, U.S. Army. SP4 Blood was awarded the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts for heroism in Vietnam on June 12, 1968. Despite sustaining wounds to both legs, his arm, and additional shrapnel injuries, he continued to direct a fierce counterattack and led his squad, carrying wounded soldiers to safety under extreme danger.
LTC Vernon W. Gillespie, Jr., U.S. Army, 1933 – 2017. Gillespie was awarded the Silver Star for heroism in Vietnam (three tours), as well as the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Air Medal while commanding two Special Forces units and led the 2nd Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division.
1LT Michael Waddle, U.S. Army. For gallantry in action in Vietnam as a platoon leader on August 26, 1969, 1LT Waddle was awarded the Silver Star, and received two Bronze Stars for additional acts of merit. He is a certified DAV Service Officer and public speaker on Veterans’ affairs.
MG Doug Dollar Distinguished Public Service Award
CAPT John P. Keilty, U.S. Navy. Former Commodore of Strategic Communications Wing One at Tinker AFB, devoted educator and mentor at Mount St. Mary High School, Rose State College, and Del City High School’s Junior NROTC. Keilty has led or supported numerous community projects.
Mrs. Pamela K. Kloiber. She spent over thirty years working with the local community and supporting Airmen and Sailors at Tinker AFB. She co-founded “Team Tinker Home Away From Home,” a program designed to support first term service members throughout the year, helping reduce suicides among new Airmen. • story by Lt Col Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFR, Ret.

As an Air Force Chaplain from 1995 to 1998, I thought life’s path was set. Serving at Incirlik, Turkey, and other places, I bonded with airmen, praying through their fears with Psalm 91 verse 4, “Under his wings you will find refuge.” I just knew I was exactly where God wanted me. However, over time I could see this was just a steppingstone towards Gods call into civilian ministry. So, I left the Air Force expecting a smooth transition. Instead, doors closed – churches, ministries, even secular jobs rejected me. The bright spot during that turmoil was that I happily married my soulmate. Life moved on, filled with raising our daughter and teaching college-level Bible classes. Inside though, I felt adrift, my purpose lost after the military.
Fifteen years later, clarity came through crisis-and my Australian Shepherd, DB. One day, DB broke house rules, bolting at me with panicked eyes, something was wrong. A voice in my mind screamed, “You’re dying. Get help!” An image of my daughter growing up motherless flashed before my eyes. It hit hard. What’s happening to me? Was it God or DB? I can only describe it as surreal, as my husband drove me to the hospital. Then came the diagnose, a heart attack-my third due to a rare congenital condition causing coronary artery dissections-this was my gravest. The ER doctor was shocked at how lucid I was, given that I had a 90% blockage of my left anterior descending artery. At 100% it’s called a widow maker. Double bypass surgery saved me, but medications nearly killed me, leaving me desperate for alternatives.
I dove into research and consulted conventional and holistic practitioners. Slowly, I rebuilt my health with diet and supplements, sidestepping prescriptions. Gradually, my faith in God restored my courage and my health. Two years later, I was taxiing my daughter, teaching at a Christian university, and riding horses again. Then, a divine question pierced me: If you lived expecting to survive, not die, what would you do differently? I’d been living in fear’s shadow, not faith’s light.
That question sparked my calling. My recovery taught me the body’s healing power when stewarded well. I wanted to help others-especially veterans-overcome health barriers, to fulfill their purpose. Conventional medicine alone wasn’t enough; I needed training centered on the body’s innate healing. In 2015, I found it: a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. Seven grueling years later, I became a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and moved back to my home state of Oklahoma. Now, in my Stillwater clinic, I guide clients through PTSD, pain, and fatigue with hyperbaric oxygen, nutrition, and herbal medicine from a faith-based perspective. Seeing a vet’s hope rekindled after activating the body’s self-healing mechanisms is my joy.
My journey mirrors Joshua’s in Numbers 13-14. As a young chaplain, I expected a linear path. Joshua, too, faced setbacks. After the Exodus, he spied the Promised Land, but doubt from others delayed God’s promise for 40 years. Only Joshua and Caleb, steadfast in faith, entered. Joshua 1:1-3 shows God’s faithfulness after Moses’ death, urging Joshua forward. Veterans, your setbacks-health crises, lost dreams-aren’t the end. Like Joshua, declare God’s power in your doubt. He equips you in spirit, soul, and body to seize His purpose.
Fellow veterans, your story isn’t over. My path from chaplain to survivor to naturopath proves it. Shift from fear to faith. Start small: sip water instead of soda, pray for five minutes daily, or call a battle buddy. Visit my clinic or a veterans’ group. God redeems pain for purpose-let’s steward our bodies and lives to fulfill His call. •
Patti V Sheeley, Chaplain, USAF, ND, M.Div, MA.

On September 18, as Dr. Anthony Pham was performing his normal vision exams and prescribing eyeglasses at Tinker Eye Care, he received a nice-to-have surprise award.
A “Special Recognition Award” came from the Oklahoma Military Order of the Purple Heart, presented by Master Chief Petty Officer Larry Van Schuyver, State Commander.
Schuyver said the award was given “because over and over again, he’s taken the time to help with our elderly, disabled veterans and other families. He’ll help you any way he can. He’s an honorable, decent man and we’re proud to welcome him to our Purple Heart family.”
Staff, family and Joanna Bunde, Visual Merchandizer at Tinker’s Base Exchange, clapped with their approval.
Afterwards, Pham, who owns and manages the store, explained how he felt. “I’m honored to receive this. It’s my privilege to serve as a civilian optometrist.”
The Tinker Eye Care office serves 250 customers a week with primary eye care (exams, eye disease, contact lenses and more). • story by Lt Col Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFR, Ret.

Don Nichols, Adjutant of Chapter 617 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, announced that the Department of Oklahoma’s Military Order of the Purple Heart is enhancing the National Purple Heart Monument in Tahlequah with a new QR code. The monument, created to honor all American veterans, is already unique for its existing QR code that lets visitors view veterans’ stories while on site.
The new addition will connect visitors directly to the Virtual Wall®, “an on-line web site that contains memorial pages honoring the 58,261 women and men whose names are inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C” according to the Vietnam Veterans of America. By scanning the code with a smartphone, guests can access detailed profiles and service information for each individual named on the Wall.
“We’ll have the only monument that has that capability,” Nichols said, that provides a direct link to the Virtual Wall®. He added, “We did that to let the families of veterans know they aren’t forgotten.” The Purple Heart Monument is located at the corner of Muskogee Avenue and the Bertha Parker Bypass, at 2001 South Muskogee Avenue. Scan this code to visit. • story by Don Nichols, Adjutant of Chapter 617 in Muskogee.

On October 7, 1911, a gunfight erupted between a posse of lawmen and train robber Elmer McCurdy. Elmer would not survive the encounter. He would, however, go on to become a legend. The story of outlaw-turned-mummy Elmer McCurdy garners worldwide interest and has been featured in books, documentaries and a Broadway musical. The Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library in Guthrie is the home of his story, and the “Boot Hill” section of Summit View Cemetery on the edge of town is his final resting place.
Join the Oklahoma Territorial Museum on Zoom on Tuesday, October 7, at noon as museum director Michael Williams moderates a discussion on the life and afterlife of Elmer McCurdy with David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna, creators of the Broadway musical “Dead Outlaw.”
Yazbek is an American writer, musician, composer and lyricist. He wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musicals “The Full Monty,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” “The Band’s Visit,” “Tootsie” and “Dead Outlaw.” He won a Tony and a Grammy for “The Band’s Visit.” He also consulted on the musical “Buena Vista Social Club.”
Della Penna is a composer, lyricist, instrumentalist and vocalist who has appeared on over 60 rock, pop and Americana albums. He has toured and recorded extensively with Joan Osborne, Natalie Merchant and Joan Baez and has worked with legendary music producer T Bone Burnett. He is conservatory-trained, holding a BFA in Classical Guitar from the Mannes School of Music (now The New School). He also plays the banjo, lap steel guitar and mandolin. In 2024, he won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics for “Dead Outlaw,” which was off-Broadway at the time.
This event is free; however, spots are limited, and registration is required. A registration form is available online.
The Oklahoma Territorial Museum is located at 406 E. Oklahoma Ave. in Guthrie. For more information, please call 405-282-1889. Please visit okhistory.org.

Herman Meinders and the Meinders Foundation have combined for an $8 million donation to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. The gift aims to transform neurodegenerative disease research in Oklahoma.
OMRF will add a new floor to its research tower that will serve as the hub for the Meinders Center for Neurodegenerative Research, the state’s first dedicated center to study brain diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Meinders, an Oklahoma City businessman and philanthropist, contributed $2 million toward this gift before he died in March. The Meinders Foundation then increased the gift by an additional $6 million.
“This generous donation will help us build upon the groundbreaking discoveries our scientists have already made involving neurodegenerative diseases,” said OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D. “Our ultimate goal is to improve diagnostics and treatment options for the millions of Americans who live with one of these debilitating diseases.”
At OMRF, 10 scientists lead labs that study various aspects of neurodegenerative diseases. The combined gift by Herman Meinders and the Meinders Foundation will integrate the work of these labs, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the causes behind brain disorders, including the environmental and genetic factors that increase the risk of developing one.
Meinders and his wife, LaDonna, were passionate supporters of causes that included research and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Their gifts established the Meinders NeuroScience Institute and the Meinders Center for Movement Disorders at Oklahoma City’s Mercy Hospital. Both centers provide advanced treatment for Parkinson’s disease, which Herman Meinders lived with over his final 10 years.
The couple also were longtime supporters of OMRF, and their foundation became aware of OMRF’s focus on neurodegenerative diseases shortly before Herman’s death.
OMRF scientist Mike Beckstead, Ph.D., had recently been awarded a National Institutes of Health grant to create novel research model for Parkinson’s research. Mo Grotjohn, treasurer and trustee for the Meinders Foundation, read a resulting newspaper article about the grant a few weeks before Herman’s death.
“As I learned about Dr. Beckstead’s research, I became convinced this was an endeavor worth pursuing, so I contacted OMRF Board Chair Len Cason and shared the information with members of the Meinders family,” Grotjohn said.
In Parkinson’s, nerve cells produce less dopamine, resulting in a loss of muscle control, balance and movement. It is second only behind Alzheimer’s as the most common neurodegenerative disease, affecting an estimated 1 million people in the U.S. and 10 million worldwide.
In addition to studying Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, OMRF scientists have made major breakthroughs for people living with other brain diseases.
For example, research at OMRF led to the only treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration for neuromyelitis optica, which robs people of movement, balance and sight. OMRF scientists also pioneered an investigational drug for glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer.
“With this gift from Herman Meinders and the Meinders Foundation, we hope to make similarly meaningful headway toward improved treatments for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s,” Weyrich said. “Doing so would honor the memory of Mr. Meinders.”