Stay Active and Engaged: Senior Events at the Metropolitan Library System

The new year is a perfect time to try something new, stay active and connect with others. From fitness classes to creative workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the library. This January, the Metropolitan Library System offers endless opportunities for fitness, crafting and personal growth. You’re sure to find something that inspires you. Visit metrolibrary.org for more details and a full calendar of events.

Focus on Wellness: Maintaining good health is key to living your best life and the library has you covered with a variety of wellness programs.
Total Wellness Classes: Presented by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department, these interactive sessions help prevent diabetes and heart disease through practical tips on weight loss, healthy eating and exercise. • Almonte Library: Tuesdays at 10 a.m. – Jan. 14, 21, 28
Tai Chi: This gentle exercise enhances balance and flexibility, perfect for all fitness levels. Classes are offered at several locations: • Southern Oaks Library: Beginner classes at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; Intermediate classes at 10:15 a.m. – Jan. 7, 9, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 • Midwest City Library: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. – Jan. 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
Yoga: Relax and rejuvenate with yoga sessions tailored for all levels. • Choctaw Library: Fridays at 10:15 a.m. – Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • Del City Library: Sunset Yoga, twice a month at 6:30 p.m. – Jan. 14, 28 • Edmond Library: Yoga and Meditation, Fridays at 3 p.m. – Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26
Sound Bath: Immerse yourself in a relaxing sound bath experience led by Anna and Mark from MARKANNA Wellness. • Ralph Ellison Library: Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. • Edmond Library: Feb. 23 at 3 p.m.
Learn and Create: The start of a new year is the perfect time to explore a hobby or learn a new skill.
Sourdough Basics: Learn the art of sourdough baking, complete with a starter kit to take home. • Belle Isle Library: Jan. 4 at 10 a.m.
Beginner Line Dancing: Get moving and have fun learning the basics of line dancing. • Southern Oaks Library: Mondays at 1 p.m. – Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29
Knitting and Fiber Arts: Whether you’re new to knitting or a seasoned crafter, join these community-focused groups: • Downtown Crochet and Knit Club: Downtown Library, Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. • Fiber Arts Club: Southern Oaks Library, Jan. 7 and 21 at 1:30 p.m. • Jones Library: Jan. 7 and 21 at 6 p.m. • Fiber Arts Group: Bethany Library, Jan. 15 at 1:30 p.m. • Community Fiber Arts Group: Edmond Library, Jan. 18 at 9:30 a.m. • Crochet Night Meetup: Capitol Hill Library, Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Watercolor Painting: Local artist Jim Pourtorkan leads this workshop, perfect for beginners. • Warr Acres Library: Jan. 25 at 10 a.m.
Clothed Figure Drawing: Sharpen your artistic skills in this life drawing session with a live model. • Belle Isle Library: Jan. 28 and Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m

The Oklahoma History Center, in association with VillagesOKC, the local offices of Humana, Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight, Navigating Medicare and the Force 50 Foundation, is proud to host a pinning ceremony honoring all the servicemen and servicewomen, active or reservists, who served anywhere in the world during the Vietnam War-era. Family members of any veteran unable to be present may also receive this pin. The event will be held in the Devon Great Hall of the Oklahoma History Center on Friday, March 29, from 10 a.m.-noon, with doors opening at 9 a.m. This event is free and open to the public.
March 29 was designated as Vietnam Veterans Day by the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, to be commemorated with annual nationwide events. Guided by the stipulations in that act, only Vietnam War veterans and their families are recognized. However, the Vietnam War Commemoration organization is providing recognition pins to honor any US veteran who served on active duty or in the reserves in the US Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, Vietnam or otherwise. Family members of any veteran unable to be present may also receive this pin.
The keynote speaker will be Colonel “Chuck” DeBellevue, who has been deemed “Ace of Aces,” one of only five to achieve that status from downing six North Vietnamese MiGs. He logged 550 combat hours while flying 220 combat missions, with 96 over Vietnam. His decorations include the Air Force Cross, three Silver Stars, three Legions of Merit, six Distinguished Flying Crosses, 18 Air Medals and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device. In 2012, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame and received the Congressional Gold Medal.
Also speaking will be Colonel Peter Plank, one of the founders of the Liberty Jump Team. This team has taken more than 100 World War II veterans back to the battlefields of Normandy and Belgium at no cost to the veterans. “Taking them to the battlefields they fought in and the villages they liberated is a humbling experience. Being a part of the Liberty Jump Team preserves the memory of those that came before us alive. We owe them that,” says Plank.
Michael Do, an Oklahoma City businessman, will speak on behalf of the Oklahoma City Vietnamese community and the South Vietnamese military. Music will be provided by the 145th Army Band, known as “The Governor’s Own.”
The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit
https://www.okhistory.org.

On March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a day designated to honor the service and sacrifice of Vietnam War veterans, the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) held its ninth annual service commemoration pinning ceremony.
This day was chosen as it marks the anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. military units from South Vietnam in 1973. The ceremony at OHC was a tribute to the service men and women who served in any branch of the US Armed Forces anywhere in the world during the Vietnam War era.
The free and open-to-the-public event occurred in the Devon Great Hall of the OHC, with the Capitol in the background, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The ceremony began with the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 145th Army Band sharing patriotism through music.
Former Oklahoma Representative Gary Banz, now director of the Villages OKC Veteran and Patriot Initiative, welcomed the 200 people who gathered that day. The recognition pins were to honor any U.S. veteran who served on active duty or in the reserves in the U.S. Armed Forces from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, Vietnam or otherwise. Family members of any veteran unable to be present were also to receive a pin.
The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Executive Director, retired Rear Admiral James “Jay” Bynum, delivered the keynote address. In his speech, he put the war and the soldiers’ contribution to freedom in perspective, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of the veterans and the importance of remembering their service.
“Today, March 29, holds a profound place in our nation’s history—it marks the 50th anniversary of the official disestablishment of the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, and the departure of the last U.S. combat troops in 1973,” Bynum said. “This day also saw the release of the final group of acknowledged prisoners of war from Hanoi—a poignant moment in the long and difficult road toward healing after the Vietnam Conflict.”
“While we gather to reflect on this date, we also look ahead to April 30, when we will mark 50 years since the fall of Saigon in 1975. That event brought the Vietnam War to its conclusion and, for many, represented both an ending and a beginning—a time for reflection on the sacrifices of those who served. These intertwined dates in March and April remind us of historical milestones and the enduring resilience of the men and women who served during this challenging chapter in our nation’s history.” Bynum was a career F/A-18 pilot deployed to support Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
The event was further steeped in patriotism when retired Navy Captain John Keilty, who heads up the Junior ROTC at Del City High School, inducted two of his senior cadets into the service. He mentioned they had performed with others in more than 300 honor guard presentations during their high school career.
“One of the greatest privileges a commissioned officer has is to be able to give a recruit or a Sailor the oath to defend and protect the Constitution,” Keilty said in an interview. “And being able to induct Sebastian Stanton, the Cadet CO headed for the Marines, and to Eva Black, the Cadet XO, was such an honor that I will cherish forever.”
Eva Black signed on to be a gunner’s mate in the Navy, while Sebastian Stanton signed on to be a small arms machinist in the Marine Corps. “Our Military will continue to be the best in the world when we enlist outstanding young men and women like Sebastian and Eva,” Keilty said.
The event also featured speakers and many former soldiers with their color guard representing the South Vietnamese community.
Vietnamese refugees arrived in Oklahoma City after Saigon’s fall, significantly transforming the city’s cultural landscape. According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, the Vietnamese population in Oklahoma City increased from 2,000 in 1975 to 10,000 by 1990, a testament to the war’s lasting impact.
The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act designated March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day, to be commemorated with annual nationwide events. The act stipulates that only Vietnam War veterans and their families are recognized.
The Vietnam War saw 58,286 Americans killed in action, 155 Medal of Honor winners, and still lists 1,615 soldiers as missing in action. The Missing Man Table, sometimes called the “Fallen Comrade Table,” was displayed. It reminds viewers of fallen, missing, or imprisoned U.S. Military service members.
The commemoration ceremony continued in recognition of the services represented by having the service members gathered stand service by service. The branches were represented by 3 Marines, 12 Navy, 20 Air Force, and 30 Army service members in the audience.
The crowd honored the service members as Banz read out their names and service details, including their highest rank, to those assembled individually. Each veteran had their veteran lapel pins affixed by Del City High School Junior ROTC members as a lasting memento of the Nation’s thanks.
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that today there are 6.4 million living Vietnam veterans and 9 million families of those who served in this time frame.
One historical quote helps put the event in perspective.
Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Michael Brazelton’s (four-time Silver Star recipient and former Vietnam War POW) said at the July 8, 2015 Congressional Ceremony on the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin “I have had a number of medals pinned on me in my day and this is certainly the highest ranking and the most honors I have received for any pinning ceremony. Even though it might just be a lapel pin to a lot of people, this is like a medal to the Vietnam veterans.” story/photo by Darl Devault, contributing editor

Wreaths Across America

A mix of long rifles, muskets and pistols fired together at the Post Cemetery on December 20 – not in anger, but in honor of veterans – during the nationally held Wreaths Across America Ceremony. It was sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Once 60 visitors assembled at the Post Cemetery, Leslie Dietrich, Regent of the Fort Reno Chapter of DAR, welcomed everybody and asked for the Colors to be posted. Allegiance was given to our flag, followed by a prayer of remembrance for deceased veterans.

Dietrich said the group lays wreaths “to remember, honor and teach about those who served in the military and protected our freedoms…and teach the next generation the value of freedom.” Their purpose is “not to decorate graves…” but express a “symbol of honor for their (veterans) sacrifice.” The National DAR has given service to living and deceased veterans since 1890.

Attendees then picked up the green wreaths that the DAR brought and put them on veteran’s headstones while reciting their name as a way to publicly show they are not forgotten. After Dan Wilson of Wakita laid a wreath, he said, “I love to see the respect given to those who have gone before us.” German and Italian soldiers buried at the P.O.W. Cemetery did not receive wreaths.

Members of the Sons of the American Revolution and The Guthrie Gunfighters, dressed in historical period clothing, formed a line and fired three volleys. Then, Chad Kautz played a mournful Taps. The Guthrie Gunfighters’ Trail Boss, Kent Smith, said, “We come out to support the museum in a unique way to honor our veterans.”

In 2022, the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, placed wreaths on 2.7 million veteran’s headstones at 3,702 locations in all 50 states and abroad with the help of two million volunteers and organizations providing support.

After both events, Kaufman opened the museum for individual tours and a reception, offering engaging conversation and a variety of food and beverages. She summarized the events by saying, “We are fortunate to have a cemetery that has a long period of history tied to it. With the German-Italian Memorial Service and the DAR’s Wreaths Across America service, they provide opportunities to honor servicemen buried there.”

“To be killed in war is not the worst that can happen. To be lost is not the worst that can happen…….to be forgotten is the worst.” Piere Claeyssens (1909-2003). •

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.

Marine Corps First Lieutenant Henry Louis Bellmon displayed heroism and leadership as a tank platoon commander during four WWII Pacific Island landings. He earned a Silver Star for bravery and inspired admiration among infantrymen who could draw water from his tank platoon.

He served one term as an Oklahoma State Legislator from 1946 to 1948 before a prolific career that included serving as Oklahoma’s first Republican Governor and U.S. Senator. He was governor from 1963 to 1967. Under Oklahoma law at the time, he was not allowed to run for a second term. He was then elected twice as U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, serving from 1968 to 1980, when he chose not to run again. In 1986, he was re-elected as governor, a position he held until 1990. Born in 1921, he seldom, if ever, discussed his gallant service during campaigns.

Bellmon first caught his superiors’ attention during his initial tank-commanding training in the United States, where he demonstrated mechanical skills he had learned on the family homestead in Billings, Oklahoma. When his M4 Sherman tank lost a track, he instructed his driver to move forward and backward slowly, and two crew members used hand tools to quickly realign the track back on.

After observing his ingenuity during training, Captain Robert M. Neiman, who took command of the forming Company C, 4th Tank Battalion, chose Second Lt. Bellmon as a platoon leader. A recent graduate of Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University), he was soon training as a platoon leader of five tanks.

As members of the 4th Marine Division, his platoon took part in four major amphibious landings across the Central Pacific, ending with intense fighting in the battle for Iwo Jima.
Tanks served as infantry support weapons in the rugged island and jungle terrain. Their firepower helped the infantry counter Japanese defensive tactics. They were considered one of the most important weapons in the Pacific War for breaching stubborn Japanese entrenchments.

In their first combat landing at Roi-Namur (Kwajalein Atoll) in February 1944, Bellmon’s unit supported the assault on these twin islands in the Marshall Islands.
The unit returned to base on Maui, Hawaii, where Bellmon and other tank crews began modifying their tanks to enhance survival and effectiveness, showcasing their ingenuity and dedication to protecting the infantry.

Marines adapted existing equipment to demonstrate that unconventional leadership and rapid adaptation could build an elite force in significant engagements of the Pacific War.
With each return to Maui, new features were added until the modifications were deemed complete. These included water tanks to supply the infantry, wooden planking on the sides to prevent magnetic mines, radios welded to the back so the infantry could communicate with the tanks without opening hatches, protection for all hatches, and protection against mines.

These modifications clearly exemplify the Marines’ concept of adapting and improvising to defeat a resourceful enemy.

In June of 1944, during the invasion of Saipan, Bellmon’s leadership and technical skill with heavy equipment were duly noted by his commanders. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his tank platoon’s frequent success in attacking fortified positions and traversing minefields.

In July, Bellmon’s platoon took part in the landing on Tinian, where his unit fought for all but one day of the campaign. Once again, they destroyed many enemy installations while under heavy fire.

In February 1945, Bellmon’s final combat landing at Iwo Jima was the most harrowing, as his tank was immobilized by a land mine immediately after landing.

The island, just 8 square miles in size, was key to the Pacific campaign. Its three airfields could support heavy bombers within a close 750-mile strike range of mainland Japan, making Bellmon’s actions essential to the broader war effort.

Bellmon was quoted in an interview with Jim Stafford with “The Daily Oklahoman” in 1995 on the 50th anniversary of the invasion, as remembering his tank being stranded because of Japanese fire later in the battle.

“It disabled the tracks, Bellmon said. “It was impossible to get out and fix it with all the machine gun fire, so we just sat there.”

“When we would spot a machine gun nest, we’d take it out, and of course, that drew artillery fire,” Bellmon said his tank took numerous hits. “They (the Japanese) were stupid,” he said. “They were using high-explosive artillery that exploded on impact. We would just get sparks.”

Despite the tank being a prime target for artillery, he remained inside to direct his platoon’s fire and movements by radio. Over the many days of the long battle, he had two more tanks destroyed beneath him, but continued the attack in new vehicles. Bellmon was known for his aggressive leadership. This courageous effort earned him the Silver Star for his gallantry.

He remembered taking over command of the five tanks of another platoon leader who was killed for several days.

At age 24, Iwo Jima was his most significant and last battle of the war. Approximately 70,000 Marines and Sailors participated; over 6,800 were killed, and nearly 20,000 were wounded. About 22,000 Japanese were killed or captured.

Iwo Jima lasted for 36 days of continuous combat. While military planners initially estimated the island would be secured in just three to four days, Japanese defensive strategies extended the conflict into a grueling five-week campaign.

His unit returned to Maui to train troops for the planned invasion of Japan. The use of the two atomic bombs ended the war.

Navy Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, said of the Battle of Iwo Jima, “If there had been any question whether there should be a Marine Corps after this war, the Battle of Iwo Jima will assure that there will always be a Marine Corps.”
Bellmon’s political achievements, including his principled approach and impact on Oklahoma’s Republican party, exemplify how his military leadership translated into public service.

After his distinguished service in Oklahoma and Washington, D.C., he taught government and political science at Oklahoma City University, Central State University, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Oklahoma, shaping future generations.

He retired to the family farm and then retired from his wheat and cattle operations in his late 70s. He died at the age of 88 in 2009 following a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. • by Darl Devault, contributing editor

The Oklahoma Veterans Commission brought its, August 8, 2025, meeting to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Claremore Veterans Home, where commissioners, agency leaders, and guests gathered to discuss the future of veteran care and services across the state. The meeting began with the formal approval of the previous minutes-a quick procedural step-but the mood in the room carried a sense of purpose. This was not simply about routine governance. It was about action, change, and making visible progress for the more than 260,000 veterans who call Oklahoma home.
A major highlight of the meeting was the update on the newly formed Oklahoma Veterans Foundation. Already recognized as a charitable corporation in the state, the foundation is awaiting federal 501(c)(3) status, which will open the door to donations from individuals, corporations, and community organizations. These funds will be directed toward programs and services that directly benefit veterans, filling gaps where state and federal resources may fall short. Commissioners spoke about the importance of getting the legal and financial framework right from the start to ensure transparency and trust. “I’ve already had people tell me, ‘As soon as you can take a check, I’m writing one,’” Commissioner Martin said. “This is more than paperwork-it’s building the future of veteran support in Oklahoma.”
From there, attention turned to a challenge that touches the lives of veterans and their families every day: admissions to Oklahoma Veterans Homes. In the past, applications could take weeks to process, causing stress for families and delays in care. By replacing the outdated paper-based review process with a streamlined digital system, approval times have been cut to about 24 hours in most cases. This change allows medical staff, administrators, and other decision-makers to review applications simultaneously instead of sequentially. “We went from two or three weeks to about a day. That means a veteran who needs care now isn’t sitting in limbo,” explained Candice McIntire, Homes Outreach Coordinator. Each home now has a weekly admissions goal, and several are already approaching the Commission’s target of 90 percent occupancy. For many in the room, this represented not just operational efficiency, but a moral victory.
Another topic that received considerable discussion was the role of Veteran Service Officers (VSOs). Currently, veterans can receive different guidance depending on where they go for help-a situation ODVA wants to fix. The plan is to align training across all veteran service organizations so that every veteran receives the same high-quality, accurate information. “Whether a veteran walks into a state office or a local service organization, they should hear the same answers,” said Executive Director James “Jay” Bynum. In 2025, ODVA plans to roll out expanded hands-on training, including specialized instruction in disability claims, pensions, and military sexual trauma cases. Veterans in attendance expressed strong support for the move, with one noting, “It’s frustrating when two people give you two different answers. Consistency matters.”
Financial stability was another central theme. Following the pandemic, the cost of contract nursing staff increased dramatically, putting pressure on ODVA’s budget. By raising wages for full-time employees, ODVA has been able to recruit and retain more permanent staff, cutting the number of contract workers and saving millions of dollars annually. “We’ve been able to hire good people, keep them, and still save money,” said Executive Director Bynum. Centralizing purchasing across facilities is another cost-saving measure, bringing consistency to supply orders and reducing waste.
Infrastructure needs were also on the agenda. Many Oklahoma Veterans Homes are decades old, and some have rooms offline due to needed repairs. In Ardmore, for example, more than 20 beds are currently unusable because of water damage. Plans are in place to repair and modernize those spaces, with the goal of restoring them to service. “Every bed we can restore is another veteran we can serve,” Bynum emphasized.
Community outreach remains a major priority. ODVA is building a statewide veteran database to help connect veterans with benefits and services they may not know about. The agency plans to use this database as the backbone of a targeted outreach campaign, meeting veterans where they are-whether that’s at hospitals, community centers, or even sporting events. “It’s not enough to wait for veterans to come to us,” Bynum said. “We have to go to them.”
Training events are also evolving. The agency’s annual service officer training conference has been rebranded and moved to January to allow for more comprehensive, interactive learning. This year’s event will bring together ODVA staff and representatives from other veteran service organizations, reinforcing the idea that serving veterans is a shared mission. “It’s going to be hands-on, not just lectures,” Veterans Services Director, Lisa Acevedo promised.
Throughout the meeting, the human side of this work was never far from the surface. Candice described the joy of calling a family to say their loved one could be admitted the next day. “The relief in their voice-there’s nothing like it,” she said. Candice also told of a veteran who moved in after years of struggling alone. “He told us, ‘I wish I’d done this sooner. I feel like I’m part of a family again.’ That’s why we do this.”
As the meeting concluded, commissioners reflected on the progress made and the work ahead. Challenges remain: filling every available bed, modernizing aging facilities, and securing sustainable funding. But the momentum is real. “We’re on the right track,” Commissioner Martin. “Every improvement means a better life for the people who served our country.”
The next Oklahoma Veterans Commission meeting is scheduled for November 7, 2025, in Lawton. Between now and then, ODVA will continue its push for faster admissions, consistent services, stronger outreach, and more efficient operations-all in the name of honoring veterans through action, not just words. •
By Daron Hoggatt, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, Public Information Officer

Named USA Today Readers’ Choice for Best Road Cycling Event for 2026, the adventure for seniors is even more inclusive and as close as Wichita Falls, Texas, the weekend of August 27-30, with the 45th-anniversary Hotter’N Hell 100 (HHH).
As the largest century bicycle ride in the nation, the HHH fosters a welcoming community and camaraderie, uniting over 13,000 riders who share a love for cycling and support each other through the challenge.
The inclusiveness allows senior cyclists to explore their new electric bicycles’ capacity for extended fun. Wichita Falls event organizers are happy to provide them equal access, only asking them to be careful.
Long-time HHH organizer Chip Filer notes that while e-bikes are not explicitly mentioned in the official documentation, owners are welcome to participate with the understanding that they must exercise caution, especially at the start and rest stops, to prevent control issues and ensure safety.
“With our aging population, we are open here at Hotter’N Hell to accommodating cyclists who are switching over to e-bikes,” Filer said last year. “Again, we just need them to realize those e-bikes can present control problems if the riders are not vigilant.”
Given the recent hotter-than-usual temperatures in July, participants should prepare for possible extreme heat on August 29, with tips on hydration, sun protection, and contingency plans available on the event website to help you stay safe and comfortable.
The event’s safety and support are
a top priority, with over 100 committee members and more than 1,000 volunteers ensuring a secure experience. This includes medical support and Support and Gear (SAG) assistance on every course and every rest stop.
From the large bicycle consumer show, featuring 50 booths showcasing the latest innovations and major manufacturers, to the myriad of other attractions, including a spaghetti dinner and a pre-ride breakfast buffet, there’s something for everyone.
After putting this on for 45 years, there are too many things going on during the four days to detail it all in an article of this nature.
Visit the HHH website at 2026-HHH-Guide-Pages-VG.pdf for the detailed downloadable Ride Guide, registration deadlines, and planning tips to ensure you’re ready for the event.
Don’t be discouraged by the 100-mile name; the HHH offers inclusive routes like the 10K, 25-mile, 50-mile, and 75-mile options designed to welcome riders of all levels and interests.
All this is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from OKC. The distance from OKC to the Wichita Falls Multi-Purpose Events Center is 140 miles using I-44 through Lawton. Do not let that distance throw you off; you drive that far just to Durant here within Oklahoma.
Again, for the e-bike crowd, the event offers the most robust set of offerings in America.
Many senior cyclists have found that the surging-in-demand e-bikes are great for allowing them to ride more and farther than
they usually do. “Bicycling Magazine” rates 16 of them for their performance, value and ride quality in its June 2025 issue. Readers can observe how cyclists are turning to cycling more with the help of a little electricity and a significant amount of money.
While more than 10,000 cyclists descend on Wichita Falls, the event offers tent camping close by, where hundreds of people camp out in RVs and tents the night before. The camping facilities are equipped with shower facilities that open Friday night and are open 24 hours until after the event, so riders can shower near the start/finish area before they begin their trip home. This convenient camping option allows you to immerse yourself in the experience fully.
Bicycle clubs from surrounding states often rent buses and stay as far away as Lawton, Okla. or closer-in cities, filling up those accommodations. They get up early Saturday to take their bus into Wichita Falls to stage for the start.
The start of the ride is staged by those riding the most extended distances at the front. For some people, the start is a party where they meet with friends, beginning at 4 a.m. They are soon joined by 10,000+ other riders who have trained to complete their chosen distances. This early start time allows participants to beat the heat and enjoy the ride at their own pace.
All that pent-up human energy is unleashed at 7:05 a.m.
after the National Anthem, U.S. Air Force Flyover and cannon blast. Many say to experience the excitement of starting a major organized ride, the best place to see it is at the HHH.
No matter how far seniors ride, the HHH is about the camaraderie of riding along with thousands of other bicyclists who enjoy a lifelong sport, providing a tremendous health benefit without the overuse injuries of many other endurance sports. • Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

Born Feb. 14, 1914 in Kemp, OK, Aaron Lloyd McMurtrey called Durant his hometown. After enlisting in Dallas Texas on October 5, 1940 McMurtrey was stationed at Naval Training Station San Diego, California. He was then stationed on the USS California (BB 44) in November.

He became a Seaman Apprentice upon enlistment and then was promoted to Seaman 1st class then later 2nd class. His awards and Decorations include: Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal (Fleet Clasp), American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (Bronze Star) and the World War II Victory Medal. McMurtrey was member of a gun crew.

Seaman 1st Class McMurtrey was lost in the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7th,1941.

The process of identifications for the USS California began with the disinterments of 25 Unknowns associated with the ship between January and March 2018. Given the success of the USS Oklahoma project, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has expanded its work to three other battleships involved in the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor: USS West Virginia, USS California, and USS Utah.

There were 103 total casualties from the USS California. At the start of the project, there were 20 unresolved casualties from the ship and 25 associated Unknowns buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP) in Hawaii. Disinterments were completed in March of 2018, and as of January 2004, there have been five identifications from USS California.

Unresolved Casualties are individual service members known to have died in a particular incident but for whom no remains have been recovered or identified. They might also be regarded as “missing in action” or, more formally, “killed in action, body not recovered.”

The main difference between USS California and USS Oklahoma is that the assemblage of remains from each ship shows different patterns of commingling. The strategies to segregate these commingled remains into distinct individuals are slightly different, even though the underlying scientific techniques we use are the same.

Additionally, in many cases the skeletons from the USS California are more complete than those from the USS Oklahoma are. There are additional and different analyses that are conducted to make sure that all the elements go together and represent a single individual. The largest challenge faced are the unresolved individuals that we don’t have any Family Reference Samples for. Not having that DNA information can make it very difficult to demonstrate conclusively that a given set of remains belongs to a specific individual.