Post 12 will be handing out poppies ahead of Veterans Day weekend at the SPARK Creative Lab performances of Ditty Bop. Friday November 7 at 7 pm, Saturday, November 8 at 7 pm, and Sunday, November 9 at 2 pm. Location is the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., OKC, OK 73103. Discounted Veteran tickets are on sale now for $12.50.
Post 12 will be out in the community representing at our usually places during Veterans Day weekend. We will be taking donations, visiting with folks and handing out poppies. Nov 8th-9th-10th. Hours 9am-5pm. Stop by our tables at either store and say hello. We love chatting with Veterans. Homeland Store 7001 NW 122nd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73142. Or Homeland Store 9225 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73120. This is always our biggest fundraiser. We appreciate our Homeland store partners that allow us to do this every year! Thank you Homeland!
Monthly Spaghetti Dinner is scheduled for Friday, 21 November, 6pm-8pm. Open to the public. $10 adults, $8 kids. All you can eat. The table is set. All that is missing is you. Won’t you join us? Location: 6101 NW50th St., Warr Acres, OK 73122
Every Thursday — Free hot coffee, donuts and conversations! Open to the public. 7am-10am. Our “Coffee with a Veteran” program is world class and so are our attendees. (We might be a little bit bias.) Stop by and see for yourself. Sitting with a Veteran is different.
Rent our Post for your next event. We have the tables and chairs. Kitchen facility and a bar. We have everything you need to make your next event epic. Our stage is somewhat small but our willingness is mighty! Email: post12adjutantlegion@gmail.com or call/text 405-922-2619 for availability and reasonable rates! We still have holiday dates open!
Greetings, I’m SFC (Ret) George Shafer. I served as Chaplain at the American Legion in Guthrie, Oklahoma while earning my M.Div. I’m now the Digital Media Pastor for Generations Church in Guthrie. It’s a great Christian community.
As Veterans, we share an ethos that guide our decisions, ethics and moral compass. Concepts like timeliness, integrity, courage and selfless service. We learned the value of hard work and its positive impact on our organization, mission and fellow service members. But we often struggle with balancing these proactive values with the concept rest. When we take time to stop and rest, it can be followed by underlying guilt, even shame. We are culturally driven to do the work, to grind it out, no time off, even at the expense of neglecting those we care about. So, how do we avoid these consequences?
There is an amazing alignment between the science of health and wellness and the teachings in scripture concerning the need for rest, it’s called Sabbath. The same root word as sabbatical. The Sabbath is a staple of the Judeo-Christian culture, yet we witness daily the results of ignoring its benefits. Exhaustion, worry, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, quick tempers, damaged relationships, work burnout, addictions and others are symptoms of our overworked and under rested lifestyles.
We were created in God’s image and likeness. We were made to rest. We were made to stop. We were made to meditate on God. Just reading those three sentences may make you cringe or laugh on the inside. “George, you don’t know my schedule.” “You don’t understand the pressure I’m under.” “I need to feed my family.” All valid points, but all too often these people arrive at jobs, even to church, burnt out, full of contempt and bitterness, going through the motions. Now more than ever we need to seek peace, joy, and contentment. These are three fantastic byproducts of the Sabbath, if we’ll only embrace and practice it!
Yes, adhering to the Sabbath is difficult. Attempting your first 24-hour Sabbath will likely be a rehearsal of all that you forgot to do! But it is through this challenge that the fruits of the Sabbath are revealed. Honoring the Sabbath requires you to schedule around it. Early Hebrews understood the Sabbath to begin once the third star is seen in the night sky on Friday evening and concludes when the third star is observed on Saturday evening. It shows us that the Sabbath is not ritualistic as it varies from week to week when the stars are visible to us.
For five years I have intentionally practiced my Sabbath. It has helped me find a balance that has created a closer, more intimate relationship with God and my family. I am healthier, clear-headed, more patient, and more flexible with change. The Sabbath has given me peace, joy, and contentment, and has been an integral part of refreshing my mind, body, soul, and emotions.
Communication has been key to sustaining my Sabbath. In-depth and consistent communication with my wife, my family, my job, and my friends has helped create the space necessary to observe the Sabbath. It also gave unspoken permission for the people around me to observe the Sabbath in their own time.
Take time to focus on your own Sabbath, find rest for your soul. Christ shares this promise: Matt 11:28, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Rev. George F. Shafer, SFC (Ret.), M.Div., B.S., Chaplain (TAL Post 58)
Cruise-In to Bridging Vines
Nov 1, 2025 LOCATION: 11216 N Cimarron Rd Yukon, OK 73099 Note: This November, head to Yukon for the Cruise-In to Bridging Vines. Enjoy a classic car show, live music by classic rock band Intention and delicious food from Big Mama’s Spuds & Sweets.
Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend
Nov 7, 2025 – Nov 8, 2025 LOCATION: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Note: Come salute the best in the rodeo world at the Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend in Oklahoma City. Held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Hall of Fame Class celebrates the story and people of rodeo culture.
Battle of Honey Springs Reenactment Nov 7, 2025 – Nov 9, 2025 LOCATION: Honey Springs Battlefield Checotah, OK 74426 Note: Commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs with a special demonstration of the battle in Checotah near Rentiesville. Come and witness as costumed actors bring to life the largest military clash ever to have occurred in Oklahoma.
Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show
Nov 8, 2025 – Nov 9, 2025 LOCATION: Tulsa Expo Square Tulsa, OK 74153 Note: The Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show is one of the largest firearms shows in the world.
Cars N’ K9s
Nov 15, 2025 LOCATION: 201 S Division, Asher, OK Note: A benefit for animal rescues, featuring classic cars, trucks, imports, and bikes. It includes food trucks, vendors, and a chance to win a prize for bringing a toy for the Asher Angel Tree.
EV Car Show – By First United Bank –
Nov 15, 2025 LOCATION: 201 S Division, Asher, OK Note: A benefit for animal rescues, featuring classic cars, trucks, imports, and bikes. It includes food trucks, vendors, and a chance to win a prize for bringing a toy for the Asher Angel Tree.
Oklahoma joins the nation in honoring the U.S. Navy’s proud heritage at a ball rich with tradition and camaraderie.
A table of seamen and their dates from Strategic Communications Wing One pose during the 250th Navy Birthday Ball, Oct 4, 2025.
Men and women in Dinner Dress Blues. Dresses and gowns. Fine dining, toasts, speeches – and best of all, camaraderie. These hallmarks of naval tradition were on full display at the 250th United States Navy Birthday Ball at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum on October 4. Jointly organized by the Navy League Oklahoma City Council, Strategic Communications Wing One (SCW-1), and the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce, it was a fine gala attended by 464 people.
During the social hour, active duty sailors reflected on what makes the Navy a strong service. Lieutenant Commander Paul Mobley said, “Some of our youngest sailors have to live and work in some of the most hazardous environments, like ships, and still manage to operate with exceptional discipline.” Petty Officer First Class Johnson Romero, with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 3, added that success depends on “keeping people stable – sailors and their families – so they can concentrate on their mission.” Both offered clear examples why the U.S. Navy remains a first-rate force.
After presenting the Colors, playing the National Anthem (by harpist Maylynn Heykens), and paying respects to the POW/MIA Table, guests watched as the Navy’s birthday cake was cut. Michael Koiber, President of the Navy League, provided opening remarks. He read a proclamation from Senator James Lankford: “For 250 years, the men and women of the United States Navy have been at the forefront of our nation’s defense. Thank you for defending freedom and protecting prosperity.”
Captain David Gardner, Commodore of SCW-1, recognized distinguished visitors and thanked many people for organizing and holding the celebration, including Shaina Bennett, President of the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce, Navy League, and SCW-1 protocol team members Bob Holland, Jeff Bottoms, and MA1’s Lauren Green and Lisa Kolivoski.
Gardner introduced the night’s keynote speaker, Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic, who retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve after a 34-year career (promoting from E-1 to O-8). His distinguished career included commanding four units and serving in combat deployments to Vietnam, First Gulf War, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His later became Acting Under Secretary and the 18th Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
Slavonic’s interesting speech highlighted the Navy’s global mission and Oklahoma’s lasting contributions to it. To illustrate how closely nations are tied to the World Ocean, he explained the “70-80-90 rule.” “First, 70% of the Earth is covered by water. Second, about 80% of the world’s population lives within a hundred miles of the world’s global commons…” and 147 of 200 nations border an ocean or a sea, and third, “more than 90% of international trade…travels via the sea…” and 90% of global internet traffic passes through undersea fiber optic cables.
After mentioning China and Russia as challenges, he stated, “With some 330,000 active duty members, nearly 60,000 reservists and nearly a quarter million civilians, today’s Navy has nearly 300 ships and thousands of aircraft on any given day” to deter and if needed, defeat enemy aggression.
The Admiral paid tribute to Oklahoma’s naval legacy. “Foremost, of course, is the USS Oklahoma battleship (BBB 37), which was sunk by the Japanese Navy during the attack on Pearl Harbor with the loss of 429 sailors and Marines.” He added, “There are about 30 ships which have names of cities, counties here in Oklahoma and…we’ve got about four ships, USNS ships that bear tribal names.” The USS Oklahoma (SSN 802), a Virginia Class nuclear powered attack submarine, will be christened in the spring of 2026.
Finally, Slavonic highlighted Oklahomans who provided careers and lives to the Navy. Included were Admiral Mark Mitchner who “commanded the Hornet in the Battle of Midway”; U.S. Marine Corps Major Kenneth Bailey, “a Pawnee, who was killed in action…while leading an attack on the island of Guadalcanal…”; Commander Ernest Evans of the USS Johnston, hero of the Battle of Leyte Gulf; Admiral Joseph Jocko Clark, who commanded aircraft carriers; and Admiral John Kirkpatrick.
To close the event, Kloiber returned to the stage and thanked Admiral Slavonic and corporate sponsors Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and others for a successful night. Guests received a distinctive, three-inch commemorative challenge coin. Toasts to each military service were made given and then couples danced to music.
Kloiber was pleased with the night’s success, citing the size of the crowd, good food and phenomenal event center.
A toast to you, U.S. Navy-for 250 years of defending freedom and sailing strong.
Click the link for more information about SCW-1 or go online to Strategic Communications Wing 1. or use your camera to scan the code below • Story by Retired Lt. Col. Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFER. See Rich Travel Niche
Kerri Somerville of Edmond won the B.A.M.F. (trophy) and Best of Show (guitar) awards for her white 1947 Dodge Power Wagon (pickup truck) in the Southern Plains Mopar Fest, Oct 2025.
The 1947 Chrysler-Plymouth tower is being refinished and relit with a $700,000 Route 66 Revitalization Grant.
Route 66 felt the weight of Plymouths, Dodges and Chryslers during the 5th (third time in Bristow) Southern Plains Mopar Fest (SPMF) on Oct. 3-4. On Day 1, a caravan of Mopars cruised 62 miles in the “Run for the Tower Route 66 Cruise.” On Day 2, owners checked-in 76 cars and trucks for a car show on three blocks of Main Street (also Route 66).
Doug Cataline, owner/operator of the SPMF, loves Mopar vehicles and shares that enthusiasism with Bristow officials by making the town a SPMF showcase. He estimated 4,500 people attended the second day.
On Oct. 3, at 11:00 a.m., participants in 30 vehicles departed from the Chrysler Plymouth Dealership on 9th Ave. Their quest? Enjoy a “Run for the Tower Route 66 Cruise” and pick up playing cards to earn the best poker hand at seven roadside landmarks,
Daryl Bishop of OKC piloted his 1974 Plymouth Duster. He enjoyed the Route 66 Bowl card stop in Chandler and praised lunch at Butchers BBQ, another card stop. Although he assembled two queens and two 5s, he fell short.
David Griffin of Bartlesville did win the poker run with four “threes “ (four of a kind), earning him $560 and a Top 30 plaque for his 2023 Dodge Demon in the car show. “It was an opportunity of a lifetime…I’ve never been on Route 66 for that long of a period. It was fabulous to see all the old places,” he said.
After returning to Bristow by 5:00 p.m., more than 50 cruisers gathered with locals at C&J Kountry Fixings to eat and socialize.
On Day 2, Mopar owners from six states displayed entire lineups of classic machinery: Chrysler 300s, Newports, Barracudas (A-Body), Cudas (E-Body), Superbirds, Road Runners, Super Bees, Chargers and pickup trucks gleamed under the hot sun on both sides of Route 66.
The most unusual entry was an original 1942 Dodge WC54 ambulance painted drab green. Twenty-six year Army veteran Kevin Hicks of Chandler brings it to some car shows “because it’s a tribute to the greatest generation.” It won a Top 30 plaque.
According to Motortrend.com, Chrysler Corp. introduced Mopar (combination of “motor” and “parts”) products in 1937. “When talking with an enthusiast, a Mopar car is one built by one of the original Chrysler Corp. brands, which in order of ascendancy are Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Ram, Chrysler, and Imperial.” Jeep qualifies, as Chrysler bought the brand in 1987.
Two distinguished guests flew in to mingle. Paul Rossi, a Mopar representative and champion National Hot Rod Association drag racer from 1963 to 2000, proudly showed his 1970 Dodge Challenger to admirers. Claudia Abel, Miss Direct Connection 1984, journeyed from Detroit. She told attendees, “What an opportunity to drive, walk and visit…the nostalgic Route 66.”
Why hold the SPMF in Bristow? Cataline explained, “We all are hobbyists and we love the Chrysler Plymouth name…The second reason is to bring absolute awareness to the Chrysler Plymouth Tower that’s in this awesome little town…in the crossroads of America…So it gave me inspiration to do a show here.” The 1949 “Tower of Power” is being repaired for reinstallation at the corner of Main and 9th Streets in the summer of 2026.
Amid 30 vendors selling merchandise, parts, services, and food, attendees enjoyed live music from Tulsa’s “Tempest Revival,” covering hits of the ‘70s through ‘90s. “Sales have been very good because of the car show,” noted Jordayn Fleetwood of Buffalo Beverage Company
Car judging took place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with awards at 2:00 p.m. Cataline gave the Top 30 plaques first, then special awards. Highlights: Leslie Foster of Ebgerton, Kansas, won “Claudia’s pick” (a signed photo) for his 1971 Dodge Charger. Scott Wood took home the Sponsor’s Award for a 1961 Plymouth.
Two elite awards went to Kerri Somerville of Edmond. Her spotless, white 1947 Dodge Power Wagon (pickup truck) won the B.A.M.F. (three-foot trophy) and Best of Show (enamel guitar).
Cataline generously donated $500 to Bristow’s FAA and $1,000 to its Historical Society.
The SPMF contributes to Bristow’s ability to draw people downtown to attend free, fun activities. Mayor Kris Wyatt texted, “Events like the Southern Plains Mopar Fest help draw people to our community, supporting local businesses and showcasing the charm that makes Bristow such a special stop along Route 66.”
Asked why do car buffs like Mopar, Cataline smiled. “Everything is classic and if you like cars, you have to be here because you’ll love these cars. They’re old and old is cool.” • Story by Retired Lt. Col. Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFER. See Rich Travel Niche
From left, Susan Moorman and Sue McMillan pose at the Second Half Expo, October 18, 2025
Nonprofit Socks for Seniors Oklahoma has been delivering more than 500 donated Christmas gift bags to veterans in the Norman Veterans Center who might not otherwise receive a gift since 2017.
Starting in 2013, founder Sue McMillan and a friend delivered 127 pairs of socks to three local nursing homes during their first holiday season, with the intention of making the recipients feel remembered and special. Staff informed them that for some residents, this would likely be the only Christmas gift they would receive.
This impactful experience, where the recipients’ joy was palpable, inspired McMillan to create the organization and expand the number of recipients. The heartfelt response from the recipients so touched McMillan that she has used her business administration background to solicit sponsors year-round, and the number of volunteers has grown significantly.
“This nonprofit’s mission became my passion,” McMillan said in an interview while working their booth at the Second Half Expo in October. “This has grown so much we must thank Morningstar Storage and Gate Keepers Storage for their generous donation of space. It may sound strange to point this out in an interview, but they allow us to store inventory and to work on the bags year-round.”
This program, which focuses on seniors and veterans who have limited family interaction and are at risk of feeling forgotten during the holidays, quickly evolved into a well-received 501 (c) (3) nonprofit. Many merchant sponsors in Oklahoma City have donated space in their stores, allowing customers to make direct donations.
Volunteers assemble holiday gift bags filled with personal care items. The organization relies on donations from the community and now many local businesses to fill the bags. Many community business sponsors recognize that by providing a simple, thoughtful gift, Socks for Seniors OK brings joy, comfort, and a reminder to seniors and veterans that they are valued members of the community.
Now, bags contain essential and comforting items, such as socks (especially diabetic socks), gloves, scarves, toiletries, lap blankets, and activity books. They put a special “Thank You For Your Service” card and an American flag in each of the veterans’ packages.
Socks for Seniors OK began serving veterans in the Norman Veterans Center to expand its mission beyond underserved nursing homes to serve military veterans. Delivering gifts to the center’s Alzheimer’s unit shows their commitment to helping veterans with specific needs. In 2024, the organization delivered gifts to 502 residents, accounting for over 20 percent of its total holiday gift packages.
Focusing on facilities with residents who have limited interaction with family, this is especially important for veterans who may have outlived family members or live far from relatives.
Gifts for the Norman Veterans Center, like those for all other veterans centers, are assembled and delivered by volunteers in December, creating a direct connection between the community and the veterans who have served.
Readers can volunteer or donate to Socks for Seniors OK by contributing their time, mailing monetary gifts or gift cards, or donating specific items from their wish list. The best time to volunteer is in November, but the organization accepts donations year-round.
Socks for Seniors OK relies on volunteers for many tasks throughout the year. To get started, readers can contact the organization directly through their website to express their interest.
Volunteers are needed year-round to assist in preparing items for the gift bags, including pairing socks, sorting donations, and delivering donation baskets to local businesses. Your help is crucial to our ongoing mission.
The busiest time for volunteers is the week after Thanksgiving and the first week of December, when the gift bags are assembled and delivered to local nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Financial donations enable the organization to purchase items in bulk, often at more favorable prices. These items are then used to fill the veterans’ gift bags. Readers can mail a check or gift card to Socks for Seniors, OK, 3240 W Britton Road, Ste 103, Oklahoma City, OK 73120.
Their website provides a PayPal account for online donations. They need donations of new socks, particularly diabetic socks. Toiletries (small-sized) such as hand lotion, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lip balm, and deodorant are accepted.
They solicit comfort items such as gloves, scarves, caps, and lap blankets, as well as puzzle books, playing cards, and small notebooks and pens.
For readers’ shopping convenience, they can find the organization’s current gift list on Amazon by searching for “Socks for Seniors OK”. The best way to coordinate dropping off a large donation is to contact the organization via email at socksforseniorsok@coxinet.net to ensure someone is available to receive it.
Local businesses can participate by donating directly, displaying donation baskets, or sponsoring an employee donation drive.
For info on donating or volunteering, visit www.socksforseniorsok.org or scan the QR CODE below. • story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor
