By Nick Thomas

As any devoted Star Wars fan can deduce, the title of Billy Dee Williams’ new autobiography, “What Have We Here?” released in February, is a nod to the actor’s most famous character – Lando Calrissian. The smooth-talking caped space smuggler first greets Princess Leia with that line in 1980’s “The Empire Strikes Back.”
While the feisty cinnamon-bunned princess may not have swooned on-screen when the charming Lando gently kissed her hand before eventually joining forces to save their galaxy (although Leia’s fleeting smirk suggests her royal knees might have buckled slightly), other screen characters were not so demure when confronted with the suave actor.
For instance, Diana Ross (playing singer Billie Holiday) first glimpses Williams (portraying her future lover, Louis McKay) in 1972’s hit movie “Lady Sings the Blues.” Her character promptly sinks to the floor, emotionally melting – mouth agape – captivated by the dreamy, white-suited Williams gracefully descending a staircase.
“When I saw film of myself walking down those stairs, I fell in love with me!” said Williams, laughing, from his home in Los Angeles. In real life, too, fans were similarly drawn to Williams’ charisma.
“I even had a woman faint right in front of me and it’s all very flattering,” he recalled. “But I don’t take myself too seriously.”
Beyond his Hollywood status as a heartthrob or swashbuckling space pirate, Williams was a solid, compelling actor throughout his long career that began when he stepped onto a Broadway stage, barely 8 years old.
Raised in Harlem during the 40s in a moderately well-off household, young Billy’s family supported his interest in the arts which also included painting – a career he originally planned to pursue. But in 1956, on a chilly winter’s day in New York City, he literally bumped into a TV casting director emerging from a clothing store, striking up a conversation.
The chance encounter led to an offer of work as an extra in East Coast television series, reinvigorating his interest in acting. After moving to Hollywood, Williams would amass hundreds of film, television, and theater credits over the next six decades.
“For a young, brown-skinned boy like me growing up in Harlem, getting to Hollywood was a far-fetched dream in those early days,” Williams said. “I’m not a very competitive person when it comes to something like sports, but I am when it comes to acting. I was determined to make it.”
And he did, with lead roles in feature films such as “Mahogany” (1975), “Scott Joplin” (1977), “Nighthawks” (1981), as well as ABC’s “Dynasty” series and the acclaimed TV sports bio-pic “Brian’s Song.”
“I didn’t want people to just see a young black kid from Harlem on the screen, but to appreciate the full spectrum of the characters I was playing,” said Williams.
It’s been almost 45 years since Williams first entered the Star Wars universe as Lando Calrissian. With his broad appeal and extensive acting experience, he was a popular addition to the franchise.
While he acknowledges that sci-fi actors rarely win Oscars or Emmys, Williams remains grateful for the recognition the character afforded.
“In the long run, I think the whole idea of creating a huge fan base gives you much more longevity,” he said. “I’ll be 87 in April, and I’ve had a lot of interesting experiences throughout my life that are described in the book. Some were not pleasant, but working on ‘Empire’ (and two other Star Wars movies) was. I’m always observing, learning, and trying to be a sponge, so to speak, to make myself a better actor.”
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and writes features, columns, and interviews for newspapers and magazines around the country. See https://www.getnickt.org.

Story by Van Mitchel, Staff Writer

Oklahoma senior citizens, caregivers, and those interested in matters affecting aging Oklahomans are invited to the State Capitol for Senior Day Monday, March 11.
Attendees will have the opportunity to share ideas, needs and concerns with their state lawmakers, visit with organizations and state agencies to learn about services for older Oklahomans, and learn about current legislation that may affect older Oklahomans, said Rebekah Williams
Ombudsman Systems Advocate/Liaison.
“The Senior Day at the state capitol is primarily meant for aging Oklahoma’s caregivers, and those that have a stake in our aging population, to make sure they can age well and stay in Oklahoma,” Williams said. “We’re hoping to have at least 500 attendees this year, and they get to go into the House chambers and sit in member seats. It should be an amazing day for our elders in Oklahoma.”
The Oklahoma Alliance on Aging organizes the annual Senior Day event with the Oklahoma Aging Partnership; the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature Alumni Association; AARP; and the OKDHS Community Living, Aging and Protective Services Division.
The Oklahoma Alliance on Aging is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying the needs of aging Oklahomans, educating on issues, and advocating for solutions. It provides information and advocacy on issues including nursing homes, community care, housing, transportation, predatory lending, safety, legal rights, and quality of life.
Williams said attendees can arrive starting at 8:30 a.m. and sign in at the second-floor rotunda. Volunteers and signs will guide the way.
The event will run from 8:30 a.m.- 1p.m. at the State Capitol, 2300 N Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City. The event is free to attend.
State agencies and nonprofit organizations will be there to provide attendees information on their programs and services for older Oklahomans.
The Senior Day session in the House chamber, fourth floor, begins at 10 a.m. with guest speakers including Lt. Gov. Matt Pinell, and House Speaker Charles McCall.
“The program starts at 10 a.m. in the House chambers, and that will be until noon,” Williams said. “The Lieutenant Governor will be greeting us, and the House Speaker is going to welcome us to the House. The Senior Day at the Capitol is to empower those individuals that are aging or caregivers, those that have stake in anything, to express their concerns and what they need, and what they want to see changed.”
Williams said attendees will have the opportunity to meet with their local legislators.
“We will get them hooked up with their perspective legislator, whether it’s senator or a representative, to be able to speak to them either that day or set up appointments to come back,” she said.
Williams said legislators look forward to meeting their senior constituents.
“A lot of the legislators are very glad when these elderly people that are so faithful to show up at polls, come during election year, but at the same manner then they need to validate their vote by making sure there’s a social infrastructure within to age well,” Williams said. “Senior Day at the Capitol is a time to empower and inform and educate the seniors.”
The Oklahoma Ombudsman Program serves residents in Oklahoma’s long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living, and similar adult care homes
For the last 7 years, Williams has been an Ombudsman based out of the Southern Oklahoma Developing Association in Durant. She was appointed to the role of Ombudsman Systems Advocate and Liaison where she works as a face and voice with lawmakers and agencies to represent the residents of long-term care facilities across Oklahoma.
“In my role as a system advocate ombudsman, I am detailed to the state capitol during session to consult with lawmakers on bills that are best for people aging, or we kill the bills that aren’t best for people aging,” Williams said. “We work with different agencies, legislators, whatever we need to do to make sure that our elders are given value, and the rules and laws that are being passed, with everything within us, are in their best interest.”
All individuals and groups planning to attend are encouraged to register on the Oklahoma Alliance on Aging website: https://okallianceonaging.org/events/.
Nonprofit organizations requesting an exhibit table, and those interested in sponsoring, may use the registration link to apply.
For more information call (405) 943-1895 or email info@okallianceonaging.org.

Oklahoma City Ballet will present Ballet Ball: Coastal Cruise on April 6, 2024 at the Omni Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. All proceeds from the
Ballet Ball benefit Oklahoma City Ballet’s programs and performances. Co-chaired by Bailey Gordon and Natalie Fitzpatrick, this gala will feature cocktails, dinner, a live auction, dancing, plus a special performance by Oklahoma City Ballet dancers. Guests are encouraged to dress in nautical-chic evening wear.
“This year’s Ballet Ball will be a boatload of fun”, said co-chair Bailey Gordon. “We are excited to welcome our guests for beachside cocktails, an incredible dinner, and a captain’s party complete with a yacht rock band. My favorite part of the night is always the special performance Oklahoma City Ballet dancers. It’s the perfect way to remind guests that funds raised at the
event fuel Oklahoma City Ballet’s programs year-round, including free community programs and performances that are enjoyed by thousands.”
The nautical theme is inspired by May’s production of Fancy Free, a ballet by Jerome Robbins that inspired the film On the Town. Fancy Free will be presented with Carmina Burana and Cacti, May 10-12, as part of the Ballet’s “Shorts” series, which features three short ballets in one program.
“Every year the Ballet Ball creates an annual theme which allows the attendees to get creative with their attire. It’s a lot of fun to see what people wear. This year, we want people to think of an elevated yacht party. We even have a “what to wear” guide on the website,” remarked cochair Natalie Fitzpatrick.
Live music will be presented by Soft Hands, a local yacht rock band. A highlight of the evening will be a performance by Oklahoma City Ballet’s professional dancers, who will perform a special piece choreographed just for this occasion.
Ballet Ball: Coastal Cruise will take place on April 6, 2024 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Omni Hotel. Individual tickets are $250 per person and sponsorships are available starting at $1,000. Tickets go on sale March 1. To purchase tickets to the Ballet Ball, visit https://www.okcballet.org/balletball/, call (405) 208-8836, or email events@okcballet.org. Checks can be mailed to Oklahoma City Ballet, 6800 N. Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73116.
Ballet Ball Sponsors at the Onyx ($3,000) level will receive a one-of-a-kind silk scarf or pocket square by local clothier William & Lauren, made exclusively for this event.
For more information, tickets, and to learn about other performances, call 405-838-TOES (8637), visit okcballet.org, or follow Oklahoma City Ballet on social media @okcballet.

In Recognition of Black History Month

Story by Art T. Burton, photo submitted by the Oklahoma Historical Society

Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves, born as a slave in Arkansas, grew up in Lamar and Grayson counties, Texas, where he belonged to Col. George R. Reeves, later to become the speaker of the house in the Texas legislature. As a young man Bass Reeves escaped north into the Indian Territory, and he became acquainted with the Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole. It is believed he served as a soldier with the Union Indian Home Guard Regiments during the Civil War. After the war Reeves settled down in Van Buren, Arkansas, as a farmer. On occasion he would serve as a guide for deputy U.S. marshals who worked out of the federal court at Fort Smith, Arkansas, into the Indian Territory. Reeves had once boasted that he knew Indian Territory “like a cook knows her kitchen” and, as a result of his skills and his knowledge of the territory, he was able to make substantial money as a scout and tracker for peace officers. In 1875, when Judge Isaac C. Parker took over the Fort Smith federal court, Parker commissioned Reeves as a deputy U.S. marshal. He is believed to be one of the earliest African Americans to receive a commission as a deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River.
Reeves worked for thirty-two years as a deputy marshal in the Indian Territory. He was the only deputy to begin with Parker’s court and work until Oklahoma statehood in 1907. Reeves, standing six feet, two inches tall and weighing 180 pounds, became a celebrity during his lifetime in the Indian Territory. Muskogee Police Chief Bud Ledbetter said about him, “The veteran Negro deputy never quailed in facing any man.” Reeves became an expert with pistol and rifle. Territorial newspapers stated that he killed fourteen outlaws during his career as a peace officer.
When Reeves began riding for Judge Parker, the jurisdiction covered more than seventy-five thousand square miles. The deputies from Fort Smith rode west to Fort Reno, Fort Sill, and Anadarko, a round trip of more than eight hundred miles. When a deputy marshal left Fort Smith to capture outlaws in the territory, he took with him a wagon, a cook who served as guard, and at least one posseman. Reeves transferred to Wetumka, Indian Territory, in 1897 and then to Muskogee in 1898 after federal courts opened in the territory. The Chickasaw Enterprise on November 28, 1901, reported that Bass Reeves had arrested more than three thousand men and women for violating federal laws in the territory.
Newspapers praised Reeves’s reputation often. On November 19, 1909, the Muskogee Times Democrat wrote that “in the early days when the Indian country was overridden with outlaws, Reeves would herd into Fort Smith, often single handed, bands of men charged with crimes from bootlegging to murder. He was paid fees in those days that sometimes amounted to thousands of dollars for a single trip, trips that sometimes lasted for months.”
When Bass Reeves died on January 12, 1910, the Muskogee Phoenix wrote of the legendary lawman, “In the history of the early days of Eastern Oklahoma the name of Bass Reeves has a place in the front rank among those who cleansed out the old Indian Territory of outlaws and desperadoes. No story of the conflict of government’s officers with those outlaws, which ended only a few years ago with the rapid filling up of the territory with people, can be complete without mention of the Negro who died yesterday. During that time he was sent to arrest some of the most desperate characters that ever infested Indian Territory and endangered life and peace in its borders. And he got his man as often as any of the deputies.”
The greatest testimony to his devotion to duty was the fact he brought his own son in for murder once he received the warrant. Bass Reeves was one of the greatest peace officers in the history of the American western frontier.

Read more informative articles on Senior News and Living today!

If you’ve been the primary caregiver for your senior loved one from afar, then you’ll know that there will probably come a time when moving closer to them might benefit them more. Senior News and Living shares how to make that move.

Decide if the Move is Right for You Both

Making the decision to relocate in order to be closer to a loved one signifies a monumental adjustment in your life, entailing not only geographical shifts but also emotional and relational transitions. The importance of thorough communication cannot be overstated in this context, ensuring that both parties harbor a mutual understanding and agreement regarding the impending move.

By affirmatively confirming that you and your loved one are unequivocally on the same page, you safeguard against the potential pitfalls of unmet expectations and misaligned future visions. A successful transition in such a critical life choice pivots on the axis of clarity, shared goals, and a unified approach to navigating the challenges and joys that lie ahead.

Decide Whether to Buy or Rent

Embarking on the quest for suitable properties promptly is imperative, alleviating one considerable concern from the multitude that typically accompanies moving. The dilemma of choosing between buying and renting can often hinge on multiple factors, including your certainty level regarding the permanency of your relocation.

Opting to buy a house undeniably signals a significant decision, embedding a degree of permanence and commitment to your new locale. Therefore, if hesitancy or unpreparedness to fully commit pervades your decision-making, embracing the flexibility of renting might emerge as the judicious choice for this juncture in your journey.

Buying and Selling at the Same Time

Embarking on the journey of buying and selling a house simultaneously can be a challenging yet exhilarating venture, demanding meticulous planning and strategic execution. Sellers often find themselves in a tightrope walk, balancing the intricacies of coordinating settlements, managing financing, and ensuring a seamless transition from one abode to another.

It’s paramount to engage a proficient real estate agent who possesses the expertise to skillfully navigate through this complex process, ensuring that both transactions progress smoothly and aligning the timelines to avoid potential pitfalls or a temporary homelessness scenario.

Prepare for the Move

BigSteelBox notes that another detail that you want to take care of sooner than later is finding a credible moving company that will assist in making your move-to-be as seamless as possible. Professional movers are notorious for scams, so be alert to things like deals that sound too good to be true, or a refusal to put estimates in writing. So take your time by checking out reviews and testimonials before making your final decision.

Speaking of moving, perhaps you need to move your business with you. Again, you’ll want to plan way in advance if you want the move to have as little impact on your business as possible. If you need to reorganize in your destination state, use a formation service for info about how to transfer an LLC to another state. It also might be helpful to have a policy drawn up of who will be responsible for what if you are not available for any reason.

Finding a reliable moving company is a must, as is labeling any and all boxes as accurately and descriptively as possible. Also, it may be helpful to have some staff members working remotely to help keep your business running as per normal while your staff adjusts to working on the move, so to speak.

Reconnect with HS Alumni

If your parents are still in your old hometown, it may be an ideal time to reconnect with friends from school, which is as easy as using an online search portal – simply input the person’s name, high school, and year of graduation. Not only is it a chance to refresh old friendships, but your peers are likely facing some of the same challenges. You can support one another as you catch up on each other’s lives.

Build a New Network

Moving your business to a new state can seem daunting, but it’s an opportunity to expand your network and explore new partnerships. To start, consider attending semi-professional meetups or joining relevant LinkedIn groups in your new location. Leveraging existing contacts for introductions to locals can also be beneficial. A key aspect of networking is the exchange of business cards.

Determine Your New Living Arrangements

Once you have relocated, you’ll have to decide on what everyone’s new living arrangements will be. Of course, it’ll probably come down to one of two options – either your loved one will live with you, or you’ll have to find a senior living community that can provide the level of care and supervision they need.

Care.com points out that if you are considering moving them to a nursing facility, then you’ll have to have a difficult conversation with them to help allay any concerns and fears they may have regarding moving somewhere new, especially if it means them losing the independence they have.

You may also feel like living with your loved one is the better option for now, so that you can get a sense of their current abilities and limitations. In this situation, hold onto items they still hold dear so that they aren’t confronted with too many drastic changes all at once. Your loved one may have difficulty with cleaning, so it’s a good idea to help out. Be sure to use carcinogen-free cleaners to avoid any sensitivity issues.

Moving a Business

Assisting a senior loved one in relocating their business to another state involves meticulous planning, covering both tangible and bureaucratic aspects of the move. The physical move entails careful packing, transporting, and setting up the business in the new location, ensuring that every item and piece of equipment is handled with utmost care to prevent any damage or loss. Concurrently, the paperwork, often an undervalued aspect of such transitions, demands equal attention; from updating the business address in all legal documents to ensuring compliance with the new state’s regulations.

Additionally, an often-overlooked component that warrants a scrutinizing eye is the business name, especially in the context of whether it coincides with a pre-existing entity in the new state. Given the intricacies of business naming rights, which fluctuate based on first-use in commerce and vary from state to federal levels, ensuring the chosen business name does not infringe upon another’s rights or violate regional or national trademarks becomes imperative to avert any potential legal entanglements.

Move Forward with Changes

This is a difficult time for you and your aging loved one, but the tips above should help make the transitions easier for you both. If you decide to rent and not buy in the interim, it’ll give both of you the time to decide what you want as far as long-term living arrangements go. If you both feel that a more structured community with the ability to transition from less to more care is best, then check out your assisted living options with your loved one.

Remember to be patient and ease your loved one into these changes. They signal a big transition in their life that can be scary and difficult to accept. The goal is to provide quality care, so keep that at the forefront of your decision-making.

Dear Savvy Senior, What types of funeral benefits are available to old veterans? My 83-year-old father, who has Alzheimer’s disease, served during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Planning Ahead 

Dear Planning,
Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration actually offers a variety of underutilized burial benefits to veterans as well as their spouses and dependents.
Most U.S. veterans (both combat and non-combat) who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge are eligible for burial benefits. To verify your dad’s discharge, you’ll need a copy of his DD Form 214 “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.” If you don’t have it, you can request online at Archives.gov/veterans.
Here’s a rundown of some of the different benefits that are available to veterans that die a nonservice related death.
Military Cemetery Benefits: If your dad’s eligible and would like to be buried in one of the 155 national or 119 state, territory or tribal-operated cemeteries (see VA.gov/find-locations), the VA provides a number of benefits at no cost to the family, including: a gravesite; opening and closing of the grave and perpetual gravesite care; a government headstone or marker; a United States burial flag that can be used to drape the casket or accompany the urn; and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
If your dad is cremated, his remains will be buried or inurned in the same manner as casketed remains.
But be aware that funeral or cremation arrangements and costs are not taken care of by the VA. They are the responsibility of the veteran’s family, but some veteran’s survivors may be eligible for burial allowances.
The VA also offers a memorial web page called the Veterans Legacy Memorial for any veteran buried in a national, state, territorial or tribal cemetery. This allows families to post pictures and stories of their loved one online as a way to remember and honor their service.
If you’re interested in this option, the VA has a pre-need burial eligibility determination program to help you plan ahead before your dad passes. See VA.gov/burials-memorials/pre-need-eligibility or call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.
Private Cemetery Benefits: The VA also provides benefits to veterans buried in private cemeteries. If your dad chooses this option, the VA benefits include a free government headstone or grave marker, or a medallion that can be affixed to an existing privately purchased headstone or marker; a burial flag; and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
Funeral or cremation arrangements and costs are again the responsibility of the family, and there are no benefits offered to spouses and dependents that are buried in private cemeteries.
Military Funeral Honors: Another popular benefit available to all eligible veterans buried in either a national or private cemetery is a military funeral honors ceremony. This includes an honor guard detail of at least two uniformed military persons, folding and presenting the U.S. burial flag to the veteran’s survivors, and the playing of Taps.
The funeral provider you choose will be able to assist you with all VA burial requests. Depending on what you want, certain forms may need to be completed which are always better to be done in advance.
For a complete rundown of burial and memorial benefits, eligibility details and required forms visit Cem.va.gov.
Burial Allowances
In addition to the burial benefits, some veteran’s survivors may also qualify for a $948 burial allowance and $948 for a plot to those who choose to be buried in a private cemetery. And $231 for a headstone or grave marker allowance. To find out if your dad is eligible or to apply, see VA.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit https://savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Seaman 2nd Class Cecil Thornton, born in Rogersville, Alabama, who died during the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor, will be buried with full military honors in the Civitan Cemetery in Rogersville, Alabama on March 11 at 10 a.m.
As Seaman 2nd Class, Cecil Thornton’s duties included performing ordinary deck duties in connection with the upkeep and operations of the ship, such as painting, cleaning, and polishing of the ship’s brightwork; the collection and disposal of garbage; maintenance and repair of various types of equipment. He also handled ropes and wires; stored and secured items; assisted with the movement of cargo on and off the ship. He stood watches as lookout, telephone talker, messenger, or similar duties. Also was member of a gun crew.
Awards and Decorations include Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal (with Fleet Clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medals.
Duty Stations were: USS Oklahoma (BB 37): 03/29/1940 and Naval Training Station Norfolk, VA: 12/15/1939.
Promotions include: Apprentice Seaman upon enlistment and Seaman 2nd Class: 04/14/1940

Mary Lea Forsythe

(Right) 100 years old. Mary Lea Forsythe of Sand Springs was honored for her 100th birthday coming up on February 29 by the DAR Osage Hills Chapter. She attended Sand Springs schools and was in the High School All State Chorus all four years.

Janie Hackler

(Left) 100 years old. Ms. Janie Hackler celebrated her upcoming 100th birthday surrounded by a large crowd of family and friends at Crossroads Fellowship in Bixby. She was beautiful in a pale pink outfit and was such a lovely and gracious lady greeting each and every person by name and with a smile and hug.

Iru Daugherty

(Right) 100 years old. Iru Daugherty of Tulsa celebrated her 100th birthday over the weekend. When she moved to Tulsa in 1987 to work at Victory Church, her son Pastor Billy Joe asked her to “love on people.” And she has done just that, along with many other things, serving in whatever capacity needed & continues to work at Victory Church. She has had an interesting life with wonderful people & is so grateful for good friends.

Russell Shelton

(Right) 100 years old. Russell Shelton celebrated his 100th birthday today. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service with the Army in WWII, has lived in Bartlesville since 1948 & is a retired chemical engineer from Phillips. He stays active by riding a stationary bike 8 miles & doing 150 push-ups a day and always taking the stairs.

UCO Recognized for Service to Military-Connected Faculty, Staff and Students

The University of Central Oklahoma was designated a Purple Heart University by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Monday, Feb. 19, in a ceremony held on UCO’s campus. Central was awarded this honor for its longstanding commitment to serving military-connected faculty, staff and students, specifically those who were wounded in combat.
“It is an extreme honor for the University of Central Oklahoma to receive this designation as a Purple Heart University,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.
“This designation represents the dedication of UCO to serving those who have served. We are grateful to our military-connected students, faculty and staff for their service and sacrifice and are honored to help them as they pursue their next steps.”
To become a Purple Heart University, institutions must develop a purposeful approach to supporting not only those who are military affiliated, but also those who have sacrificed themselves in some way to defend our nation and earned a Purple Heart. Institutions must also meet and exceed standards in providing aid and programming to support Purple Heart recipients’ academic endeavors.
“UCO is honored to receive this recognition of our Purple Heart recipients and military-connected students,” said Tom McShane, director of TRIO Student Support Services – Veterans at UCO.
“We are grateful to the Military Order of the Purple Heart for this designation, which acknowledges our veteran and military-connected students, and the services UCO provides to them.”
The Military Order of the Purple Heart is chartered by Congress for combat-wounded veterans and is composed of military men and women who received the Purple Heart medal for wounds suffered in combat or by an act of international terrorism.
“We are honored to have UCO as a Purple Heart University,” said James Battles, Oklahoma State Department junior vice Purple Heart commander and Purple Heart chapter 820 commander.
“Having UCO support the military and those who have sacrificed for our freedoms humbles me and my fellow veterans. Having UCO support their military students and staff shows the military community that they are not alone in their service and sacrifice for their nation.”
UCO prides itself on our commitment to military-connected students, which is evident in our multiple national rankings and awards.
UCO ranks as a top 100 institution nationwide for providing services and support for military-connected students for the eighth consecutive year on the 2023 Military Times “Best for Vets: Colleges” list. Central was also named a gold-level Military Friendly School in the public universities category with more than 10,000 students by Viqtory Media’s 2023-24 Military Friendly Schools list. In 2023, Central was awarded a grant from the Boeing Foundation to address the emotional, physical and educational needs of military-connected students.
Central provides services and support for veterans and military-connected students through the Veterans Higher Education Resource and Opportunity Center (VetHERO) and federally funded programs. These programs provide services such as assistance with educational benefits certification, enrollment services, mentoring and campus and community engagement opportunities.