I became a believer in the Gospel at the age of 19 in the mid 70’s while serving in the Air Force. Those who guided me through my born-again experience encouraged me to get baptized and start going to church. They were good people, however over time my discipleship experience seemed to be based primarily on what not to do. No adult beverages, no movies, no dancing, no more fun. Some things made sense, some didn’t. Over time, what felt like a self-righteous lifestyle left me spiritually unfulfilled for years. Now, I refer to myself an out of Egypt believer, who wandered in a desert place for over 40 years.

In 2018 all that changed. I got connected with a spiritually vibrant Christian community, focused on spirit filled worship, the Word of God, a rhythm of prayer, and personal discipleship. Over time I developed a daily plan for both prayer and reading scripture. I call it, “The 2:24 Discipleship Challenge.” It is not based on a scripture passage. Two hours and twenty-four minutes is 10% of a 24-hour day. It is a recognition of spending prioritized time intentionally focused on my relationship with God.

How does the challenge look? It is making my Heavenly Father first in my life. He is the first one I want to talk to and the first one I want to listen to each day. I start with worship music, creating a focus on praise. In a brief prayer, I praise and acknowledge Him then close with this statement, “Bless me as I prayerfully meditate in the Spirit of worship through your word, starting in the book of Psalms in Jesus name.” I read a Psalm a day because I want to learn to pray like David. I continue praying with ongoing intentional requests and acknowledgement of God’s work and will in my life. I close again, asking for God’s wisdom, as I read from Proverbs daily, the one that corresponds to the day of the month. Our knowledge and experience is most effective when used in light of Gods wisdom.

The third part of my prayer is a focus for each day. Sunday, I pray for the mission of my local and the global Church. Monday, for family members by name. Tuesday, for close friends who attend my local church community by name. Wednesday, I pray for our giving and the ministries of my local church by name. Thursday, I pray for friends, acquaintances, and co-workers by name. Friday, I pray for those I meet in passing who I feel a connection to or who may have a special need. Saturdays I pray for whatever/whoever is on my heart, a special need or person.

Next, I enjoy a light breakfast and continue reading scripture. I read daily from the New Testament. In addition, I read through the scriptures from beginning to end using a Chronological Bible. I start that every second January. It simply makes the stories of the Old Testament, the Gospels, Acts and the Epistles come alive as the events historically happened in chronological order.

During the day, I stay engaged with my Heavenly Father by listening to worship music whenever I drive and pray spontaneously when the opportunity or need arises. The 2:24 Intentional Discipleship Challenge has changed my life. My intentionality has prepared me for His spontaneity which I find during my daily walk as I engage with those He puts in my path. I challenge you to create your own Intentional Discipleship practice. •
Steven Sibley- Retired E7/Disabled Veteran, Publisher OK Veteran News

Jim Davidson dreamed of joining the United State Naval Reserves, but his eyesight kept him from fulfilling that goal.

Instead, the Pittsburg County native found a home in the Oklahoma Army National Guard for over 30 years of service.

“My dad was a coal miner,” he said. “I was one of six kids and thought I had the best growing up years of anybody. My brother was two years older than me and was my hero. He joined the Naval Reserve when he was 17, and I thought they had the coolest uniforms. So, my ambition was to join the Naval Reserve as soon as I got old enough. I went up on my 17th birthday. I went up to sign up, and they were giving me my physical.”

Davidson, a resident at Villagio of Bradford Village Independent Living /Assisted Living, located at 300 Enz Drive in Edmond said when he went in for a vision test, an optometrist gave him disappointing news.

“When I walked in for the vision test, the doctor happened to be my optometrist,” Davidson said. “He said, ‘There’s no need for me even going any further. You can’t pass the Navy’s vision test.’ And I was so disappointed. He said, ‘Go next door and join the National Guard. They’ll take anybody.’ Well, in 1955, that was true.”

Davidson, (Ret.) Sergeant First Class said a cousin who was in the National Guard invited him to go on a National Guard drill.

“Before I left that night (after the drill), they had signed me up. And that started my military career,” he said. “I am a retired military. I receive an annuity, though I am not officially a Veteran due to insufficient consecutive active-duty service days. And there are probably not a whole lot of people like that. But I stayed in the Guard off and on from 1955 until 1996.”

Davidson served in the 45th Infantry of Oklahoma National Guard nicknamed the Thunderbirds. He served a variety of roles in service.

“The main thing they drilled into me was what an honor it was to be a Thunderbird,” he said. “I did a little of everything. We were an infantry unit to start with. And when I retired, we were MPs.”

During his time in the Army National Guard, Davidson worked for Maj. Jimmy Burnett, who was the Unit Administrator of the National Guard Unit Company L in Hartshorne.

“All the years I was in the Guard, I worked for Maj. Burnett in one capacity or other, except for the last four years and he retired before I did,” he said. “He was a fine man to work for.”

Davidson said he only served overseas twice during his military career, and both times were in Panama.

“The only time I left the country, we went to Panama during the time that they were getting ready to retire, Mr. (Manuel) Noriega,” he said. “I was not sure what our duties were, but we got there and we discovered that we were what they called relieving active-duty soldiers. We were doing guard duty around the Panama Canal zone so the active-duty guys could do their business, preparing Mr. Noriega for retirement.”

In 1960, Davidson graduated from East Central University in Ada and then began his teaching career.

“At that time in Oklahoma it helped a great deal if a teacher had a secondary job and the National Guard was always my secondary job,” he said.
Davidson taught in Kansas and Oklahoma before becoming an elementary school principal in McAlester.
My calling, I think, in the education business was to be a grade school principal because I loved the kids and I recall my years in grade school, I was afraid of everybody,” he said. “And I felt my job was to make kids realize that the teachers and the school staff were there to make their life better.”

Davidson retired from education at age 51, followed by a brief foray into selling insurance.
He later started a second career as a child development specialist at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant.

“They had a daycare center. I did not know the Army was in the daycare business. So, I went to work there,” he said. “I tell people I went to work for civil service, and I got a $10,000 a year raise because that’s what the difference in the pay I was getting as a grade school principal.”

Davidson worked at the daycare department for three years before transitioning to an employee relations position at the plant before retiring from that post.

Davidson added another job to his resume as a church pastor in Pittsburg County.

“All the churches in Pittsburg County were familiar with me because I went around speaking in different churches with the Gideons,” he said.

Davidson said he began pastoring when a small church in Pittsburg County could not afford a full-time pastor anymore.

“They were looking for a pastor for that little church,” he said. “They wanted to know if I’d come down and help them and fill in on Sundays. It developed into a full-time thing because I stayed there for 12 years.”

After retiring from that, Davidson and his wife of 63 years Mary bought a motor home and started traveling before deciding to move to Edmond to be closer to one of their two sons.

“Our son had a pastor friend who lived here (Villagio of Bradford Village), and he liked it, so we came over and visited him, and that is why it appealed to us. The people are super friendly. As retirement communities go, we are one of the smaller ones, and so that gives us more of a community feel.”

Davidson didn’t abandon his ministerial hat completely after he was selected by an advisory committee as the Villagio of Bradford Village community chaplain.

“We have an advisory committee here made up of the residents and we came home (from seeing family in Michigan) and they said, “By the way, we elected you chaplain.” I said, “Only if you get me a badge.” And so that is where the badge came from. I’ve been the volunteer chaplain here ever since.”

Davidson said what he enjoys most as community chaplain is helping send Christmas cards to Veterans.

“The residents donate Christmas cards signed a lot of times with a little message in it, and we collect them and we distribute them to all seven Veteran centers in Oklahoma,” he said. “And this year there were 1,051 cards that we delivered to the Veterans homes. It makes me feel good because I have friends who were at the Veteran’s home and many of them never have any company. They’re just all but forgotten. It’s just good to show somebody that somebody still cares.” • story by Van Mitchell, staff writer

By Freddy Groves

Veterans who get their medical care from civilian facilities need to keep an eye on what’s coming. In 2026 the contracts (originally signed in 2018) between the VA and community health plan networks are expiring. An RFP (request for proposal) has gone out to solicit new contracts.

Some changes are coming:
The five regions of VA health care are being reduced to two.

The new contracts will require the community providers to follow industry standards, which is shocking. Is that not already included in any contract to provide medical care to veterans?

At this point, 40% of veterans get their care from civilian providers. That will likely increase, as the new plan contracts will open the door for more providers.

Veterans who want to pursue getting medical care at a non-VA facility need to meet eligibility requirements:
• Must be enrolled in VA health care.
• Live in a state with no full-service VA facility.
• The care needed isn’t available through the VA.
• The VA can’t meet quality standards.
• Qualifies under the old Choice Program: a 30-minute drive (or 20-day wait) for VA primary care or 60-minute drive (or 28-day wait) for specialty care.

Remember that the two-step rule changed in 2025, and if your doctor agrees you need to see a civilian doctor, a second doctor doesn’t need to approve it. Depending on the care you need (there are 30 categories of medical care, such as cardiology and dermatology), you’ll likely be approved for one year.

Here’s where you come in, should you choose to do so. If you’re getting civilian care, will their network administrators be putting in a proposal for the next round of contracts? In other words, will you be able to continue getting care there? Do they know the deadline for their proposal is March 16? I would ask. This is part of being proactive in your own care … asking questions.
To learn more about community care, see https://www.va.gov/communitycare/.

Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Petty Officer 2nd Class Ciarra Norris, this story began in Moore, Oklahoma, where skills and values learned there would be foundational to success in the Navy.

“Growing up in Moore taught me a strong sense of resiliency and dedication,” Norris said. “In the Navy, things are always changing, so you have to be prepared. Having resiliency and dedication helps you adapt to constantly changing environments.”

Norris graduated from Moore High School in 2020.

Norris joined the Navy three and a half years ago.

“I felt like I was stuck where I was at,” Norris said. “So, I joined the Navy to get out, meet new people, experience other cultures and have more job satisfaction.”

Today, Norris serves as a naval air crewman (avionics) assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3) in Oklahoma City. Norris supports the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission at Strategic Communications Wing One (STRATCOMMWING ONE). Its “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) mission provides airborne communication links to nuclear missile units of U.S. Strategic Command.

The TACAMO mission originated in 1961 when a Marine Corps aircraft was used to test the feasibility of an airborne Very Low Frequency (VLF) communications system. Once the test was successful, funding for the program was granted, and it has continued to grow ever since.

The U.S. Navy’s presence on an Air Force base in a landlocked state may seem strange, but the position is strategic, allowing squadrons to quickly deploy around the world in support of the TACAMO mission.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

“I am most proud of becoming qualified and a second class petty officer, because it puts me in a better place to help those around me,” Norris said.

Norris serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means endless possibilities for me,” Norris said. “It opens doors that I never even thought were possible.”

Norris is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my mom, dad and grandparents for their endless support in everything I do and for giving me the confidence behind my decisions,” Norris added. • by Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach -Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Johndron

their goals because that gives me a sense of purpose. It also shows that I am a part of something bigger than myself. Seeing others succeed is the best part of the job.”

Long serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means a tremendous amount to me,” Long said. “I didn’t have a lot of opportunities that others have when they graduate high school, and I don’t know what my path would have looked like without the military. I think about that a lot. I know the mindset and skills I have learned because of the military are unmatched.”

Long is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my wife, Marisol, for being there for me when times are hard,” Long. “She has been through lots of deployments and lots of taking care of the kids when I am away. I also want to thank our kids, Emily, Eva and Korra, for all the support they have given me over the years. It has been hard on them, but they always seem to make me laugh and keep me happy throughout the years. I want to thank the Chiefs Mess as well for allowing me to be a part of a world-class brotherhood and sisterhood. Lastly, I want to thank all of the junior sailors who have helped me get to where I am today.” • by Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach -Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Johndro

Governor Kevin Stitt Commends “Oklahoma Veteran News Magazine’s” Purpose

Oklahoma’s first statewide veteran news magazine, now in its eighth month, has received an official commendation from Governor Kevin Stitt for its outstanding service and contributions to the state’s military community. The honor recognizes the magazine’s rapid growth and its commitment to sharing stories and resources vital to Oklahoma’s more than 300,000 veterans and their families.

The launch of the monthly free “Oklahoma Veteran News Magazine” highlights its mission to honor service members and their families. It invites all Oklahomans to support this important effort.

“We encourage citizens to join in celebrating the missions of our five major military installations and supporting our new publication,” Co-publisher Steven Eldredge said. “We are proud to share this free monthly magazine published to increase awareness and support of our service members and our people’s support for them among patriotic Oklahomans.”

Oklahoma takes pride in hosting some of America’s largest and most significant military installations, which serve as regional economic powerhouses and are often the largest local employers.

Altus Air Force Base, Fort Sill, McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, Tinker Air Force Base, and Vance Air Force Base host thousands of service members and their families. They all employ thousands of patriotic civilian Oklahomans and play a vital role in national defense.

Oklahoma’s National Guard, Reserves, and their civilian workers also support our military’s important role in keeping our country free.

The publishers say this new magazine will aim to strengthen pride and unity among all Oklahomans by highlighting the state’s values and priorities for its military community as the Oklahoma Standard.

Oklahoma’s Patriots, stationed at these installations, have a significant impact on the economy and community. Their contributions, including job creation, business partnerships, and infrastructure development, are a source of pride for the state.

“Oklahoma Veteran News Magazine” seeks to elevate awareness and respect for veterans’ service in Oklahoma and to highlight how our state offers nationally ranked tax benefits to veterans who retire here, honoring their sacrifices while defending American freedoms.

By helping to connect veterans with resources, the “Oklahoma Veteran News Magazine” aims to inspire community engagement. It does this by sharing stories of veteran achievements and providing updates on benefits and services.

The publication acts as an important platform to raise awareness of veteran businesses in our communities. It showcases these businesses so other veterans can recognize them as vital resources, thereby boosting the state’s support for its military community.

As its statewide distribution continues to grow, this magazine will become a vital part of the state’s identity and its dedication to the military community. It strives to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of all Oklahoma veterans and their families.

Co-publishers Steven Eldridge and Steve Sibley encourage Oklahomans to support the publication through subscriptions and article submissions. They ask everyone to share it with veterans in their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and collective pride.

“This magazine will honor the men and women who have taken the oath to defend America in our great state and their families,” Eldridge said. “We are proud to provide this free public service. Our goal is to raise public awareness and respect for our service men and women, ensuring their sacrifices are recognized and celebrated across Oklahoma and the world.” • story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

SPECIAL NOTE: Without the support of our veteran-friendly businesses below, we could not publish this magazine. Please be sure to reach out and thank them for supporting Oklahoma Veterans.

• Nerve Renewal Group
• Synergy Home Care
• Belmont Cove
• Villagio Senior Living
• Sibley Insures
• Seniors Helpers
• KW Real Estate Planner
• Cornerstone Home Health
• Brightstar Care
• Help for Veterans
• Saint Ann Assisted & Independent Living
• Brazito Coins & Collectibles
• D-Dent
• Bravo Roofing
• Oklahoma Veterans United
• SNU Veteran Center
• Navigating Medicare
• Excell Private Care Services
• Visiting Angels
• Miller Hospice
• OK Tobacco Settlement
• Endowment Trust
• Grace Home Care
• Oklahoma Military
Heritage Foundation
• Homewell Care Services
• Jimmy’s Egg Restaurants
• English Village Skilled Nursing &
Therapy – Altus, OK
• River Valley Skilled Nursing and Therapy – Clinton, OK
• The Fairmont Skilled Nursing & Therapy – Oklahoma City, OK
• Kingwood Skilled Nursing & Therapy – NE Oklahoma City, OK
• The Ambassador Skilled Nursing & Therapy – Tulsa, OK
• University Park Skilled Nursing & Therapy – Tahlequah, OK

Cannon Roar, Infantry Charge

Boom! Boom! The ground shook as Union and Confederate howitzers volleyed across the battlefield. Smoke rose while 2,000 spectators filmed or covered their ears. Children cried. The Reenactment of the Engagement at Honey Springs, July 17, 1863, had begun.

Six Confederate cannon fired in sequence. Four Union cannon answered. Amidst the smoke, Confederate cavalry flanked left, sabers in hand, while rebel infantry in grey wool uniforms emerged from the woods. At the midpoint of the battle, they spread into two, 20-man lines and advanced toward the Yankee line, believing they were retreating.

“Yee-haw! Yip-Yip!” Johnny Reb yelled, firing at two infantry squares of 25 Union soldiers standing about 50 feet apart. Two men in blue fell. But Billy Yank held firm and in the actual battle, fired back – just as reenactors did on November 7 and 8. In disciplined turns, the Union squares fired volleys at the rebel line 150 feet ahead. The left column fired – three men in grey dropped. The right column fired – two more grey men fell.

Then, Northern Army cannon thundered, covering the Yankees’ advance. The Graybacks retreated across Elk Creek. A narrator explained each step of the battle, which took place on part of the actual battlefield, for onlookers.

Diverse participants

Historical Society information says the combatants in 1863 came from the 1st Division, Army of the Frontier (USA), commanded by Maj. Gen. James Blunt and the Confederate Indian Brigade led by Brig. Gen. Douglas Cooper. They included “American Indians, veteran Texas regiments, and the First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment (the first African American Regiment to see combat in the entire Civil War)…Cooper reported his losses as 134 killed and wounded, with 47 taken prisoner. Blunt reported his losses as 17 killed and 60 wounded.”

Outcome

The Union victory ensured federal control of Fort Gibson in Indian Territory and Fort Smith in Arkansas. However, American Indians in Indian Territory were devastated. The Historical Society estimates between 11-24 percent of tribal members died and after the war, tribes were forced to sign treaties with the U.S. government that made them give up or sell much of their land.

Rest and Relaxation

After the reenacted battle, blue and grey cavalry soldiers allowed children to pet their horses. Attendees and reenactors lined up at food trucks, although it was startling to see Union and Confederate soldiers eating hot dogs and tacos together.
Nearby, Sutler Row businesses sold books, wooden guns, games, and reproductions of 19th Century household items. Demonstrations included laundresses, a piper, and sanitation methods. Union and Confederate camps housed reenactors and their families over the weekend, adding authenticity to the event.

Molly Hutchins, Site Director, estimated 2,500 school children attended Education Day, Nov. 6, and 5,000 came for the two reenactments. She said 300 reenactors from 10 states participated.

Educating Visitors

Trait Thompson, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, explained the purpose of the reenactment is “to give our visitors a better understanding of the Civil War in the Indian Territory.” Asked what he hopes people take away from attending, he replied, “Understanding a little bit more about the people that fought here, the reasons they fought and how the battle may have looked. It’s always good when you can match fun and education together.”

Reenactors Voices

For many participants, reenacting is a passion. “I love history. That’s why I do this,” said Sean Mize of Edmond, a Confederate cannoneer. Union soldier Preston Ulrich of Moberly, Missouri, has been reenacting since age 13. Now 17, he participates 6 to 8 times a year with his father. “I think it’s fun. It’s a good way to escape modern life. It lets us dip into what our ancestors did.” For Colleen Jefferson of Ft. Worth, “I think this conflict is the defining conflict for the nation because it challenges our beliefs about our founding principles.” Jefferson has been reenacting for 14 years.

About the Battlefield

Oklahoma’s Historical Society owns and manages the 1,100 acres of the Honey Springs Battlefield east of U.S. Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville, Oklahoma. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2013. The Society hosts and schedules the reenactment every two years. Planning takes a full year, with support from organizations such as the Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield, a 501(c)(3).

Four monuments list the fighting units involved. Please visit the museum to understand the battle. It has a gift shop and two main rooms. One room offers recorded messages on telephones from dairies and papers of participants and mannequins in period uniforms and weapons. The second displays maps of the engagement, explanations and a replica supply wagon. A few artifacts recovered from the battlefield like minie bullets, lead and canister balls, and camp equipment, are on display.

On one telephone recording, the voice of Col. James Williams, Commander of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry recounted events. “…I moved my regiment… loaded and bayonets fixed under sharp fire, to within 40 paces of the rebel line, without firing a shot, then halted and poured into their ranks a well-directed volley of buck and ball…which sent them to grass…which they never recovered.”

Largest Civil War Battle in Indian Territory

Hutchins emphasized the site’s importance: “We’re the site of the largest Civil War battle fought in Indian Territory…We are also known as one of the most culturally diverse battles in the entire Civil War. Preservation of our site is important for those reasons. We are dedicated to sharing the history of the (battle) and honoring the men who fought here.” •
• Story by Retired Lt. Col. Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFER. See Rich Travel Niche

To learn more, visit https://www.okhistory.org/sites/honeysprings.