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/.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Ciarra Norris is a naval air crewman (avionics) assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3) in Oklahoma City.
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
Chief Petty Officer Bobby Long serves as a Navy counselor in Oklahoma City.
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
A Confederate soldier shoots at the Union forces during the Reenacted Battle of Honey Springs in November.
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.
Katie Panaro-Kish of Jacksonville, Arkansas, is dressed in an authentic 1800s Tea Dress. It’s her third reenactment at Honey Springs.
“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.
Artillery firing at a Honey Springs Battlefield Reenactment. Photo by Honey Springs Historical Site.
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
A modern-day U.S. Air Force female officaer pilot smiles in satisfaction after successfully completing a mission.
In keeping with our new mission to bring Oklahoma veteran news to life, we are only now celebrating the installation and unveiling of the most important military tribute statues ever created by an Oklahoman for Oklahomans. On Veterans Day in 2021, Luther sculptor Joel Randell unveiled his bronze composition, “NSU Veterans: Serving and Communicating through the Decades,” becoming the most visually detailed and robust tribute to military service ever in Oklahoma, located in Tahlequah.
“The complexity of Randell’s tour de force is more than most sculptors will ever achieve in a lifetime if you add up many of their most important military statues,” said former CSU art professor Bob Palmer, Oklahoma’s most viewed muralist. “For one sculptor to bring so many heroic-sized figurative bronzes to life in one setting is the pinnacle of a once-in-a-generation sculpting effort.”
Five bronze soldiers, each representing a branch of America’s military, encircle a larger-than-life statue of a lady symbolizing the home front. She holds a large American flag and a lantern held high to light their way home.
The larger-than-life bronze monument, depicting service members from all branches of the military, graces a plaza on the east side of Seminary Hall on Northeastern State University’s Tahlequah campus.
Two years in the making, following the initial prototype’s approval, the five bronze military figures are a testament to the involvement of many NSU students and community members in support of America’s military mission. The five bronze soldiers representing the military services surround a larger-than-life Lady Liberty, holding a large American flag and a lantern aloft to guide them home.
The Army is depicted by a Cherokee Code Talker from World War I, who sits and provides cryptic communication on the front lines of battle. NSU is the location of the original Cherokee Female Seminary, and Tahlequah remains the capital of the Cherokee Nation.
“We know the Cherokee Nation has a prominent place here in Tahlequah and at NSU. What their soldiers did in World War I was an incredible new effort to help save American lives,” Randell said at the unveiling in 2021. “Many know about World War II Code Talkers, but it was the Cherokee and Choctaw patriots who led that effort initially in their war.”
The Navy is represented by a catapult officer, better known as a “shooter,” who signals when a pilot should take off from a carrier’s flight deck.
A U.S. Marine is seen as a soldier from the Vietnam War wading through a flooded rice paddy while using his hand to signal to fellow soldiers.
The Air Force is depicted by a modern-day female officer pilot holding her flight helmet who successfully completed another mission.
“Incidentally, she would be the highest-ranking person in this composition. She is stepping off the world stage having finished a successful flight, with the satisfaction of a job well done,” Randell said.
The U.S. Coast Guard rescue crewman stretches his arms along a helicopter cable in a heroic effort to save someone in peril at sea.
Elevated in the middle stands a woman who represents the families back home. She is holding a lantern aloft, with a large, colorful American flag billowing in the wind. The lantern has a light feature that emits an amber glow at night.
“Lady Liberty is holding a lantern aloft, effectively shining the way home for those who are scattered abroad. She is standing on a representation I call a semi-globe representation of the Earth,” Randell said. “With her right foot, she is ‘standing’ on Tahlequah so those who see her can remember where home is.”
The two-foot-tall globe at the center of the monument, which all the figures are touching, shows how American veterans have served wherever they were needed around the world. The names of the branches of the services are etched low on the globe behind each service member to help viewers connect with their role in serving.
The artist titled the sculpture “NSU Veterans: Serving and Communicating through the Decades” because each figure uses their body to communicate, whether through a radio, a light, or an arm gesture.
“Lady Liberty’s light is something I’ve never done in a sculpture before. And quite frankly, I don’t know of too many sculptures that go to that length to have an internal lighting system,” Randell said. “It reminds you of a warm fire, and that’s what our service men and women think of, warm thoughts of being back at home.” The innovative lighting system adds a touch of warmth and nostalgia to the sculpture at night, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
In addition to the flag, the artist placed a triangular logo representing the Space Force, the newest branch of the military, at the top of the flagpole to round out the depiction of American forces.
“I knew that we needed a topper for our flag, right up there,” Randall said. “I looked at the Space Force logo since it is a triangle shape in front of a globe. I think it makes sense at the top. I imagine it in this setting as a communication satellite.”
NSU President Steve Turner praised the monument in 2021, expressing his pride in the new addition to the campus and its proximity to the historic Seminary Hall. “I can’t think of a better place for it to be, adjacent to historic Seminary Hall,” Turner said.
NSU has been recognized as a military-friendly campus. It is also a veteran employer champion and a proud part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Yellow Ribbon campaign.
It offers comprehensive services for veterans and their families. Resources include a dedicated Office of Veterans Services to assist with educational benefits, a veterans’ lounge, credit for military service, and flexible online learning options. The university helps veterans maximize benefits, complete degrees, and transition to civilian careers.
Randell, 51, is nationally renowned for his patriotic bronze statues, particularly veteran-themed monuments. His prominent works also include the large bronze inclusive Women’s Veterans Monument of similar complexity in Del City, Okla., honoring women service members from each service.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in art education from the University of Central Oklahoma, studying figurative sculpture in bronze with David L. Phelps. After college, he completed his traditional sculpting apprenticeship with Shan Gray.
“The NSU Veterans Monument was a dream come true project,” Randell said recently in an interview. “NSU afforded me a robust budget, allowing me to include all branches of service, various wars and conflicts, while honoring both men and women in a glorious tribute to veterans. At 110 percent life-size, it was heroic size but not overwhelming. With the figures rising from the globe at different points, it is a visual feast from every angle. I am proud this sculpture captures the actions of serving in the military during both peace and war.” • story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor
Garth and Terra Peterson with a replica of Anthony’s highway sign.
Have you seen those memorial highway signs with names and military ranks on them along the interstates in the Tulsa area? Have you wondered about the person named on those signs? One such sign is on Interstate 169 at 76th and 86th Streets in the north and southbound lanes in Owasso. It says “SGT Anthony Del Mar Peterson Memorial Highway.” Who is SGT Anthony Del Mar Peterson and why does he have a sign? I will start at the end of the story and then go back to the beginning.
SGT Anthony Peterson served in the Oklahoma National Guard. He was killed in action while serving in the Zurmat district, Paktya province, Afghanistan on August 4th, 2011. He was 24 and on his second deployment. He is survived by his parents Garth and Terra, two siblings, a son and numerous other family and friends.
Larger than life picture of their son Anthony.
I met with Anthony’s parents to learn more about who he was.
Anthony was athletic, loved the outdoors and was always training for something. Despite being a protective big brother, he also liked teasing his siblings. He once tied both of them up and hid them in a closet telling them they needed to learn how to escape in case they were ever captured. When his parents talked to him about it afterwards, he said he was just training them.
Both of his grandfathers and an uncle served in the military, however, they aren’t what influenced him to join. When he was in kindergarten, the family lived in California close to Mather Air Force Base. His mother Terra reminisced about them seeing men jumping out of a Blackhawk helicopter and young Anthony watching with big eyes and stating that’s what he wanted to do when he grew up. His compassion for the military would deepen after the events of September 11, 2001 which drew him to sign up for the military using the delayed entry program. He was so proud, he wore his uniform to his graduation ceremony. Anthony’s father believes he also knew that his parents couldn’t afford to send him to college so joining the military would take that burden off of them.
After his 2005 graduation from Chelsea High School, Anthony volunteered for his first deployment. During that time he was notified that his ex-girlfriend had a son and he was the father. As soon as he came back from that deployment he was an instant father as his son was already under his parents guardianship and living with them. The most important things in his life were God, family and country. His favorite quote was, “Come home with your shield or on it.” In the Spartan world where this quote comes from, to come home without your shield is a sign of cowardice. To come home on your shield (dead) is a sign of honor, meaning you fought til the death.
Garth and Terra Peterson are proud of the man Anthony became and are grateful for the time they had with him. They raised his son, who is now almost twenty years old and is an aspiring music producer. From the time that his dad was killed, he was taught that he had gone to be with God. His memories were kept alive through sharing what was in their hearts, by honoring his life and remembering his sacrifice.
The Peterson’s love seeing their son’s name on a highway sign and hope that it will serve as a reminder to the thousands who drive past it daily to appreciate our freedom and raise awareness about the families who have paid the ultimate price for it. They admit that their own awareness about such sacrifices and the meaning of Memorial Day and Veterans Day grew deeper when they lost Anthony. They encourage people to look up the name of those listed on the highway signs and learn about who they were.
I asked what they would say if they could say anything to Anthony. They agreed they would tell him they loved him and how grateful they are that God lent him to them. I asked what they thought he might say to them. Dad said he would say, “I love you.” Mom said he would say, “Good job, Mom. You did exactly what I wanted you to do.”
Garth and Terra have never lost their faith in God. They remain grateful for the twenty-four years they had with Anthony and for the gift of being able to raise his son.
SGT Anthony Del Mar Peterson is laid to rest at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery. • story and photos by Jill Stephenson, mother of a fallen soldier.
