The OKC VAHCS relaunched the Medical Foster Home (MFH) program in 2023. The MFH program partners with caregivers in the community who are interested in welcoming Veterans to live with them in their private, residential home. The caregiver provides 24-hour care to the Veteran, who otherwise is no longer able to live independently in their own home.
The first MFH opened in October 2023, appropriately called House of Heroes. This home is now serving all female Veterans and providing these women a safe home with 24-hour care and without it, they may have otherwise been forced to transition into an institutional setting.
“What is beautiful about this House of Heroes home is that women from different life experiences and backgrounds have come together to support one another and because of this, our Veterans are being cared for in the most honorable way,” said Lindsey Altmiller-Hester, OKC VAHCS Medical Foster Home Coordinator. “Seeing our Veterans thrive in a home, enjoying things that are important to them, and having their needs met, that is why I do this.”
The first home consists of an all women team of Caregivers, they support the other Caregivers in the program by providing various health care support services to team members and all are working together to serve our Veterans who served. Often female Veterans can feel overlooked and put into situations and programs in-between male Veterans. This unique all-female home provides a place to feel comfortable, thrive and their healthcare needs are molded to their unique challenges.
The House of Heroes has cared for a Veteran that was once sleeping on the streets and is now thriving in their own bedroom and enjoying being supported by someone who cares about their wellbeing, has compassion and empathy to their situation. These Veterans’ health care needs are supported by the OKC VAHCS Home Based Primary Care (HBPC).
HBPC is a unique program that brings primary care to a Veteran in their home, including the MFH.
“It has been really rewarding to watch her transformation as she is getting the care she needs, the follow-up and continuity of care she needs” said Dr. Calli Landes, APRN. “She has this whole village of people in the MFH and with HBPC caring for her health and mental health. I think it helps her relax and feel safe and cared for.”
Dr. Landes shared that Veteran’s and families are often thankful for the care they receive in HBPC. HBPC is truly carrying out President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors. MFH and HBPC is a unique partnership to provide care for these Veterans.
“As coordinator of this program, we have an obligation to find the right match. The MFH Coordinator finds a caregiver, either male or female, in the community who is willing to take a Veteran into their private/residential home, provide 24-hour supervision, and as needed, personal assistance with day-to-day tasks. MFH follows CRC requirements for oversight, recruitment, and inspection of these homes that we are placing our Veterans.” Altmiller-Hester said, “These factors facilitate matching suitable MFHs with the greater complexity of these Veterans, achieving safe and therapeutic care in a small personal home setting. MFH provides an alternative to a nursing home, in a person’s home and a benefit is that it is at less than half the cost of institutional care.”
OKC VA HCS has sites in both OKC and Lawton and seeking caregivers who may be interested in welcoming a Veteran to live with them and provide that Veteran with 24-hour care. With an emphasis on supporting our Veterans in their communities, OKC VA is moving forward and aggressively seeking homes willing to foster our aging Veterans during this stage in their lives. This program aligns with the VA Secretary McDonough’s support for home care options for aging Veterans and OKC VA has relaunched this project to support this initiative and give qualified Veterans options to traditional nursing homes.
Interested caregivers can call the OKC VA MFH coordinator at 405-456-5484 or 405-208-9498 or email lindsey.altmiller-hester@va.gov.
For more information about geriatrics and extended care, please click the link below or visit the VA website
https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/ or visit https://www.va.gov/.

On Friday, 21 June and Saturday, 22 June, the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (OKC VA HCS) partners with resources to kick-off the Summer PACT Act VET-Fest. This 2-day event will bring Norman-area Veterans resources and provide eligible Veterans and family members VA healthcare education, toxic exposure screening and an understanding of what the VA healthcare can offer and assisting Veterans with the VA benefits processes.
The full name of the recent legislation passed is called the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act and was signed into law on August 10, 2022. The PACT Act is one of the largest expansions of Veteran health care programs and benefits. The PACT Act will benefit millions of Veterans spanning generations of service members from World War II, Vietnam, Gulf War and more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. If you served between conflicts, don’t be afraid to come in and find out if you qualify. While serving, if Veterans were exposed to toxins (such as agent orange, burn pits, burning oil fields, asbestos, etc.), they-and their survivors-should qualify for benefits.
The OKC VA is hosting this 2-day Summer VET Fest to roll out PACT Act resources and provide VA assistance such as eligibility teams, VA ID Cards, medical experts to provide toxic exposure screening (TES), file claims with the Muskogee Benefits Office, or with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs or other Veteran Service Organizations present.
On Friday, 21 June and Saturday, 22 June, 2024, Norman-area Veterans are encouraged to come to the Norman Reserve Center, located at 4000 Thunderbird Street, Norman, OK, 73069 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. If you are unable to attend, please stay connected to the OKC VA Facebook page to stay plugged into the upcoming PACT Act events. If you are a Veteran in the Oklahoma City catchment area and you cannot attend the Norman, OK event, don’t worry, the OKC VA has multiple PACT Act Community Engagements throughout the year. If you can’t make this event, come out to one of our outreach events near you. The OKC VA wants to help Veterans get started in their VA healthcare journey and the Veterans Benefits Association wants to help you file claims. You don’t want to miss out on the PACT Act assistance before it is too late.

AARP Oklahoma presented House Majority Leader Tammy West (R—District 84) and Senate Appropriations Chairman Roger Thompson (R—District 8) with the 2024 Champion for Family Caregivers Award at the Capitol on Monday. Leader West and Senator Thompson were recognized for their leadership in improving the lives of older Oklahomans and championing the Caring for Caregivers Act, which created a state tax credit for Oklahoma family caregivers up to $3,000.
“The Caring for Caregivers Act helps offset costs and helps keep spouses, aging parents, or other loved ones at home instead of in costly taxpayer-funded nursing homes,” said AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl.
According to AARP’s Valuing the Invaluable report, Oklahoma’s 490,000 family caregivers provide a staggering $6.6 billion in unpaid care.
“While caregiving is decidedly a labor of love, it also has a real financial cost,” Voskuhl said. “Leader West and Senator Thompson understand the sacrifices family caregivers make and fought for the nation’s first comprehensive tax credit for family caregivers.”
Family caregivers spend about 20 percent of their income caring for their loved ones— more than $7,200 annually. Visit aarp.org/OKCaregiverTaxCredit

Daily Living Centers Celebrates 50 Years!

To Our Incredible DLC Community,

2024 marks the celebration of Daily Living Centers’ 50th anniversary. For the past 50 years, we have served vulnerable adults with life saving adult day services, and provided crucial respite to their caregivers. As a nonprofit organization, we are able to meet these needs because of the support of our community. Our incredible community partners, caregivers, donors, volunteers, staff, and board have changed the lives of those that we serve.
For our 50th anniversary, we are asking for one-time donations of $50. You would be surprised at just how much impact will be made by your $50 gift.
Examples of what your $50 donation can provide: • 5 Showers • 10 Individualized Activities • 2 Cooking Classes • 6 Door to Door Transportation Trips • 10 Meals • And More!
Below is a link to donate to Daily Living Centers in celebration of our 50th anniversary. All donations are tax deductible. Checks can be mailed to: PO Box 608 Bethany, OK 73008.
We are so thankful for your support.

Metropolitan Library System has been selected through a competitive application process to participate in NASA @ My Library, an education initiative created to increase and enhance STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning opportunities for library patrons throughout the nation, including geographic areas with high Latinx populations. Selected libraries receive bilingual (Spanish/English) solar science kits that include a telescope, hands-on activities, and culturally relevant resources; access to NASA subject matter experts for programs; and multiple opportunities for training and support.
Gloria Melchor, a librarian at Capitol Hill Library, applied to this program on behalf of Metropolitan Library System, and the library system was selected as one of 49 national awardees to receive these solar science kits.
As a NASA @ My Library Partner, Metropolitan Library System will receive a kit that contains items such as a 4.5” Dobsonian telescope with solar observing add-on. The Dobsonian telescope provides views of celestial objects like galaxies and nebulae and is a popular choice among astronomers. It also includes two Sunspotters, which use lenses and mirrors to show a projection of the sun’s image so you can safely look at the sun. Included as well is a STEM activity kit based on the children’s book “Moonbear’s Shadow,” designed for grades Pre-K-1st Grade, exploring the concept of shadows. Using the kit, children engage in activities inspired by the book’s storyline, using flashlights and props to model scenes and understand the interplay between light, shadows, and the sun’s movement. The kit includes detailed instructions, materials for six groups, flashlights, felt mats and ponds, bear figures, Kirigami trees, a concept card, and a copy of the book.
These resources, along with support by the NASA @ My Library team, will enable Metro Library to conduct cutting-edge NASA STEAM programming and activities. NASA @ My Library will create compelling learning experiences for Metro Library’s community and share the story, science and adventure of NASA’s scientific explorations of planet Earth, our solar system and the universe beyond.
Upcoming events will feature these items like the following:
Moonbear Shadow Storytime April 3 from 4:15pm-5:00pm at Capitol Hill Library (327 SW 27th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73109). This storytime is centered around the story of “Moonbear’s Shadow,” and will delve into the creation of shadows, explaining how they form when an object obstructs light from reaching a surface, among other related concepts.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party April 8th from 1:00pm-8:00pm at Capitol Hill Library (327 SW 27th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73109). The total solar eclipse will grace Oklahoma on April 8, 2024, commencing at 1:44 pm CDT, with the Moon’s shadow finally departing the state at 1:51 pm CDT. In case you don’t have Solar Eclipse Glasses, join the Capitol Hill Library during their Eclipse viewing party, where attendees can take turns observing the Solar Eclipse through the Dobsonian telescope and Sunspotters. While awaiting your turn, engage in Eclipse-themed activities with fellow participants. No registration is required, and all ages are welcome.
“The group of libraries participating in this program really embodies the changes we’ve been seeing over the past two decades in the library field,” Project Director Anne Holland said. “Programs for diverse patrons, opportunities for teen engagement, and making cutting-edge science relevant for their patrons are just some of the ways this group stands out.”
Other passive activities include a drawing at Capitol Hill Library that offers a chance to win a science and solar-themed book in either English or Spanish. This is just the start of events and programs to develop from the new opportunity.
NASA @ My Library is offered by the National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) at the Space Science Institute (SSI) in partnership with the ALA Public Programs Office, Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) and Education Development Center (EDC). This material is based upon work supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under cooperative agreement No. NNX16AE30A. This work was also assisted and supported by the Space Science Institute, which was the recipient of the cooperative agreement. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASA or the Space Science Institute.
About Metropolitan Library System: The Metropolitan Library System provides library services for more than 800,000 residents of Oklahoma County. We have 19 physical locations as well as 24/7 access to our digital resources as metrolibrary.org.
Additional Contact : Zoe Travers, Internal Communications Coordinator, (405) 606-3751,
zoe.travers@metrolibrary.org.

Forrest Landis

(Right) 100 years old. WWII Veteran Forrest Landis of Tulsa joined the Navy right out of high school. His ship the SS Kendrick, a destroyer, was hit by a torpedo in the Mediterranean Sea & returned to the US for repair. He was awarded several Medals. He worked as a research chemist until his retirement.

Barbee Ann Brown

(Left) 100 years old. Barbee Ann Brown of Tulsa celebrated with lots of family and friends. Barbee and her husband Jack married on her birthday in 1943. She attended Will Rogers High School and the University of Tulsa. Barbee has been a member of Memorial Baptist Church for 68 years and PEO service group for over 50 years!

Bill Lavel Stanfield

(Right) 100 years old. Bill Lavel Stanfield of Tulsa was born February 29, 1924. He enlisted in the Army at age 16 & served in WWII, Korea & Vietnam with the Company A-160th Engineer Combat Platoon. During WWII, he served in the Pacific Theatre, Hawaii, European Theatre, France and Germany & England, Normandy.

Sidney Horn

(Right) 100 years old. Sidney Horn of Sand Springs will be 101 on May 10 so we celebrated today and honored her as a Centenarian! She wore one of her special hats. Sidney told me she once had a collection of about 30 hats and wore one every Sunday to church.

If you know of a Centenarian you would like to honor visit Centenarians of Oklahoma
https://centenariansok.com/

by Jake Strickbine

A firefighter injured battling recent firefighters took his next step toward full recovery today as he is discharged from Valir Rehabilitation Hospital in Oklahoma City.
Ronald Vasquez II, 21, was cheered by hospital staff and members of the Oklahoma City Fire Department as he left the hospital this morning.
“We are so proud to have been able to assist Mr. Vasquez on the road to recovery,” said Marni Leahy, Vice President, People and Culture at Valir Health. “He has a lot of work ahead of him, but he is highly motivated, works hard and remains determined to return to firefighting. We are excited to watch his continued progress toward that goal.”
Vasquez was all smiles as he left Valir Rehabilitation hospital and received a handshake from each Oklahoma City firefighter present.
“He got injured fighting the wildfires last month and like I said, for us, it is a privilege to be here, show him support, show him that we’re there for him and to honor him for the work that he did in serving Oklahoma,” said Capt. John Chenoweth, assistant public information officer for the Oklahoma City Fire Department and among those on hand to wish Vasquez well as he left the rehabilitation hospital.
Vasquez, who suffered a fractured pelvis in the accident several weeks ago, remains in a wheelchair as he is not yet able to put weight on his legs. When he first started therapy at Valir, Vasquez says he was surprised at how much strength he had lost in his muscles.
“I lifted my leg and put it back down and they just started quivering. And that’s something I’ve never had happen. It shocked me at first,” Vasquez said. “But they explained to me what it was and why it’s happening. And that’s just my goal – to try and get stronger every day now.”
He has done just that, working hard with the team at Valir Rehabilitation Hospital to build strength, especially in his upper body and core.
“Early on, we did a lot of mobility work bedside and then activities of daily living, like getting dressed again without putting weight through the legs. Lots of strength exercises. He’s going to have to have really strong shoulders to help him move without standing or pivoting just yet,” explained Rebecca Henry, OT, a member of Vasquez’s therapy team at Valir. “He’s been an absolute dream patient. He’s motivated and very focused on his goals. He’s going to push himself and he’s not going to give up.”
Vasquez, a firefighter with the Greenleaf Volunteer Fire Department in rural Oklahoma, was injured when the brush pumper on which he was riding collided with a tanker in hazy, smokey conditions while fighting recent wildfires in Oklahoma. He sustained a broken pelvis and underwent surgery at a local hospital before coming to Valir Rehabilitation Hospital for therapy.
“I knew that I’d have to put in a little bit of work, but not near this much,” Vasquez said. “I’m glad they push me and want me to give them my best. And that’s all I strive to give them.”
The next stop on his road to recovery is home and outpatient therapy. It will still be several more weeks until Vasquez is able to put weight on his legs.
“It’s a long road, but it’s going to be well worth it,” Vasquez added.
Prior to the accident, Vasquez was working toward a goal of becoming a full-time firefighter with the Alva Fire Department. Alva Fire Chief Brian Miller and Oklahoma City Fire Chief Richard Kelley worked together to ensure the young man had a proper fire department send off today.
Vasquez says the accident, the care he received in the field and from the team of medical professionals and therapists in Oklahoma City, and the support he’s gotten from his firefighting colleagues, friends, family and community have only strengthened his desire to be a full-time firefighter.
“It’s inspired me,” Vasquez said with his trademark smile. “You get a different perspective because you know what’s going to happen. But then being the victim and seeing it all play out. I mean everybody’s running around, but they know what job they have to do and they’re all working to get the same thing done. It’s like a well-oiled machine. I want to be a cog in that machine.”
A fund has been established to help with the young man’s medical expenses. Donations may be sent to: The Ron Vasquez II Love Fund, Alva State Bank, 518 College Avenue, Alva, OK 73717

story and photo by James Coburn, Staff Writer

Iris Memory Care is proud to be the premier home-like Assisted Living Community in Oklahoma City to specialize in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care. At Iris Memory Care, they believe that their expertise and specialized knowledge of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia combined with their heartfelt compassion creates the best quality of life for loved ones. From the moment of walking through their front door, you’ll feel like you’re in a single-family home complete with familiar sights, soothing sounds, and homey aromas, providing an easier transition for your loved one. For respite care, short-term stays, or long-term stays, Iris Memory Care welcomes you and your loved one with compassion, dignity, and all the comforts of home.
Suzy Masters, LPN takes pride in her work at Iris Memory Care. She wears many hats as she oversees the CMA’s and the residents. “I adore my position here. It is my compassion, radiating a warmth that embraces all who enter. I am truly blessed with an exceptional team, each member possessing their own unique strengths,” Suzy remarked.
Suzy upholds high standards for her caregivers at Iris Memory Care. “I am impressed by the exceptional qualities each caregiver brings to our community,” she notes. “Their respect for our residents combined with their hard work and positive attitude, ensures a nurturing enviroment where everyone feels valued and at ease.” Suzy takes pride in maintaining Iris Memory Care as a comfortable home for residents, knowing the peace of mind it brings to the families. “It’s incredibly gratifying to witness the positive impact we have on their lives,” she added.
Growing up in Denison, Texas, Suzy began her nursing journey at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas. Later, relocating to Oklahoma, Suzy’s decision to pursue nursing stemmed from a deeply personal experience. “When I was just 8 years old, my father was involved in a motorcycle accident that changed our lives,” she recalls. “Spending countless hours at the hospital, witnessing the care and the compassion provided by the nurses, they became my heroes. Despite the tragedy of my father’s passing at the age of 11, I was inspired by the nurses’ dedication to healing and helping others. From that moment I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps and make a difference in people’s lives, even at a young age,” Suzy reflected.
Iris Memory Care proudly operates 4 thriving locations in Oklahoma; Edmond, Northwest OKC, Southwest OKC and Nichols Hills. “We currently have forty-two cherished residents calling our community home. Our dedicated caregivers pour their hearts into providing top-notch care tailored to each individual. As we build strong bonds with our residents, we strive to create a family like atmosphere, with deep connections that grow with each passing day. Whether our residents have been with us for years or are new arrivals we ensure their days are filled with engaging activities, and we make every holiday a memorable celebration. Welcoming family and visitors is a cherished part of our daily routine, enhancing the warmth and vibrant of our community.”
Suzy expressed deep affection for her job, emphasizing how much she enjoys every moment spent with the residents. “I eagerly anticipate each workday, knowing that I’ll have the opportunity to engage with the residents. Listening to their stories, witnessing their smiles and sharing in their joy fills me with a profound sense of fulfillment. It’s an exchange of care and compassion that enriches both their lives and mine,” Suzy explained.
When asked for advice for those considering a career in the medical field, Suzy emphasized the importance of a genuine desire and compassion for others. “Its crucial to have a true compassion for making a difference in people’s lives,” she noted. “Starting at the ground level as a CNA for a few years can provide invaluable insight into whether this path is right for you. Let this guide your decision about pursuing further education in nursing. Entering nursing school can open up a world of opportunities for growth and exploration,” Suzy advised, her work reflecting both wisdom and encouragement for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Outside of work, Suzy enjoys spending quality time with her husband and 3 grown children.

For more information about Iris Memory Care visit https://www.irisseniorliving.com/.

The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will host a family-friendly seed swap and other activities on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to celebrate Earth Day, which is on April 22. “Something to Grow About” will feature a native plant swap, seed buffet and gardening activities.
Guests can bring labeled seeds and plants for the swap. They will learn about and take home native pollinator plants and seeds. Other activities include building a plant press, discovering natural plant dyes, and learning about soil types and planting techniques. There will be a coloring and craft table for kids. The event will also include contests for bug, bird and bat houses.
Visitors can spend the day on the 500-acre grounds that include Pawnee Bill and his wife May’s 14-room mansion, the original ranch blacksmith shop, a 1903 log cabin, a large barn built in 1926, covered picnic tables and a fishing pond for kids. Guests can also drive through the pasture that’s home to dozens of bison and longhorns. The ranch is also home to two draft horses, Dexter and Dallas, who arrived in Oklahoma in January.
“Something to Grow About” is free to attend, but guests must pay admission to tour the mansion.
The event is sponsored by the Gardens on Blue Hawk Peak, Pawnee Seed Preservation Society, Pawnee Nation Agriculture and the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum.
For more information, please call the ranch at 918-762-2513. The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is located at 1141 Pawnee Bill Rd. in Pawnee. Visit PawneeBillRanch.org for hours of operation and admission prices.

Stephanie Clements has joined Mercy as vice president and chief nursing officer at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City. She will also serve as community chief nursing officer with strategic oversight over nursing at Mercy hospitals across Oklahoma.
Nearly 2,400 nursing co-workers serve in Mercy facilities across Oklahoma, which represents 32% of Mercy’s workforce in the Sooner State.
“We are really excited to welcome Stephanie to this important role because of her clear connection to our mission and Mercy heritage and her strong background in helping organizations excel,” said Betty Jo Rocchio, chief nurse executive at Mercy. “She brings the lens of an evidence-based bedside nurse into every operational and strategic decision she makes.”
Clements comes to Mercy from Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas where she previously served as CEO and chief nursing officer.
Clements began her career in health care as a registered nurse and worked in a variety of medical specialties including labor and delivery, outpatient infusion, perioperative services, neonatal intensive care unit and medical surgical nursing. She has held every nursing position from floor nurse to charge nurse, and house supervisor to unit manager.
“The future is bright for health care in Oklahoma, and I am grateful to join Mercy at such an exciting time,” said Clements. “I’m so impressed with our Mercy nurses and their dedication to excellence. They are committed to delivering high quality care while also thinking outside of the box to advocate for the patients they serve. Nurses provide the framework around which care is delivered, and I believe our nurses honor that responsibility in all they do.”