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 [email protected].
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/.

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/.

By Nick Thomas

The 15th Turner Classic Movies Film Festival is scheduled for April 18-21, in Hollywood. Canceled for a couple of years due to the pandemic, no one was more pleased to attend the festival when it resumed in person two years ago than actress Diane Baker, a popular guest at many of the past festivals.
“I love them!” said Baker from Los Angeles, who noted that the 2020 and 2021 events had been held virtually.
The five current TCM hosts (Ben Mankiewicz, Alicia Malone, Dave Karger, Eddie Muller, and Jacqueline Stewart) will be on hand to introduce dozens of movies during the four-day event as the classic film community rallies around this year’s “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film.” festival theme (see www.filmfestival.tcm.com).
A prolific film and television actor, producer, and college teacher, Baker remembers when the TCM cable channel came into existence 30 years ago this month and its first host.
“I was there the night of the announcement at the Writer’s Guild Theater in Los Angeles,” she recalled. “Roger Mayer (the late Columbia Pictures, MGM, and Turner former executive) came on stage to announce Turner Classic Movies was going to be launched and with no commercials, and that Robert Osborne (1932-2017) would be the new full-time host.”
During his subsequent two decades with the channel, Osborne became the beloved public face of TCM due to his genial on-screen nature, mellow comforting voice, and encyclopedic knowledge of the entertainment industry.
“I’d known Robert since I was 19 years old,” said Baker. “He studied journalism at the University of Washington but came to LA to try acting and lived in the neighborhood where I was growing up – Sherman Oaks.”
When attempting to secure her first Hollywood contract, Baker even read audition scenes with Osborne.
“I was offered a contract and he was not!” said Baker, who signed with Twentieth Century Fox and soon began filming her first feature, 1959’s emotionally charged “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Osborne, she says, accompanied her to the premiere.
Filmed almost entirely on a cramped stage setting to reproduce the confined attic where the Frank family hid for two years during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Baker still vividly recalls her role as Anne’s sister, Margot, seven decades earlier.
“Mr. Stevens (director) wanted us to be there most of the time even if we weren’t in the scene because it was claustrophobic and he wanted that feeling of being a family closed off,” she recalled. “He was very kind and gentle with us newcomers (and) used to give me little peppermint candies so I would be confident and less nervous before a scene. I’ll never forget getting a beautiful box of yellow roses when the filming ended, from Mr. Stevens.”
She also recalls the last time she met with Osborne. “We stayed friends until he passed away and I saw him in his apartment just two weeks before. He was in a wheelchair, and we just talked and talked. I’ve always been involved with TCM and Robert was their rockstar.”
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.

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

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

The Oklahoma Historical Society and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) are pleased to announce the National Register of Historic Places designation for the following properties in Oklahoma. The National Register of Historic Places is our nation’s official list of properties significant in our past.

Jackson County – Altus Junior College Library, 221 N. Park Ln., Altus

The Altus Junior College Library, designed by architect William Appleby, was completed in 1969. This modern movement building is significant in the area of education for its association with President Johnson’s Great Society legislation. As a politician and former educator who came of age during the New Deal Era of the 1930s, Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) believed in the combined forces of education and “an activist government.” Accordingly, LBJ’s Great Society legislation emphasized opportunity through education as “the government’s secret weapon in the fight against poverty and unemployment.” The library building was constructed in 1968-1969 using a 1967 federal grant under the Higher Education Facilities Act.
The nomination was prepared through a grant from the Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture titled the “Lynne Rostochil National Register Nomination Grant Program.” The grant program was established in memory of Lynne Rostochil, an architectural historian and photographer who, in her lifetime, passionately advocated for and diligently recorded Oklahoma’s rich architectural heritage.

Tulsa County – Charles and Bertha Blevins House, 1838 N. Norfolk Ave., Tulsa

The Charles and Bertha Blevins House is an excellent example of a property associated with Black Heritage and Civil Rights history, as it embodies the efforts to promote voter registration and participation in Oklahoma’s elections prior to the passage of the 1964 federal Civil Rights Act. Involvement in local civic and political organizations by the house’s owners, Charles and Bertha Blevins, contributed to the economic and social development of the Black community in north Tulsa during the mid-twentieth century. Most notably, the house served as a polling place for nearby residents, making voting more accessible and secure for Black Tulsans.
Listing in the National Register of Historic Places is an honorific designation that provides recognition, limited protection and, in some cases, financial incentives for these important properties. The SHPO identifies, evaluates and nominates properties for this special designation.
The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit https://www.okhistory.org.

Seaman 2nd Class Raymond Boynton was born May 3, 1922 in Grandville, Michigan and served aboard USS Oklahoma during the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor, was buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Hawaii on March 20.
In 1941, Seaman Apprentice through Seaman 1st Class encompassed Sailors who were being trained in the basic skills of seamanship. After attaining Seaman First Class, Sailors would be trained in, and assigned to, their unique operational specialties. Duties included knowledge of naval drill duties, knots, steering and signaling, standing watches and gunnery duties.
Promotions included Apprentice Seaman upon enlistment and Seaman 2nd Class: Oct. 12, 1940.
Duty Station were USS Oklahoma (BB-37): 09/13/1940 and Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, IL: 09/10/1940 and Awards and Decorations included the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal (with Fleet Clasp), American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (with Bronze Star) and the World War II Victory Medal.
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

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.