Memorial High School’s Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (JROTC) program in Tulsa is currently being administered by two storied veterans.1SG James Wilcoxson entered the program one year after the program began in 1995. As a class of 2000 graduate, he enlisted in the Army in November of the same year and served twenty-three years in the Reserves. He was a Dual Status Military Technician. He worked as a federal civilian supporting his Army Reserve Unit as a Reserve Administrator. His service also included one deployment to Afghanistan. Knowing Wilcoxson had deep and meaningful ties to the program, CSM Kenneth Powell, one of the founders, asked Wilcoxson to apply for his position in May of 2023 because he was retiring. 1SG Wilcoxson has applied for the army instructor position and is awaiting approval from the US Army Cadet Command.
LTC Paul Jackson served twenty-eight years with the United States Army Reserve, including two deployments during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Both of his parents also served in the Army. Jackson said he always wanted to be an officer and entered the ROTC program at Kentucky State University, receiving his commission in May of 1989. He had a dual career, working in the oil and gas industry for twenty-five years while simultaneously serving in the army reserves. With a degree in mathematics, he began teaching geometry in 2024. However, when an opportunity arose to become a JROTC instructor, he jumped at the chance. His combination of military, civilian and ROTC experiences made him an ideal fit for the role of senior army instructor where he can share the wisdom he learned in the military with his cadets.
Steve Sibley, the co-publisher of Oklahoma Veteran News, is a 1974 graduate of Memorial High School. He joined the military immediately following his graduation and served for thirty-six years. He admitted he didn’t realize the significance of the school’s name until he returned for his fifty-year reunion in 2024.
Memorial High School was named as a memorial to Tulsa students and teachers who served as veterans in World War I, World War II, and the Korean Conflict, embodying values of character, equity, and excellence in honor of their sacrifice. The school was established in 1962 with its first graduating class in 1964.
Although this program has a strong heritage and tradition, it recently has had its struggles. The sudden death of COL Gregory Barack, former senior army instructor in 2004, and retirement of CSM Powell left the program without leaders for approximately two years. Jackson and Wilcoxson are both committed to rebuilding and increasing cadet enrollment and participation. Jackson cited the current freshman class as the building blocks to the future. Their success will help them recruit more students. Additionally, visits to local middle schools and parent conferences are avenues for program recruitment. The team is also looking into expanding the program curriculum to include drones, robotics and cybersecurity.
While JROTC is an Army training program, its purpose is not military recruitment. Its mission is, “To motivate young people to be better citizens.” Established by Congress in 1916, it is the oldest youth leadership program with a presence in more than 1700 high schools nationwide.
The program also follows the Army acronym of LDRSHIP which stands for Leadership, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage.
Jackson and Wilcoxson credit their participation in JROTC as a positive influence that helped teach them the skills they needed to succeed in both civilian and military careers. Both embody these qualities today and bring many years of wisdom and knowledge to the students they are teaching. Jackson stated that being the senior instructor is more about running a program than simply teaching a class. He is responsible for making sure the curriculum includes ethics and skills that are tangible. Some of those responsibilities include making certain the cadets meet mandatory requirements of community service, attendance at the veteran’s day parade, the annual military ball and the weekly wearing of the JROTC uniform.
The JROTC hosts an annual gala. It is for the cadets only; parents are not invited. It is an opportunity for them to showcase the skills they have learned throughout the year. It is held on a Saturday in April at a local restaurant. This year’s guest speaker will be Steve Sibley. As a program alumnus, he is looking forward to sharing his wisdom and passion for the military with the cadets.
If anyone is interested in donating to the JROTC program, you can mail checks designated to the program to Tulsa Memorial High School, 5840 South Hudson Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74135.
by Jill Stephenson, staff writer

U.S. Air Force Veteran and martial arts icon and “Walker, Texas Ranger” star died on March 19, 2026, at the age of 86 in Kauai, Hawaii.

The Oklahoma State House of Representatives passed a resolution honoring actor and Oklahoma Native Chuck Norris and the bill (HCR 1021) moves to the state Senate for further consideration. The bill was authored by State Rep. Stacy Jo Adams, R-Duncan and Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, is the bills Senate author. The bill formally recognizes Norris for humble beginnings to international fame.

Born Carlos Ray Norris Jr. in 1940, in Ryan, OK before moving to Torrance, California with his family at age 12. Chuck Norris didn’t begin life as a larger-than-life icon. He grew up shy and unassuming, far from the fearless persona he would later embody. After joining the United States Air Force, he was stationed in South Korea, where he first encountered martial arts. What began as curiosity quickly turned into obsession. Norris trained relentlessly, eventually earning black belts in multiple disciplines and becoming a world champion in karate.

His fighting career alone would have been enough to secure his place in history. Norris dominated tournament circuits in the 1960s, defeating top competitors and earning respect for his precision, speed, and discipline. But his ambitions extended beyond the mat. He saw potential in bringing martial arts to a wider audience, and that vision led him into Hollywood.

Norris’s film career began modestly, but his big break came when he fought Bruce Lee in the film Way of the Dragon. The fight scene, set in the Roman Colosseum, became iconic, showcasing Norris as a credible and formidable opponent to one of the greatest martial
artists of all time. From there, he built a career as an action star throughout the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in films like Good Guys Wear Black, Lone Wolf McQuade, and the Missing in Action series.

In the 1990s, Norris found renewed fame through television with Walker, Texas Ranger. The show became a cultural staple, running for eight seasons and introducing him to a new generation of fans. As Cordell Walker, he played a Texas Ranger who combined martial arts skills with a strong sense of justice, often delivering lessons about right and wrong alongside the action.

But perhaps the most unexpected chapter of Chuck Norris’s legacy came in the age of the internet. In the mid-2000s, “Chuck Norris facts” began circulating online—short, exaggerated jokes that portrayed him as an all-powerful figure. Lines like “Chuck Norris doesn’t do push-ups; he pushes the Earth down” transformed him into a comedic legend. Rather than resist the jokes, Norris embraced them, showing a sense of humor that only strengthened his popularity.

Beyond entertainment, Norris was also been involved in philanthropy and community work. He founded programs aimed at helping young people develop discipline and confidence through martial arts training. His emphasis on character, respect, and perseverance reflects the same values that defined his career.

What makes Chuck Norris truly fascinating is the contrast between the man and the myth. In reality, he was disciplined, thoughtful, and grounded. In popular culture, he is nearly superhuman. Yet these two versions don’t conflict—they complement each other. The myth exaggerates qualities that genuinely exist: strength, resilience, and determination.

Chuck Norris remains a symbol that spans generations. Older fans remember his films and television shows, while younger audiences know him through memes and internet culture. Few individuals manage to stay relevant across such different eras, but Norris has done so effortlessly.

In the end, Chuck Norris represents more than just action movies or jokes. He embodies the idea that ordinary beginnings can lead to extraordinary impact. Whether as a martial artist, actor, or cultural icon, his legacy continues to endure—part truth, part legend, and entirely unforgettable.

The Norris faimly said “It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning.

by Oklahoma Department of Securities

Imagine you’re a senior living in a quiet retirement community. One day you receive a phone call that sounds exactly like your bank: the number on the screen looks legitimate, and the voice on the other end is professional. The caller tells you your account has been compromised and in order to protect your money, you must act quickly: you’re coached to download a screen-sharing app and log into your account. While you believe you’re doing the right thing, you’re inadvertently handing over the reins to strangers to drain the savings you’ve built over a lifetime.

This isn’t a hypothetical situation. It’s a real scam aimed at older adults and it’s happening across Oklahoma inside the very places designed to keep them safe: retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
As Administrator at the Oklahoma Department of Securities, I hear versions of this story far too often. Older adults are disproportionately targeted by financial scams including investment, banking and tech-support schemes. Each crime is carefully designed
to prey on the vulnerabilities of seniors, many of whom live in close proximity in communities and facilities for older adults where they feel insulated from crime. That proximity opens the door for entire communities to be exploited by scammers who send convincing emails, make persistent phone calls and knock on doors offering fraudulent services.
The fraudsters of today are master manipulators and skilled actors. They build trust, sometimes over weeks or months, forming relationships online and over the phone using technical jargon, and by appealing to seniors’ hopes and fears. They pose
as bank agents, financial advisors, and friendly companions, and they’re incredibly persuasive, able to coerce seniors into giving away personal information, money, and even real estate to complete strangers. The fallout can be devastating.
Criminals are savvy; they understand why older adults are attractive targets. Seniors often have significant assets, including life savings, retirement accounts and home equity they’ve worked hard for decades to accumulate. Many are navigating major
life transitions: the loss of a spouse who previously handled the finances, smaller social circles, or the move from independent living into a care setting. Some are uncomfortable with new technology, while others may be suffering from memory loss or cognitive decline. Sadly, it’s the perfect storm for opportunistic scammers.
Financial fraud harms more than just a victim’s bank account. Victims often experience shame, anxiety and depression, in addition to financial and identity theft repercussions that can follow them for years. In some cases, victims are left unable to afford the same level of care or living situation. Families may be forced into making difficult financial and caregiving decisions, and relationships can become strained. Yes, money is stolen, but so is peace of mind.
So how can we protect seniors from these devastating scams? It requires a coordinated effort among caregivers and families, but a few practical steps can make a big difference:
Prevent: Prevention begins with education. Raise awareness about common red flags like urgent requests for money or asking to download software. Financial safety should be discussed as routinely as physical safety.
Recognize: Pay attention to warning signs, such as large withdrawals, extended time on the phone with unknown callers or new online “friends” who request financial assistance.
Record: Document concerns including message screenshots, call logs and names used by suspicious individuals.
Report: Notify banks, law enforcement and agencies like the Oklahoma Department of Securities to step in. Quick reporting can prevent additional losses and help in recovering funds.
Oklahoma’s seniors deserve to spend their golden years in peace, not defending themselves from criminals looking to defraud them, and together we can make sure they’re protected. A single phone call can upend a lifetime of hard work, but
a single conversation about the dangers of financial fraud can help stop these scammers in their tracks.

By Freddy Groves
On a recent National Slam the Scam Day for 2026, the VA stepped up, along with other federal agencies, with an array of information to keep veterans safe from scams and fraud. Thieves don’t just work one day per year, however. We need to stay vigilant all year long to protect our benefits and personal information from getting to the scammers. Why do they want us? Because we have income and benefits.
How do they approach us? Phone calls, emails, text messages, social media, phishing, impersonation, fake charities — you name it, the crooks have thought of it as a way to get to us.
If you’re approached, whether on the phone or in email, the more urgent the problem, the more likely it’s a scam. A scammer might pretend to be from the VA and try to claim there’s something wrong with your benefits — and that you need to hand over your personal information so they can “fix” the problem. They might want your bank account access info or password, your Social Security number, your date of birth. The answer is no. Don’t do a direct deposit into another person’s account — even if it’s a relative! If you need a fiduciary situation (where someone helps you with finances), have that person go through the accreditation process and be authorized to assist you. You’re protected that way.
If you’re told you need to hand over a fee to get claims assistance from the VA or to apply for increased benefits, it’s fraud.
Invest in a shredder and use it to cut up not only VA documents with personal information on them, but any documents that can go astray, even when you put out the trash.
If someone calls and claims to be from the VA and asks you to pay for something with a gift card or bitcoin, feel free to laugh as you hang up the phone. It’s an impostor. Report it to the VA at 800-827-1000.

Lino Roldan and Pedro Serrano met three years ago at a neighbor’s home while sharing a meal of Puerto Rican food, a cuisine representing the place they both grew up. They learned they were both veterans and also had a shared love of Volkswagen Beetles.They each currently own 1966 models, with Roldan’s being red and Serrano’s being blue.
I spoke with them at a car show in Tulsa where their classic cars stood side by side, showing off the pride they care for them with to preserve their nostalgic status.
Prior to their first meeting Serrano had not attended a car show, however Roldan encouraged him to do so and at his first show he won his first award: The Top 2 in class!

Roldan and Serrano are both career veterans that were raised in Puerto Rico. They are also bilingual which they used during
their time in service. Roldan worked for the Red Cross at the Armed Forces Emergency Center at Fort Sill service members who had been injured or killed.
Serranno served ten years in Panama and half of his career in Latin America supporting military missions, including the take down of General Manuel Noriega during Operation Just Cause in 1989.
Roldan was drafted in 1969 serving one year in Vietnam with the 25th ID and 173rd Airborne. He left service in 1971 and then
re-enlisted in 1978. He spent time in Italy and Germany and served during Desert Storm, retiring in 1995 as a Sergeant First Class. His father served in the National Guard from his native Puerto Rico, however his inspiration to serve in the military came from an uncle who was a POW during the Korean conflict. After his retirement he worked as a Brigade Family Coordinator at Fort Sill. In addition to his love for VW’s, Roldan is a digital creator and has hosted a radio show since 1991. His bilingual show highlights Hispanic culture and his love of latin music.
On a quarterly basis, the show focuses on veterans issues with “veteran to veteran” talk for two hours, fielding questions related
to service and benefits.
Serrano retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant after serving from 1981 to 2001. He was the first person in his family to join the military. His son followed in his footsteps serving in the Army. In the military he worked in communications and transferred those skills into his civilian career working for defense contractors on VIP and executive fleets, including Air Force One. He ended up in Tulsa because of the oil and gas industry where he retired as a Chief Information Security Officer.
Serrano’s love of VW’s started in his youth. He learned how to drive in a 1964 four-on-the floor model and owned a 1969 in his college years.
Roldan’s love for them started before he deployed to Vietnam. His father had a 1967 which is how he learned to work on them. After leaving the Army in 1971, he attended school as a tool and die maker and then bought a VW van. He had his own welding shop at home and started working on them regularly.
While serving in Italy and Germany he bought and sold them as a hobby. He says working on VW’s is easy and has helped him with his PTSD. Serrano agrees that it is a form of therapy for both of them.
Because they are neighbors, they get together often to work on their VW’s and naturally talk about veteran issues.
Both gentlemen are regular volunteers at the Tulsa VA, greeting and directing veterans.
Serrano suggests if you have a friend that served in the military and is not registered with the VA, take them with you next time you go. He recalls doing this with a friend a number of years ago – someone who felt hopeless and had not registered. He was eventually approved for 100 percent service connection and went on to start Vet Chat, a veteran support network rooted in faith and fellowship that has helped and/or saved hundreds of veterans by providing support and resources. Roldan states the basis for what he does for veterans is rooted in following Christ; never saying no or impossible, recognizing there are no closed doors and helping others.

These two gentlemen stand side by side at car shows and in helping veterans, selflessly giving back in the name of brotherhood and service.
You can listen to Roldan’s radio show at www.brisatropical.com

•by Jill Stephenson, staff writer

The Cleveland County OHCE Craft Show will take place May 8-9, 2026, at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Norman, Oklahoma. Sponsored by Cleveland County OHCE, this event brings together talented local artisans and crafters for a weekend of shopping, creativity, and community engagement.
The event will feature up to 50 vendor booths showcasing a wide variety of handmade goods, including crafts, home décor, gifts, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet local creators and explore unique, one-of-a-kind items.
The craft show is open to the public with free admission, making it an accessible and family-friendly outing. A concession stand will also be available on-site.
Organizers invite the community to come out and support local vendors while enjoying a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Whether searching for special gifts or simply wanting to experience local craftsmanship, the Cleveland County OHCE Craft Show offers something for everyone.
Who: The event will be at the Cleveland County OHCE (sponsor and host) May 8-9 at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds, 615 E Robinson St, Norman, OK 73071 and admission is FREE.
For more information, contact (405) 627-4370 or email [email protected] . Event details can also be found on Cleveland County Oklahoma Home and Community Education Facebook page.

Car enthusiasts, families, and travelers along historic Route 66 are invited to attend the Third Annual Classic Cars A-Round the Barn Car Show on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the historic Arcadia Round Barn. This fun, family-friendly event welcomes all classic cars, motorcycles, trucks, and unique vehicles to participate in a day of vintage style and community celebration at one of Oklahoma’s most iconic landmarks along Route 66.
Visitors can enjoy a full day of activities including: Classic Car Show, Round Barn Tours, Food Trucks, Live Music, Local Vendors and more surprises throughout the day
Event Schedule • 8:00 a.m. – Vehicle Registration Begins 11:00 a.m. – Judging • 1:00 p.m. – Awards Presentation
Vehicle registration is $20 per entry and will be available on the day of the show only.
The event is sponsored by the Arcadia Historical & Preservation Society and serves as an important fundraiser to support the preservation and maintenance of the historic Round Barn. The Arcadia Round Barn is maintained by the society as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all proceeds from the car show directly support the care and upkeep of this beloved landmark.
“The Round Barn has welcomed travelers and the local community for generations,” organizers say. “Events like this help ensure the barn continues to stand proudly along Route 66 for years to come.”

How the HISA Grant Can Help Veterans Live More Comfortably at Home

Owning a bathroom remodeling company serving homeowners across Oklahoma, I’ve worked with thousands of families over the years. But nothing means more to me personally than when we get the chance to serve one of our Veterans, especially those whose homes need to be adapted due to disability or aging.
One of the most tangible ways we can say thank you to Veterans for their service is by making daily life a little easier, safer, and more dignified.
That’s why I want to spread the word about the HISA Grant. HISA stands for Home Improvements and Structural Alterations, a benefit available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that many Veterans either don’t know about or aren’t sure how to use.
If you or a loved one is a Veteran with service-connected or age-related disabilities, the HISA Grant may help pay for necessary bathroom modifications. In some cases, it can cover the majority of the cost of a walk-in shower remodel, grab bars, and other essential safety upgrades.
The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations Grant program, offered by the VA, provides funding for home modifications needed to improve accessibility or to ensure the continuation of treatment for a disability.
HISA Grants cover roll-in or walk-in showers, ADA-compliant toilets or vanities, grab bars and handrails, and non-slip flooring. It also covers retrofitting to include door widening for mobility devices, raising or lowering counters, and improving overall bathroom access.
Unlike some other VA grants, HISA can be used for both service-connected and non-service-connected conditions, making it one of the most flexible programs available.
Under the current VA guidelines, HISA offers up to $6,800 for Veterans with service-connected conditions (or a 50%+ service-connected rating) and up to $2,000 for Veterans with non-service-connected conditions (often age-related). These funds do not need to be repaid. They are grants, not loans.
Depending on the scope of the remodel and the Veteran’s eligibility, this amount can often cover most of the cost of a walk-in shower installation, which is the most common and effective upgrade for accessibility and safety.
For many Veterans, the bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home. Slippery floors, high bathtub walls, and poor lighting make accidents more likely – especially for those with mobility issues, balance concerns, or chronic conditions. A simple fall in the bathroom can lead to months of recovery or permanent injury.
By remodeling the bathroom with accessibility in mind, Veterans greatly reduce the risk of injury and increase their ability to live independently at home.

Here’s what one of Berdit’s recent Veteran customers said after his remodel. “The walk-in shower installed by Bath Planet of Oklahoma makes it easy for me to get in and out of the shower safely, said Nick K of Sand Springs, Oklahoma. “The handrails and low entry threshold greatly reduce the risk of falling! While in the shower, the showerhead and handheld sprayer make it easy for me to wash myself. The shower seat allows me to comfortably wash my lower legs and feet without fear of falling over.
The ease of showering-along with the safety provided by the grab bars and seat-also gives my wife, Connie, peace of mind, knowing she doesn’t have to worry so much about me while I’m in there! Even our teenage grandsons love using it when they visit!
Thanks to Todd Berdit for noticing my Vietnam Veterans hat and telling me about the HISA Grant from the VA!
To qualify for the HISA Grant, Veterans must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system. They must secure a medical prescription from a VA provider stating the home improvement is necessary. They own or live in the home being modified (or, renters must have a signed and notarized statement from the owner authorizing the improvement or structural alteration). They must obtain a written, itemized estimate of the project’s cost. Then they must submit a completed application, including pictures of the unimproved area.
At Bath Planet of Oklahoma, we’ve helped thousands of Veterans successfully apply for and use their HISA Grant – and we’re happy to walk Veterans through the process from start to finish. This includes help with understanding the paperwork, choosing modifications that meet VA standards and submitting bids and documentation to the VA.
As a licensed plumbing company, they have 13 years of experience in this kind of work in going through the process with the VA. They know how to handle the details so Veterans don’t have to stress about them. They offer free in-home consultations, and are always happy to talk with Veterans and their families to determine if the HISA Grant might help.
Veterans served their country. If you or a loved one is a Veteran struggling with mobility in the bathroom, don’t wait. There are resources available to help, and the HISA Grant is one of the most useful and underutilized programs.
Give their office a call or stop by their showrooms. They will help Veterans explore their options and make the process simple. Their goal is to help Veterans stay safe and comfortable at home, with as little hassle as possible. • by Todd Berdit