My name is Mark Miller. I have been in ministry for over 30 years, served as a Hospice Chaplain, and now serve in the Tulsa area with SYNERGY Homecare. I was privileged to be asked to write a short devotional for The Veterans News Magazine. The word that continued to come to me when thinking of our committed men and women of our military is the word
“discipline”. Military discipline is defined as, “the prompt, willing and intelligent obedience to orders, regulations & codes of conduct, designed to ensure operational efficiency & unit cohesion under difficult conditions”. Definitely a mouth full but absolutely correct. Discipline is a necessity to succeed in most all of life’s challenges but is most recognizable under pressure. It is no less recognizable spiritually. Spiritual discipline is what enables a believer
to stand when the waves of life crash all around. Spiritual disciplines, including Bible study, prayer, fasting, submission, steadfastness and rest are all necessary for spiritual growth, spiritual assurance and it’s what enables us to make a difference for the Kingdom of God.
2 Timothy 3: 16-17 reminds us of the importance of using God’s Word as a guide for this process: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Take a look at that list of spiritual disciplines again. Jesus did all of those things
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.
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.”
Steve Sibley, E7 RET/DV, JROTC instructors LTC Paul Jackson and 1SG James Wilcoxson.
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
Army Veteran Nick K reaches for help from his new Grab Bar in his recently installed shower, enabled by a VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant.
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
Organizers of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wanted a physical depiction as well The “Three Servicemen Statue” by Frederick Hart (1984).
Sacrifice. Duty. Remember. Visitors use words like these as they descend into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Located on the National Mall near the Korean War
Veterans Memorial and west of the Washington Monument, “The Wall” draws about five million visitors a year. Jim Knotts, President of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, said, “For many years, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial just by itself has been in the top 10 of all national park sites, nationwide.”
The Memorial honors 58,281 men and women who served courageously and sacrificed their lives and those who remain missing in the Vietnam War during the most divisive war in U.S. history. The Vietnam Veteran Project recorded 2,709,918 Americans who served in uniform in Vietnam.
Members of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, a nonprofit organization, gathered private donations that funded and built the Memorial. Today, they continue to meet groups, like Honor Flights, and answer questions.
Paying Their Respects
George Gagan, a 20-year Navy Seabee from Dayton, Ohio, stood with his family and found the name of Marvin G. Shields who was killed in Vietnam and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
It’s an emotional experience for Ray Dilba of Cherry Hill, NJ, visiting for the third time. He enlisted from 1966-1969 and served in Da Nang as a Medical Service Specialist with an aeromedical evacuation unit. “I have to compose (myself) every time to reflect on what happened. I almost come to tears,” he said.
For veterans like Dilba, the names etched in stone are not abstract-they are friends, brothers, and fellow service members whose absence is still felt.
Design of the Memorial
In March 1981, a national design competition drew 1,421 entries. The winning concept came from Maya Ying Lin, then a 21-year-old senior at Yale University. Her vision was simple but powerful: a park within a park, a place set apart for quiet reflection.
Dedicated on November 13, 1982, the Memorial’s polished black granite walls cut into the earth, listing the fallen in chronological order. The first casualty in 1959 appears at the center, at the lowest point of the walkway. Names continue along the east wall toward the Washington Monument, then resume at the west wall near the Lincoln Memorial, concluding again in the center with those lost in 1975.
Knotts explained its design. “(The) Vietnam Veterans Memorial, ‘The Wall,’ as we call it, is sometimes called ‘The Wall that Heals,’ because so many of the Vietnam veterans or family members of those listed here begin their healing journey by coming here and visiting the Memorial.
“One of the purposeful aspects of this design is the choice of the solid black granite. The designer chose this for two primary reasons. One, because black is the color of earth and also because she knew that when it was highly polished, it would have this reflective nature. So, if you serve with someone or you’re a family member or just a visitor, you can come up, you can touch a name on the wall. And when you do, you’ll see your own reflection in the wall. So, it’s almost as if you are joining them to visit with them. But the hopeful part of the design is that at the end of your visit, you’ll go up one of the walkways, back above ground level, to the land of the living.”
Knotts estimates that half of all visitors were not even born when the Vietnam War ended 50 years ago. “Many of them don’t have a direct connection to the Vietnam War, but when they come to D.C., they always want to come to the war Memorial.”
A strength of the design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is its ability to fit into the landscape.
Sister statues
Nearby is the Three Servicemen Statue by Frederick Hart, dedicated in 1984, depicting young, alert, weapon-carrying Vietnam soldiers. Hart said, “The contrast between the innocence of their youth and the weapons of war underscores the poignancy of their sacrifice…Their strength and their vulnerability are both evident.”
Nearby, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial from 1993, sculpted by Glenna Goodacre, honors women who served in Vietnam. The statue shows three nurses caring for a wounded soldier, reflecting the critical roles women played. Eight servicewomen died in Vietnam, and their names are inscribed on The Wall.
Jenna Goodacre, who sculpted The Vietnam Women’s Memorial, wanted to show three women coming to the aid of a fallen soldier. Eight servicewomen were killed.
“The Wall that Heals” brings Americans and overseas visitors, those who served in our armed forces and civilians, together to connect, reflect and quietly honor American fallen men and women.
Learn more. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, https://www.vvmf.org/.
Vietnam Era Registry of Service, registry.vvmf.org.
Vietnam Veteran Project,
https://vietnamveteranproject.org/. Or scan the QRCODE below.
• story and photos by Lt Col Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFR, Ret.
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.
“I felt like I would be a failure if I got sent home and
didn’t complete basic (training)…I wanted to get the
benefits that the recruiting sergeant had told me about.
I wanna hang in for that. I was focused,” recalled Martha Louise Higgins, using a determined voice.
Born on January 15, 1931, in Clearwater, Florida, Higgins, now 95 years old, reflected on her military and civil service employment. Her enlistment occurred during the Korean War when only one-percent of Airmen were women.
Higgins gained knowledge and tenacity from teachers at her segregated elementary school, St. Matthew Baptist Church, and Pinellas High School in Clearwater, Florida. “I think growing up in Florida, they put a lot of confidence in us. That’s why it didn’t bother me going into the military. They had us thinking we could do anything we wanted to do. And we believed that…Because they knew what we were gonna be up against once we came outta high school.”
She graduated from high school in 1949, attended Florida A&M in Tallahassee for one year as a music major, then joined the Air Force.
Basic training
Basic military training was at Kelly Air Force Base (AFB), San Antonio, Texas. She remembered, “We had inspection every morning…we had to be in formation zero five hundred (5:00
a.m.). They didn’t play…You better time yourself… And there,
a lot of girls, they sent them crybabies home,” she said with emphasis. “You went to formation and…when they start roll call, there was a new girl on your right and maybe a new girl on your left…The sergeant would march us to breakfast. And after breakfast you had to go back to your quarters and get set up for inspection…” Lessons in discipline, time management and teamwork shaped her later service.
Preparing Military Pay
After basic training, Higgins transferred to Ent AFB, Colorado (closed in 1976), as a Disbursement Officer in the Finance Office. She explained the importance of pay accuracy. “We had a cutoff date to get our payroll ready because they knew when was payday. So, we couldn’t post anything on the cards (everything was done by hand) until you got it from personnel.”
Enlisted and officers had separate cards, each about 8” by 10,” organized by alphabet and by rank. Higgins remembers managing letters A through H.
She was the only female of the five Airmen in payroll.
She does not remember instances of sexism or prejustice; she just focused on the job. “They were very nice to me…They
just treated me like I was another Airman…You do your job and you’re rewarded for that…I wanted to get an honorable discharge.”
At Ent, she met and married Harvey Higgins of Luther, Oklahoma, on September 12th, 1953. She did not reenlist. Then Harvey, an active duty Airman, got a remote assignment and Martha went home to Clearwater.
Upon his return, and Martha now a military dependent, they were reassigned to Ent AFB, then Lockbourne AFB, Columbus, Ohio (closed in 1984). That’s where Steven and Timothy, two of her three sons, were born. Harvey’s next assignment took them to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, in October 1964, near Adana.
Overseas Duty
Martha liked working, so she joined civil service as an intelligence coder during the Cold War. She worked in a rundown building. “I had to have a code to get in…And
then I sat at a teletype machine. But I sent out codes all day…They were classified. They cleared me to do that…I couldn’t decipher them…I didn’t know where they were going or who they were going to or what the information (was).”
The Higgins lived on the air base and went to the movies, the NCO Club and recreation center. To reduce their isolation, they drove to the Mediterranean Sea looking for Navy ships and by the American Embassy. “We were looking for the flag. Oh, we saw that flag and we just clap, clap,” she said excitedly, clapping her hands together. “We just clapped for anything that reminded us of home.”
Back in the United States, though, the military’s equality did not exist in civilian society.
Inequality
“I never went to an integrated school, said Higgins. “The first time I experienced integration was when I went into
the military…It (civil rights) was needed because it was so humiliating to us to think we had to get up outta our (bus) seat after we done paid our fare…There was no dignity in that. You going to get up outta your seat to give it to some person who was a different color than you? Now that was wrong.”
Love of Music
Higgins said, “I went back to school under the GI bill
and studied music…I studied music at Mercyhurst in Erie.
It’s a Catholic university.” She also used her musical talent commercially too.
“Oh Lord, Hear my Prayer” and other religious hymns
she wrote have been sold to music producers like Sheet
Music Plus in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Impressed by her vocal abilities, the Columbus Symphony, Columbus, Ohio, and the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra, Erie, Pennsylvania, asked her to sing with the alto section.
Retirement
These days, at the Norman Veterans Center where Higgins lives, she plays the piano for chapel service and for the Knights of Columbus.
She’s proud of her three sons, Steven Higgins, who retired as an Army Lieutenant Colonel, Timothy Higgins, who repairs and installs refrigerators, and David Higgins, a retired Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2.
Higgins uses a walker but remains mobile. “I can do the twist and the electric slide!” she proudly exclaimed.
Would you like to watch Martha Higgins’ video with the “Making History Project” recorded August 8,
2021, by Patrick Russell, visit
https://making-history-project.com/ or scan this
QR CODE. •
story and photos by Lt Col Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFR, Ret.
