The Team Tinker Home Away From Home program began out of a tragedy but has turned into a triumph for the young military members stationed at Tinker Air Force Base.
The program was founded by Mike and Pam Kloiber that pairs young service members with civilian host families to help alleviate the anxiety of being alone and far from home, often for the first time.
On an icy Christmas Eve in 2011, two Airmen from the 552nd Air Control Wing were killed in an automobile accident in Oklahoma City. After a conversation with then-552nd ACW Commander Col. Greg Guillot, Mrs. Kloiber had her marching orders and set out to create a program modeled after a similar one at the Air Force Academy.
Over the last 10 years, more than 1,500 first term Airmen and Sailors have taken Kloiber up on her offer and actively participated in the program.
The goal of “Team Tinker Home Away From Home” is to provide all eligible, first-term Service Members with a “home away from home.”
The program strives to match community sponsors with young service men and women, giving them a welcoming, safe, and supportive place to spend time, especially during the holidays.
These community sponsors provide them a welcoming place to relax and offer opportunities to have fun away from the stress and day-to-day requirements of life on Tinker Air Force Base (TAFB). Families offer personal interactions that can develop into strong, long-lasting bonds.
In addition to the host partnership, “Team Tinker Home Away From Home” also provides monthly activities, volunteering opportunities, events, speakers, and professional Life Skills seminars at no cost to service members.
Pam Kloiber said she and her husband are proud of the impact their program has had on service members.
“Mike was the CEO/President of Tinker Federal Credit Union for 33 years,” she said. “Mike and I have always worked as a team, and so when he was working there, I also supported the base in any way I could. I didn’t realize how much of an impact that Home Away From Home would have on me when it first began. The program’s impact and the resiliency, connectivity and family immersion for the service members have exceeded more than I expected.”
Service members can become part of THAFH through several different avenues, Kloiber said.
In addition to being linked with a host family, service members can attend a monthly life skills class through the “Empowerment, Enhancement and Education” initiative.
“ I call all of the servicemembers my kids, and my assigned service members connect with Mike and I every Sunday,” she said. “I’m always trying to find new and innovative ideas to support the service member’s lives. I’m always searching for ways to help empower the service members”
Kloiber writes a program curriculum and each year she has a theme.
For 2025, her theme is Let’s Strive to Thrive, a Year of Empowerment, Enhancement in Education.
“Every month we have professional seminars because I want them to have the opportunity to be exposed and learn life skills,” Kloiber said. “Many of them have never bought a car, particularly service members that live in inner cities like New York City, Brooklyn, and they don’t know how to drive a car. We’ve helped purchase cars for many service members and help them to learn how to drive. I have a class on car buying.”
Kloiber said each month different skills classes are offered.
“Each month we have a speaker talking about various topics pertinent to this age group,” she said.
Kloiber said their program hosts an end-of-the-year party for servicemen and servicewomen called “Thanksmas.”
“We combine Thanksgiving and Christmas together, and we call it Thankmas,” she said. “At all our events we offer a free catered meal. The base leadership, commanders and chiefs all join in to serve the food to service members and they join in the class to show how important it is to better yourself. They take the time to sit and break bread, sit right beside an airman and have a meal. The conversation and connection between the leadership and service members is amazing.”
Kloiber said volunteerism is also an important part of Home Away From Home, following the Air Force’s values of Service Before Self.
“We volunteer in the community several ways,” she said. “We have a connection with Mayor Matt Dukes in Midwest City, and we volunteer with him. He has a neighborhood coalition for senior citizens that need help with various projects around their home. We also laid wreaths for Wreaths Across America, and we volunteered with Hope Therapeutic Horse Ranch. This year we’ve added a volunteer project and it’s Vet Chat, and we will be going in October to Norman’s Veterans facility. We will be having coffee and donuts while spending a Saturday morning with the Veterans in Norman.”
Kloiber said suicide is a factor in the military, but her program has been fortunate to not have experienced any suicides.
“We’ve had a lot of airmen that have reached out because they’re hurting, having some mental health issues and they need support. The families have been wonderful because they know when the service members come over, and they’re consistently visiting with them and doing things with them. They let their service members be there to support them.”
Kloiber said Team Tinker Home Away From Home is more than a program to her. It is her passion.
“It’s a passion now, a connection with young people that I have been able to see growth and development in them,” she said. “They have skills, they have talent, they have ability, but occasionally a few may have a weak self-esteem, and all they just need someone to say, “You’ve got this.”
For more information about Team Tinker Home Away From Home call Kloiber at (405) 503-5041 or visit www.teamtinkerhomeawayfromhome.org Home Away From Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable foundation, with no DOD affiliation or governmental status. story/photo by Van Mitchell

No more long phone waits or trips to the VA medical center. The VA: Health and Benefits App lets you refill prescriptions, message your care team and check benefits anytime, anywhere. With a 4.8 rating in the app store, many Veterans feel it’s an essential tool for managing their VA health care.
Your VA care team at your fingertips
Remember the frustration of trying to reach your provider by phone? They might have been busy, or the call may have been outside regular hours. With the app, you can quickly send a secure message to your VA care team, just like using your favorite social media app.
“It’s great to know I can message my provider and get quick answers,” said Stephen Havard, a Marine Corps Veteran from Texas. “I recently asked my primary care team about a medication, and I had a response by the end of the day.” Veterans are taking advantage of this feature, with over 300,000 secure messages sent each month. Remember, secure messaging is for non-urgent communication only. If you’re in crisis, call 911, 988 (then Press 1) or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also access the Veteran Crisis Line straight from the app.
Kick pharmacy runs to the curb
Gone are the days of waiting in line at the VA medical center’s pharmacy. Refilling medications through the VA: Health and Benefits app is now as easy as ordering takeout. “While sitting in my deer blind, I realized I was low on one of my prescriptions,” said Luke Yanny, a Marine Veteran from Wisconsin. “I opened the app and ordered a refill in just a few taps.” Using the app, you can select the medication you need from your prescriptions, ensuring you order the correct one. Your prescriptions are mailed to your address on file, usually within 5-7 business days, at no cost. With over 250,000 prescriptions refilled monthly through the app, it significantly benefits Veterans everywhere.
Claims and appeals status updates at lightning speed
Remember when checking your claim status was frustrating? It wasn’t very user-friendly, with endless phone loops and navigating various web pages to log in. Now, it’s instant. The app gives real-time updates on claims and appeals, bringing you peace of mind with just a glance at your screen. “The app lets you track your claim from your phone,” said Thomas Turman, a Navy Veteran from Texas. “It’s great not to have to make countless calls for updates.” Veterans have checked their claims over 45 million times through the app—providing 45 million moments of clarity.
Appointments managed with military precision
The app’s appointment feature serves as a personal assistant, helping you view, cancel or track appointments. The app lets you add appointments to your phone’s calendar for easy tracking, ensuring you won’t miss any check-ups. “It’s a lot easier to track appointments,” said Deborah Hall, a Marine Veteran in Alabama. “I recently rescheduled an appointment with my primary care team and added it to my phone’s calendar with just a few taps.” That kind of efficiency would make your drill instructor proud. Once it’s on your calendar, you can easily share it with your caregiver, spouse or family to add to their calendars.
Proof of service in your pocket
The app’s one-touch Proof of Veteran Status feature is like having a digital DD-214. “I’m thankful I can use my Veteran’s discount at different stores,” said Richard McMullen, a Colorado Army National Guard Veteran in Colorado. “Now, it only takes a few seconds to prove my status, and it’s a better option—no paperwork.”
A new battle buddy
Download the VA Health and Benefits app, your new battle buddy for navigating your VA health care and benefits and let it change how you connect with VA. If you find the app helpful, share it with fellow Veterans. Scan this QR CODE or visit
www.mobile.va.gov/app/va-health-and-benefits.

Josie Hill, a 97-year-old resident of Villagio of Bradford Village Assisted Living at 300 Hadwiger Drive in Edmond calls Charlie McGregor, a 106-year-old resident of the same facility, her hero for helping liberate France, including her hometown of Marseilles from Nazi occupation during World War II.
And, it was Hill’s honor last month to present McGregor, a U.S. Army veteran with his World War II service medals to him that were lost in transition after returning home from the war.
Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford worked with McGregor’s family to help get his war medals finally awarded to him, and have Hill present them to him.
McGregor was presented with the following medals by Hill:
• Good Conduct Medal
• American Defense Service Medal
• American Campaign Medal
• European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 1 bronze service star
• World War II Victory Medal
• Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII
• Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar
“I am honored to do this,” Hill said. “I’m sorry, it’s hard for me to hold my tears back since the first day I met you knowing that you knew the country where I came from. Not only the country, but the area where I’m from. I love you Charlie and I present you with all these beautiful thanks that you deserve.”
McGregor thanked Hill, his family, and friends for coming to his medal ceremony.
“I thank you all for coming down. There’s such a big crowd giving me attention. I look at my daughters and my nephew and niece. I’m thankful for each one of you for being here today to give me this honor. Thank you,” he said.
Lankford also sent a letter congratulating McGregor on receiving his service medals.
The letter read, “Dear Sergeant McGregor, congratulations on your receipt of your long-awaited service decorations, particularly your Bronze Service Star. The bravery you displayed across your career makes you a worthy recipient of this great honor. Thank you for wearing the Cloth of Our Nation. Our country owes a debt of gratitude to those who have dedicated their lives to preserving the liberties and freedoms that we all enjoy. On behalf of the great state of Oklahoma and our entire nation, thank you for guaranteeing the safety and security of its people. I have no doubt your story will continue to inspire, uplift and transform the lives of many. I hope you enjoy a wonderful day as you celebrate this great honor. In God we trust, James Lankford, United States Senator for Oklahoma.”
On July 10th, 1941, McGregor, a Kansas native was drafted into the United States Army. He was sent to Virginia to train in the infantry. His wife Mildred stayed with him in Virginia and later went back to Kansas when she discovered she was pregnant.
On May 30th, 1944, he deployed from New York City to the European front of World War II. On June 1, 1944, his first child was born. Due to wartime silence prior to D-Day, he did not receive the information of the birth for several weeks.
McGregor landed in Scotland on June 6, 1944, D-Day. From Scotland, he traveled on a troop train to England, and from there was sent to Marseilles, France.
In the meantime, Hill a young French teenager, had witnessed the invasion of France by the Nazis and suffered from hunger, and many of the traumas suffered by the French people at the hands of the Nazi invasion. She also vividly remembers the liberation of France by the US Army. She did not know Charlie, and he did not know Josie.
McGregor returned to Kansas in November 1945. His Army service medals were somehow lost in confusion at the end of the war. He farmed in Kansas and Oklahoma and had three more children. He and his wife moved from the farm to Bradford Village in 2006, and then to Bradford Village Assisted Living after his wife’s passing.
McGregor served four years, four months, and four days in the war and was stationed in Marseilles, France.
He said that was an eye-opening experience.
“It was an education, that was for sure. I didn’t know anything. I was just a high school student,” he said. “I got promoted several times. I used to be a company clerk, then they made me a platoon corporal, and then they made me a platoon sergeant, then they made me a staff sergeant in charge of the supply room.”
McGregor traveled to Europe with about 18,000 other troops on the Queen Elizabeth ship.
“When they were going to invade France, they sent the Queen Elizabeth to pick up a bunch of us in New York. Picked up 18,000 of us,” he said. “We crossed the ocean in five days. My first child was born while I was overseas. The Red Cross let me know that I had a daughter named Judy. I wouldn’t get to see her for another year-and-a-half.”
After the war, McGregor and his wife returned to her family farm south of Honeywell, Kansas whose property extended across the Oklahoma state line.
McGregor took over his father-in-law’s farming operation after he passed away.
McGregor and his wife raised four daughters, and have 11 grandchildren, 30+ great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
McGregor spends each day reading his Bible, and says he always learns something new.
He also recites the same prayer each night.
“God, I’ll see you in the morning, your house or mine,” McGregor said.
McGregor said he has lived a great life, and he is not afraid of death. He said he looks forward to the day when he enters the Kingdom of Heaven.
“From what I read in the Bible, my mouth may fall open and I may not be able to close it for two or three days,” he said. story/photo by Van Mitchell

Family members and Veteran caregivers gathered at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Bossier City, Louisiana, to pay tribute to four World War II-era residents.

All eyes were on Veterans Alfred Procell, 101; Albert Smith, 101; Billie Taylor, 100; and Robert “Bob” Robertson, 100. Between them, the Veterans have 402 years of combined life experience to celebrate.

“These Veterans are truly a living encyclopedia of history, wisdom and experience,” said Kim Lane, associate director of the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in neighboring Shreveport, where many of the facility’s residence receive their care.

Each Veteran received a framed proclamation and coin signed by VA Secretary Doug Collins to celebrate their life achievements.

Robertson, a Navy Veteran, spent time as an engineer aboard the vessel “Landing Ship Medium 310” in the Pacific during his service.

“If the war hadn’t ended when it did, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here, had they not dropped the bomb on Japan,” Robertson said.

He credits his longevity to never drinking or smoking and some fortunate genetics.

“My dad lived to 103,” Robertson added.

Robertson, Smith and Procell each served in the Navy, while Taylor had a career in the Air Force.

“We’re grateful for the time they have spent with us here at the Veterans Home,” said Wesley Pepitone, administrator of the state-run Veterans home.
by David Hodge, Public Affairs Officer, Overton Brooks VA Medical Center

Downstairs, a collection of 96-years of cars and pick-up trucks held many aficionados’ attention. Upstairs, people learned about Route 66, also known as America’s Main Street and the Mother Road, by walking through cubicles that explained it’s history, gathered information in the Route 66 Community Center, looked at goods and services offered by 80 vendors and played games in a large Kid’s Activity Zone.

Ron Watkins of the Green Country Classic Mustang Club said 220 vehicles checked in for the car show. From a 1929 Ford Roadster to a 2025 Ford Mustang, there were polished and gleaming Chevrolet Cameros and Bel Airs, Ford Fairlane Victorias and Falcon GTs, Plymouth Firebirds and Barracudas, Dodge Challengers and Darts, and a variety of pick-up trucks. Car owners were happy to explain engines, body panels, tires and paint techniques to admiring guests. Awards were given to the Top 3 in 30 classes of vehicles.

Many visitors journeyed into Route 66’s past by visiting seven interactive, eight-foot-tall octagons in exhibits called “The Journey” that explained each decade (1920s – 1990s to Today). Each octagon held one or two vehicles, actors in period clothing, artifacts, historical facts, photographs, and lists of popular music that made up its ten-year period. For instance, the 1950s cubicle showed off a glossy 1959 Ford Galaxie Fairlane and the front end of a diner with a row of stools and a waitress that visitors could talk with. Several people were surprised to learn the route was created in 1926 and removed from the U.S. Highway system in 1985, a period of 59 years.
At the Presentation Stage, seats filled up to listen to a variety of “about the road” topics from writers, photographers and travelers of Route 66. On Saturday, Jim Ross and Shellee Graham discussed their new book, “Route 66: The First 100 Years”; Michael Wallis shared two personal stories about hitchhiking in the 1980s and 1990s; Richard Rawlings, the star of the popular Reality TV Show “Fast N’ Loud” and who owns Gas Monkey Garage, talked about car culture; Jennifer Rogers, Will Rogers’ great granddaughter, presented “Will Rogers & Route 66”; and Jim Hinckley provided a dark view of the Mother Road with his “Murder and Mayhem on the Main Street of America.”

Hinkley, author of over 20 books, told me, “This Road Fest is probably one of the best events on Route 66, blending education with good old fashion family fun. It’s the magic of Route 66 made manifest.”

In between presenters, the Red Dirt Rangers, Weston Horn, of Weston Horn & The Hush rock and roll band, and Daniel Jordan played together, as did the Annie Ellicott Duo.

On Sunday, Joe Sonderman from Missouri, another prolific Route 66 writer, gave his “Must Sees on Route 66,” Joey Madia discussed “Cyrus Avery: Father of The Mother Road” and planners from Claremore, Sapulpa and Tulsa talked about their plans for the route’s Centennial year in 2026.

Next to the stage, 19 vintage travel trailers from the 1940s to the 1970s parked in the Vintage Trailer Resort. Lots of families ducked inside them to see original and nearly-original furnishings.
At the Route 66 Community area, people learned about towns on or near it, state associations that promote and preserve it, and museums and hotels on its sideroads. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association manned a booth to explain all about Oklahoma’s Main Street. It’s President, Rhys Martin, said, “Route 66 has been called a linear village, and the Route 66 Road Fest is a great example of how true that is. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association was joined by folks from all eight Route 66 states to showcase how special this road is to so many people. We all hope our enthusiasm and education leads people to take road trips of their own.”

Steve Brant operates the Spirit of America museum in Stroud. He manned a booth in the Route 66 Community area. Brant said “people were delighted to discover the Route 66 Spirit of America Museum exists just down the road from the Rock Café…And they were happy to learn the museum will be launching the ‘American Moonshot Project,’ to help America break free of the culture of hate and division and adopt a culture of love and cooperation instead.”

Steve Sibley attended with his wife and brother. Asked what he thought of the Road Fest, he said, “It’s pretty cool – the cars, the booths that represent the different timelines and they have people dressed in character.” Road Fest wasn’t just a trip down memory lane for the middle aged who drove it 40 or more years ago – plenty of couples with children walked through the exhibits too.

Children had their own playground, the Kid’s Play Zone. Coupons could be bought for $1 each to participate in a Boy Scout-run Pinewood Derby, Hot Wheels and pedal car races, 18-hole mini golf, learn art or play 21st century virtual reality games. Although the area was mostly filled with children, a few adults were spotted racing cars and playing mini golf with their kids.

AAA organizers hoped for 12,000 attendees over the two-day period, which would be 2,000 more than in 2024. “We really hope our guests experience Route 66, which is celebrating its history and culture,” said Ben Young, Director of AAA’s Brand, Content, and Publications. “Our main goal is to get people exploring all that Route 66 has to offer.”

After picking up travel information about Route 66, it appeared visitors were ready to jump in their vehicles and cruise America’s Main Street upon leaving, perhaps starting in Tulsa, which has 28 miles, then continuing for the rest of Oklahoma’s portion of Route 66, about 400 miles.
story/photos by Richard Stephens, Lt. Col, USAF Retired

With a dream of serving in the military since the age of five, Oklahoma City native Donn Turner is beginning a new chapter in his life as a military chaplain. What makes his story so unique is that he was commissioned into the Navy Reserve in his early fifties.
Like many others, Turner dreamed of becoming a naval aviator after watching the film Top Gun as a young man in the 1980s. He joined America’s Sea Cadets, a U.S. Navy youth development program, as a young student with the intent of eventually joining the Navy. However, when it was time to attend college, the Air Force had more opportunities for pilots, so Turner enrolled in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of Oklahoma. He completed boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base, but unfortunately, Turner was medically discharged from the service.
“I was heartbroken but soon found fulfillment by serving in the United Methodist church,” said Turner who has served as a bi-vocational pastor in his civilian job. “I never imagined that I was being prepared for a different mission.”
Twenty-four years later, at the age of 48, Turner came across a Navy chaplaincy advertisement. Despite being past the maximum age for direct commissioning, something compelled him to click the link.
“I was stunned to read that I could still serve,” Turner said. “I was even more surprised when I discovered that my ministry experience over the last 24 years was exactly what I needed to meet all of the professional requirements.”
Determined to pursue this new chapter, Turner enrolled in the Master of Divinity program through Liberty University, adding Christian Counseling to his degree. He also realized that in order to meet the Navy’s physical requirements, he’d have to lose more than 100 pounds to be qualified to serve. Over the course of 18 months, he adopted a healthy diet and lost 110 pounds to align with Navy fitness standards.
“Chaplain Turner, despite now being in his early fifties, demonstrated remarkable determination, a lifetime of leadership, and a deep understanding of pluralistic ministry, making him a strong candidate,” said Lt. David Lockwood, the Chaplain Program Officer of Navy Recruiting Command.
After a rigorous officer package submission process, Turner was accepted and took on the new title of chaplain.
“I called everyone I knew to share the great news of my appointment as a Navy chaplain,” Turner said. “When that turned out to not be enough, I even shared my excitement with strangers in grocery stores and gas stations. I do not believe my feet touched the ground for the first few months.”
LT j.g. Turner currently serves at the Oklahoma City Navy Reserve Center (NRC) as a Navy reserve chaplain. He will soon join the fleet and transition to active duty through the reserve component to active component (RC to AC) program. Outside of his reserve duties, Turner works as a learning and development professional, creating and managing corporate training programs, while also serving as a bi-vocational minister at a United Methodist Church. These experiences have equipped Turner with the skills and insight to excel as a chaplain.
“Some people serve because they need an extra paycheck. Some serve because it’s what the contract requires,” said Cmdr. Andy Valerius, former commanding officer of the Oklahoma City NRC. “The fact that he changed his diet and lifestyle later in life to lose weight just goes to prove that he wants to be here serving our nation and its Sailors.”
Determination and passion are evident core values ingrained in Chaplain Turner’s persona. Once he joins the fleet, he will share his experiences and wisdom with everyone he encounters.
“As a chaplain, I get to be someone’s spiritual advisor, teacher, mentor, or coach,” Turner said. “More than anything, I get to be their champion.”

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Gabriela Isaza, Navy Reserve – Navy Public Affairs Support Element West.

Harry S. Truman
The 33rd President of the United States

During his few weeks as vice president, Harry S. Truman scarcely saw President Roosevelt, and received no briefing on the development of the atomic bomb or the unfolding difficulties with Soviet Russia. Suddenly these and a host of other wartime problems became Truman’s when, on April 12, 1945, he became president when Roosevelt died. He told reporters, “I felt like the moon, the stars, and all the planets had fallen on me.”

Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri, on May 8, 1884. He grew up in Independence, and for twelve years prospered as a farmer. He went to France during World War I as a captain in the Field Artillery. Returning, he married Elizabeth (Bess) Virginia Wallace, and opened a haberdashery in Kansas City, which failed.

Active in the Democratic Party, Truman was elected a judge of the Jackson County Court (an administrative position) in 1922. He became a senator in 1934. During World War II he headed the Senate War Investigating Committee, exposing waste and corruption and saving perhaps as much as $15 billion.

As president, Truman made some of the most crucial decisions in history. Soon after V-E Day, the war against Japan had reached its final stage. An urgent plea to Japan to surrender was rejected. Truman, after consultations with his advisers, ordered atomic bombs dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japanese surrender quickly followed. In June 1945 Truman witnessed the signing of the charter of the United Nations.

Soon he presented to Congress a 21-point program, proposing the expansion of Social Security, a full-employment program, a permanent Fair Employment Practices Act, and public housing and slum clearance. The program, Truman wrote, “symbolizes for me my assumption of the office of president in my own right.” It became known as the Fair Deal.

In 1947 the Soviet Union pressured Turkey and, through guerrillas, threatened to take over Greece. Truman asked Congress to aid the two countries, as part of what was soon called the Truman Doctrine. The Marshall Plan, named for his secretary of state, stimulated spectacular economic recovery in war-torn western Europe.

When the Soviets blockaded the western sectors of Berlin in 1948, Truman created a massive airlift to supply Berliners until the Soviets backed down. Meanwhile, he was negotiating a military alliance to protect Western nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), established in 1949.

In 1948, Truman faced New York Governor Thomas Dewey and a left-leaning third-party challenger, former Vice President Henry Wallace, and defied the predictions of pollsters and analysts to win his own full term as president. After the election, the Trumans moved out of the sagging White House so that it could be gutted and reconstructed. The Truman White House renovations were completed in 1952.

In June 1950, the Communist government of North Korea attacked South Korea. Truman later wrote, “There was no suggestion from anyone that either the United Nations or the United States could back away from it.” A discouraging struggle ensued as U.N. forces held a line above the old boundary of South Korea. Truman limited the fighting, which frustrated Americans—especially his Korea commander General Douglas MacArthur, whom he fired for insubordination.

Having served almost two terms, Truman decided not to run again. Retiring with Bess to Independence, he lived until December 26, 1972. Later, Americans came to appreciate his honesty, sound judgment, and courageous decision making, admiring him far more than his own contemporaries had. Of his presidency, Truman modestly said, “Well I wouldn’t say I was in the ‘great’ class, but I had a great time while trying to be great.”

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced that it is reinstating National Social Security Month—a public awareness campaign held in April each year that is dedicated to helping Americans access their benefits. The agency last observed National Social Security Month in 2019, during President Trump’s first term. The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of National Social Security Month in 2020, and the Biden Administration never resumed the observance.
“President Trump has promised to protect Americans’ hard-earned Social Security benefits so that all eligible individuals can access them,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “Under the previous administration, SSA promoted radical and wasteful DEI and gender ideology while employees worked from home. The result was sky-high wait times for customer service and unconscionable delays for benefit decisions. Resuming National Social Security Month further aligns the SSA workforce with President Trump’s principle that government must serve The People—and at SSA that means helping all Americans access their benefits in office, over the phone, and online.”
Effective immediately, April of each year will once again be recognized as National Social Security Month. This year, the period of enhanced public outreach will extend to August 14, when Social Security celebrates its 90th Anniversary. Social Security has a proud tradition of public outreach dating back to its establishment, when employees fanned out across the country to enroll Americans in the program. This year’s enhanced public outreach to help eligible individuals access their benefits continues Social Security’s proud tradition of service to the American people.
At the same time, SSA continues its work with the Department of Government Efficiency to rapidly transform SSA into a customer-focused organization that safeguards Americans’ benefits. In alignment with President Trump’s directives, SSA has identified a range of cost avoidance or efficiencies, including terminating or de-scoping wasteful contracts promoting radical DEI and gender ideology. SSA has also refocused its workforce on customer service by: implementing President Trump’s directive that teleworking employees must return to work in-person full time; surging employees in support positions to front-line service positions; and eliminating layers of outdated and inefficient bureaucracy in its headquarters and regional offices to increase accountability. The combined savings from all of these measures is estimated to be over $1 billion. Ongoing modernization of SSA’s IT will further improve the agency’s customer service across all of its service channels while protecting benefits from waste, fraud, and abuse.
For more information about customer service improvements at SSA, please visit the agency’s Communications Corner at www.ssa.gov/news.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Heather Boswell, a native of Midwest City, Oklahoma, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Sigonella / U.S. Naval Hospital (NH) Sigonella, Italy.
Boswell is a 2017 graduate of Midwest City High School who also graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Boswell joined the Navy six years ago.

“I wanted to better my life and have a new scenery and fresh start,” Boswell said. “I decided to go active duty, so I can travel the world and be able to pay for college.”

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Midwest City.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I had always had a strong work ethic,” Boswell said. “I remember when I used to always want to go to work with my parents to help them out. When I turned 16, I started working in the restaurant business. It taught me how to deal with people from different backgrounds in life and to always chase after my dreams. That work ethic has been instrumental in helping me accomplish my goals and be successful while in the Navy.”

Today, Boswell serves as a culinary specialist (CS) with USNMRTC Sigonella.

“My favorite part about being a CS is being able to network with new people and to put a smile on someone’s face,” Boswell said.

USNMRTC Sigonella / NH Sigonella is a community hospital located in the heart of the Mediterranean in Sicily, Italy. Comprised of a local satellite clinic and two branch health clinics located in Bahrain and Souda Bay, USNMRTC Sigonella’s staff of 387 serves approximately 8,500 active duty, family members, NATO members, retirees and other beneficiaries based on international collaborations and status of forces agreements.
CS2 Boswell accurately reflects her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication,” said Lt. Okechukwu Ezeonwurie, department head for materials management. “Beyond her daily responsibilities, which include expertly managing meal preparation for our personnel and overseeing the secure handling and distribution of a high volume of mail to our service members, CS2 Boswell also capably manages vehicle maintenance, linen distribution and key control. Her commitment extends beyond her official duties, as evidenced by her volunteer work at a local animal shelter and her active participation on both the Corpsman Ball and Navy Ball Committees. CS2 Boswell’s contributions significantly bolster team morale at Naval Air Station Sigonella. Her recent accomplishment of earning a bachelor’s degree further exemplifies her commitment to personal and professional growth, embodying the highest standards of naval tradition. CS2 Boswell serves as an exemplary role model for junior sailors and we deeply value her presence within our ranks.”

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Boswell has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“In the six years that I have been serving in the military, I have accomplished many things,” Boswell said. “I made E-5 in less than four years, received two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement awards, graduated with my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and have been recognized for many small achievements. However, I am most proud of making petty officer second class at my first command, and I am also proud of being able to help out other sailors with their goals and to become a great leader.”

Boswell can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means the world to me,” Boswell added. “It has given me the ability to realize how much potential I have in life. It also gives me the opportunity to make my family proud and to give my nieces and nephews someone to look up to.”
story/photo by Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach