Elizabeth Wallace, better known as Bess, was born to David and Madge Wallace on February 13, 1885, in Independence, Missouri. 1
Bess was a bright young woman who excelled in sports. After graduating from Independence High School, she attended finishing school at the Barstow School in Kansas City.
At the age of five, she met Harry S. Truman at Sunday school at the First Presbyterian Church, and the two attended school together until they eventually became engaged in 1917. 3
After Harry Truman returned from serving in World War I, the two were married on June 28, 1919. 4
They welcomed a daughter, Margaret, to their family in 1924 and continued to live in Independence.
In the 1920s, Harry Truman embarked on a career in local, and later national, politics that eventually brought the Trumans to Washington, D.C. Bess learned the ins and outs of campaigning, formed friendships with congressional wives, and advised her husband while traveling between Missouri and the nation’s capital. She even worked on her husband’s office staff, handling correspondence. Harry Truman aptly called her “The Boss,” as she expertly navigated life as a senator’s wife and later as second lady during Truman’s tenure as vice president. 5
Following President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death on April 12, 1945, Harry Truman ascended to the presidency. Bess Truman was now first lady—a role she had never aspired to hold. Unlike her predecessor, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mrs. Truman preferred to stay out of the public eye. She canceled Mrs. Roosevelt’s regular women-only press conferences, though she paid special attention to correspondence from the public. 6
Behind the scenes, Bess was an important political asset and sounding board for the president, discussing critical domestic and international issues together.
The Trumans also moved into a White House in desperate need of repair, leading to a massive, multi-year renovation which modernized the home for generations to come. 7
Meanwhile, the family lived across the street in Blair House. Nevertheless, Mrs. Truman continued in her responsibilities as first lady, hosting events, traveling with the president, and managing their household. She also supported organizations including Girl Scouts of America, the Red Cross, and PEO Sisterhood. 8
After leaving the White House, the Trumans returned to their home in Independence. Bess Truman passed away ten years after her husband on October 18, 1982; they are buried beside each other at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence.

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.

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

Just after dawn on October 25, 1944, the Japanese sent the largest naval battle group ever assembled to destroy 130,000 American soldiers invading Leyte. Their goal was to destroy the American forces just moving inland, five days after the landings, to push them out of the Philippines. This battle and U.S. Navy Commander Ernest E. Evans’ heroic actions had a significant impact on hastening the conclusion of WWII.

Never before that day had one Sailor’s actions diverted the burden of attack from so many American service members so decisively as in the Battle off Samar. That man was Evans, a graduate of Muskogee High School and the U.S. Naval Academy.

“[Leyte Gulf], a key battle in the Pacific War, was almost a disaster for the United States,” said Samuel Cox, retired rear admiral and director of the Naval History and Heritage Command, in an April 2021 article from “The Oklahoman.” “If it hadn’t been for what Ernest Evans did, the battle would have gone much worse.”

The Japanese forces attempting to surprise the overmatched Taffy 3 task force were aggressively introduced to the unwavering courage and self-sacrifice of the U.S Navy’s finest. Three American destroyers, commonly referred to as “tin cans,” because they lacked armor, began the fight for their lives against a far superior force.

Among the attacking fleet, the Japanese super battleship Yamato, the largest battleship ever built with 18-inch rifles, outweighed the entire American defending force. It was a formidable part of a massive force consisting of four battleships, six heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, and 11 destroyers.

At the helm of the Fletcher-class destroyer USS Johnston, Evans assured himself a place in U.S. Naval history with his courageous initiative in the face of the overwhelming enemy. Before the order to attack was issued, the determined warrior began a lone preemptive retaliatory strike with extreme prejudice.

Evans entered Navy lore forever by laying a smoke screen to protect his fellow ships and navigating his vessel fearlessly into harm’s way to deploy his torpedoes.

The Johnston delivered the immediate first blow, instilling chaos within the Japanese naval ranks. Its 10 torpedoes tore the bow off the Japanese cruiser Kumano in the first few minutes of the three-hour battle. Here was the aggressive Japanese fleet, far outgunning and outnumbering its prey, being attacked and bloodied by the first ship it encountered.

Evans and his only 2,000-ton destroyer were much earlier announced to be the Navy’s readiest-for-battle warship. Evans let his assembled crew know his intentions as he took command at the USS Johnston’s commissioning in October 1943. “This is going to be a fighting ship,” he said. “I intend to go in harm’s way, and anyone who doesn’t want to go along had better get off right now. I will never retreat from an enemy force.”

Evans’s tactical blitzkrieg was everything a ship that size could accomplish in that short a time. But his audacious and successful counterattack against overwhelming forces off Samar was not enough for the brave Oklahoman.

The Johnston rejoined the frigate line of destroyers as they made their torpedo runs at the far superior forces. This action meant the small Taffy 3 task force presented a “larger than real” profile in the water to Japanese Admiral Takeo Kurita on his flagship Yamato. By now in the battle, more than a hundred pilots from the Jeep carriers and land bases nearby were swarming the Japanese fleet.

Although his ship had already fired all its torpedoes, Evans wanted to protect his fellow sailors as much as possible with his ship’s five 5-inch guns. The well-trained crew fired more than 800 rounds in the battle.

By drawing fire away from the Jeep carriers he was protecting, his ship was taking hits from powerful 14-inch guns. Despite severe damage to his ship and his wounds from Japanese fire destroying the bridge, Evans repeatedly put the Johnston between the enemy and the more vulnerable U.S. ships. This saved the lives of thousands of his fellow sailors.

This second suicide run met with far less success against the enemy. After almost three hours of battle, the Johnston eased over on her side for 25 minutes until finally sinking.

Her early valiant effort meant the Johnston proved decisive. Without air cover, the enemy, confusing the aggression to be a genuine effort made by a more significant force, broke off the attack and headed for Japan.

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz wrote afterwards that the success of Taffy 3 was “nothing short of special dispensation from the Lord Almighty.”

Evans earned the respect of all Navy personnel forever for his courageous actions, but he lost his life at 36 that day, along with 185 members of his crew. His body was never recovered when the USS Johnston sank after fighting valiantly for three hours.

Evans was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and a Purple Heart Medal for sparking the decisive victory in Leyte Gulf. He also shared in the Presidential Unit Citation awarded to Taffy 3 for this action.

On Sept. 28, 1945, shortly after World War II concluded, Evans’ Medal of Honor was presented to his wife, Margaret, in San Pedro, California. The ceremony was attended by his mother, sister, and sons Jerry and Ernest Jr.

Evans is one of only two destroyer captains from World War II to receive the Medal of Honor.

Evans’ exploits have now been interwoven into the Navy’s legacy, as his name has graced one decommissioned warship and a building at the U.S. Naval Academy. Last year, the Navy announced that the USS Ernest E. Evans, a DDG 51 Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, will soon be the second warship named in his honor.

On May 7, Oklahomans demonstrated that their servicemen and women are never forgotten during a solemn ceremony to unveil a bronze bust of Evans. In front of the Three Rivers Museum, a monument was dedicated to Oklahoma’s most celebrated World War II Navy hero in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Stephen Reagan, who resides in Norman, and his wife, Alice, spearheaded the effort to honor Evans. The campaign to raise funds and acquire the resources to create the monument took almost four years.

“I consider my work to help Muskogee honor Commander Ernest Evans one of the most significant things I have ever done,” Reagan said. “It’s a good feeling to help others. I am very proud to have Alice present, who helped make it a great day for me.”

Nationally acclaimed artist Paul Moore from Norman created a bronze bust of Evans wearing his Navy Medal of Honor. An identical bust, a gift from Reagan and his donors, is displayed at the US Naval Academy Museum.

The bust sits atop a tall square black granite pedestal. Below his image at the front of the bust is a miniature model of the USS Johnston in bronze, firing her five-inch guns and creating a smoke screen.

Patrick Cale, the Mayor of Muskogee and owner of Muskogee Marble & Granite, was the only corporate donor to the project. He provided the pedestal that features Evans’ significant career dates on the front, while the back showcases his Medal of Honor citation.

Reagan and his wife, Alice, volunteer five mornings a week with the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation in Norman. It is accredited as a Regional Veterans Service Organization. Its dedicated staff members work tirelessly to help all service veterans and their families receive their full military service benefits. story/photo by Darl Devault, contributing editor

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.

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

Founded in 1986, by Dr. Jay Don Harris, D-DENT-Dentists for the Disabled and Elderly in Need of Treatment, Inc.-is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Starting July 1, D-DENT’s new name will be Dentists Donating Smiles to Oklahomans, Inc. Karen Chadwell, Executive Director said.

“We’re very proud of the new name as it is more descriptive of what our services are currently and provides us the opportunity to help more individuals that are in dire need of dental health in the future,” she said.

D-DENT began as a spin-off of Variety Health Center, eventually becoming its own agency after receiving a $100,000 grant from the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Dental Division.

“D-DENT is a non-profit that provides dental services which are 100% free to the patients,” Chadwell said. “The people we help are seniors, 60 and older, Veterans of any age that do not have VA dental benefits and Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled adults.”

She added “We help people with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer patients, and transplant patients and those that have severe autoimmune diseases. In a lot of those situations, people are unable to get the necessary medical treatment required if their teeth are in bad shape. With the help of our Volunteer Dental Professionals, our patients will receive all the necessary dental treatment needed to receive the medical assistance they not only need but deserve.”

Chadwell said D-DENT has helped over 20,000 people and provided over $30 million in free dental work.

With a network of more than 500 volunteer dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and dental laboratories, D-DENT continues to positively impacts the overall health of many Oklahomans with no access to dental care.

“Our funding comes from grants, fundraising events and donors, both individual and corporate,” she said. “We’re not a clinic and we do not hire dentists. Every bit of the services provided for D-DENT patients are provided by dental professionals from the generosity of their hearts. Should there be the need for crowns, partials or dentures D-DENT pays the bill. Other than that, the dentists provide the X-rays, the exams, the fillings, the extractions, the services needed for as many appointments as the people need until their oral health has been completely restored.”

Chadwell said the services are offered on a one-time basis per patient.

“It is a one pass program. Once patients complete the treatment program, it’s up to them to take care of their teeth from that point forward,” she said.

Chadwell said D-DENT also offers an oral health preventive program.

“D-DENT’s Registered Dental Hygienist, Angela Craig, does oral cancer screenings through our preventative program. In addition, Angela makes routine presentations and consultations in the various senior and IDD organizations throughout the metropolitan OKC area to help people understand the importance of taking care of their teeth, teaching proper brushing technique, providing good oral health guidance, discussions on tobacco cessation, talking about nutrition and its effects on oral health and answering questions regarding their gums or teeth,” she said.

Chadwell said D-DENT offers services at senior facilities and facilities where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities go to day centers, as well as many Veterans events across the state.

“We are out in front of the public at all times trying to help people understand the importance of their oral health,” she said.

She said oral health is a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life.

“Through our Oral Health Education Out reach program, D-DENT provides education and behavioral interventions to seniors and disabled adults in order to share strategies to help improve and maintain a healthy mouth,” Chadwell said. “Because of the many health concerns within this already vulnerable population, oral problems are often overlooked and may be contributors to existing illnesses.”

Samantha Romestan, a Veteran and D-DENT patient, said in a testimonial video she was pleased with D-DENT giving her smile back.

“Before (D-DENT), I was unable to afford services and help from anywhere else. The medications I had to take were destroying my teeth and my bones. I had to find somebody who was willing to take me on as a patient,” she said. “The most rewarding part about the program was the finished product and smile.”

Chadwell said their latest fundraiser will be on July 29 with a golf tournament at Five Iron Golf in Yukon from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $100 per person with teams of four. Proceeds will benefit D-DENT’s Veterans programs.

“It’s not a traditional golf tournament. It is going to be at Five Iron’s indoor simulated golf course. The golf course we are playing is Pebble Beach. We will have pizza and auction items. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Spots are still available.”

For more information about D-DENT visit www.d-dentok.org or call 405) 424-8092. story/photo by Van Mitchell

State and local dignitaries, accompanied by many veterans and family members of the inductees, led a ‘Del City High School Remembrance and Wall of Honor Induction’ on May 3 at the new Kalsu Plaza, at his namesake DCHS stadium. The significant community presence was a testament to the collective respect and honor for our fallen heroes, showcasing the community’s active role in the ceremony.

When a statue memorializing Army 1st Lt. James Robert (Bob) Kalsu was unveiled March 29, on Vietnam War era Veterans Day last year, his wife Jan remarked he would have asked, “What about the other Del City students who died in Vietnam?”

On May 5 of this year, the other seven DCHS alumni killed in action during the Vietnam War were commemorated on the Robert Kalsu Stadium’s new Wall of Honor. This Wall of Honor, located in the plaza adjacent to his statue, serves as a permanent tribute to these brave soldiers.

A Del City football star, Kalsu, gave up a promising NFL career after starring at OU by showing his patriotism in honoring his commitment to serve in the U.S. Army. He lost his life in service to his country in Vietnam.

Seven of his fellow students now have bronze plaques on the Wall of Honor, each telling a unique and poignant story of their lives and military service. These personal narratives serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave DCHS students, fostering a sense of connection and empathy from all who will view them.

The United States Marine Corps is represented by 1st Lt. Tom Burton (Class of 1962), Lance Cpls. Jimmy Mullins (Class of 1965), Ricky Sanders (Class of 1966) and Leslie Jones (Class of 1967). The United States Army is represented by Capt. Mike Hope (Class of 1958), Pfcs. Michael Saunders and Gary Parsons (both Class of 1965).

“It is always an honor and humbling experience to attend events honoring our fallen heroes,” said retired USN Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic, former undersecretary of the Navy. “It was especially gratifying to be invited to the recent Dedication/Remembrance Wall of Honor ceremony at Dec City High School. Under the leadership of retired Navy Captain John Keilty, all Del City students who answered the call to serve and were killed in action in Vietnam were honored. These young men walked the halls, played on fields around campus and learned in the classrooms.”

Each inductee was enshrined with a bronze plaque detailing their life and service during the solemn ceremony held that Saturday afternoon. These plaques serve as a lasting testament to the enduring legacy of these fallen heroes, inspiring future generations of DCHS students with their courage and sacrifice while instilling a sense of inspiration and respect.

The Robert Kalsu Legacy Group was co-founded by Mid-Del School Board Member Gina Standridge and Oklahoma State Rep. Andy Fugate, with the support of many other patriotic community leaders. The Legacy Group raised $200K for the statue and plaques. MTM Recognition of Del City cast the statue and plaques, and Willowbrook Construction built the pedestal. The Mid-Del District Maintenance Department installed the new Wall of Honor.

Kalsu graduated from DCHS in 1963, was an All-American at the University of Oklahoma and an All-Rookie Team member for the Buffalo Bills. He became the only active NFL player to die in the Vietnam War.

“I believe the Memorial Plaza at the main gate of the football field is a fitting location for The Wall of Honor,” Slavonic said in an interview. “It will remind students, parents, relatives, friends and anyone coming to an event at the Del City High School Eagles football field how proud the high school is of the sacrifice of these former students who were young and proud to wear the cloth of their nation in time of conflict.”

Additionally, Captain Keilty reached out to the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation (OMHF) to establish the OMHF Del City Robert Kalsu Chapter as part of its Hall of Honor.

The “Hall of Honor” will be located at the Del City Community Center. The Hall will honor the 22 Del City citizens who died in military service from World War II to Iraqi Freedom.

“Hopefully, other communities will follow Del City in recognizing their citizen veterans for their sacrifice and service to our country,” Slavonic said. The Del City Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion played a crucial role in organizing and conducting the ceremony, partnered with Legacy Group, and Del City Navy Junior ROTC members as the honor guard.

“The day was special for 17 Del City Navy Junior ROTC students who participated in the presentation of our nation’s colors and the reading of the individual citations,” Keilty said in an interview. “A special thanks goes out to all the Del City service organizations and the city of Del City, including the proud members of our VFW, who stood outside the plaza for the whole ceremony to provide a rendering of honors at the end.”
story/photo by Darl Devault, contributing editor

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