Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

Oklahomans are ensuring their fellow military veterans can register for the new Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. Hundreds of Veterans Administration employees are ensuring this is possible at well-attended monthly outreach VA Veterans Festival (VET Fest) and PACT Act Resource Fairs around the state.
The most recent event was held by Oklahoma City VA employees on July 22, in west Oklahoma City, where 30 VA employees assisted veterans at the 7725 CONNECT building. The multi-tenant business campus in the old Western Electric Plant at Reno and Council saw 70 veterans lined up at the 9 a.m. opening, and 150 were assisted throughout the day.
The event was designed to provide services for veterans, spouses, caregivers, veteran’s widows, survivors and active-duty personnel. This outreach allows the VA to provide expanded healthcare and benefits to generations of veterans and their survivors.
The Warriors for Freedom Foundation co-hosted the event from their office in the 7725 Connect building. The nonprofit volunteers assisted the Oklahoma City, VA staff in spreading the word that more veterans and their survivors are eligible for benefits and VA health care under the PACT Act.
Signed into law by President Joe Biden in August 2022, the “Honoring our PACT Act of 2022” (in its short title version) initiates the most extensive health care and benefits expansion in VA history. This sweeping federal law comprehensively addresses all the service-connected toxic exposure issues of the last six decades.
The act expands VA care eligibility for veterans who experienced exposure to toxic substances during service in Vietnam, the Gulf War and post-9/11 eras. Some veterans’ surviving family members may also be eligible for specific benefits.
The line kept moving, with 30 people who had arrived around 11:30 a.m. waiting in line at noon. The event ran until 4 p.m.
The veterans were helped to register for PACT Act services and check the status of their PACT Act claims, while some were assisted with getting a My HealtheVet Premium account which allows them to sign in to VA online tools.
“The process was timely, very helpful and friendly,” said Staff Sergeant Sarah Scott, who served at Tarin Kwot, Afghanistan, from 2010-2011. The Noble resident, now on active duty with the Oklahoma National Guard, said that once she was registered, she could go right to the people who provided her with the information she needed.
To be eligible for benefits under the PACT Act, a veteran’s disability must connect to their military service. The VA now automatically assumes that a veteran’s service caused some conditions. These are known as “presumptive conditions.” The PACT Act added more than 20 categories of presumptive conditions from exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances.
“We are all excited to roll out the PACT Act to OKC veterans because this is one of the largest program expansions in veteran healthcare we have ever seen,” said Carmen Daugherty, OKC VA public affairs officer.
The veterans who attended the PACT Act presumptive claims event asked VA eligibility and service officers questions about their exposure and claim eligibility. They were able to receive toxic exposure screenings from medical staff. Some filed a claim and, in some cases, received a same-day decision from the four VA doctors on hand.
“Being a veteran, I am thrilled to help veterans get their VA health care and benefits fixed,” Daugherty said. “Some of these veterans have waited for 20 plus years to finally get answers to their exposure questions and get claims filed.”
The act also requires the VA to provide toxic exposure screenings to every veteran enrolled in VA care. Many veterans enrolled in VA care for the first time at the event and were helped to secure appointments at the downtown VA Hospital.
Those enrolling in VA care for the first time started the process of having their ID cards mailed out to them.
Some 20 Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) staffers also worked many stations to provide information about benefits and services to veterans and their families. Many other services were provided, including four State of Oklahoma staffers providing information about state veteran services and Oklahoma Tax Commission privileges extended to veterans with 100 percent disability.
An underlying emphasis of PACT Act outreach is to fully inform veteran’s widows of their access to benefits around the state in what has already been 10 VET Fest or PACT Act Resource Fairs, including several cohosted by tribal nations.
“The PACT Act makes it easier for survivors and widows to receive monthly VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC),” Daugherty said. “They qualify if they are a surviving spouse, dependent child, or parent of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability.”
The VA also provides survivors previously denied DIC benefits the opportunity to be re-evaluated to see if they are now eligible under PACT Act provisions. The VA asks widows to come to one of the PACT Act events or the main Oklahoma City VA Health Care System to determine if they qualify.
“Our experts will re-evaluate each case and answer benefits questions for you and your family,” Daugherty said. “Some benefits include burial allowance, education and training, monthly payments, home loans and health care. At these outreach events, we are bringing the experts to investigate each case and figure out exactly what benefits veteran’s widows are entitled to register for as a surviving family member.”
Another benefit explored at these events is that a surviving spouse, dependent child, or dependent parent of a veteran may receive a one-time accrued benefits payment if the veteran was owed unpaid benefits at the time of their death. The VA also informs everyone who qualifies for a Survivors Pension as a surviving spouse or child of a veteran with wartime service.
For more information about this VA benefits outreach campaign, click The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits | Veterans Affairs.

Fireman 1st Class Raymond Camery, was born in Modesto, California on August 29th, 1915. He was killed during the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and will be buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii, on July 20.
Navy Fireman (FN) were part of the Engine Room Force, Artificer Branch. Historically, non-rated engine room men were paid at a higher rate than their deck counterparts because of the more strenuous nature of their work. Firemen are responsible for standing engineering watches and performing minor maintenance repairs. This rating is part of an apprenticeship opportunity that leads to training in propulsion and precision welding/fabrication/plumbing
Camery’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal (with Fleet Clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with Bronze Star), and the World War II Victory Medal.
Camery’s promotions include: Apprentice Seaman upon enlistment, Seaman 2nd Class, Fireman 3rd Class, Fireman 2nd Class and Fireman 1st Class.

Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

Billed as “Our America, Spanning the Generations,” this year’s Edmond LibertyFest parade featured seniors Ms. Oklahoma Senior America Karen Tims, 70 and her invitee, America’s top air ace from the Vietnam War, Chuck DeBellevue, 77.
Taking part for the first time in what is hailed as Oklahoma’s most extensive and most patriotic parade each 4th of July, the two seniors represented the older generation well. They said they were in awe of the patriotic outpouring of American pride displayed along the 1.5-mile downtown Edmond route from the often 10-deep crowd in the shady areas.
Bands, floats, clowns, Boy and Girl Scouts by the hundreds, marching groups, horse groups, Corvettes and antique cars, clowns, round-up clubs, Shriners and more provided color and excitement to the 51st annual parade.
The City of Edmond, the University of Central Oklahoma and The Edmond School District provides people, equipment and facilities to make the all-volunteer parade happen with the support of the Chamber of Commerce. This year the presenting sponsor was Citizens Bank of Edmond.
The parade is one of the largest in Oklahoma, attracting an estimated 120,000 people, some with their extended families in place as early as 6 a.m. in the dark along the route.
Tims, a businesswoman living in Arcadia, was crowned Ms. Oklahoma Senior America 2023 during the 15th annual pageant on April 15. She asked that the organization wait to send out news releases about her new role until she could find an event newsworthy enough to warrant the state’s attention.
“My goal in being a part of the LibertyFest Parade was to honor patriotism by more than saying we support America but by also showing the parade attendees a hero of patriotism by inviting Col. Chuck DeBellevue, our top air ace from the Vietnam War, to accompany me in the parade,” Tims said. “The ability to give a decorated veteran his rightful place in his hometown’s huge celebration is far more important than the idea that I was selected as Ms. Oklahoma Senior America. I was so grateful someone of DeBellevue’s military preeminence accepted my invitation, so I designed signs for the car doors and looked forward to seeing Edmond residents honor his service to our great country in the skies over North Vietnam.”
Tims said the cheering crowds along the parade route were fabulous, with most places crowded beyond capacity. So very many stood, and others saluted the Colonel and thanked him for his service.
“I had tears streaming down my cheeks at this heartwarming experience for him to receive this appreciation,” Tims said. “This was his first Edmond parade, and he was well pleased, and for me, it was quite an experience to have met this gentleman.”
Tims said people may recall that the military returning from Vietnam were not always treated respectfully. It made her happy to see this change in the appropriate behavior for someone who served for such a long and distinguished career in the Air Force on our behalf.
She says she was delighted to see so many enjoying the parade and the joy of seeing each participant because everyone was excited and having fun with huge smiles.
“I have to say my driver and his car drew a lot of attention from the young and not-so-young boys admiring his car,” Tims said. “Andy Archbald drove us in his black Cobra convertible. He had it shining and decorated with an American flag on each side at the front of the hood to denote a military dignitary.”
Tims says the notable excitement along the parade route was so much more than she had ever expected. She was impressed that so many people were having fun at this local event.
“I will ask Col. DeBellevue to consider we switch roles next year since my status only lasts a year,” Tims said. “He will likely be invited back because of the crowd’s huge patriotic outpouring for his attendance. I am hoping he will invite me to ride along to allow me to make such wonderful memories again.”
U.S. Air Force Capt. Charles B. DeBellevue, now 77, became America’s first and only six MiG victory credit flying ace in 1972 in the skies of North Vietnam as an Air Force Weapon Systems Officer (WSO).
DeBellevue was an integral part of a two-person aircrew in the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, a two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor and fighter bomber. His air-to-air missile victories earned him the Air Force Cross and three Silver Stars.
Living in Edmond for 25 years now, the retired colonel says he witnessed a patriotic glimpse of America on display at the parade. “It is an honor to see my fellow citizens celebrate our independence with 100 parade entries and flock to the parade route to continue one of our best traditions,” DeBellevue said.
“Early in the UCO staging area, I saw the patriotic energy in the Edmond North High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets,” DeBellevue said. “They looked sharp in their uniforms. Five members were the 2023 National Champions of the Air Force Association’s StellarXplorers Space STEM program. They were the best of 350 teams nationwide. They earned an all-expenses-paid trip to Space Center Houston in Texas. Members of the top three teams received scholarships to pursue their STEM education and career goals.”
DeBellevue said things got even better when he learned he was to ride in a black Mustang Cobra Convertible.
He said the parade exceeded his expectations. “The crowd was amazing – energetic, patriotic and proud to be celebrating the 4th of July,” DeBellevue said. “Being in uniform, I was impressed when veterans cheered as our car went by. Some clapped, some stood, and some saluted, which I returned. The center of this country is obviously very patriotic.”
Being near the start of the parade paid off, he said. “Once we completed the parade, I watched the rest come through,” DeBellevue said. “For me, the old tractors and the Corvettes were a big hit, as were the three Edmond high school marching bands celebrating the 247th birthday of this great country.”

By Marilyn Olson, Executive Director, VillagesOKC

The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued an advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation and lack of connection in our country. Dr. Vivek Murthy officially gave the label of “epidemic” to loneliness.
“Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an under-appreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health,” Murthy said. “Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight – one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled and more productive lives.”
A Surgeon General’s Advisory is a public statement that calls the American people’s attention to an urgent public health issue and provides recommendations for how it should be addressed. Advisories are reserved for significant public health challenges that require the nation’s immediate awareness and action.
We know that loneliness and isolation are especially acute among older adults. VillagesOKC exists to help fill the gap for seniors in the Oklahoma City metro. Regular social connection is as essential as food and water for survival. Lacking social connection has serious health consequences including increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, anxiety and premature death.
In 2021, 49% of Americans reported having three or fewer close friends compared to 27% in 1990. This lack of social connection may be deadly – as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according the Surgeon General’s advisory. The rate of loneliness and isolation is increasing every year and was exacerbated by the pandemic and screen time – television, computer, smart phone.
VillagesOKC is committed to turning the tide by providing a robust calendar of events which offer members opportunities for learning, planning and helping others. Every event is an opportunity for human interaction. It might be a daylong event like the Day of Positive Aging held at Rose State College in May and Southern Nazarene University in June. It might be a cookout at a members house, a lunch gathering at a local restaurant or a tour of a local landmark.
For the past four years, VillagesOKC has provided trusted connections for mature adults through organized friendships. Often people become members after attending a coffee or free educational presentation. Some become members when an adult child purchases a VillagesOKC membership for Mothers Day, Fathers Day or a birthday. Others become members when the pastor or someone in the faith community urges joining. But most often membership happens when a friend reaches out because he simply wants to share the joy of aging with vitality and positivity.
The satisfaction of meeting trusted professionals also give this organization a small town feeling of connection. The television show Cheers had it right; it’s good to go where everyone knows your name.
A 501(c) tax-exempt organization, VillagesOKC is part of a “national village movement.” These villages are intentionally bringing like-minded people together to embrace aging and practice positivity. VillagesOKC membership includes a modest annual membership fee and background check. For more information, go to:
https://www.villagesokc.org/ or call (405) 990-6637.

The 1,000-acre resort destination is expected to attract more than 4.9 million guests per year to Oklahoma

Recently Oklahoma state and local officials joined American Heartland leadership to announceAmerican Heartland Theme Park and Resort, a more than $2 billion entertainment destination development in northeast Oklahoma, just west of Grand Lake on Route 66. The development will be built in phases starting with a large-scale RVpark with cabins scheduled to open phase one in spring 2025 and a world-class theme park and resort scheduled to open in 2026. The American Heartland Theme Park and Resort will offer a unique visitor experience rivaling the world’s top resort destinations. “We are thrilled to make Oklahoma the home of American Heartland Theme Park and Resort,“ American Heartland CEO Larry Wilhite said. “At the crossroads of the heartland, Oklahoma is an attractive location for a family entertainment destination. The state’s business-friendly approach and innovative partnership efforts have helped make this possible. We look forward to bringing unforgettable generational experiences to Oklahoma. ”American Heartland will be a 1,000-acre development with a 125-acre theme park,which is comparable to the size of Magic Kingdom Theme Park and Disneyland Park. The park will feature an Americana-themed environment with a variety of entertaining rides, live shows, family attractions, waterways as well as restaurant-quality food andbeverage offerings. “Oklahoma is excited to welcome American Heartland Theme Park and Resort,” Oklahoma State Rep. Rusty Cornwell said. “Located on historic Route 66 just west of Grand Lake, the development will attract visitors from around the world to experience and celebrate the rich cultures and hometown values America has to offer. ”The adjacent 320-acre Three Ponies RV Park and Campground, designed by Oklahoma architects ADG Blatt, will be the largest campground in the central U.S. with 750 RV spaces and 300 cabins plus amenities. “There’s no better place to represent the heart of America than northeast Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom. “This $2 billion investment in our state will create more than 4,000 jobs and introduce a new category of entertainment to the region, and its long-term economicimpact will be transformative. Tourism is already one of Oklahoma’s top industries and this project will elevate our state even further. Since tourism is a doorway to economic development, American Heartland Theme Park and Resort will draw new businesses not only to the surrounding area but also throughout the region and state.”The developer is American Heartland whose leadership has deep Oklahoma roots. American Heartland is an affiliate of Mansion Entertainment Group, LLC, Branson’s leading performing arts, animation and studio brand.Led by Executive Producer Steve Hedrick, the design team is made up of the world’s best theme park designers including 20+ former Disney Parks builders and Walt Disney Imagineers. Design firms include THG, FORREC and Cuningham, whose portfolios feature the world’s foremost theme park brands including Six Flags, Disney Parks and Universal Studios.
“We are pleased that American Heartland Theme Park and Resort has taken the first step and chosen Oklahoma to build a world-class entertainment destination,” said Hopper Smith, interim director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. “We look forward to assisting with this project as it develops.” American Heartland Theme Park and Resort is a family-friendly park promising timeless fun and boundless adventure. The 125-acre theme park will feature a collection of six distinctly American lands to welcome guests on a journey through the best of the American story. Families will find thrilling rides and heartwarming shows as they discover Great Plains, Bayou Bay, BigTimber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village and Electropolis.
“American Heartland will be a place families can come together to create lasting memories, experience joy, laughter, imagination and wonder,” American Heartland Founder and Chief Creative Officer Gene Bicknell said. “There is so much to celebrate about our country: its landscapes, its cultures and most importantly, its people. No matter where you’re from, you’ll feel right at home at American Heartland.”
The development will also include atop-tier 300-room hotel and modern indoor water park.
“American Heartland will be an anchor tourist destination on Route 66 set to attract more than two million out-of-state visitors to Oklahoma each year,” Kristy Adams, senior executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mansion Entertainment Group, American Heartland and Three Ponies, said. “The scale and quality of the development will be unlike anything else in the region, making Vinita, Oklahoma a can’t-miss destination for families around the world.”

For more information, visit https://www.americanheartlandthemepark.com/

by Flora Qualls, Your Cigna Agent in Oklahoma City – [email protected]

You know how important regular check-ups are and that consulting your healthcare provider when you have a concern is smart. But what happens after the visit is just as essential to maintaining good health.
Unfortunately, some people don’t follow their provider’s advice. Maybe they don’t take their prescriptions as written or forego recommended preventive screenings and immunizations. This can be costly, both for individuals and the health care system. Case in point: More than 125,000 people die each year because of prescription medication non-adherence, according to the National Council for Patient Information and Education.
Following a doctor’s recommended care plan can be challenging, according to Dr. J.B. Sobel, chief medical officer with Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare business. There are multiple reasons why older patients can have difficulty following their provider’s instructions – including managing multiple medications at different times of day – or trouble accessing or affording care.
Thankfully, there are some processes and resources that can help you faithfully follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
Get organized. More than half of adults 65 and older take four or more prescription drugs. With more medications, it can be difficult to know what to take, when to take it, and in what dosage. A low-cost pill organizer, available at drug stores and retail outlets, can help you stay organized. You may also want to automate your medication by taking it at the same time every day if directions allow that. The key is to find a system that works for you and stick with it.
Communicate with your provider or pharmacist. If your medication doesn’t seem to be working or is causing undesirable side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about adjusting your dosage or switching to an alternative. Likewise, discuss any concerns about screenings or tests with your provider.
Having a good rapport with your doctor helps. Take notes at your appointment or bring a loved one with you to help with questions. And don’t be afraid to ask if there’s anything you don’t understand.
Connect your providers. Make sure your various doctors share information. For example, if you have an unexpected hospital visit, notify your primary care provider so they can review any new medications or diagnoses from the hospital and help you fit them into your current care plan. This can also help protect you from unnecessary or duplicate procedures.
Find alternative access to care. If you have difficulty getting around or live far from where care is rendered, there are programs to help. Your provider may offer virtual visits. You may be able to have prescriptions safely delivered to your home in a 90-day supply, perhaps at a lower cost, and with reminders for refills. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may be eligible for rides to your provider or pharmacy at no extra cost. Learn more about Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans at www.cigna.com/medicare.
Seek help with costs. “Extra Help” is a federal program providing prescription drug cost support to those who qualify. Many pharmaceutical manufacturers help customers afford medications. You could also ask your healthcare provider about generic medications, which typically cost less but are equally effective.
Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans pay for many preventive procedures with no extra cost to you.
“If keeping up with your health care feels overwhelming, please don’t get discouraged,” said Dr. Sobel, who oversees a team of clinicians that contact Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage customers whose prescriptions have lapsed or not been refilled. “Seek help from a doctor, a pharmacy or a loved one. They want to help you. Keep in mind that it’s easier to maintain good health than it is to recapture your health following a preventable crisis.”
The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.
For information about Cigna Healthcare email me at [email protected] or call me at 405-432-6725.

Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI), including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth Health companies or their affiliates and Express Scripts companies or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits and others. Learn more at https://www.cigna.com/.

The Oklahoma Historical Society, in partnership with the Oklahoma Conference of Black Mayors, will host the Oklahoma All-Black Towns State Conference on Saturday, August 12, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center. The conference is designed to encourage a network of state agencies to join with the mayors of some of Oklahoma’s historic All-Black towns to share resources and discuss ideas.
In the early 20th century, Oklahoma was home to more than 50 All-Black towns and communities. Segregation and Jim Crow laws led many Black people to leave the state. The Great Depression caused more families to migrate to urban areas or other states. These events devastated many small Oklahoma towns, including the All-Black towns.
From 10 a.m.-noon, mayors from more than a dozen historic All-Black towns will present their unique history, discuss future projects, and more. Starting at noon, attendees can eat lunch and listen to the keynote presentation by Earthea A. Nance, who has a doctorate in environmental engineering from Stanford University. She is an associate professor in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University. Nance holds joint faculty appointments in the Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy and the Department of Political Science. At 1 p.m., several state agencies will share resources that enable towns to collect, preserve and share their histories, including the Oklahoma Arts Council, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Registration is required. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees can pre-purchase a lunch box from Florence’s Restaurant when registering for the conference. Lunch orders must be placed by Monday, August 7, at 11:59 p.m.
The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City.