Established Continental Navy League Veterans Families Active-duty cake-cutting ceremony Elmo Zumwalt Navy Congress Crew Captain Admiral Commander Sailor Tradition Pride Courage Salute Tribute Honor Celebration Sailor Tradition Pride Courage Salute Tribute Honor Celebration

The Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame will celebrate its 27th Banquet and Induction Ceremony on Nov. 7 at the Embassy Suites, Norman. This year’s class includes 12 living and deceased service members representing all services and all ranks and the Oklahoma Dustoff/Medevac Crews of the Vietnam War. Their achievements are as numerous and inspiring as those who have been inducted.
The formal event drew almost 600 attendees in 2025, according to retired Col. Kelly Zachgo, President of the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation, who operates the Hall of Fame. Zachgo added, “Our banquet is nothing like you have or will see anywhere else. Patriotism abounds; fantastic entertainment. Watch our combined Honor Guard made up of Pawnee, Cherokee, and Comanche tribal members carrying flags to the beat of drummers and singers. The stories you hear will resonate with you forever. Oklahoma does it right!
Families, friends and corporate sponsors like the Tinker Federal Credit Union attend to celebrate the honorees. The 145th Army Band will perform patriotic music.
Retired Maj. Gen. Douglas O. Dollar, who founded the Hall of Fame, explained the purpose behind the ceremony. “We try to honor veterans for one thing, for valor. They’ve been outstanding in combat. The other criteria is that they may have done community/public service for veterans, and they certainly deserve recognition and encouragement. Also, I think it’s very important to educate the public, especially the state’s youth, about military service and the remarkable stories of Oklahoman service.”
A trained “Ambassador” works closely with each honoree or their family, if deceased, to ensure their attendance is enjoyable. Lt. Jim Locke said, “As the Ambassador for the induction of the DustOff Association and members from Oklahoma, it is my distinct honor to represent the only group dedicated to not taking lives, but to saves lives in combat…A true life-saving mission who rarely landed, but hovered, to take the wounded out.”
Inductees are selected through a rigorous process to ensure Oklahoma’s most worthy are chosen. Candidates must have a connection to Oklahoma, full biographical information, outstanding civilian and/or patriotic service and most importantly, according to the Hall of Fame’s website, “The military record…must demonstrate heroic and/or extraordinary leadership action, service, or sacrifice; and principal awards received.”
Seating for the ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m. The Embassy Suites Norman is at 2501 Conference Drive, Norman, Oklahoma. Seating is $95 per person, with a check, credit card or online payment due by Oct 28. Dress is Sunday best, business suit, Service Uniform or Mess Dress. For event details and to reserve seats, visit www.OKMHF.ORG or email [email protected].
Synopsis of several inductees
Capt. Ivan J. Weaber, U.S. Army, 1907-1945, and 2nd Lt. George S. Weaber, U.S. Marine Corps, 1919-1944, were brothers who were born in Dacoma, OK, graduated from Enid High School and attended OK A&M College before entering the military during WWII. Capt. Ivan J. Weaber died in 1945 onboard a Japanese “Hell Ship” after being captured by the Japanese and imprisoned at Cabanatuan. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and POW Medal. As a member of the 5th Marine Division, Lt. George Weaber died in 1944 after exposing himself to attract enemy fire and was posthumously awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart.
Sergeant Mad Bear, U.S. Army, 1847- 1913. Sergeant Mad Bear was born in Nebraska in 1847 and is a citizen of the Pawnee Nation. During the Indian Wars of 1865-1877, he was assigned to the 5th Cavalry Regiment. During an engagement with Cheyenne warriors led by Tall Bull, he mounted his horse, attacked the enemy, and was wounded in the hip. Mad Bear became the first indigenous recipient of the Medal of Honor.
Oklahoma Dustoff / Medevac Crews of the Vietnam War, U.S. Army. In Vietnam, the extraordinary courage, skill, and selfless service of helicopter pilots and crews known by the call signs “Dustoff” and “Medevac” helped save 900,000 wounded soldiers. In September 2024, Congress awarded these crewmembers the Congressional Gold Medal. Oklahomans were among these elite rescue crews.
MG Doug Dollar Distinguished Public Service Award
Brigadier General Ben T. Robinson, U.S. Air Force. As an Army helicopter pilot from 1969-1972, he flew 100 combat missions in Vietnam. Later, after joining the Air Force, he earned his fixed pilot wings. He commanded the 552nd Air Control Wing during his final tour at Tinker AFB. Robinson advanced STEM education and aerospace opportunities in Oklahoma, and since 2013, has been a docent at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. • Story by Retired Lt. Col. Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFR website: Rich Travel Niche

Veterans are invited to attend PhotoCon OKC 2026, Oklahoma’s only regional level three-day interactive photography skills advancement convention, as immersive as their military experience. The event will be held Oct. 29- 31 in OKC at Embassy Suites by Hilton OKC Northwest.
Celebrating its 13th year, Bedford Camera & Video’s PhotoCon OKC helps photographers at every level bridge the gap between theoretical classroom learning and real-world application, much like Veterans preparing for their first duty station. The event is widely recognized as the region’s largest photography and digital imaging show.
For more current information about the event, lodging discounts and special VIP access, visit www.photoconokc.com. Early-bird admission is $149, or $199 at the door, and the event benefits four local charities.
“PhotoCon fosters camaraderie between photographers from across the state and region that supports our creative endeavors,” said Richard Clifton, long-time prolific Oklahoma City photographer. “The master class sessions have let me hear speakers I have idolized for years and followed on Facebook and YouTube.”
The core of the educational experience is the lineup of two dozen expert speakers covering diverse genres. Instead of general advice, photographers can attend these targeted sessions to learn specific, actionable skills.
Keynote presentations include Hank Schyma and Kansas City Chiefs Director of Photography Steve Sanders.
Veterans can build technical mastery by learning complex workflows like astro-landscape photography and “night techniques” from experts like Tony Hebert, or dive into macro and nature photography with Don Hamilton.
Photographers are invited to move beyond camera settings by attending sessions on storytelling with Jason Domingues or learning how to generate income as an “Intentional Artist” with Brennen Nicole.
For photographers looking to expand into video, Ioannis Androitis is presenting on Sound for Visual Media & Podcasting, a critical skill for modern hybrid shooters.
The experiential learning, similar to military training, begins with building your portfolio and live shooting. This year, it offers its inaugural Open Car Show for more photography vistas on opening day.
Unlike typical conferences where attendees only listen, PhotoCon offers hands-on gear demos and live shooting scenarios that let them practice new techniques immediately.
The Thursday Night “Envoy Evening” kicks off with a free community night on Thursday, October 29. This includes live photo demos and model shoots, presenting a low-pressure environment to test gear and lighting setups before the main conference begins.
Throughout the weekend, attendees will have access to professional models for portfolio building. This is a rare opportunity to direct professional talent and capture high-quality images for websites or social media without the usual costs of hiring talent.
“Beyond PhotoCon, you see Bedford’s support for the photographer striving to learn more when they host their Third Thursday night photo walks several months during the good weather months,” Clifton said.
This spirit of support is strongest during PhotoCon, when expanding creative networks and growth often come from community critique and collaboration. The conference offers interactive photo walks, taking guided sessions out of the hotel to shoot alongside experts and allowing attendees to learn how professionals “see” light and composition in real time.
PhotoCon is designed to connect attendees with fellow creators, potential mentors, and brand representatives, facilitating the exchange of tips, location ideas, and business referrals.
The vendor-rich Expo floor lets attendees test proof-of-concept gear to build technical knowledge by physically testing equipment rather than relying on online reviews.
Attendees can test the latest camera bodies, lenses, and lighting modifiers from leading manufacturers such as Canon USA. This helps you understand exactly how new technology-such as mirrorless autofocus systems or off-camera flash-can solve specific problems in workflow.
A well-supported, popular photo-capture contest runs in the background during PhotoCon. This PhotoConTEST, a signature interactive event sponsored by Canon USA, runs continuously from opening night through the final day.
It is a real-time challenge where attendees apply what they learn immediately, turning the entire conference into their canvas.
Unlike traditional contests where you submit files online, this is a tactile, on-site experience. From the moment the doors open on Thursday evening (October 29), attendees are encouraged to capture images that best capture the spirit of PhotoCon. This includes photos of the professional models, candid moments from the photo walks, and dynamic images of the gear and the crowd.
Instead of uploading a digital file, attendees visit the Canon Printer Booth on the expo floor. There, Canon experts will help print attendees’ selected masterpiece (often a high-quality 13×19” print) at no charge as their official entry.
The printed image is then hung in the Hallway Gallery, creating a growing exhibition that expands throughout the weekend. This “Hallway of Fame” allows every attendee, speaker, and instructor to view, admire, and discuss the work, turning the venue into a living art gallery.
While the exact voting and judging mechanics can vary slightly year to year (often a mix of peer popularity and judge selection), the core “voting” typically involves a People’s Choice and peer recognition.
During breaks, attendees walk the hallway, critiquing and admiring the prints. The “buzz” around specific images often drives the popular vote or influences the final selection.
The contest usually closes for entries by noon on Saturday, with winners announced at the closing ceremonies or during the afternoon prize drawings. Winners often receive significant prizes, such as new camera bodies, lenses, or substantial gift cards.
“Use the professional models to make the most of the dedicated shooting bays,” Clifton said. “These controlled setups are designed to help you get a ‘contest-worthy’ shot using professional lighting.” • Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) hosted a successful Open House and VetFest event on September 3rd to promote admissions to the Sallisaw Veterans Home. “We need the veteran community and their families to raise awareness about the Sallisaw Veterans Home, a flagship facility and hidden gem in a beautiful area of our state,” said James Bynum, Executive Director of ODVA.
Eagle Ops, along with other community stakeholders, held a special claims clinic onsite to assist veterans in accessing the care and benefits during the open house.
“Partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs and the VA to help bring events like VetFest to communities across Oklahoma just makes sense for Eagle OPS. Our mission is about connecting relationships and resources to bring our heroes home, and this is exactly what that looks like in action. When we can help raise awareness, bring veterans through the door and connect them with the benefits and resources they’ve earned, everybody wins,” said Johnathon “Shep” Shepherd, Executive Director, Eagle OPS Foundation.
The event provided veterans with an opportunity to connect, tour the new facility, and meet with elected officials and ODVA staff. Senators Tom Woods and Warren Hamilton, along with Representatives Rick West, Melissa Provenzano, and Derrick Hildebrandt, attended to show their support for Oklahoma’s veteran community.
“When veterans get connected to the VA, their benefits and other trusted resources, it also opens the door to the many opportunities for social connection and community that exist across our state. From Eagle OPS Rally Points to events and programs hosted by other veteran-serving organizations, there are so many ways for Oklahoma veterans to get connected and stay connected,” said Shepherd.
In June, ODVA announced that Sallisaw Veterans Home was fully staffed, marking a significant milestone in expanding veteran care capacity across Oklahoma. To celebrate this achievement, ODVA initiated a statewide effort to admit sixty veterans within sixty days. Filling the long-term care beds within the Oklahoma Veterans Home System is vital to demonstrating ODVA’s commitment to supporting the needs of veterans.
“This facility serves as a valuable resource for veterans in Oklahoma, yet we also welcome residents from any state,” Bynum added. The home boasts unique amenities and is conveniently located near Muskogee, Tulsa, Fort Smith, Rogers, and Joplin.
ODVA is committed to improving the lives of veterans and their families at the Sallisaw Veterans Home in eastern Oklahoma. This modern facility spans 201,000 square feet on a 40.8-acre campus, offering 175 beds and employing approximately 275 staff members. The home features nine courtyards for therapy, relaxation, and dining, providing a safe environment that promotes wellness. Each veteran is provided with a spacious private room, a significant advantage over smaller veteran homes. Recently approved for admissions after passing its VA survey in April 2026, the home offers robust clinical services, and an excellent safety record.
Scan the QR CODE below for an Application for Veterans Home Admission:

Katrina Palan has spent her life moving between two callings: military service and ministry, each shaped profoundly by family.
Katrina comes from a lineage steeped in service. Her father, an Air Force veteran, flew for years as an Aircraft Commander, eventually logging over 15,000 flying hours and earning an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He and Katrina flew together regularly until a tragic Naval incident that claimed the lives of five brothers led to a policy change barring family members from flying together. Katrina’s father and stepmother served in the Air Force and reserves during Vietnam.

Katrina joined the Air Force Reserve in 1978 through the Delayed Entry Program, enlisting three months before her high school graduation. Originally from Michigan, she relocated to Biloxi, Mississippi, following her father’s assignment with the Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. Stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, she served with the 34th Air Weather Flight, the 815th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron and the 920th Air Wing. As a meteorologist and weather forecaster working closely with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), she flew as a “drop sonde operator,” gathering data during hurricane reconnaissance missions and, in wartime, flying ahead of other aircraft to support refueling operations. Her service took her around the globe, even into the Arctic Circle. Her father notably served as the Aircraft Commander during her very first hurricane mission. For her efforts, Katrina earned an Air Medal of her own, a distinction requiring at least 15 penetrations into named storms. She served from 1978 to 1991, holding the rank of Technical Sergeant. She eventually stepped back from the reserves as the monthly call to duty became difficult to balance with her enjoyment of being a stay-at-home mother.
While serving in Mississippi, Katrina met her husband, an Air National Guard member from Pennsylvania who relocated to be near her after they met in February of 1980. The couple married that November and together raised three sons and one daughter. Their oldest followed his grandfather’s path into aviation, attended the Air Force Academy and became a pilot. He served 25 years and earned a Distinguished Flying Cross for a mission in Afghanistan.

The A-10 aircraft he flew during that mission has since been decommissioned, bears his name and is on display at the “Boneyard” in Arizona. He currently flies for United Parcel Service (UPS). Having come through ROTC at TCU, her youngest son served as an Artillery Officer in the Army for a total of ten years. A nephew continues the family’s tradition of service as an Army National Guard gunner on Blackhawk helicopters.
Despite generations of military service, no one in her family has been injured or killed in the line of duty. Katrina often reflects on how fortunate they have been. Tragedy did touch the family in another way when Katrina’s husband died in 2016. Two of her sons were actively serving at the time and were sent home by the Red Cross to be with her.
Katrina’s path into ministry began later in life. At the age of 35 she felt called into service through a vivid dream. She came to understand it as a call to seminary. A friend showed her a flier about Clinical Pastoral Education that set her on the road to chaplaincy. Her first role was at a Level One trauma center in Wichita, Kansas. She later returned to complete her undergraduate degree at Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, all while continuing chaplaincy work with the Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department. Her ministry has since carried her through Ottawa, Kansas; Omaha, Nebraska; disaster chaplaincy work with the Salvation Army in Carlinville, Illinois; and service with the Broken Arrow Police Department. All of her chaplaincy roles have been volunteer positions. Her paid, full-time work has come through interim pastoral roles, filling pulpits between permanent hires.
For 33 years, Katrina has answered the call to serve as a chaplain, and she isn’t ready to stop. She still feels there’s more work for her to do. Since 2024, she has served at the Coffee Bunker as one of six chaplains and the first and only woman to hold that role. For years, because her service was in the reserves, she quietly doubted whether her military experience counted. At the Coffee Bunker, a place that welcomes anyone who raised their hand and took the oath, she has finally embraced her identity as a veteran and has been met with the gratitude and recognition that has eluded her for years. In her free time, Katrina enjoys spending time with her eleven grandchildren. • story by Jill Stephenson, contributing writer

Most veterans have a few. A unit coin. One from a first sergeant or a chief. One pressed into a palm at Fort Sill or Tinker or Vance, at a change of command, at a retirement, or on the far side of a deployment. Some go back further, to a father or grandfather who came home from Korea or Vietnam with something in a pocket that meant more than its weight in brass.
Each one was given for a reason, and the reason is the part that matters. It is also the part that gets lost. The coin sits in a desk drawer or a shadow box for thirty years, and when the veteran passes, it goes to a son or a granddaughter who can read the crest but not the story.
AllCoin exists to write it down. A veteran, or a family member helping, photographs both sides of a coin they already own, adds a few lines about how it was earned, and it lives in a searchable Coin Library a grandchild can find decades from now. Uploading existing coins is always free for veterans.
To take part, go to allcoin.braav.co and create a free account; an email address is all that is required. Photograph the front and back of a coin in good light. Write the story: who gave it, when, where, and what it meant. Once your account is set up, you can also text a photo of a coin, with your account name, to (805) 395-6805. Then ask the veteran next to you at your post about theirs.
Questions are welcome at [email protected].