Route 66 felt the weight of Plymouths, Dodges and Chryslers during the 5th (third time in Bristow) Southern Plains Mopar Fest (SPMF) on Oct. 3-4. On Day 1, a caravan of Mopars cruised 62 miles in the “Run for the Tower Route 66 Cruise.” On Day 2, owners checked-in 76 cars and trucks for a car show on three blocks of Main Street (also Route 66).

Doug Cataline, owner/operator of the SPMF, loves Mopar vehicles and shares that enthusiasism with Bristow officials by making the town a SPMF showcase. He estimated 4,500 people attended the second day.

On Oct. 3, at 11:00 a.m., participants in 30 vehicles departed from the Chrysler Plymouth Dealership on 9th Ave. Their quest? Enjoy a “Run for the Tower Route 66 Cruise” and pick up playing cards to earn the best poker hand at seven roadside landmarks,

Daryl Bishop of OKC piloted his 1974 Plymouth Duster. He enjoyed the Route 66 Bowl card stop in Chandler and praised lunch at Butchers BBQ, another card stop. Although he assembled two queens and two 5s, he fell short.

David Griffin of Bartlesville did win the poker run with four “threes “ (four of a kind), earning him $560 and a Top 30 plaque for his 2023 Dodge Demon in the car show. “It was an opportunity of a lifetime…I’ve never been on Route 66 for that long of a period. It was fabulous to see all the old places,” he said.

After returning to Bristow by 5:00 p.m., more than 50 cruisers gathered with locals at C&J Kountry Fixings to eat and socialize.
On Day 2, Mopar owners from six states displayed entire lineups of classic machinery: Chrysler 300s, Newports, Barracudas (A-Body), Cudas (E-Body), Superbirds, Road Runners, Super Bees, Chargers and pickup trucks gleamed under the hot sun on both sides of Route 66.

The most unusual entry was an original 1942 Dodge WC54 ambulance painted drab green. Twenty-six year Army veteran Kevin Hicks of Chandler brings it to some car shows “because it’s a tribute to the greatest generation.” It won a Top 30 plaque.

According to Motortrend.com, Chrysler Corp. introduced Mopar (combination of “motor” and “parts”) products in 1937. “When talking with an enthusiast, a Mopar car is one built by one of the original Chrysler Corp. brands, which in order of ascendancy are Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Ram, Chrysler, and Imperial.” Jeep qualifies, as Chrysler bought the brand in 1987.

Two distinguished guests flew in to mingle. Paul Rossi, a Mopar representative and champion National Hot Rod Association drag racer from 1963 to 2000, proudly showed his 1970 Dodge Challenger to admirers. Claudia Abel, Miss Direct Connection 1984, journeyed from Detroit. She told attendees, “What an opportunity to drive, walk and visit…the nostalgic Route 66.”

Why hold the SPMF in Bristow? Cataline explained, “We all are hobbyists and we love the Chrysler Plymouth name…The second reason is to bring absolute awareness to the Chrysler Plymouth Tower that’s in this awesome little town…in the crossroads of America…So it gave me inspiration to do a show here.” The 1949 “Tower of Power” is being repaired for reinstallation at the corner of Main and 9th Streets in the summer of 2026.
Amid 30 vendors selling merchandise, parts, services, and food, attendees enjoyed live music from Tulsa’s “Tempest Revival,” covering hits of the ‘70s through ‘90s. “Sales have been very good because of the car show,” noted Jordayn Fleetwood of Buffalo Beverage Company

Car judging took place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with awards at 2:00 p.m. Cataline gave the Top 30 plaques first, then special awards. Highlights: Leslie Foster of Ebgerton, Kansas, won “Claudia’s pick” (a signed photo) for his 1971 Dodge Charger. Scott Wood took home the Sponsor’s Award for a 1961 Plymouth.

Two elite awards went to Kerri Somerville of Edmond. Her spotless, white 1947 Dodge Power Wagon (pickup truck) won the B.A.M.F. (three-foot trophy) and Best of Show (enamel guitar).

Cataline generously donated $500 to Bristow’s FAA and $1,000 to its Historical Society.

The SPMF contributes to Bristow’s ability to draw people downtown to attend free, fun activities. Mayor Kris Wyatt texted, “Events like the Southern Plains Mopar Fest help draw people to our community, supporting local businesses and showcasing the charm that makes Bristow such a special stop along Route 66.”

Asked why do car buffs like Mopar, Cataline smiled. “Everything is classic and if you like cars, you have to be here because you’ll love these cars. They’re old and old is cool.” • Story by Retired Lt. Col. Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFER. See Rich Travel Niche

More changes are coming for the VA Oklahoma City Healthcare System as it strives to meet the demands of a growing Veterans population in Oklahoma.
The latest was the opening of a new location in for the Women’s Health Clinic and specialty care clinics which are relocating from the VA Medical Center.
The North Portland VA Clinic will consist of two separate buildings and will cover a total of 25,604 square feet, said Wade Vlosich, Director of the Oklahoma City HealthCare System. The facilities will employ 75 staff members.
Building 5, located at 3625 NW 56th Street, will house the Women’s Health Clinic, Imaging, and Lab services. This relocation will provide the women’s Veteran population with a facility outside of the VA Medical Center.
This move will offer an environment for female Veterans who may feel uncomfortable using the medical center due to past trauma.
Building 3, located at 3613 NW 56th Street, will house Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Orthopedics, Podiatry, Urology, Optometry, Ophthalmology, and the Optical Shop.
“We will also be opening a mega clinic in Yukon,” Vlosich said. “We will be having a new hospital in Norman, so it will be a substance abuse treatment facility and a nursing home unit.”
Vlosich said rural America is needing more healthcare options including nursing home beds.
“What’s happened in the state of Oklahoma as rural America starts to see some collapse in healthcare, we’re losing nursing homes,” he said. “The VA does not have in the state of Oklahoma enough nursing home beds for veterans. We have been talking to the ODVA, and what we are looking at is a partnership because they have some unused beds. We are talking about making a share agreement where we will set up VA staff nursing homes in ODVA space because they are not able to fill that. And it meets the needs of both sides. We are looking at a partnership in Norman to expand nursing home beds there and in Sulfur and Ardmore. The VA is opening a new clinic in Stillwater.
Vlosich said the VA had a market assessment done for veteran needs and services in Oklahoma City and the rest of the state for potential future expansion.
“They did a market assessment, and they looked at all the workload for Oklahoma and how it compared to other states also growing in veteran population.
“They talked to us that if the growth in the city/state occurs, they’re expecting that we’ll need a clinic in Guthrie and Duncan in the near future,” he said.

1 November, 8-11am, Monthly Breakfast. Open to the public. $8 adults, $4 kids. All you can eat!

We will have the Mobile Blood guys in the parking lot taking blood donations too! Donors sign up here — https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/676309?fbclid=IwdGRjcANl3SFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF0UGVJeW04eGlPczRONEl1AR5OvMICCQ7B4duLetqYRejkyiol77J01NMT2htYM6PVzQY3C-8UKp5CKnqOvA_aem_ZANfQliC2Pz3KplXPwB4Kw

Post 12 will be handing out poppies ahead of Veterans Day weekend at the SPARK Creative Lab performances of Ditty Bop. Friday November 7 at 7 pm, Saturday, November 8 at 7 pm, and Sunday, November 9 at 2 pm. Location is the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., OKC, OK 73103. Discounted Veteran tickets are on sale now for $12.50.

More info at this link:Oklahoma Contemporary https://share.google/lJYi0udpX5dB6S9Na

Post 12 will be out in the community representing at our usually places during Veterans Day weekend. We will be taking donations, visiting with folks and handing out poppies. Nov 8th-9th-10th. Hours 9am-5pm. Stop by our tables at either store and say hello. We love chatting with Veterans. Homeland Store 7001 NW 122nd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73142. Or Homeland Store 9225 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73120. This is always our biggest fundraiser. We appreciate our Homeland store partners that allow us to do this every year! Thank you Homeland!

Monthly Spaghetti Dinner is scheduled for Friday, 21 November, 6pm-8pm. Open to the public. $10 adults, $8 kids. All you can eat. The table is set. All that is missing is you. Won’t you join us? Location: 6101 NW50th St., Warr Acres, OK 73122

Every Thursday — Free hot coffee, donuts and conversations! Open to the public. 7am-10am. Our “Coffee with a Veteran” program is world class and so are our attendees. (We might be a little bit bias.) Stop by and see for yourself. Sitting with a Veteran is different.

Rent our Post for your next event. We have the tables and chairs. Kitchen facility and a bar. We have everything you need to make your next event epic. Our stage is somewhat small but our willingness is mighty! Email: [email protected] or call/text 405-922-2619 for availability and reasonable rates! We still have holiday dates open!

Check us out on FB & the OK veterans calendar.

https://www.facebook.com/share/12EWiGJMbXf/

Craft Fair & Cow Patty Bingo Event 10/25/2025 Warr Acres, , Post 12 Inside and Outside – Fundraising Event | Oklahoma Veterans Calendar https://share.google/e1aivAknFaJPIXl4r

Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Bill Williams, 99, was born to fly.

Williams, a resident at Album Quail Springs, a retirement community located at 14201 N. Kentucky Avenue in Oklahoma City, will turn 100 on Dec. 21. A party will be held at noon on Dec. 22 at Album Quail Springs to honor him.

He is a Veteran of World War II and the Korean War.

“The war (World War II) was slowing down, and so my folks let me sign up for the Army. And I signed up for the aviator cadet program, and they called me in July of 1944, and went through the training,” Williams said.

Williams, a North Carolina native, was stationed in Schofield, South Carolina, and later in Montgomery, Alabama awaiting an opening in the aviator cadet program.
Williams, who lived in Alabama as a child, worked weekends at his grandfather’s farm near Montgomery.

“Every weekend I was up on the farm with my uncle on my grandfather’s farm,” he said.
After being discharged from the Army, Williams attended the University of North Carolina for three years, before a fellow student passed on information that changed the trajectory of his life.

“One morning as I was leaving the barracks to go to class, a friend of mine passed by,” Williams said. “He said, “He said, ‘Hey, I understand the Air Force is recruiting cadets again.’ I said, ‘Good.’ I skipped to class and went to a recruiter in Chapel Hill.”

The Korean War started on June 25, 1950, and ended on July 27, 1953, after the signing of an armistice agreeing that the country would remain divided.

At the end of the Second World War, Korea – which had formerly been occupied by the Japanese – was divided along the 38th parallel. This was an internal border between North and South Korea based on a circle of latitude.

North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union, invaded the south on June 25, 1950, which was supported by the United States.

The three-year war was exceptionally bloody and led to the deaths of 3 million people and tens of thousands of casualties.

Williams was stationed in Okinawa, Japan when the war broke out.

Six weeks later, he found himself flying out of Japan on his first mission against the enemy in Korea.

He flew his jet out of Kimpo Air Base a few miles west of Seoul, but the communist Koreans and Chinese soon put a stop to United States flights out of Kimpo.

In the early winter of 1950, the communists launched an offensive, which nearly pushed the United Nations fighting forces into the ocean.

“The enemy was six miles away from Kimpo. We tried to strafe the advanced troops with rockets and machine guns, but they just overpowered us,” Williams said previously in a newspaper interview. “We evacuated and flew to Japan. They ran us out.”

Williams was with the 16th Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the 51st Fighter Wing. It was the squadron’s primary job to win ground support and go behind the lines and stick and wreck anything that looked military.

Williams was later detached from the Air Force and was sent back to Korea with an infantry division at the front. The Army needed a combat expert pilot to direct fire pilots from the ground to nearby enemy installations.

“I was attached to an artillery group,” he said. “When our ground guns got out of range of targets, I’d call out our fighters, and they’d take over.”

A month later, he returned to his old outfit.

Williams holds the Distinguished Flying Cross for action near the Yalu River when the Chinese started pushing the U.S. out of North Korea.

“The Chinese caught a large convoy of ours in retreat,” he said. “The vehicles were surrounded and the battle probably killed thousands of Americans. We went up there on a flight of two planes, and saw 200, 300 American trucks on the side of the road with no signs of life.”
Williams said he did see the enemy.

“I shot two men near a Howitzer and went from there to another Korean town and found more trucks cut off from the route of retreat,” he said. “We left there and found a couple of hundred Chinese troops on the road. We strafed them and probably killed 50. Later, the two planes returned to the entrapped vehicle and destroyed as many as we could to keep them from falling into the communist hands.”

In the spring of 1951, Williams returned to the US and was stationed in Nevada and Kansas. He has 100 flying missions to his credit over enemy territory in the Korean War.

Williams summed up his thoughts on the Korean War in his newspaper interview.

“You can’t let the communists have everything. The war was justified. President Truman did the right thing,” he said. •
story and photos by Van Mitchell, staff writer

Pete Reed, former director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, was tasked by his close friend, the late Gov. George Nigh, to work with the Force 50 Foundation to help bring the Native American Warrior Project to fruition.

Pete Reed, former director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, right, and Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, are working to help make the Native American Warrior Project in Oklahoma City a reality.Reed, who began his career in public service at age 25 and became director of the Department of Veterans Affairs at 29, has been working with the Native American Warrior Project to establish a monument recognizing Native Americans’ contributions in the U.S. military.

In August, Reed kicked off a statewide tour to honor Native American veterans and raise funds for a new monument at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City.
The tour, dubbed the “Season of the Warrior Campaign,” will visit 100 communities across Oklahoma in under 100 days.

Reed and his team plan to meet local leaders, visit community landmarks, and engage with newspapers to raise awareness for the project.

“He (Nigh) asked me to pursue with the Force 50 Foundation to visit all 77 counties,” Reed said. “Our goal is to raise $2.5 million from 100,000 Oklahomans at $25 each. That’s one quarter of 1% of our state, and we believe there are 100,000 Oklahomans at $25.”

The Force 50 Foundation, headquartered in Norman, is dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of Veterans by enhancing their access to essential healthcare, mental health support, and transportation services. Through strategic collaboration with an extensive network of partners, they strive to empower Veterans with the resources and support they need to thrive.

The Native American Warrior Monument arch rendering is shown at the state capital in Oklahoma City.Nigh, a special advisor to Force 50, penned a letter to Oklahomans to support the Native American Warrior Project.

“As someone that believes in the State of Oklahoma and supports all Oklahoma veterans, I would like to ask your participation in the Native American Warrior Project,” he wrote. “This is a Special Recognition Vision of the Force 50 Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of all Oklahoma Veterans.”

Nigh continued, “This project promotes the dedication of a First American Warrior monument at the newly established Oklahoma Veterans Memorial Park on the southside of the State Capitol. We are asking all Oklahomans to support this project. Our success depends on you and the many good Oklahomans you know. Please help us spread the word within your community and assist us in our fundraising efforts to honor the heritage and military history of these special Oklahomans!”

The project has garnered support from prominent figures including former University of Oklahoma football coach Barry Switzer.

Reed also highlighted the creation of the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial Park at the state Capitol, which will feature the 45th Infantry Arch as its centerpiece. He said the Native American Warrior Monument will be the first of its kind in the nation and will honor the state’s diverse military history.

Native Americans have served in every major military conflict since the Revolutionary War. In the 20th century, more than 12,000 Native Americans served in World War I, and 10,000 Native women joined the Red Cross.

During World War II, over 44,000 Native Americans served, including nearly 800 women. Since 9/11, Native Americans have served at a higher per-capita rate than any other ethnic group. While their reasons for serving are as diverse as their tribal affiliations, many cite their desire to follow in the footsteps of family members and the cultural value placed on patriotism, duty, and Warrior traditions.

Reed said the Oklahoma Legislature appropriated $4.3 million for a 45th Infantry arch and site development.

“Even though the 45th Infantry arch will be the anchor monument to the new Veterans Park, what we are doing is going out and working to establish the other monuments and sculptures in the park. The first one being the Native American Warrior Monument,” he said.

Reed said the Veterans Park; the Veterans Arch and the Native American Warrior Monument have already been approved by the Oklahoma Arts Council.
“The Arts Council cannot put the project out to bid until we raise the funds. Once the funds are raised, invitations to bid on the project will only go out to Native American artists and sculptors,” he said.

Reed said his statewide tour is going well.

“We’re getting great newspaper coverage, front-page coverage on every rural newspaper in every rural city that we visit. So, we’re getting the word out,” he said.
Reed said he would like to have all the funds raised by early 2026, but construction on the project may not start until Fall 2026.“The Arch and the site development will all be

completed and dedicated sometime in the middle of next summer, 2026,” he said. “Until that’s dedicated, we can’t put another monument on there.”

Reed said he is grateful to play a part in Nigh’s vision for the project.

“He was my dear friend, and no one represented the state of Oklahoma better than George Nigh. There will never be another George Nigh in Oklahoma,” Reed said. “And so, this means everything to me to see this Veterans Park beginning with the Native American Warrior Monument to become a reality. Nothing means more to me, and I will not stop until we succeed.”

Check donations for the project can be mailed to 50 Foundation, PO box 722838 in Norman, Okla., 73070. Visit www.force50foundation.com or use your phone and scan the code below. • story by Van Mitchell, staff writer

Nonprofit Socks for Seniors Oklahoma has been delivering more than 500 donated Christmas gift bags to veterans in the Norman Veterans Center who might not otherwise receive a gift since 2017.

Starting in 2013, founder Sue McMillan and a friend delivered 127 pairs of socks to three local nursing homes during their first holiday season, with the intention of making the recipients feel remembered and special. Staff informed them that for some residents, this would likely be the only Christmas gift they would receive.

This impactful experience, where the recipients’ joy was palpable, inspired McMillan to create the organization and expand the number of recipients. The heartfelt response from the recipients so touched McMillan that she has used her business administration background to solicit sponsors year-round, and the number of volunteers has grown significantly.

“This nonprofit’s mission became my passion,” McMillan said in an interview while working their booth at the Second Half Expo in October. “This has grown so much we must thank Morningstar Storage and Gate Keepers Storage for their generous donation of space. It may sound strange to point this out in an interview, but they allow us to store inventory and to work on the bags year-round.”

This program, which focuses on seniors and veterans who have limited family interaction and are at risk of feeling forgotten during the holidays, quickly evolved into a well-received 501 (c) (3) nonprofit. Many merchant sponsors in Oklahoma City have donated space in their stores, allowing customers to make direct donations.

Volunteers assemble holiday gift bags filled with personal care items. The organization relies on donations from the community and now many local businesses to fill the bags. Many community business sponsors recognize that by providing a simple, thoughtful gift, Socks for Seniors OK brings joy, comfort, and a reminder to seniors and veterans that they are valued members of the community.

Now, bags contain essential and comforting items, such as socks (especially diabetic socks), gloves, scarves, toiletries, lap blankets, and activity books. They put a special “Thank You For Your Service” card and an American flag in each of the veterans’ packages.
Socks for Seniors OK began serving veterans in the Norman Veterans Center to expand its mission beyond underserved nursing homes to serve military veterans. Delivering gifts to the center’s Alzheimer’s unit shows their commitment to helping veterans with specific needs. In 2024, the organization delivered gifts to 502 residents, accounting for over 20 percent of its total holiday gift packages.

Focusing on facilities with residents who have limited interaction with family, this is especially important for veterans who may have outlived family members or live far from relatives.

Gifts for the Norman Veterans Center, like those for all other veterans centers, are assembled and delivered by volunteers in December, creating a direct connection between the community and the veterans who have served.

Readers can volunteer or donate to Socks for Seniors OK by contributing their time, mailing monetary gifts or gift cards, or donating specific items from their wish list. The best time to volunteer is in November, but the organization accepts donations year-round.

Socks for Seniors OK relies on volunteers for many tasks throughout the year. To get started, readers can contact the organization directly through their website to express their interest.

Volunteers are needed year-round to assist in preparing items for the gift bags, including pairing socks, sorting donations, and delivering donation baskets to local businesses. Your help is crucial to our ongoing mission.

The busiest time for volunteers is the week after Thanksgiving and the first week of December, when the gift bags are assembled and delivered to local nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Financial donations enable the organization to purchase items in bulk, often at more favorable prices. These items are then used to fill the veterans’ gift bags. Readers can mail a check or gift card to Socks for Seniors, OK, 3240 W Britton Road, Ste 103, Oklahoma City, OK 73120.
Their website provides a PayPal account for online donations. They need donations of new socks, particularly diabetic socks. Toiletries (small-sized) such as hand lotion, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lip balm, and deodorant are accepted.

They solicit comfort items such as gloves, scarves, caps, and lap blankets, as well as puzzle books, playing cards, and small notebooks and pens.
For readers’ shopping convenience, they can find the organization’s current gift list on Amazon by searching for “Socks for Seniors OK”. The best way to coordinate dropping off a large donation is to contact the organization via email at [email protected] to ensure someone is available to receive it.

Local businesses can participate by donating directly, displaying donation baskets, or sponsoring an employee donation drive.
For info on donating or volunteering, visit www.socksforseniorsok.org or scan the QR CODE below. •
story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

CAR/GUN/CYCLE SHOWS

Cruise-In to Bridging Vines
Nov 1, 2025 LOCATION: 11216 N Cimarron Rd Yukon, OK 73099 Note: This November, head to Yukon for the Cruise-In to Bridging Vines. Enjoy a classic car show, live music by classic rock band Intention and delicious food from Big Mama’s Spuds & Sweets.

Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend
Nov 7, 2025 – Nov 8, 2025 LOCATION: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Note: Come salute the best in the rodeo world at the Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend in Oklahoma City. Held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Hall of Fame Class celebrates the story and people of rodeo culture.

Battle of Honey Springs Reenactment Nov 7, 2025 – Nov 9, 2025 LOCATION: Honey Springs Battlefield Checotah, OK 74426 Note: Commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs with a special demonstration of the battle in Checotah near Rentiesville. Come and witness as costumed actors bring to life the largest military clash ever to have occurred in Oklahoma.

Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show
Nov 8, 2025 – Nov 9, 2025 LOCATION: Tulsa Expo Square Tulsa, OK 74153 Note: The Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show is one of the largest firearms shows in the world.

Cars N’ K9s
Nov 15, 2025 LOCATION: 201 S Division, Asher, OK Note: A benefit for animal rescues, featuring classic cars, trucks, imports, and bikes. It includes food trucks, vendors, and a chance to win a prize for bringing a toy for the Asher Angel Tree.

EV Car Show – By First United Bank –
Nov 15, 2025 LOCATION: 201 S Division, Asher, OK Note: A benefit for animal rescues, featuring classic cars, trucks, imports, and bikes. It includes food trucks, vendors, and a chance to win a prize for bringing a toy for the Asher Angel Tree.

Although far fewer WWII veterans are alive or able to attend ceremonies, eight of our Greatest Generation celebrated the 80^th anniversary of the end of WWII at the Claremore Veterans Home auditorium on Sept. 2.  Scott Hannaford, owner of Buffalo Challenge Coins, planned the successful event around giving a “Ruptured Duck” challenge coin to each veteran.

Hannaford addressed the eight veterans. “This celebration will be but a small gesture of which words can never fully convey our gratitude of their service.” After saying a prayer, presenting the Colors, singing the National Anthem and America the Beautiful (with gusto by Aubrey Bartmann) and paying respects to the POW/MIA Table, distinguished guests were introduced.  Oklahoma State Sen. Ally Seifried, District Two-Republican, Admiral Jay Bynum, Executive Director of Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs (ODVA) and Deborah Wimpey, Mayor of Broken Arrow were recognized.

What is a Ruptured Duck?

Hannaford explained, “In World War II, there was a clothing shortage…The United States Armed Forces came up with the Honorable Service Insignia, which depicted an eagle inside of a wreath. It was issued as a cloth patch or a lapel pin…It also allowed this discharged hero to wear their uniform for 30 days in order to have some time to obtain civilian clothing…Although to many, it looked more like a duck than an eagle…there was a common saying when someone was going quickly (leaving the service), they took off like a ruptured duck.” This brought chuckles from the 60 attendees.

Proclamation and Challenge Coins

Seyfried, whose district includes Claremore, read a special proclamation from the Oklahoma Governor. After reading five “Whereas” clauses, she ended with “it is fitting that the state of Oklahoma dedicates this day (Sep 2) as ‘Oklahoma Ruptured Duck Day’ in tribute to the iconic emblem worn by discharged service members and as a lasting acknowledgement of the legacy and heroism of our World War II veterans…”’

Hannaford, Wimpee and Donna Lee, with the VFW Post 577 Auxiliary, met each veteran where they were seated, thanked them for their service and gave them a Ruptured Duck challenge coin and a print of a patriotic eagle made by Air Force veteran Gil Cornett. Recipients Eugene Bargus, John Cockrum, Jerry Crockett, Robert Everitt, Joseph Menninger, William Mauch, Preston Wheaton and Billy Ray Young looked pleased.

Keynote Speaker

Josh Starks retired from the 45th Infantry Division, Oklahoma National Guard, after deploying to Afghanistan in 2011 and 2012.  He moved the audience with two stories of WWII veterans he knew. Space only allows for one story.

Starks said that when he was a child and visited his grandmother’s house on her farm, there was a smaller farmhouse where her brother, Paul, lived. “She would bring bread, some ham, some cheese, some water, and I never really understood it. I can think in the 15 years of going…out there, that man probably said five words to me that I understood.”

Paul served in WWII. “He was in the invasion, went all the way to Berlin, and when he came back, he was changed forever. When he came back, he couldn’t function, he couldn’t deal with life, he couldn’t deal with people. He had lost too many people along the way and had seen too many things that I found out much later.”

After Starks’ two-year tour in Afghanistan, he visited his grandmother and many family members came. Paul, in his 90s, lived in the main house then. “My uncle Paul… sprung up from his chair like he was 18 years old, ran to me, gave me a hug, and started telling me every story he had. He told me about his friends that he knew…” Starks grandmother, who had never cried before, wept uncontrollably.

Starks finished with the following. “So, when we talk about the cost of war, it runs deep. It’s not just the individuals that served, it’s the families that have taken care of those individuals that have served for their entire lives.”

During the event’s conclusion, each military service’s song was played – WWII veterans standing, Bartmann sang a moving “God Bless America,” and thanks were given to the Claremore Veterans Center, ODVA, Mission Barbecue for lunch, ARC Document Solutions, and to Keith Meyer and Donna Lee.

Note. This writer confirmed this was the only public event in Oklahoma celebrating the 80^th anniversary of WWII. The World War II Museum estimates 462 WWII Oklahoma veterans are alive in 2025. Robert Lige Everitt died on September 22, 2025. Bison Challenge Coins, https://bisonchallengecoins.com/#

• Story by Retired Lt. Col. Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFER. See Rich Travel Niche

Veterans Day Appreciation Event Nov 8, 2025 LOCATION: Mannford Museum
Mannford, OK 74044 Note: Spend the afternoon honoring our nation’s veterans during the Veteran’s Day Appreciation event hosted at the Veteran’s Memorial behind the Mannford Museum.

Duncan’s Veterans Day Parade
Nov 8, 2025 LOCATION: 828 W Main St B Duncan, OK 73533 Note: Bring the whole family out to downtown Duncan this November for a community-wide Veterans Day Parade.

Canadian County Veterans Parade & Program
Nov 9, 2025 LOCATION: 110 S Bickford Ave El Reno, OK 73036 Note: Celebrate Veterans Day in El Reno during the annual Canadian County Veterans Parade and Program. This event begins Sunday afternoon with a parade and ends with a program at the Historic Centre Theatre.

Veterans Celebration
Nov 11, 2025 LOCATION: S Littler Ave & East 4th Street, 431 S Blvd Edmond, OK 73034 Note: This Veterans Day, head to Stephenson Park in Edmond for a late-afternoon event to celebrate veterans and their families.

Jay Veterans Day Parade
Nov 11, 2025 LOCATION: Main St Jay, OK 74346 Note: Celebrate military veterans past and present at the Jay Veterans Day Parade. Bundle up and bring out the whole family to Jay’s Main Street to watch as decorated floats line the streets.

Veterans Day Parade
Nov 11, 2025 LOCATION: Main St Eufaula, OK 74432 Note: Spend the morning honoring our nation’s veterans during Eufaula’s Veterans Day Parade.

Midwest City Veterans Day Parade
Nov 11, 2025 LOCATION: 916 S Douglas Blvd Midwest City, OK 73130 Note: Honor those who served our country during the annual Midwest City Veterans Day Parade this November.

Veterans Day Parade
Nov 11, 2025 LOCATION: Main St Eufaula, OK 74432 Note: Spend the morning honoring our nation’s veterans during Eufaula’s Veterans Day Parade.

Veterans Day Parade
Nov 11, 2025 LOCATION: Main St Eufaula, OK 74432 Note: Spend the morning honoring our nation’s veterans during Eufaula’s Veterans Day Parade.

Veterans Day Parade
Nov 11, 2025 LOCATION: Main St Eufaula, OK 74432 Note: Spend the morning honoring our nation’s veterans during Eufaula’s Veterans Day Parade.

EDITORS NOTE: Be sure to email your events celebration information to be included in our next issue of Oklahoma’s Veteran News! Listing are free, and based on space available.

CAR/GUN/CYCLE SHOWS

Cruise-In to Bridging Vines
Nov 1, 2025 LOCATION: 11216 N Cimarron Rd Yukon, OK 73099 Note: This November, head to Yukon for the Cruise-In to Bridging Vines. Enjoy a classic car show, live music by classic rock band Intention and delicious food from Big Mama’s Spuds & Sweets.

Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend
Nov 7, 2025 – Nov 8, 2025 LOCATION: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Note: Come salute the best in the rodeo world at the Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend in Oklahoma City. Held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Hall of Fame Class celebrates the story and people of rodeo culture.

Battle of Honey Springs Reenactment Nov 7, 2025 – Nov 9, 2025 LOCATION: Honey Springs Battlefield Checotah, OK 74426 Note: Commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs with a special demonstration of the battle in Checotah near Rentiesville. Come and witness as costumed actors bring to life the largest military clash ever to have occurred in Oklahoma.

Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show
Nov 8, 2025 – Nov 9, 2025 LOCATION: Tulsa Expo Square Tulsa, OK 74153 Note: The Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show is one of the largest firearms shows in the world.

Cars N’ K9s
Nov 15, 2025 LOCATION: 201 S Division, Asher, OK Note: A benefit for animal rescues, featuring classic cars, trucks, imports, and bikes. It includes food trucks, vendors, and a chance to win a prize for bringing a toy for the Asher Angel Tree.

EV Car Show – By First United Bank –
Nov 15, 2025 LOCATION: 201 S Division, Asher, OK Note: A benefit for animal rescues, featuring classic cars, trucks, imports, and bikes. It includes food trucks, vendors, and a chance to win a prize for bringing a toy for the Asher Angel Tree.