New Tulsa VA Medical Center to be named after late U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe

New VA Hospital in Tulsa, under construction (image source)

Lankford, Mullin Honor Legacy of Senator Jim Inhofe by Securing His Namesake for New Tulsa VA Medical Center

WASHINGTON, DC (Nov. 19th) – The Senate unanimously passed a bill introduced by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to name the new Veterans Administration (VA) 75,000-square-foot, 58-bed medical-surgical hospital in Tulsa the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center in honor of the life and legacy of the late-Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe, who tirelessly served our military, veterans, and their families for his entire public service career. Lankford helped ensure the hospital received funding to commence construction in 2020 and helped ensure the skyrocketing inflation of the last three years did not interrupt the construction schedule with additional unforeseen costs. Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives. 

Gov. Stitt signs bill to build Capitol Arch to honor Oklahoma National Guard veterans

Original Concept Sketch for the Oklahoma 45th National Guard Veteran's Arch.

Capitol Arch Legislation Signed by Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 16th) - Governor Kevin Stitt on Wednesday signed into law legislation that will fund the building of an arch at the Oklahoma Capitol to serve as an honorary symbol of the services performed by the Oklahoma National Guard.

House Bill 4012 is authored by Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore.

"This arch was part of the original design for the state Capitol, and I believe it will add to the beauty of our complex," McBride said. "In addition, it will pay tribute to the legacy of Oklahoma National Guard members and their service and protection of the citizens of our great state."

State Sen. Pugh files VET Act to recruit military retirees to classrooms

Pugh files VET Act to recruit military retirees to classrooms

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 15th) – Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, has filed legislation to attract military retirees from around the country to Oklahoma’s classrooms. Senate Bill 1311 would create the Veterans Entering Teaching (VET) Act and pay for veterans’ schooling to become educators if they agreed to teach in the state for three consecutive years.

State Sen. Pugh files bill to protect military surviving spouse benefits

Pugh files bill to protect military surviving spouse benefits

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 9th) – As Oklahomans prepare to celebrate Veteran’s Day, Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, filed legislation Thursday to honor veterans killed in action by protecting the benefits of their surviving spouses. He pointed out that surviving spouses only get benefits as long as they do not remarry before the age of 55 – an unfair and disrespectful federal law that Pugh hopes to raise awareness of with Senate Bill 1201, while also providing assistance for those loved ones left behind in Oklahoma.  

State Sen. Hamilton appointed to Strategic Military Planning Commission

Hamilton appointed to Strategic Military Planning Commission

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, appointed Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, to the Strategic Military Planning Commission. Hamilton, an Army veteran and West Point graduate, will serve on the nine-member commission as an ex-officio member.

State Rep. Grego blasts news of Talihina Veterans Center closure

Grego Blasts News of Talihina Veterans Center Closure

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 22nd) – Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, today expressed his anger after receiving news that the Oklahoma Veterans Commission voted 5-0 to close the Talihina Veterans Center, effective immediately.

"This means 36 families have just 90 days to find a place to care for their loved ones," Grego said. "This is a disruption and a disgrace to these veterans who faithfully sacrificed and served our nation and to their families who want to keep their loved ones nearby."

AG Drummond rebukes Gov. Stitt, Director Kintsel over Veterans Commission drama

Drummond says veterans panel appointments not allowed by law, optimistic Legislature will resolve issues

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 9, 2023) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond said today that while there are significant statutory deficiencies with recent appointments to the Oklahoma Veterans Commission, he is confident that state legislators will resolve the matter this legislative session by stripping the Governor of his autonomy over the panel.

Lankford joins effort to block VA from illegally providing abortion services

Lankford, Colleagues Push Effort to Block Illegal VA Abortion Rule

WASHINGTON, DC (Feb. 8th) – Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Representative Michael Cloud (R-TX), along with more than 65 colleagues, introduced a bicameral joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify an illegal US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rule that provides abortion services through the taxpayer-funded VA health care system. The CRA gives Congress the authority to review major rules issued by federal agencies. If Congress disapproves of a rule via resolution, the rule will have no force or effect under the law.

Stitt makes new appointments to State Board of Education, Veterans Commission

Entering his second term, Governor Kevin Stitt is shaking things up with his appointments to two state boards, including the crucial State Board of Education:

ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES IN STITT ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 10, 2023) – On the first day of Governor Kevin Stitt’s second term, the following organizational changes have been made within his administration.

Senate sends three bills honoring Oklahoma’s military heroes to governor

Senate sends trio of bills honoring Oklahoma’s military heroes to governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 25th) – The Senate approved a trio of bills Monday honoring the service and sacrifice of Oklahoma’s military and their families. Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee chair Frank Simpson, R-Springer, authored the bills to ensure veterans are provided a proper burial and to help Oklahoma’s heroes save money in various areas.   

Gov. Stitt appoints John Nash as Sec'y of Military and Veterans Affairs

GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS JOHN NASH AS SECRETARY OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 28, 2022) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today he has appointed John Nash as Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Brig. Gen. Ben T. Robinson.

“John Nash’s background as a loyal member of the armed forces combined with his leadership and business skills will ensure we are serving our veterans with honor and supporting the brave Oklahomans who have risked their lives to defend our freedom,” said Gov. Stitt.

Nash enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve at age 17 before graduating from McLoud High School. He was later commissioned as an officer through the University of Oklahoma’s Army ROTC program, where he also was a member of the men’s basketball team and the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Nash graduated from a variety of military schools including Airborne School and Ranger School and served in multiple leadership and command roles at various levels in the Army. He served for over a decade in a variety of special operations, national security and diplomatic roles including multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq and other theaters.

“I am humbled by Governor Stitt’s appointment to serve Oklahoma as the Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs,” said Nash. “As a member of our country’s armed forces, it is an honor to be able to support our veterans and members of the military in this new role.”

Lankford, Inhofe, Mullin respond to report about potential closure of the Muskogee VA

Lankford, Inhofe, Mullin Respond to VA Report about Proposed Changes at the Muskogee VA

WASHINGTON, DC (March 14th) – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) today offered the following joint statement after a report was released by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in which recommendations are made to “modernize and realign” the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee (for eastern Oklahoma recommendations, see pages 72-74 of the VISN-19 Market Recommendation Report):

“It’s appropriate for the VA to conduct reviews like this to ensure we continue to serve veterans in the best ways possible, but we are not convinced that the contents of this report accurately reflect the needs of veterans’ health care, especially mental health, in our state right now. The arrangement for the expansion of the facility in Tulsa assumed we would increase mental health and substance abuse for our veterans, not contract it as this proposal suggests. The need for direct access to mental health and behavioral health for veterans in our state has only increased. We are concerned that the report’s recommendation to move care to the surrounding community cannot accommodate this influx until a behavioral health hospital is completed. We are committed to veterans’ access to quality healthcare and will continue to assess the full impacts of this report to see what is in the best interest of our Oklahoma veterans. We just received this report, and there will be many questions that need to be answered before going forward.”

The report recommends moving inpatient veteran-specific mental from the Muskogee VA into the community until the second phase of the CHIP-IN project—a behavioral health hospital—is completed.

State Reps file bill to exempt vets from taxes on retirement benefits

McDugle, Townley, Manger File Bill to Exempt Veterans from Taxes on Retirement Benefits

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow, Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, and Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, have filed legislation to grant Oklahoma veterans a full tax exemption on retirement benefits they receive as a result of their service.

House Bill 3693 would maintain the current exemption through Dec. 31, 2022. Under the legislation, veterans would receive a 100% tax exemption on their retirement benefits, beginning Jan. 1, 2023.

Currently, veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces receive tax exemptions for up to 75% or $10,000 of the retirement benefits they receive from any component of the U.S. Armed Forces.

"As someone who proudly served in our nation's armed forces, I understand just how much this bill could help my brothers and sisters-in-arms," McDugle said. "We need to take every opportunity we can to give back to those who have given so much for our country."

State Reps. Cornwell, Bashore on Closure of Vinita VA Clinic

Cornwell, Bashore on Closure of Vinita VA Clinic

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Rusty Cornwell, R-Vinita, and Steve Bashore, R-Miami, today released the following statement in response to news that the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs is seeking to close the Veterans Affairs clinic in Vinita.

"I am deeply disappointed by the sudden news that the Veterans Affairs clinic in Vinita will be closing," Cornwell said. "I've seen firsthand what a burden it was to travel so far for healthcare services. My grandfather was a veteran who had to travel several hours to visit a VA clinic, and he didn't visit as often as he probably needed to because it was so far away from his family and work responsibilities. And now, sadly, even more veterans will have to go through the exact same difficulties. My heart hurts that this is happening to the men and women who have given so much to our country and at the process by which this choice was made."

Cornwell continued: "The unexpected decision was announced without consulting my office or community leaders, despite the huge role the VA clinic plays in the Vinita community and the much-needed services it provides to our many veterans. I ask that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reconsider this closure and I hope to hear details soon regarding how and why this decision was reached."

"For many of the veterans from House District 7, the Vinita Veterans Affairs clinic is the closest facility to meet their healthcare needs," Bashore. "I don't want to see them have to make a longer drive to receive services. I, too, look forward to hearing from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on how they intend to best meet the needs of our local population. I thank our veterans for their service to our nation and our fellow citizens, and I want to ensure their needs are met in the best possible manner."

Lankford, Inhofe, Mullin demand answers on plans to close Vinita VA Clinic

Lankford, Inhofe, Mullin Demand Answers on the VA’s Plans to Close the Clinic in Vinita

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Representative Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough after learning that the VA continues to seek closure of the VA clinic facility in Vinita, OK, without reaching out to tribal or community leaders about the closure despite the clinic’s use in the area. The nearest facility if the clinic closes, would be in Claremore, OK, approximately an hour away from Vinita and the surrounding area.

The Members wrote in the letter, “From our discussions with veterans in the state, community stakeholders, and others, it is clear the Vinita VA Clinic has been a tremendous benefit to veterans in northeastern Oklahoma. Given this wide acclaim, we were surprised to learn of VA’s plans to close Vinita’s clinic. This news was also a shock given that recent Eastern Oklahoma VA health leases indicated the Vinita VA Clinic lease would be renewed on October 1, 2021, and was not set to expire until September 30, 2030. Furthermore, we were concerned to hear the VA did not reach out to tribal and community leaders prior to the decision.”

The Members’ letter requests further clarity and answers on how the decision was reached to close the Vinita VA Clinic as well as a detailed explanation and timeline of the solicitation process, any future plans for the clinic, and whether consideration was given for a potential re-bid on the lease.

You can read a copy of the letter HERE and below:

Oklahoma delegation introduces bill to rename Owasso Post Office after fallen Air Nat'l Guardsman

Oklahoma delegation introduces legislation renaming Owasso Post Office after late Sgt. Marshal Roberts

TULSA, OK (October 20th) – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) introduced legislation on Friday to rename the U.S. Post Office located at 1233 North Cedar Street in Owasso, Okla., after fallen Air National Guardsman, Sergeant Marshal Roberts.

Sgt. Roberts, from Owasso, gave his life in service to our country while deployed in Iraq in March 2020.

The entire Oklahoma delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives joined Rep. Hern as original co-sponsors of the bill.

“Sergeant Marshal Roberts served his country with integrity and gave his all in the line of duty this spring,” said Congressman Hern. “His legacy has inspired so many; renaming the Owasso Post Office ensures his legacy will live on for our community to see every day. Oklahomans have incredible respect for those who serve our country. We will never forget Sgt. Roberts and his sacrifice.”

Legislation filed to establish ‘Veterans Suicide Awareness Week’

Legislation To Establish ‘Veterans Suicide Awareness Week’ Filed

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State Rep. Jacob Rosecrants (D-Norman) filed legislation for consideration during the 2020 Legislative Session designed to bring awareness to veteran suicide.

House Bill 2891 would establish “Veterans Suicide Awareness Week” in Oklahoma, which would take place the second week of every October. The legislation was prompted by one of Rosecrants’ constituents whose son died by suicide. Damien Eckstein was a US Army veteran of the Iraq War who died Oct. 14, 2013. 

“These men and women were willing to go to some pretty dark places in the world in service to this country. Now, when they are home, they need our help,” Rosecrants said. “As a lawmaker, I feel like its part of my duty to provide support to these individuals anyway I can.” 

According to the 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report -- published by the  US Department of Veteran Affairs -- the most recent data suggests that veterans are 1.5 times more likely to attempt suicide than men and women who haven’t served. In 2017, 85 Oklahoma veterans died by suicide.

“This legislation is about bringing awareness to this problem and hopefully building some momentum to solve it,” Rosecrants said.

Rosecrants encourages anyone with comments or suggestions on this legislation to call (405)557-7329 or email jacob.rosecrants@gmail.com.

LtGov Pinnell encourages Okies to visit military museums for Veterans Day

Lt. Governor Pinnell Encourages Oklahomans to Visit Military Museum on Veterans Day

(Oklahoma City, OK) – Ahead of Veterans Day, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell is encouraging Oklahomans to visit one of the state’s many military museums to honor our country’s veterans. Veterans Day 2019 will take place Monday, November 11th.

“The importance of Veterans Day to Oklahomans cannot be overstated,” said Pinnell. “We are a state that honors and deeply appreciates our veterans and the service they’ve given to our country. I think a great way to honor our veterans and learn more about their service would be to visit one of our great military museums in Oklahoma. Their stories are important and valuable for Oklahomans of all ages to know and appreciate. I encourage all Oklahomans to find a way to say thanks to our country’s veterans, and consider visiting one of these museums to learn more about their sacrifice.”

A list of Oklahoma military museums can be found below. More information can be found at the Oklahoma Museum Association.

45th Infantry Museum
Oklahoma City

Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum
Fort Sill

Fort Washita Military Park
Durant

General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum
Hobart

J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum
Claremore

Love County Military Museum
Marietta

McCurtain County Veteran's Memorial Museum
Idabel

Military History Center
Broken Arrow

Military Memorial Museum
Ardmore

Muskogee War Memorial Park/USS Batfish
Muskogee

Stafford Air and Space Museum
Weatherford

Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium
Tulsa

US Army Air Defense Artillery Museum
Lawton

US Army Field Artillery Museum
Fort Sill

Yukon Veterans Museum
Yukon

Stitt signs bill to grant American Legion tax-exempt status

Governor Signs Bill to Grant American Legion Tax-Exempt Status

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday [May 6th] signed a bill that will exempt the American Legion Department of Oklahoma from sales tax.

House Majority Leader Mike Sanders, R-Kingfisher, and Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, are authors of House Bill 1003. The measure previously passed unanimously in the House and Senate.

“The American Legion is our state’s largest veterans’ organization, serving in Oklahoma for 100 years,” Sanders said. “I want to thank them for all that they do on behalf of our veterans and their families as well as our youth. I’ve been working for many years to ensure the American Legion has the same tax-exempt status as other organizations with similar missions. I want to thank Senator Thompson for working to help secure passage of this bill and Governor Stitt for signing this legislation.”

Sanders made note of the American Legion’s many patriotic education programs and outreach ministries as well as their dedication to a mission of strong national security. He said he’s been working to secure passage of this tax exemption for many years, but the state’s down economy precluded such action until this year.

“I want to thank Governor Stitt and my fellow members for making this stand for Oklahoma veterans,” Thompson said. “When we say we honor and appreciate our veterans, it’s important to make sure that we’re backing up those words with actions. This modest tax benefit will help the American Legion throughout Oklahoma – an organization that continues to provide vital support and services to our veterans.”

The new law becomes effective July 1, 2019.

Rep. Hern launches history project to archive stories of local veterans

REP. HERN LAUNCHES HISTORY PROJECT TO ARCHIVE STORIES OF LOCAL VETERANS

TULSA, OK – Congressman Kevin Hern will host his first Veterans History Day on June 14-15 in Tulsa.

The Veterans History Project works to preserve the memories, stories, and history of northeast Oklahoma veterans for future generations through the Library of Congress. During Veterans History Day, staff will be available to record veteran interviews on film and send the footage to the Library of Congress to be archived.

“It is imperative that our future generations learn about the service of the men and women who have served in uniform and remember their great sacrifice to our nation,” Congressman Hern said. “We all have so much to learn from those who proudly fought for America. Their memories deserve to be preserved and honored.”

The interviews will be conducted by appointment only at the CityPlex Towers in Tulsa (2448 East 81st Street) in the first-floor atrium between 8am and 5pm on Friday, June 14, and between 8am and 1pm on Saturday, June 15.

Hern continued, “If you are a veteran or know a veteran who might be willing to participate, I would encourage you to contact our office to learn about the program or to schedule an interview during one of our upcoming Veterans History Day events.”


Background: 
The Veterans History Project (VHP) of the Library of Congress collects and preserves firsthand interviews and narratives of United States Veterans who have served from World War I through today. The Project makes this important national archive of materials accessible to the public and also collects oral histories from Gold Star Family members of the Armed Forces who died as a result of their service during a period of war.