Department News

News, programs and updates from the Department of Oklahoma VFW Auxiliary

August 2026

< BACK TO NEWS ARCHIVES

FROM OUR DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT

Frank Matek

Department President

The Power of One Begins With You

What does it mean to say "I Am One?" This month President Frank Matek reminds us that every member has value, ideas, and talents to contribute - and that meaningful change can begin when just one person chooses to step forward.

READ THE PRESIDENT"S MESSAGE

CHAPLAIN'S CORNER

Angie Lacy

Department Chaplain

Strength Through Fellowship

We are called to serve, but never to serve alone. This month's Chaplain's message reflects on the strength found in fellowship and encourages us to reach out, welcome others, offer encouragement, and strengthen the bonds that help us serve together.

READ THE CHAPLAIN"S MESSAGE

Program news & updates

Buddy Poppy

Chris Horne

|

Chairman

Share the Story of the Buddy Poppy™

Every Buddy Poppy™ carries a veteran's story. Learn ideas for a creative Trunk-or-Treat activity and reminders for preparing Buddy Poppy™ displays for Fall Fest.

Historian & Media

Iva Spurlock

|

Chairman

Capture Today's Moments, Preserve Tomorrow's History

Photos, reels, scrapbooks, and Auxiliary histories all help preserve our story. Start gathering historical materials for Department and National recognition.

Legislative

Angie Lacy

|

Chairman

Help Move the Bill: The Power of Advocacy

Legislation affecting veterans doesn't move forward on its own -- it needs people willing to speak up. Rise to the challenge of being an MVP for veterans by learning the issues and participating in the legislative process.

President's Special Project

Norma Musgrove

|

Chairman

Warriors for Freedom: Providing Hope and Support

Warriors for Freedom is making a difference in the lives of Oklahoma veterans by providing hope, support, and essential resources.

Veterans & Family Support

Sandy Bassett

|

Chairman

Any Is Too Many: Preparing for Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and now is the time to prepare. Sandy Bassett shares sobering veteran suicide statistics, discusses risk factors, and provides S.A.F.E. training information that can help members recognize warning signs and connect veterans with support.

Youth Activities

Teresa Price

|

Chairman

Investing in the Leaders of Tomorrow

From Lending Libraries to partnerships with local youth groups, Auxiliaries have many opportunities to help young people learn, serve, and grow. By encouraging patriotism, citizenship, creativity, and leadership, we can make a lasting difference -- one child and one future at a time.

Extension & Revitalization

Liz Hellams

|

Chief of Staff

The Game is On: Building Stronger Auxiliaries

A new year brings fresh opportunities to strengthen and revitalize our Auxiliaries. Liz Hellams encourages members to welcome new ideas, build relationships, learn from the past, and work closely with VFW Posts to keep our Auxiliaries strong and growing.

Hospital

Cheryl Campbell

|

Chairman

Every Act of Kindness Makes a Difference

There are many meaningful ways to support veterans through the Hospital program. Cheryl Campbell shares practical ideas for volunteering, donating needed items, and supporting VA facilities.

Membership

Nick Plank

|

Chairman

Build Stronger Membership With the Right Resources

Strong membership begins with the right tools and an engaged team. Nick Plank highlights MALTA resources that strengthen recruitment and retention efforts and encourages members to stay connected for the latest membership updates, challenges, and opportunities.

Scholarships

Star Caudle

|

Chairman

Promote, Promote, Promote Our Scholarships

Scholarship season is underway! Spread the word in schools and communities. Star Caudle also introduces the move to Scholars App for Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen.

VFW National Home

Jamie Newton

|

Chairman

A Community Built on Nearly 100 Years of Hope

For over a century, the VFW National Home has provided veterans and military families a place to rebuild their lives. Jamie Newton shares the Home's history, the growing services available to families, and creative ways Auxiliaries can help spread the word.

Americanism

Pearl Gary

|

Chairman

August Days of Remembrance

August offers meaningful opportunities to honor veterans and share America's history. From Purple Heart Day and Agent Orange Awareness Day to National Navajo Code Talkers Day, Auxiliaries can turn these observances into activities that educate, engage, and inspire their communities.

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Stay up to date on upcoming Department events, conferences, and activities.

Visit our Events page for the latest dates, flyers, schedules and event details.

VIEW ALL EVENTS & DETAILS >>

Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary

Department of Oklahoma

DEPARTMENT NEWS

News, programs and updates from the Department of Oklahoma VFW Auxiliary

August 2026

< BACK TO NEWS ARCHIVES

FROM OUR DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT

Frank Matek

Department President

The Power of One Begins With You

What does it mean to say "I Am One?" This month President Frank Matek reminds us that every member has value, ideas, and talents to contribute - and that meaningful change can begin when just one person chooses to step forward.

CHAPLAIN'S CORNER

Angie Lacy

Department Chaplain

Strength Through Fellowship

We are called to serve, but never to serve alone. This month's Chaplain's message reflects on the strength found in fellowship and encourages us to reach out, welcome others, offer encouragement, and strengthen the bonds that help us serve together.

Program news & updates

Chris Horne

|

Chairman

Share the Story of the Buddy Poppy™

Every Buddy Poppy™ carries a veteran's story. Learn ideas for a creative Trunk-or-Treat activity and reminders for preparing Buddy Poppy™ displays for Fall Fest.

Iva Spurlock

|

Chairman

Capture Today's Moments, Preserve Tomorrow's History

Photos, reels, scrapbooks, and Auxiliary histories all help preserve our story. Start gathering historical materials for Department and National recognition.

Angie Lacy

|

Chairman

Help Move the Bill: The Power of Advocacy

Legislation affecting veterans doesn't move forward on its own -- it needs people willing to speak up. Rise to the challenge of being an MVP for veterans by learning the issues and participating in the legislative process.

Norma Musgrove

|

Chairman

Warriors for Freedom: Providing Hope and Support

Warriors for Freedom is making a difference in the lives of Oklahoma veterans by providing hope, support, and essential resources.

Sandy Bassett

|

Chairman

Any Is Too Many: Preparing for Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and now is the time to prepare. Sandy Bassett shares sobering veteran suicide statistics, discusses risk factors, and provides S.A.F.E. training information that can help members recognize warning signs and connect veterans with support.

Teresa Price

|

Chairman

Investing in the Leaders of Tomorrow

From Lending Libraries to partnerships with local youth groups, Auxiliaries have many opportunities to help young people learn, serve, and grow. By encouraging patriotism, citizenship, creativity, and leadership, we can make a lasting difference -- one child and one future at a time.

Liz Hellams

|

Chief of Staff

The Game is On: Building Stronger Auxiliaries

A new year brings fresh opportunities to strengthen and revitalize our Auxiliaries. Liz Hellams encourages members to welcome new ideas, build relationships, learn from the past, and work closely with VFW Posts to keep our Auxiliaries strong and growing.

Cheryl Campbell

|

Chairman

Every Act of Kindness Makes a Difference

There are many meaningful ways to support veterans through the Hospital program. Cheryl Campbell shares practical ideas for volunteering, donating needed items, and supporting VA facilities.

Nick Plank

|

Chairman

Build Stronger Membership With the Right Resources

Strong membership begins with the right tools and an engaged team. Nick Plank highlights MALTA resources that strengthen recruitment and retention efforts and encourages members to stay connected for the latest membership updates, challenges, and opportunities.

Star Caudle

|

Chairman

Promote, Promote, Promote Our Scholarships

Scholarship season is underway! Spread the word in schools and communities. Star Caudle also introduces the move to Scholars App for Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen.

Jamie Newton

|

Chairman

A Community Built on Nearly 100 Years of Hope

For over a century, the VFW National Home has provided veterans and military families a place to rebuild their lives. Jamie Newton shares the Home's history, the growing services available to families, and creative ways Auxiliaries can help spread the word.

Pearl Gary

|

Chairman

August Days of Remembrance

August offers meaningful opportunities to honor veterans and share America's history. From Purple Heart Day and Agent Orange Awareness Day to National Navajo Code Talkers Day, Auxiliaries can turn these observances into activities that educate, engage, and inspire their communities.

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS