Department News

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

July 2026

< BACK TO NEWS ARCHIVES

FROM OUR DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT

Frank Matek

Department President

The Power of One

As I begin my year as your Department President, I want to thank you for the trust and confidence you have placed in me.

READ THE PRESIDENT"S MESSAGE

CHAPLAIN'S CORNER

Angie Lacy

Department Chaplain

Answering the Call to Serve

A new year of service brings new opportunities to answer God's call with compassionate hearts and willing hands. This month's Chaplain's Message encourages each of us to consider how our individual gifts can strengthen our Auxiliary, support one another, and make a difference in the lives of our veterans and their families.

READ THE CHAPLAIN"S MESSAGE

Program news & updates

Americanism

Pearl Gary

|

Chairman

Make Americanism "POP" in Your Community!

Making patriotism visible, fun and meaningful! Get creative with bold patriotic messages and activities that honor our veterans while inspiring the next generation.

Extension & Revitalization

Liz Hellams

|

Chief of Staff

Observe, Mentor & Revitalize

Observation and mentoring can help strengthen an Auxiliary when challenges arise. Chief of Staff Liz Hellams explains how the revitalization process provides support, education, and an opportunity for an Auxiliary to regroup and come back stronger.

Hospital

Cheryl Campbell

|

Chairman

A New Year of Service in Our Hospitals

The Hospital Program begins the year with expanded support for Oklahoma veterans, including the addition of the Sallisaw VA. Learn about upcoming quota changes, VAVS representatives, volunteer opportunities, and the many ways Auxiliary members can serve veterans in healthcare facilities.

Membership

Nick Plank

|

Chairman

Membership Starts with One

Start the year strong by sending dues notices, partnering with your VFW Post, and giving members the personal attention that builds lasting connections.

Scholarships

Star Caudle

|

Chairman

Scholarship Season Starts Now!

It's time to get scholarship information into Oklahoma schools and communities! Star Caudle shares the 2026-2027 contest them, important deadlines, and resources to help Auxiliaries reach teachers, parents, and students.

VFW National Home

Jamie Newton

|

Chairman

A Home for America's Heroes

The VFW National Home returns as its own focused program! Learn about the services available to veterans and military families and simple ways Auxiliaries can help support, promote, and spread the word about this valuable resource.

Buddy Poppy

Chris Horne

|

Chairman

Tiny Poppy, Powerful Story

Every Buddy Poppy™ carries a veteran's story. Use Poppy distributions to start membership conversations, and start planning creative displays for Fall Fest.

Historian & Media

Iva Spurlock

|

Chairman

Capture Our History & Share Our Story

Photos, videos, reels, and Auxiliary histories all help tell our story. Document activities using the five W's, share their work, and begin gathering the history of your Auxiliaries.

Legislative

Angie Lacy

|

Chairman

One Voice Can Help Move the Bill

Legislative advocacy isn't about political parties - it's about people. Learn how one email, phone call, or letter can help protect veterans' benefits, improve care, and ensure their voices are heard.

President's Special Project

Norma Musgrove

|

Chairman

Warriors for Freedom

President Frank Matek's Special Project, Warriors for Freedom, supports Oklahoma veterans through suicide prevention efforts and assistance with food, clothing, transportation, and other needs. Auxiliaries are challenged to help make a difference through their support.

Veterans & Family Support

Sandy Bassett

|

Chairman

The Power of One Multiplied

One idea, one voice, and one act of generosity can have an enormous impact. Sandy Bassett highlights the difference Oklahoma Auxiliaries are already making and shares opportunities to support veterans, military members, and their families across the state.

Youth Activities

Teresa Price

|

Chairman

Teach Them Well: Building Tomorrow's Leaders

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

July 2026

< BACK TO NEWS ARCHIVES

FROM OUR DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT

Frank Matek

Department President

The Power of One

As I begin my year as your Department President, I want to thank you for the trust and confidence you have placed in me.

CHAPLAIN'S CORNER

Angie Lacy

Department Chaplain

Answering the Call to Serve

Program news & updates

Pearl Gary

|

Chairman

Make Americanism "POP" in Your Community!

Making patriotism visible, fun and meaningful! Get creative with bold patriotic messages and activities that honor our veterans while inspiring the next generation.

Liz Hellams

|

Chief of Staff

Observe, Mentor & Revitalize

Observation and mentoring can help strengthen an Auxiliary when challenges arise. Chief of Staff Liz Hellams explains how the revitalization process provides support, education, and an opportunity for an Auxiliary to regroup and come back stronger.

Cheryl Campbell

|

Chairman

A New Year of Service in Our Hospitals

The Hospital Program begins the year with expanded support for Oklahoma veterans, including the addition of the Sallisaw VA. Learn about upcoming quota changes, VAVS representatives, volunteer opportunities, and the many ways Auxiliary members can serve veterans in healthcare facilities.

Nick Plank

|

Chairman

Membership Starts with One

Start the year strong by sending dues notices, partnering with your VFW Post, and giving members the personal attention that builds lasting connections.

Star Caudle

|

Chairman

Scholarship Season Starts Now!

It's time to get scholarship information into Oklahoma schools and communities! Star Caudle shares the 2026-2027 contest them, important deadlines, and resources to help Auxiliaries reach teachers, parents, and students.

Jamie Newton

|

Chairman

A Home for America's Heroes

The VFW National Home returns as its own focused program! Learn about the services available to veterans and military families and simple ways Auxiliaries can help support, promote, and spread the word about this valuable resource.

Chris Horne

|

Chairman

Tiny Poppy, Powerful Story

Every Buddy Poppy™ carries a veteran's story. Use Poppy distributions to start membership conversations, and start planning creative displays for Fall Fest.

Iva Spurlock

|

Chairman

Capture Our History & Share Our Story

Photos, videos, reels, and Auxiliary histories all help tell our story. Document activities using the five W's, share their work, and begin gathering the history of your Auxiliaries.

Angie Lacy

|

Chairman

One Voice Can Help Move the Bill

Legislative advocacy isn't about political parties - it's about people. Learn how one email, phone call, or letter can help protect veterans' benefits, improve care, and ensure their voices are heard.

Norma Musgrove

|

Chairman

Warriors for Freedom

President Frank Matek's Special Project, Warriors for Freedom, supports Oklahoma veterans through suicide prevention efforts and assistance with food, clothing, transportation, and other needs. Auxiliaries are challenged to help make a difference through their support.

Sandy Bassett

|

Chairman

The Power of One Multiplied

One idea, one voice, and one act of generosity can have an enormous impact. Sandy Bassett highlights the difference Oklahoma Auxiliaries are already making and shares opportunities to support veterans, military members, and their families across the state.

Teresa Price

|

Chairman

Teach Them Well: Building Tomorrow's Leaders

​

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS