Department News

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

October 2026

VIEW PAST EDITIONS >

FROM OUR DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT

Frank Matek

Department President

The Power of One: Making a Difference Together

President Frank Matek highlights opportunities for fellowship, fundraising, and service while reminding us that one person, one action, and one act of kindness can make a lasting difference.

READ THE PRESIDENT"S MESSAGE

CHAPLAIN'S CORNER

Angie Lacy

Department Chaplain

The Power of Blessings

How can we intentionally bless others? Department Chaplain Angie Lacy reflects on the Fruit of the Spirit and the power of prayer, encouragement, and compassionate words to bring peace, comfort, and hope to those around us.

READ THE CHAPLAIN"S MESSAGE

Program news & updates

Historian & Media

Iva Spurlock

|

Chairman

Capturing Our History, One Memory at a time

Every photo tells a story! Share your Auxiliary's activities, preserve its history, and prepare your scrapbooks and digital histories for Department judging. Help make this year's history book one to remember.

Legislative

Angie Lacy

|

Chairman

Your Voice, Your Vote: Make It Count!

Election Day is November 3! Get important voter registration, absentee ballot, and early voting deadlines, along with nonpartisan resources to research candidates and issues.

President's Special Project

Norma Musgrove

|

Chairman

Warriors for Freedom: Helping Veterans Heal

Learn how contributions to the President's Special Project, Warriors for Freedom, can make a difference.

Veterans & Family Support

Sandy Bassett

|

Chairman

Small Acts, Big Impact: Supporting Veterans and Families

From successful Stand Down deliveries to upcoming community events, discover how Oklahoma Auxiliaries are making a difference for veterans and their families.

Youth Activities

Teresa Price

|

Chairman

Fall Into Service: Inspiring the Next Generation

October brings exciting opportunities to involve youth in service! From trunk-or-treat events to connecting young people with veterans, discover creative ways to encourage patriotism, kindness, and community involvement

Buddy Poppy

Chris Horne

|

Chairman

Buddy Poppy Updates: Requirements, Challenges & Opportunities

Important clarifications on Buddy Poppy purchasing requirements, project competition eligibility, and the extended educational event challenge!

Hospital

Cheryl Campbell

|

Chairman

Serving with Heart This Holiday Season

The holidays are approaching! Discover ways to support hospitalized veterans through donations, greeting cards, and volunteer service. Plus important reminders about Christmas Hospital Fund contributions and reporting.

Membership

Nick Plank

|

Chairman

Fall Into Membership: Planting Seeds for Growth

Turn fall festivals and community gatherings into opportunities for membership growth! Explore MALTA resources for recruitment strategies and simple ways to welcome new members.

Scholarships

Star Caudle

|

Chairman

Opening Doors Through Scholarships

Scholarship season is underway! Get important deadlines for Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen, and discover ways to help more students participate in these valuable programs.

VFW National Home

Jamie Newton

|

Chairman

Help Beyond the Campus: Support Across the Nation

Did you know veterans and military families can receive assistance from the VFW National Home without living on campus? Learn how the Veteran Resource Center connects families nationwide with guidance, resources, and support.

Americanism

Pearl Gary

|

Chairman

Celebrate Freedom: Americanism Opportunities in October

From honoring veterans of the Global War on Terrorism to celebrating the Navy's birthday and the Statue of Liberty, October offers meaningful ways to promote patriotism in your community.

Extension & Revitalization

Liz Hellams

|

Chief of Staff

Building Our Future, One Relationship at a Time

Strong Auxiliaries begin with strong relationships. Discover how a personal invitation, a friendly phone call, or a simple act of inclusion can help welcome new members, reconnect existing members, and strengthen our future.

National President Donna Mills' Official Visit

Nov 21, 2026

–

Nov 23, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

2027 VFW Auxiliary National Mid-Year Conference

Feb 2, 2027

–

Feb 7, 2027

VIEW DETAILS

2027 Mid-Winter Conference

Feb 19, 2027

–

Feb 21, 2027

VIEW DETAILS

Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary

Department of Oklahoma

DEPARTMENT NEWS

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

October 2026

VIEW PAST EDITIONS >

FROM OUR DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT

Frank Matek

Department President

The Power of One: Making a Difference Together

President Frank Matek highlights opportunities for fellowship, fundraising, and service while reminding us that one person, one action, and one act of kindness can make a lasting difference.

CHAPLAIN'S CORNER

Angie Lacy

Department Chaplain

The Power of Blessings

How can we intentionally bless others? Department Chaplain Angie Lacy reflects on the Fruit of the Spirit and the power of prayer, encouragement, and compassionate words to bring peace, comfort, and hope to those around us.

Program news & updates

Iva Spurlock

|

Chairman

Capturing Our History, One Memory at a time

Every photo tells a story! Share your Auxiliary's activities, preserve its history, and prepare your scrapbooks and digital histories for Department judging. Help make this year's history book one to remember.

Angie Lacy

|

Chairman

Your Voice, Your Vote: Make It Count!

Election Day is November 3! Get important voter registration, absentee ballot, and early voting deadlines, along with nonpartisan resources to research candidates and issues.

Norma Musgrove

|

Chairman

Warriors for Freedom: Helping Veterans Heal

Learn how contributions to the President's Special Project, Warriors for Freedom, can make a difference.

Sandy Bassett

|

Chairman

Small Acts, Big Impact: Supporting Veterans and Families

From successful Stand Down deliveries to upcoming community events, discover how Oklahoma Auxiliaries are making a difference for veterans and their families.

Teresa Price

|

Chairman

Fall Into Service: Inspiring the Next Generation

October brings exciting opportunities to involve youth in service! From trunk-or-treat events to connecting young people with veterans, discover creative ways to encourage patriotism, kindness, and community involvement

Chris Horne

|

Chairman

Buddy Poppy Updates: Requirements, Challenges & Opportunities

Important clarifications on Buddy Poppy purchasing requirements, project competition eligibility, and the extended educational event challenge!

Cheryl Campbell

|

Chairman

Serving with Heart This Holiday Season

The holidays are approaching! Discover ways to support hospitalized veterans through donations, greeting cards, and volunteer service. Plus important reminders about Christmas Hospital Fund contributions and reporting.

Nick Plank

|

Chairman

Fall Into Membership: Planting Seeds for Growth

Turn fall festivals and community gatherings into opportunities for membership growth! Explore MALTA resources for recruitment strategies and simple ways to welcome new members.

Star Caudle

|

Chairman

Opening Doors Through Scholarships

Scholarship season is underway! Get important deadlines for Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen, and discover ways to help more students participate in these valuable programs.

Jamie Newton

|

Chairman

Help Beyond the Campus: Support Across the Nation

Did you know veterans and military families can receive assistance from the VFW National Home without living on campus? Learn how the Veteran Resource Center connects families nationwide with guidance, resources, and support.

Pearl Gary

|

Chairman

Celebrate Freedom: Americanism Opportunities in October

From honoring veterans of the Global War on Terrorism to celebrating the Navy's birthday and the Statue of Liberty, October offers meaningful ways to promote patriotism in your community.

Liz Hellams

|

Chief of Staff

Building Our Future, One Relationship at a Time

Strong Auxiliaries begin with strong relationships. Discover how a personal invitation, a friendly phone call, or a simple act of inclusion can help welcome new members, reconnect existing members, and strengthen our future.

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

National President Donna Mills' Official Visit

Nov 21, 2026