Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs

08/07/2026

Today, we commemorate National Purple Heart Day. This day honors the history of the Purple Heart award and pays tribute to the sacrifices made by those who have received it in defense of our freedoms. National Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7th, which marks the date in 1782 when the precursor to the award was first given by George Washington. There are nearly 1.8 million members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. This day of remembrance is significant not only for recognizing the history of the award but also for advocating on behalf of wounded veterans and their families.

This week, and especially today, events have taken place across our seven state veterans' homes to honor the many veterans in our care who have received the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

At the Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery in Ardmore, eight Purple Heart recipients are interred: Billy Turner, Cleve Leon Dodd, Eugene Sweetman, Kenneth Leroy Randolph, Archie Hugh Lawson, Billy Ray Cox, Charles Arvle Celcer, and Thomas Winfred Sollock.

Today, and every day, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of our wounded warriors.

08/07/2026

Veterans, register now for the Southern OLAC Workshop & Farm Tour with a BONUS training day for producers pursuing Produce Safety Alliance Grower Certification! Join OLAC in partnership with OSU Extension and the Southern Oklahoma Urban & Small Farm Hub for 3 days of education centered around food safety, regenerative growing practices, connecting with local resources, and more. All events are FREE, but you must register for each individual who will attend.

Tuesday, September 1 - Southern OLAC Workshop
Educational, conference-style sessions and exhibit hall with local resources and support!

Time: 8 AM-5 PM
Location: Southern Oklahoma Urban & Small Farm Hub
Registration: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019f3cf9d3877c33abe3327264502357

08/07/2026

Congratulations to James McIntire, a Veterans Affairs Field Services Representative with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, for being awarded the Federal VA’s “I Care” Award. He received this honor for his exemplary actions in assisting a disabled veteran with a broken wheelchair, going above and beyond by staying past his working hours to provide help. The award was presented by Robert Worley, the VA’s acting Executive Director. Thank you, James, for your dedication and for putting veterans first!

08/06/2026

Please join Sallisaw Veterans Home as we honor and celebrate our Purple Heart Veterans for their extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and service to our nation. 💜

08/06/2026

GREATER TULSA AREA VETERANS: Join ODVA Outreach in supporting a special conference hosted by the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System and Eagle Ops. This event will focus on mental health and su***de prevention, offering education and training for Veterans, service members, healthcare professionals, and First Responders, with free CME/CEUs available.

Don't miss keynote speaker Austin von Letkemann, and take advantage of this free claims assistance event, along with access to community resources for the public.

September 24th, 2026
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Catoosa, OK

08/06/2026

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs and Rear Admiral (Ret) James Bynum, Executive Director of the state’s veterans agency, was proud to participate at Tinker and the Primes with the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce in support of aerospace and defense, and Tinker Air Force Base.

08/06/2026

We were pleased to connect with the Air & Space Forces Association - Gerrity Chapter at Tinker and the Primes! 🛫

During Midwest City Chamber of Commerce Tinker and the Primes Rear Admiral (Ret) James Bynum, Executive Director, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, stopped by to visit with Chapter President Tim Frisby and State President Walter Kula

08/05/2026

CLAREMORE VETERANS HOME: May the courage of those who earned the Purple Heart inspire us all.

08/04/2026

💜 In preparation for the upcoming Purple Heart Day this Friday, Voices of Valor Purple Heart Gallery will host its grand opening in Enid, Oklahoma.

The gallery honors Purple Heart recipients with interactive art sculptures and video interviews.

✅ When: August 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM

✅ Where: American Military Heritage

✅ Museum at 4125 W. Owen K. Garriott
Organization: Woodring Wall of Honor and Veterans Park

Gallery HighlightsFeatures at least 20 initial video interviews with Purple Heart veterans from various eras of war.

Includes an interactive art sculpture containing more than 50 panels.

Designed to preserve and share the personal courage and sacrifices of wounded or killed service members.

08/04/2026

⚓ U.S. Coast Guard Day is commemorated annually on August 4th to honor the establishment of the service on August 4, 1790, by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton.

🇺🇸 The occasion recognizes active-duty personnel, reservists, civilians, and veterans who safeguard the nation's waterways and coasts.

🫡 The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs also observes and honors Oklahoma's veterans who served in the Coast Guard.