Veterans of Foreign Wars - VFW: Oklahoma

09/29/2026

Good Morning Department of Oklahoma VFW members! I have a couple of things to go over today.

1) Thank you for your emails and messages telling our Representatives we are against the Take Care of Americas Veterans Act (TCAVA) in its current form with section 108 that sacrifices future veterans benefits to pay for past debts to veterans. If you have time hit this link and double tap that target!

https://votervoice.net/mobile/VFW/Campaigns/138781/Respond

2) Get registered to vote and show up at midterms!! You have until October 9th to register or update your voter ID card, but I am making it easy.

Follow the link below with your ID and get it done today.

https://oklahoma.gov/elections/voter-registration/register-to-vote.html

Help me help you and protect your Veterans benefits.

I am not here to tell you how to vote, but get registered or updated and show up to vote in November - you of all citizens have earned your voice through service, exercise it now!

09/19/2026

I am forever grateful and humbled for the trust emplaced in me to carry our Oklahoma Veterans of Foreign War members voices to Washington DC this week as the Vice Chair of the a National Legislative Committee.

OK State VFW Chairman Chris Rauchenstein and myself met with our Oklahoma Senators and Representatives to bring the legislative priorities our members asked for.

Our priorities:

1) Take Care of Americas Veterans Act - this legislation is a 60+ Omnibus bill with great pieces of legislation we have fought for over years, but we can’t agree to making future Veterans pay for those benefits. Service members and their families currently serving deserve every entitlement and protection previous generations of veterans have fought for.

2) Major Richard Star Act - is legislation drafted to remove the “Wounded Warrior Tax”. We don’t see Workers compensation taking away from pensions for civilians, so we don’t believe retirements should be offset for disability paid injuries incurred in service.

3) Transition Assistance Program - As service members transition from service to civilian life, every voice in the room training them has never been on the backside of a DD-214. Although doing their best those trainers have never faced the challenges of veteran life. We ask to allow a VSO to help guide the service member, ensuring documentation and records are correct before separation.

4) Written Informed Consent - We are asking that the VA staff review in detail the side effects and possible interactions that medications may have with our Veterans. We have heard from so many of our members they are not fully informed of these and we want our Veterans able to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

I appreciate the Representatives and Staff for engaging and asking in-depth questions about the legislation. I am so grateful for the letters, calls and messages sent by the constituents back home. Your effort made a huge impact. Grass roots work!!

What did we accomplish?

The Major Richard Star Act discharge petition received 218 signatures - forcing it to the House floor for a vote!!

TCAVA support is diminishing drastically as we were able to explain that section 108 of that bill will have negative ramifications for our future veterans.

It was additionally a treat to see so many fellow Tulsans and Oklahomans in DC working to represent our interest back home.

A truly Noble mission fought alongside some amazing advocates and friends this week. Thank you for this amazing opportunity and your trust!

The Department of Oklahoma VFW will keep fighting, thank you for contacting your representatives and helping us help you!!

09/16/2026

PLEASE NOTE: THIS ONLY APPLIES TO THE OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR. WE WILL STILL HAVE A BOOTH AT THE TULSA STATE FAIR!!!

Unfortunately, due to not having enough volunteer coverage to staff the booth for all 10 days at 12 hours per day, the Department of Oklahoma VFW will not have a booth at the Oklahoma State Fair this year.

We sincerely appreciate everyone who volunteered and was willing to give their time to represent the VFW and support our mission. Unfortunately, we simply did not receive enough commitments to ensure adequate coverage throughout the entire fair.

Thank you to everyone who stepped up and offered to help. Your time, dedication, and continued support of Oklahoma’s veterans are greatly appreciated!

09/16/2026

Comrades,

We only have 5 days covered. If we don’t get the other 5 we will have to forego the fair this year. The signups are for all day which is we are asking for a post to cover a full day.

We will be doing the Oklahoma State Fair again this year. We desperately need members to work the booth. It will be held September 17-27. Every year thousands of people from across the state attend the fair, this is a great opportunity to get members. You can signup at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AA5A623A2F4C52-65769226-okalhoma #/.

If at all possible PLEASE sign up.

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

09/16/2026

For those going OTS this weekend here is hotel information:

09/15/2026

Department of Oklahoma VFW Members and auxillary, take action now!

The Take Care of Americas Veterans Act with section 108 is still being considered.

Section 108 will arbitrarily move VA Disability rating schedules (ex. Tinnitus Sleep Apnea) out of the VA VASRD process and move it directly to Congress.

This precedent, will allow Congress continue to reduce disabilities without our protections the VASRD process provides in the VA.

We need you to Sign into VFW Action Alerts, call your representatives and / or send an email.

Action Alert link “send message”

https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/grassroots-efforts/vfw-action-corps-weekly

Call your Representative explain that Section 108 is a No Go!

“Remove Section 108 completely and wave the Paygo just like the PACT Act, or vote No on Take Care of Americas Veterans Act”

“Vote no on S. 4744 until they remove section 108”

U.S. Senate

Senator James Lankford

(202) 224-5754

Senator Alan Armstrong

202-224-4721

“Vote no on H.R. 9237 until they remove section 108”

U.S. House of Representatives
District 1 (Rep. Kevin Hern): (202) 225-2211

District 2 (Rep. Josh Brecheen): (202) 225-2701

District 3 (Rep. Frank Lucas): (202) 225-5565

District 4 (Rep. Tom Cole): (202) 225-6165

District 5 (Rep. Stephanie Bice): (202) 225-2132

Let Congress hear our Oklahoman Veteran Voices!

09/15/2026

09/13/2026

Our legislative committeeman Josh Starks is headed to Washington DC this week to voice your legislative priorities.

What can you do to help? Hit the link and send your representitives a message!!

Our representatives listen much more intently when “you” the constituent tell them to, so hit the link and send a message!!

The Major Richard Star Act is now one signature away from an important breakthrough in the House of Representatives.Discharge Petition No. 22 has reached 217 signatures. It needs 218. The petition would help clear a path for the House to consider H...

09/12/2026

VFW Department Adjutants and Quartermasters from across the country are in Kansas City, Missouri, sharpening the skills and knowledge they need to serve their departments and VFW members nationwide.

Attendees toured VFW National Headquarters today, meeting with national staff and learning more about the departments and resources that support the organization at every level.