Oklahoma Veterans United

Today, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave everything in service to our country. Memorial Day is more than a long weekend — it is a reminder that our freedom was purchased through extraordinary sacrifice.

We honor the heroes who never made it home, the families who carry their memory forward, and the legacy of courage they left behind. Their service will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

Su***de prevention starts long before a crisis.

At Oklahoma Veterans United, we know prevention begins with connection, trust, and showing up before someone reaches their breaking point.

Through the SSG Fox Su***de Prevention Program, we work every day to help Veterans and their families find support, resources, and hope before a crisis happens.

Many Veterans face isolation, stress, and difficulty navigating services alone. Our mission is to bridge that gap through outreach, case management, community partnerships, and direct referrals to VA and local support systems.

We proudly serve Veterans across 14 Oklahoma counties: Comanche, Creek, Garfield, Kay, Muskogee, Noble, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Osage, Pawnee, Payne, Rogers, Tulsa, and Wagoner.

If you know a Veteran who may need support, referrals can be made through our Fox Rally Point Check-In:
https://form.jotform.com/240665305981157

Or by emailing:
[email protected]

Su***de prevention is not just responding to crisis. It is building community, creating trust, and making sure every Veteran knows help is available.

Together, we can make a difference.

***dePrevention

Mark Bauer, a U.S. Army Veteran who rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, dedicated his military career to service in every sense of the word. He served as an Armored Crew Member, Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, Repair and Utilities Specialist, Maneuver & Control Operator, and even a mail room clerk at Fort Hood—always stepping in where he was needed most. Throughout deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mark found purpose in mentoring fellow soldiers, building camaraderie, and solving problems under pressure.

But when his military service came to an end, life took an unexpected turn. A series of difficult circumstances left Mark without a job and searching for stability.

Determined to create a better future for himself and his 16-year-old son, Mark relocated to Oklahoma City, where they temporarily stayed with a friend. It was there that he learned about Oklahoma Veterans United’s SSVF program.

Once enrolled, Mark immediately began taking steps forward. With the help of a bus pass provided by OKVU, he attended medical appointments and searched for housing. In just nine days, he and his son moved into a place to call home. During that time, he also connected with our Healthcare Navigation team and was linked to VA mental health services, ensuring he had support not just for housing, but for his overall well-being.

Despite having a 100% service-connected disability rating, Mark was determined to work again. He rode the bus to interviews, showing up with grit and determination, unwilling to give up on himself or his future.

Recognizing his drive, his Case Manager knew that reliable transportation could be the key to unlocking his next chapter. She nominated Mark for the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides Program, and he was selected to receive a vehicle.

That moment changed everything.

With dependable transportation, Mark secured a well-paying job in construction management. Today, he is in Chicago completing training for his new role, building not just a career, but a renewed sense of purpose.

Mark’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of timely support. It’s a reminder that when someone refuses to give up and is met with the right resources, life-changing outcomes are possible. ❤️🇺🇸

Today, Oklahoma Veterans United was honored to be present at the Tribal Women Veterans Summit.

Our Housing & Community Liaison for the SSVF Program and our Program Director for the Staff Sergeant Parker Fox Su***de Prevention Program were on site connecting with attendees and sharing how we support Veterans across Oklahoma.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful event and to continue spreading awareness of the resources and services available to those who have served. 🇺🇸

We had a great time connecting with local employers at our recent Veteran Employer Network Quarterly Meeting!

This session brought together Veteran Employer Champions to share real-world insights, strategies, and best practices for supporting Veterans in the workplace.

A special thank you to our incredible panelists for leading such a meaningful discussion:
⭐ Sherry Bates, AAON
⭐ Victoria Jabara, BOK Financial
⭐ Katherine Graham, Cox

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed to the conversation. Together, we’re continuing to build stronger pathways for Veterans and their families in our communities.

📅 Mark your calendars! Our next quarterly meeting will be held on June 18th at Tulsa Tech Lemley Memorial Campus from 8:30–10:00 AM. More details coming soon!

📣 Veteran Employer Network Quarterly Meeting

Join us for our next in-person Quarterly Meeting and connect with fellow employers committed to supporting Veterans in the workplace.

📅 March 24, 2026
🕣 8:30–10:00 AM
📍 Tulsa Tech Lemley Memorial Campus

Hear from Veteran Employer Champions, learn Veteran engagement strategies, and share best practices for building Veteran-ready workplaces.

☕ Light breakfast and coffee provided. This event is FREE and you do not have to be a member of OKVU's Veteran Employer Network to attend.

We hope to see you there!

Please register at the link below!
https://app.theauxilia.com/Event/veteran_employer_network_quarterly_meeting_march_2

Thank you Mayor Nichols for allowing us the opportunity to share our mission, vision and heart with you and your team. We look forward to working together to make an even more meaningful difference for our Veterans in Oklahoma. 🇺🇸

Wishing you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all of us at Oklahoma Veterans United! ✨🎄

Thank you for standing with us and helping support Oklahoma Veterans throughout this year. We’re grateful for each and every one of you and look forward to continuing this mission together in the new year. 🇺🇸💙

🦃🍁 Happy Thanksgiving!

This season, we’re especially grateful for our incredible community and everyone who stands with us. Your support, encouragement, and belief in our mission make everything we do possible. We truly couldn’t carry out our work without you.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey and for helping us continue serving those who have served.

Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, safe, and joyful holiday. 🤎🇺🇸

📣 Holiday Closure Notice

Our organization will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and the day after (11/27 & 11/28). We hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday! 🦃🍁

We’ll reopen on our normal schedule the following week.