Members of Okmulgee County’s VFW Post 1189 joined fellow veterans from across the state on Feb. 20-22 for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Oklahoma Mid-Winter Conference, held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Oklahoma City Norman.

The annual conference serves as an important gathering for VFW leadership, post officers and auxiliary members, providing training, networking opportunities and organizational meetings focused on strengthening service to veterans and communities statewide.

Throughout the three-day event, attendees participated in a wide range of activities including service officer claims sessions, quartermaster training, council and membership meetings and a joint session with the VFW Auxiliary. A blood drive, foundation question-and-answer session and a formal banquet were also among the scheduled highlights, along with a closing chapel service Sunday morning.

Representing Okmulgee County was VFW Post 1189, whose members joined hundreds of Oklahoma veterans in discussions surrounding membership growth, benefits advocacy and continued community engagement efforts.

Leadership presence at the conference included national, state and district officials. Carol Whitmore currently serves as VFW Commander-in-Chief for the 2025-2026 term, while Oklahoma VFW State Commander Jeff Harris provided guidance and updates specific to the state organization. District leadership was represented by District 7 Commander David Price. Whitmore is the first female to serve in the post. Local representation from Okmulgee County included VFW Post 1189 Commander Kenneth Mott, Quartermaster Sam Richardson and Trustee Otis Seamon, who participated in meetings and training sessions designed to enhance post operations and outreach efforts back home.

Conference programming emphasized professional development for post officers, with training modules covering financial management, claims assistance and leadership responsibilities. These sessions equip local posts with tools necessary to effectively support veterans and their families through benefits navigation, community programs and advocacy initiatives.

For Okmulgee County representatives, the Mid-Winter Conference also provided an opportunity to share ideas with other posts, discuss successful programs and build partnerships that can benefit local veterans throughout the year.

Events such as the Buddy Poppy display and judging, as well as the joint VFW and Auxiliary session, highlighted the organization’s longstanding traditions while reinforcing its commitment to service and remembrance.

Local attendees noted the value of the conference in strengthening connections across the state and reaffirming the mission of the VFW to honor service, promote patriotism and assist veterans in need.