Cameron University will celebrate all things military during Vet Fest, a two-day event hosted by the Office of Veterans Affairs. Community members, including veterans, military service members and dependents, are invited to a variety of events scheduled for Wednesday, November 6, and Thursday, November 7, at the McMahon Centennial Complex.
“Community members from throughout southwest Oklahoma are invited to attend Vet Fest,” says Vicki Henson, Assistant Director of Financial Assistance Services and Coordinator of Veterans Affairs. “We have numerous entertaining and informative presentations, ranging from famous personalities from Fort Sill, medicine and the military, career marketability and more.”
On Wednesday, November 6, Vet Fest will kick off with the firing of Fort Sill’s salute howitzer courtesy of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, 428th Field Artillery Brigade; the French 75 cannon – a World War I artillery gun – and Cameron’s own Big Ollie. Dummy rounds will be fired at 10:15 a.m. in Bentley Gardens.
Visitors can explore a variety of outdoor displays on both days. In addition to Fort Sill’s salute howitzer, the 428th Field Artillery Brigade will have two Humvees on site, one of which is set up as the fire direction for the howitzer. Fort Sill’s Air Defense Artillery will provide an Avenger static display, and soldiers will be available to show the execution of the Stinger missile via the Stinger Troop Proficiency Trainer. The 761st Ordnance Company will share some of their robotics platforms, with interactive robots on site. Attendees can also examine a bomb suit.
Fort Sill mascots Big Deuce the donkey and Shortround the goat will be at Vet Fest on Wednesday, November 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
From 10 a.m. to Noon, the Medicine Park Aquarium will be on hand with some animal guests – a great opportunity for selfies on both Wednesday and Thursday.
On Wednesday, November 6, at 1 p.m., James “Jay” Bynum, executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, will discuss current events and happenings that impact Oklahoma veterans.
At 1:30 p.m., NoKeitha Winterbower, Oklahoma State Consultant Contractor, will be discussing the many resources available from the Department of Defense’s Military OneSource, which gives service members and military families tools to stay well and thrive.
At 2 p.m., Carry Metkowski, 2024 Forbes Coach Counsel member and TEDx speaker, will present "Be a Better CEO of Your Life and Career." Metkowski will share invaluable personal and professional growth strategies, leading to transformative insights and an elevated journey towards success.
On Thursday, November 7, Mark Megehee, author of “Images of American Fort Sill,” will present “Famous Personalities and Places of Fort Sill.”
Historian/educator Amy Ward will present “Medicine through the Generations,” a look at medicine from the American Revolution through today at 10 a.m. This presentation will include the use of homeopathic treatments and their uses.
At 11 a.m., Thomas Morland, manager of the Lawton Workforce Center with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, will provide insights into the Jobs for Veterans State Grants programs, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor. He will also highlight the comprehensive employment services offered through the Lawton branch of the Oklahoma Works American Job Center.
At 1:30 p.m., David Perry, human resources program support specialist at the Human Resource Division of the Muskogee VA Regional Office, will discuss the federal hiring process, how to access and utilize the USAjobs website, types of veterans preference, and tips for writing a federal resume.
Vet Fest will conclude with a 2 p.m. presentation from Ernest Swindle, CU’s VetSuccess on Campus counselor. Swindle will provide an overview of free services and benefits available and will offer tips for collegiate success. He also will address career marketability from a local perspective.
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PR# 24-161
