Lawmakers to Salute Norman Vet Center Staff, Donate USS Oklahoma Memorial Flag

Sen. Reynolds said he and Rep. Banz will present flag to Norman Veterans Center to say thank you.

State Sen. Jim Reynolds and Rep. Gary Banz announced they will donate an American flag that flew over the USS Oklahoma National Memorial to the Norman Veterans Center. The lawmakers will also present the staff with a citation thanking them for their dedication to caring for Oklahoma veterans. The lawmakers will make their presentation on Friday, December 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Veterans Center. Reynolds said his first-hand experience with the staff prompted the tribute.

“I have a special place in my heart for the Norman Veterans Center. The staff here took such great care of my father in his last years,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “When my family and I would visit, we saw the same professionalism and compassion extended to the other veterans in their care as well. Representative Banz and I just wanted to tell them how much we appreciate their dedication.”

Reynolds spent the last several years helping USS Oklahoma Survivors secure a permanent memorial at Pearl Harbor. That memorial was finally dedicated last year. The survivors organization presented him with a flag flown at the memorial that day, which in turn will be given to the Norman Veterans Center.
Banz, who is a veteran of the U.S. Army, said he is pleased to help honor the work of the staff and employees at the center.

“Oklahoma’s veterans centers represent the fulfillment of a promise made after World War II to provide care for our servicemen and women as needed,” said Banz, R-Midwest City. “We’re thankful to the staff for their dedication and hard work, and remain forever grateful to the brave men and women they serve.”

The Friday morning ceremony will be held in the activities room of the Norman Veterans Center, located at 1776 East Robinson.

Contact info

Senator Reynolds' Office: (405) 521-5522