Senator Gollihare Honors Marine Veteran, Dr. Jay Craig with Legislative Citation of Honor

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, presented a legislative Citation of Honor recognizing Dr. Jay Craig for a lifetime of extraordinary service to his country, his community and the State of Oklahoma.

The Citation of Honor, presented by the Oklahoma Legislature, formally recognizes Dr. Craig’s distinguished military service, lifelong dedication to his community and enduring example of leadership and service to the state and nation.

“Dr. Jay Craig represents the very best of Oklahoma,” Senator Gollihare said. “His courage in combat, his compassion in caring for others and his decades of leadership in civic life makes him truly deserving of this honor. His life is a testament to service above self. From the battlefield to the clinic to the community, Dr. Craig has spent his life serving others. Oklahoma is stronger because of his contributions, and it is an honor to recognize his legacy. A Marine to his core, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. Today was a true honor to recognize a fellow Marine for all he has done for our state and nation.”

About Dr. Jay Craig

Born in Tulsa on July 1, 1940, Dr. Craig built a remarkable legacy spanning military service, healthcare and community leadership. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1960 and rose from the enlisted ranks to become a commissioned officer. 

During his service, he served as both an Infantryman and Air Traffic Controller and was deployed to Vietnam in 1969. For his valor in combat, Dr. Craig received some of the nation’s highest honors, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star with combat “V,” and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He retired from military service as a Major after 20 years and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

Following his military career, Dr. Craig continued his commitment to serving others by earning his Doctorate in Chiropractic from Parker University in 1993 and opening a practice in Tulsa, where he was recognized as one of the city’s top chiropractic physicians.

In the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing, Dr. Craig once again answered the call to serve, traveling nightly from Tulsa to Oklahoma City to provide care to first responders and recovery personnel, often working through the night before returning home to treat patients. His efforts during that tragic time earned him a formal letter of gratitude from then-Governor Frank Keating.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Craig has remained deeply engaged in civic and charitable work. He has held numerous leadership roles within Rotary International, including serving as President of the Rotary Club of Bristow, Assistant Governor of Rotary District 6110, and District Governor for the 2020–2021 term. His dedication to service has earned him recognition as a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and Major Donor.

A proud member of the Comanche Nation, Dr. Craig is also active in fraternal organizations and is a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner. He is a devoted family man, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who continues to enjoy an active life in retirement. 

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