Sen. Hamilton responds to closure of Talihina Veterans Home

OKLAHOMA CITY— Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, released the following statement after an emergency meeting of the Oklahoma Veterans Commission revealed that the Talihina Veterans Home will be closed this year.

“Recently, you’ve heard about the accelerated closure of the Talihina Veterans Home. This decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the Oklahoma Veteran’s Commission last Thursday, June 22. After meetings and conversations with key leaders, those plans are on hold while the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) works closely with the Legislature to find a better solution. 

“It is easy for competing priorities to become confused when the situation is tense and fluid, which this situation clearly is. We must always put our obligation to our veterans first. To put it bluntly, we wouldn’t even have this situation to consider were it not for the sacrifice and the service of these great Americans. They didn’t let us down, and we cannot let them down now. 

“I am firmly convinced that everyone in Oklahoma’s government, including ODVA, both houses of the Legislature, and Governor Stitt remain committed to serving our veterans and honoring our commitments, either expressed or implied to them. I am grateful to the Oklahoma Veterans Commission for their past and present service, their flexibility, and for their commitment to Oklahoma’s veterans.  Finally, I am confident that future plans will ensure that our veterans receive the care they need and that their lives are not unduly disrupted during this time of transition.”

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For more information, contact: Sen. Warren Hamilton at 405-521-5604 or email Warren.Hamilton@oksenate.gov