Honorary Cadets
Honorary Oklahoma Military Academy Cadets are named and recognized for their enduring support, service and contributions to the Oklahoma Military Academy Alumni Association.
Pat Routh
2023 Honorary Cadet
Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Pat Routh was the oldest of four siblings to parents Bobby and Vincent McVeigh. She grew up a few blocks from her late husband, Rob Routh, though she didn’t meet him until after she graduated from Bishop McGuiness, and she began working as a secretary at the 45th Division Headquarters. Immediately smitten, after just five months, the couple began a marriage that would last almost 65 years, cut short by Rob’s death in February 2023.
In those 65 years, their life took them all over the world. From being a newly married military wife in Ft. Lee and preparing her first Thanksgiving dinner for a house full of soldiers Rob had invited over, to toting four children across Germany and the United States on various assignments. They ultimately settled in Austin, Texas, where she has happily played the role of Nana to her nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Pat has always been an enthusiastic partner, whether it was learning how to cook a turkey for a last-minute Thanksgiving crowd, or accompanying Rob to OMA reunions, she was there for every trip and reminiscence. After a lifetime as a military wife and mom, it’s Pat’s honor to join the ranks of Routh family members as an honorary OMA cadet.
Marlene Hines (Posthumously)
2023 Honorary Cadet
was born Marlene O’Rourke in Lincolnshire, England. Before the start of WWII, she lived half a mile from Waddington Royal Air Force Base and spent most of her early childhood in and out of bomb shelters. Marlene carried with her a small box that contained her Mickey Mouse gas mask until our fathers won the war in 1945.
Marlene came from a military family; her father was Staff Sergeant Major for the Irish Guards and he survived the disasters at Dunkirk and the bridge at Arnhem (A Bridge too Far). Her mother was a “Rosie the Riveter” in the plant that made Lancaster Bombers and she also served as a nurse.
Marlene came to the U.S. in the late 1950s and lived in Wyoming, California, the USAF, and Hawaii before coming to Oklahoma. She was the mother of six children and two stepchildren. She had 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. In her spare time, she found time to be a fashion model.
In 1991 she and her husband, J. Jay Hines, OMA Class of 1958, moved to Mustang and opened a horse boarding and training stable which she operated for many years. Marlene loved life, her family, her horses, travel, and she really enjoyed coming to the OMA Reunions each year.
Marlene went to be with her Lord in April 2016. A Scholarship Endowment for the GOLD (Guard Officer Leadership Development) program at Rogers State University was established in her honor. Funds for the complete restoration of the new OMA Museum Conference Room were provided by J. Jay in memory of his “Loving Wife Marlene.”
J. Jay believes his wife is, “...looking down on us from heaven smiling and saying, ‘WELL DONE OMA ALUMNI – KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!’”
Dr. Bob Blackburn
2023 Honorary Cadet
Oklahoma native Bob Blackburn has served as executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society since 1999. He joined the OHS in 1980 as editor of The Chronicles of Oklahoma and became the deputy director for agency operations in 1990.
Blackburn is a 1973 graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, from where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in history from Oklahoma State University. Blackburn grew up in Edmond and graduated from Putnam City High School in 1969.
Blackburn published several articles and his first book while still in graduate school and he has since written or co-authored more than 20 books and numerous articles, journal entries, and screenplays. Because of his expansive historical knowledge, he is routinely asked to be a source of historical information for the media, and he has appeared numerous times on The History Channel.
He was instrumental in planning and building the Oklahoma History Center, a 215,000-square-foot museum and research center in Oklahoma City. Blackburn has served on numerous national and regional boards and committees, including the Western History Association, the Oklahoma Association of Professional Historians, the AIA, and Leadership Oklahoma City.
Blackburn’s father, Bob Blackburn, Sr., taught at OMA in the 1960s and his grandfather, Bert Blackburn, was the power plant engineer at OMA in the 1940s. Dr. Blackburn has many fond memories of the OMA campus in the 1950s and 1960s while visiting grandparents, aunts, and uncles in Claremore.
OMA Alumni salute and thank Dr. Blackburn for serving as the Museum Consultant and Project Manager for the new OMA Museum.
Alyssa Cravens
2022 Honorary Cadet
Alyssa Cravens was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and attended Oologah-Talala High School. In 2015, she graduated in the top two of her class with a 3.98 GPA. She then continued her education at Rogers State University, where she worked towards a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management.
By the time she graduated, she had received many commendations for her academic and professional accomplishments. Cravens earned recognition as an Honor Graduate for being top 2 in the Class of 2019 Professional Studies, she was a graduate member of the Higher Education Honor Society with the Chickasaw Nation, she also received the HILL Award for Outstanding Student Worker, and she received Cum Lade designation, as well as numerous scholarships and grants.
Cravens’ professional experience with RSU started early. While working on her bachelor’s degree, she began working in the Office of Administration and worked there throughout all four years of college. After proving herself as a reliable and versatile employee, a position was created for her as the Event Manager/Switchboard Coordinator/Administrative Assistant upon graduation. From there, she went on to become the Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Administration and Finance. Her success continued to grow, and she landed her current position as the Executive Assistant to the President at Rogers State University, a position she has held for nearly two years.
Cravens has a passion for higher education and helping others. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time outside, fishing, hunting, or being with her family, friends, and dog. She remarks that she is blessed to be able to make lasting connections with many of the OMA Alumni and is honored to be selected as an OMA Honorary Cadet.
Sandra McMenamy
2022 Honorary Cadet
Sandra McMenamy was born in Pelham, Georgia on October 2, 1947, the daughter of Jessie and Doris Tyler. She attended school in Pelham and Columbus before moving to Lawton, Oklahoma. She graduated from Lawton High School in 1964.
Sandy attended college in Tahlequah at Northeastern State University as well as the University of Houston. She also took accounting classes at the Draughon School of Business. She spent most of her working years as a bookkeeper for various companies including Inland Mortgage and Chico’s before starting her own permitting business in Florida.
Sandy has been married to RSU Alumni Curtis E. McMenamy for 34 years. Together, they have two sons, two daughters, three grandsons, and two granddaughters. They enjoy the years they have spent working together, and they like playing golf and tennis, RV camping, and scuba diving. She and Curt continue to support the RSU Gold Program each year.
Rosalia Beltran
2022 Honorary Cadet
Rosalia Beltran was born in Durango, Mexico, in 1958. After graduating from high school, she left her hometown to study English in the UK. She stayed there from 1977-1978, and she gained an immersive experience in British culture and language as an au pair with a family in London, and a second family in Birmingham. In 1983, she graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and mass communication, then she worked as an advertising executive for five years.
She met Angel Beltran through work in 1986, and by 1988 they were married. Over the span of 34 years, she has collaborated with Angel in their businesses, mostly radio, and lately administratively. Together, they have four children: Monica (44), Jackie (38), Angel (33), and Nina (31); they also have a daughter-in- law named Casey and a son-in-law named Dillon. Rosie Beltran is proud of her family, which continues to grow. “We are blessed with three grandchildren,” she says. They are by Monica, and their names are Max (13), Mia (13), and Luca (11). They have another grandchild on the way by Angel and Casey, which is due in November.
She is also committed to helping communities across the globe. “I belong to three organizations that are close to my heart,” she says. One of them, the Tocando Board of Directors, a subsidiary of El Paso Symphony Orchestra, is an organization dedicated to empowering children in disadvantaged areas through music education. Another organization, the Pan American Round Table, is an international organization with tables throughout the Americas from Canada to Argentina, promoting sisterhood and understanding and supporting college education through scholarships at the University of Texas at El Paso. She also belongs to El Dedon Verde Garden Club, a social club for gardening enthusiasts.
Nona Wilson
2021 Honorary Cadet
Nona Wilson, is the wife of Dewey Wilson, OMA ’66, and the current Curator of the Oklahoma Military Academy Museum. Nona was raised in Crescent, California where she graduated from Del Norte High School and College of Redwoods in Eureka, California with an Associates Degree in Education. While working in a convalescent hospital in Crescent, Nona decided to pursue a career in Nursing. She applied to the University of Tulsa and was accepted. After graduation in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Nona completed her Oklahoma State Boards and officially became a Registered Nurse. Dewey and Nona were married in 1974.
With Dewey serving in the United States Air Force, Nona worked at various hospitals because of being relocated due to many assignments during Dewey’s twenty-two-year military Career. Nona worked in multiple areas of nursing including ICU, OB, Newborn Nursery, Outpatient Surgery and Endoscopy. She retired from nursing in 2013; however, she continues to volunteer at the medical clinic at Arms Around Broken Arrow.
Nona has assisted Dewey in the museum on several occasions and has also participated at the museum during several of the “Night at the Museum” events held by the Claremore Museum Coalition.
They have one daughter and two grandchildren.
Don Wofford
2021 Honorary Cadet
Don Wofford was an English instructor and coach on the hill from 1962 until 1980. He started teaching at the high school and after three years was invited to join the junior college staff. Coaching duties included high school basketball and football until the end of the 66-67 school year. During the 67-72 school years, he was coach of the junior college basketball program. Don enjoyed modest success in the college program and was privileged to in be involved in the lives of many student athletes.
Don is very proud of his family’s long association with the college: Don’s tenure 1962-1980 – daughter Twyla Overton 1976-78 – daughter Cheryl Semkoff 1977-79 – Granddaughter Ashlee Overton 2006-10 – Granddaughter Ashlee Overton 2006-10 – Granddaughter Mallory Overton 2009-13. The family will forever be thankful for fifty-plus years that this excellent school has provided us.
As Don accepts this recognition of “OMA Honorary Cadet,” he wants to invite everyone to dwell just a moment on this description of the school. – “very few schools can match the history of this institution. I like to think of it as rising to the need when a situation arose. A prep school when there was none, a military training facility when our facility when our country was threatened, a junior college when the area needed it, going coed when fairness was an issue, and responding to the growth of the area by adding a four program.”
Don is the son of Bronk and Elsie Wofford of Oologah. Both of his parents were elected Rogers County officials. Don met Beverly Oskison, daughter of Ray and Alleene Okskison of Vinita, while attending Northeastern Oklahoma A & M Junior College in Miami and they were married in 1957. The two daughters previously mentioned were their family.
Kathy Smith
2021 Honorary Cadet
Kathy Smith was born in Caracas, Venezuela. She married Steve Smith ’65 in 2007. They met at a refinery camp when she was 7 and he was 11. Steve was their paperboy. After returning to Pennsylvania, Kathy and Steve weren’t in touch until an Exxon reunion 40 years later.
Smith’s hometowns were refinery camps until she turned 12. She attended high school in Pennsylvania where she was taken out of her senior Spanish class to mentor migrant workers’ children in English. At that time, she was also a Candy Striper at the local hospital and organized wheelchair races which patients loved.
Smith studied French language, culture and art in France and Switzerland the summer of 67. She received her AA in 1970 in Liberal Arts from Endicott College in Beverly Massachusetts. She then transferred to Ursinus, a private college in Pennsylvania where she earned her BA in 1972 with a double major in Spanish and French.
She returned to Caracas in 1973 for vacation and applied to Pinturas Montana as a technical translator. Smith was offered the position, dependent on her renouncing her US citizenship. At the time she was working for her father’s company in Pennsylvania and he ordered her to come home. In New York City, Smith worked for Techint, shipping to affiliates in South America. She was also Export Manager for 20 years at Swagelok New Jersey, shipping instrumentation to the Mid-East.
Smith doesn’t have children, but considers her pets as family. They have two Irish Wolfhounds, three cats and a horse.
Tom Volturo
2021 Honorary Cadet
Tom Volturo was born in McAlester, Oklahoma and raised in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He attended St. Gregory’s College, Shawnee, Oklahoma, where he was named as an Outstanding Alumnus and continued his studies at Oklahoma State University graduating in 1972.
Volturo’s career includes 23 years at the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector’s office, retiring as Deputy State Auditor. Other employment includes Director of Internal Audits for the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges and Vice President for Business Affairs at East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma. He spent nearly 20 years at Rogers State University retiring as Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance. Volturo understands the history and importance of OMA and has supported OMA since he arrived at RSU. The rich tradition, lifelong friendships and relationships are strong. OMA Alumni and families continue to support OMA and Rogers State University’s mission and programs.
He has held numerous positions on boards, committees, commissions and organizations, Chair of Oklahoma Accountancy Board, Chair of Oklahoma State Insurance Fund Board of Managers, St. Gregory’s University Board of Directors and Board of Trustees, member of the AICPA Professional Ethics and Executive Committee, Oklahoma Archives and Records Commission and currently Will Rogers Memorial Foundation.
He holds retired designations as Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Government Financial Manager.
Tom and wife, Andrea, live in Claremore. He is honored and appreciates being selected as an OMA Honorary Cadet.
Doug Mosier
2021 Honorary Cadet
Douglas K. Mosier is the son of Dr. Richard and Mary Mosier of Claremore, Oklahoma. Douglas was born shortly after his father had completed an assignment as an artillery officer at Fort Sill. To his lifelong chagrin, if had he arrived a little earlier he could have claimed to be a “Army Brat.” His family moved six times as his father pursued a career in education but settled in Claremore where he earned an Associates Degree at Rogers State College.
Douglas is actively engaged in the operation and management of the family owned Holly Creek Angus. He is a part owner of the Sheep Head Ranch LLC in Sheridan County, Kansas. Douglas is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Claremore. However, most importantly, he is a lifelong fan of the Claremore Zebras and the Rogers State University Hillcats.
Borrowing from his father’s military service, Douglas developed a high regard for military men and women. This respect was strengthened by the Oklahoma Military Academy and the former cadets. As a result, he has participated in many OMA reunions and earned high regards and friendship with the cadets.
Douglas supports RSU as well as his sister and three brothers who attended the “College on the Hill.” Jerrilee and Russell Coombs live in Claremore. Jerrilee is a retired college Chancellor. Greg is Dean of the College of Business at the University of Nevada in Reno. His children are Decker, Chas, and Mary Bess. Richard and Teresa live in Claremore where he is President and General Manager of Robson Properties. Their daughters, Meredith and Madison are Tulsans. Roger and Vicki live in Claremore where he is President and General Manager of RCB Banks. Their two daughters are Natalie and Caroline. Their son Grant is a graduate of RSU. Natalie and John Michael Jarred live in Tulsa.
Tammy Ryan
2021 Honorary Cadet
Tammy Ryan has worked in the Oklahoma Military Academy Alumni office as the Administrative Assistant to Dr. Danette Boyle since March of 2015. In addition to her regular administrative duties, she helps organize and facilitate the annual OMA Alumni Association Reunion, assists with scholarships for the Gold Program students, and serves as a backup for the RSU President’s office.
Tammy served on one of the committees for bringing the WALL THAT HEALS to the RSU Campus that was the highlight of the 2018 OMA Reunion. She assisted with projects and events such as the United States Army Drill Team Performance and the OMA Legacy Plaza in 2019 for the Oklahoma Military Academy Centennial Reunion.
Tammy has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Prior to working in the OMA Alumni office, she taught first and second grade in Texas and Oklahoma for twelve years. Although her time teaching was very rewarding, she feels blessed and honored to work for Rogers State University with the OMA Alumni.
She has two daughters that she is very proud of, Alyssa Cravens and Kendra Clark, both graduates of Rogers State University. Alyssa was a student worker for four years then became Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Finance. Currently, Alyssa is the Executive Assistant to the RSU President, Dr. Larry Rice. Kendra worked as a Writing Center Consultant on campus for four years where she encouraged and empowered fellow students to become better writers through tutoring. She currently works at a dental office in Owasso. Tammy also has two granddaughters, Lola and Bernie, whom she adores.
Jean Hardwick
2021 Honorary Cadet
Jean Hardwick was born and raised on a small farm in Washington State. After graduating from High School, Jean attended Seattle Pacific University where she graduated with a Degree in Education.
She began her teaching career in Sumner, Washington where she taught High School and Junior High for over three years. Jean later began a three-month bicycle tour of Western Europe, which included the United Kingdom, West Germany, Holland and France. After her bicycle tour came to a close, Jean continued her teaching career by accepting a high school position in the U. S. Army Dependent School System in Verona, Italy. She later accepted a first grade teaching position in Schwaebisch Gemuend, Germany where she met Willis Hardwick who was stationed there as well with the 17th Field Artillery Battalion.
Jean and Willis were married in Schwaebisch Gemuend in June 1962 where she began her Army family homemaking career of over 21 years, moving every year from one Army assignment to another until Willis was assigned to the Pentagon in 1972. Over the span of army life moving frequently, adjusting, Jean raised and cared for two sons, John and Matthew, and upon Willis’ retirement in 1980, Jean continued her homemaking career supporting Willis’ new career in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.
After living in Virginia for over 40 years, she continues to enjoy family, which includes four grandchildren and is blessed by God for all she has and for all she has experienced. What a life!
Jean and Willis reside in the Manors of Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia.
Luther Martin
2021 Honorary Cadet
Luther Martin first came to this beautiful campus in the fall of 1960 as a basketball player at Connors State. He graduated from Checotah High School in 1960 and played basketball and baseball at Connors and at New Mexico State in 1962-64. He was nominated for the 1964 Olympic baseball team but was unable to play because of illness.
In 1963, Luther married Judy Wallace from Oktaha who has been an integral part of his success in life. Judy was the first female college graduate of OMA. They have a son, Mickey, who lives in Inola and is married to the former Kelly Oquin. They also have a daughter, Kyla, who is pursuing her master’s degree at Oklahoma University. Luther states, “Our entire family has given us tremendous support.”
Luther’s first coaching position was at Stigler High School in 1965. He was hired at OMA as the college baseball coach in 1968. He states, “I have great memories of our years “On the Hill” of OMA and Rogers State faculty, students and players. I was fortunate to never have a losing record as I was blessed with some great players.” Luther retired at Rogers State in 1994 and has been an Insurance Agent with Oklahoma Farm Bureau for 26 years.
“My family and I feel extremely blessed by this honor from the OMA Alumni Association.” states Luther.
2 LT Rhett Ables
2021 Honorary Cadet
Second Lieutenant Rhett Ables served as a volunteer firefighter for his community while in High School. He graduated from Adair High School in 2015 and began attending Rogers State University in the fall of 2015. Ables completed one semester before shipping out to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri on January 4th, 2016. He enlisted as an 88M (Motor Vehicle Operator) and after completion of basic combat training and AIT (AIT Honor Graduate) joined the RSU GOLD program in the fall of 2016.
Ables attended the RSU GOLD program for four years and served in numerous leadership positions throughout his tenure. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, Purple Heart Foundation Leadership Award, and National Guard Good Conduct Medal while serving in the GOLD program. He attended Officer Candidate School in the summer of 2019 in Fort Meade, South Dakota and graduated in July 2019. He commissioned as an 11A (Infantry Officer) and served in D Company 1/279 for two years before serving as the acting Executive Officer.
Ables was able to come back to RSU GOLD and serve full- time as a mentor to our next generation of Army Officers. Most recently he was moved to Battalion Headquarters to serve as a battalion S3 for the 1/279 Infantry. He served on a State Active Duty mission in June 2020 as a vehicle commander to support the State needs during the Tulsa Protests.
“Thanks to the Oklahoma Military Academy Alumni I was able to graduate Rogers State University with a Bachelors in Justice Administration (Cyber Investigation Option) with a minor in Military Science. After graduation, I began my studies for my Master’s in Software Engineering at Southern New Hampshire University and began working at Amazon in a management role.
I recently married my wife, Jacalyn Honeywell, who also attended the RSU GOLD program. I was blessed to have the Oklahoma Military Academy Alumni and Staff supporting me throughout my military career and cannot say enough about the efforts that happen in the RSU GOLD Program to mold future Army Officers in the Oklahoma National Guard”, said Ables.
Sue Burke
2021 Honorary Cadet
Terry Webb
2019 Honorary Cadet
Terry Webb was born in Denver, CO but grew up in Nixon, TX. After graduating from high school, she attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX where she earned her degree in American Christian Education. While doing a church internship in El Paso, TX in 1967, she met Clark Webb, OMA Class of 1961. They were married in 1968 and have two sons, one daughter-in-law, and one grandson.
Webb was primarily a stay at home mom but had part-time work in everything from libraries, public schools, supermarkets, and James Avery Craftsman. Through all these years, she was active in the life of her church as a teacher and volunteer in many areas. When the nest emptied, she was hired to work at churches in Katy, TX (Director of Christian Education), Houston, TX (Children’s Ministry, Assimilation, and Adult Ministry) and Seguin, TX (co Youth Director with Clark).
Since retiring from her last church position, Terry has enjoyed being able to participate with Clark in the OMA activities and events. For the past several years she has come to appreciate all that OMA had to offer to all those cadets and our country’s history and continues to offer through its relationship with Rogers State University. She has enjoyed making new friends through the years during the many trips to Claremore and South Padre for the various reunions and board meetings. Webb appreciates and is honored by being recognized as an OMA Honorary Cadet.
Carolyn Wright
2019 Honorary Cadet
Carolyn Wright, wife of Robert Wright, OMA Class of 1953, has enjoyed making many friends through the OMA Reunions, and has the highest respect for the OMA tradition. She is honored to be named an OMA Honorary Cadet.
Carolyn graduated from Nebraska University with a BA, and earned an MA at California State University. Her career as an educator/counselor included teaching high school English, secondary school counselor, Gifted Education, Drug Free Schools and Employee Assistance Counseling.
Since her retirement from Edmond Public Schools, Carolyn has done part-time private counseling and full-time grandchildren. She and Bob are active members of the Church of the Servant OKC and enjoy spending time with their family, traveling, golf, and reading.
Lana Raper
2019 Honorary Cadet
Lana Lowrie Raper graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas in 1968 with a degree in Education. She married David Raper, OMA Class of 1965, in 1969. David’s work led them to live in several different states. They currently live in Marietta, Georgia.
David and Lana have two children, John David and Jennifer, son-in-law, Clay Smith and three grandchildren, Caroline, Lillian and Bradley. They all live in Georgia.
Raper retired in 2011 after 33 years of teaching elementary school. In 2007-2008, she received the Teacher of the Year award. She is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and P.E.O. Chapter AQ and has held various offices in each. She enjoys playing bridge, friends and family.
Raper enjoys attending the OMA reunions especially putting the faces with the people from David’s OMA “stories” and developing those relationships.
Dee Simpson
2019 Honorary Cadet
Dee Simpson was born in Claremore and graduated from Claremore High School in 1962. Harry and Dee met on October 1, 1963 at the OMA Sabre Society initiation. Dee was selected as the OMA Corps Queen in 1965. They were married in 1966 (on the First Super Bowl weekend) and have raised two children, Shannon and Matthew.
In 1995 Matthew passed away at the age of 18. In memory of their son, the Simpsons established the Matthew Casey Simpson Memorial Scholarship which provides scholarship aid to RSU students.
They have three grandchildren (one of which attended RSU) and one great-grandchild. Dee loved being able to help raise them all and made special bonds with them all.
Dee had several home-based businesses doing cake decorating, crafting, baking bread, and a cleaning business.
Her and Harry have been members of the Claremore S.D.A. Church for 50 years. During that time, Dee loved sewing and furnishing props and costumes for the Easter Pageants for their church functions.
Dee is so proud to be a small part of OMA’s Legacy and being honored as an OMA Honorary Cadet.
Wanda Kuehr
2019 Honorary Cadet
Wanda Kuehr grew up on a farm in Kentucky and attended the University of Louisville; Eastern Kentucky University (B. A. With Distinction; Member of Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities); University of Florida (M.A.); University of Southern California (M.S.); and Our Lady of the Lake University (Psy.D.).
She taught English, drama, and speech at the secondary school level before her employment with the U.S. Army as Clinical Trainer and Supervisor of the 1st Armored Division’s Clinical Substance Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Program. She served in several other similar capacities, culminating in her highest position as the Army’s worldwide Clinical Manager of the Army Substance Abuse Program. She received numerous awards during her 40+ years of service and retired in 2015.
Kuehr enjoys being an arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau, supporting alumni activities, writing short stories and poems, and traveling with her husband (Michael) and dog (Dude).
Shari Plumlee
2019 Honorary Cadet
OMA was the beginning of a life’s journey that started 57 years ago. OMA and the cadets have remained dear to my heart ever since June 7, 1963. Although some of cadets are no longer with us, the memories will live forever in my heart.
John and I have lived in Hattiesburg, Mississippi for the past 46 years. We have two children, Denton and Kenneth, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. I attended the University of Southern Mississippi at the age of 41. I received two bachelor degrees in speech communication and social work. Soon after, I wrote and published The Destructive Disease of Alzheimers And Its Effects.
In 2016, I retired from Forrest General Hospital and at the age of 69, I decided I wasn’t going to sit around so I started pursing acting classes. Recently, I completed a film with CME entertainment in the past month. Acting has become my drive and passion and I love learning and developing my craft.
Returning to OMA each year is like returning home and reuniting with family. Thank you to the OMA Alumni Association and Rogers State University for this award. I am forever thankful.
Linda Corlett
2019 Honorary Cadet
Linda Corlett was born in Guthrie, OK and graduated from high school in 1960. While there, she was basketball queen and was selected as outstanding art student. She continued her education at Cottey College in Nevada, MO on a full scholarship and graduated in 1962 with an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts. She then moved to Norman, OK where she obtained a second degree in Art Education.
Linda married Bob Corlett, OMA Class of 1962, in 1963 and started working as a draft person for Union Texas Petroleum. She and Bob had two girls, Benee Corlett, who is a worldwide sales manager for Lexmark Printers. Their second child, Stacey Handley is an anesthesiologist in Dallas, TX.
Linda was an excellent water skier and taught her children by having them ski home from school. She has been a member of P.E.O. since 1982 and has served as Founder and President of a club in 1998. Over the years, Linda has given much of herself in the form of artworks – oils and acrylics. She has blessed her family and friends with works of fine art and has blessed various charities as well. Linda has attended OMA reunions for many years and has contributed when needed.
Vickie Fisher
2019 Honorary Cadet
Vickie Fisher is the wife of Cadet Rob Fisher, OMA 1968 graduate. Rob and Vickie have been married for forty-nine years and have four children; Robin, Joey, Rebekah and Rachel. They have ten grandchildren, two of whom are married.
Over the years, Vickie has partnered with Rob in the cattle business, thoroughbred horse business and always stood strong with Rob in all of his ventures, but her joy was taking care of their home and family. Fisher worked ten years at the private Christian School that her youngest daughters attended. She and Rob helped establish the school and both were actively involved in its success. She first served as Secretary and then as Associate Director.
For many years Fisher was involved in a Christian Dance Company that her daughters were involved in. She managed the office and studio in addition to being an active back stage mom both in local performances and national tours. She also loved watching her son play soccer.
Fisher is a strong supporter of the OMA Alumni Association. She has helped Rob all year on the development of the OMA Legacy Plaza. She is honored to be selected as an OMA Honorary Cadet.
Pat Elder
2018 Honorary Cadet
Pat Elder was born Patricia Ann Taylor in Richmond, California. She moved to Durant, Oklahoma at a young age where she grew up and spent a great deal of time at Lake Texoma swimming, skiing and boating with family and friends.
Pat graduated from Durant High School and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Southeastern State College (now University), where she was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. Pat later married and moved to Tulsa in 1973. She had been working as a substitute teacher in Durant and after moving to Tulsa, she applied for a teaching position and was hired at the start of the school year. However, the teacher she was replacing changed her mind and decided to stay.
Needing a job, Pat went to work for Joe West Insurance Company, then Seigfried Insurance in the bond department for five years. The next twenty-five years were spent working as a legal secretary in corporate law and estate planning. When her employer of twenty years retired in 2004, she took off for six months, then resumed her career. She is currently working part-time for an accounting firm.
Pat raised and educated a son, Cris Hicks, from her first marriage. Cris graduated from the University of Texas in Austin, with a Masters Degree in Social Work. He works for Youth Services of Tulsa and counsels high risk teenagers and their families in Creek County, Oklahoma.
In 1993, Pat married Jim Elder, OMA Class of 1967, whom she had known for over thirteen years. They worked in separate law offices across the hall from one another. Their first date was New Year’s Eve, 1992. After a whirlwind romance, they married in April, 1993. Pat and Jim have three sons between them and two grandchildren. They currently live in Tulsa with their two furry companions, an adopted dog, Blue, and an adopted stray cat, Otis. This is Pat’s twenty-fourth OMA Reunion. She and Jim missed one year when her high school reunion was the same weekend. Pat has met many OMA cadets and their families and looks forward to seeing them every year.
Julie Galvez
2018 Honorary Cadet
Julie Galvez was born in Ardmore OK and was raised in Carmi Illinois, where her father was the District Clerk for Sinclair.
After graduating from Carmi High School, she attended The University of Tulsa where she graduated with Honors. She majored in Education and minored in languages. Julie married Carlos Galvez, OMA Class of 1960, while attending TU and has four wonderful children, Ana Michele, Carlos Jr., Elena and Antonio. After graduation, she taught in the Tulsa Public School system. However, her teaching career was interrupted when Carlos’ profession took the family to Alaska.
While in Alaska she worked for Arctic Constructors in payroll and accounting. She often was responsible for distributing the weekly payroll to six camps located north of the Brooks Range, which she found to be exciting. Though she was working full time (12hrs. per day), she found time to become quite proficient in cross-country skiing and even gave birth to their youngest daughter, Elena. Furthermore she was exposed to needle point and to this day, finds it quite rewarding.
After Alaska, the family moved to Iran where her youngest, Antonio, was born. During her stay in Iran, she was quite active with the “Women’s Club” which encouraged learning Farsi and studying the Persian culture. Regretfully, we had to leave Iran hurriedly due to the unstable political environment. After her tour in Iran she returned to Tulsa.
In addition to looking after the family, she was quite active with EGO (Embroiders Guild of Oklahoma), holding various positions such as President, Treasurer, etc.
After the children were pretty well on their own, Carlos accepted a position in Nigeria, which Julie found to be quite rewarding. She immersed herself in the Expat community organizing and executing many charitable projects, such as providing books for the schools and collection of clothing for those less fortunate. She also became interested with native cloth and beads, which are typical of Nigeria.
After Nigeria, she found herself in Bolivia, again a new experience. This experience was gratifying due to her involvement with local orphanages. In addition, she became proficient in Spanish, like she did while in Iran learning Farsi.
In retirement, they established their residence in Broken Arrow, OK, where she is a member of St. Benedicts, Catholic Church, and she continues to be active with EGO, Forest Creek Women’s Club and other social groups. However, most of her time is dedicated to family and the yearning to travel.
Julie Jones
2018 Honorary Cadet
Julie Jones was born in Iowa and grew up in Arizona where her family moved when she was 2 years old. She graduated from Arizona State University and shortly after moved to California and lived in Los Angeles, Northern California and Reno, Nevada. In 2003, Julie moved back to Arizona.
During Julie’s career, she worked in finance, accounting and administration for several large companies and also helped co-found a small consulting firm in Nevada. Julie retired in 2014 and now spends her time enjoying family, friends, reading and traveling.
In 2011, Julie met OMA Cadet B.G. Jones ’64 and fell madly in love with him and all of his “Cadet Capers.” They married in 2015 and currently reside in Gilbert, Arizona.
Julie has been instrumental in helping BG plan and coordinate the revival of the Grand March, including setting up the saber table and KIA Memorial table, assisting in preparing the March list, marching around the house to the march music and learning all of BG’s Jodies.
Deann Ramsay
2018 Honorary Cadet
Deann Ramsay is the wife of Bill Ramsay, OMA graduate of 1961. She shares in Bill’s dedication to the OMA Alumni Association and has enjoyed the many friends that she has made at the Reunions over the years.
Bartlesville was Deann’s childhood home. She attended College High School and Oklahoma State University. Her working career began at Southwestern Bell, Cities Service Oil Company and Harris Upham. The second phase of Deann’s career included Holland Hall Preparatory School and subsequently The University of Tulsa.
Bill’s career in telecommunications took them to Chickasha, St. Louis and finally back to Tulsa, where they have called home for the last thirty-nine years.
Family has always been Deann’s top priority. She has three children whom she adores, Kris, Graham and Matthew and four grandchildren she treasures.
Ann Armbruster
Mary Faulkner
2 LT Logan Gear
Dr. Dean Loshbaugh
Mary Mosier
Joan Shaw
Ron Boyle
Sue Harris
Michael Henry
Margaret Inhofe
Charlotte Little
Norma Morrison
Peggy Rice
Jennifer Williams
John Wooley
Lisa Brown
Bonnie Gooch
Bonnie Jordan
Dr. Raquel Ramsey
Mary Lee Spinks
Dottie Trizza
Carlene Webber
Dr. Danette Boyle
Dr. Ken Hicks
Dr. Richard Mosier