About this event
A day-long community vigil where volunteers stand post in 22-minute shifts from sunrise to sunset, symbolizing the approximately 22 veterans who die by suicide each day in the U.S. The event includes on-site information about crisis resources and veteran services, plus introductions to hobbies, clubs, and activities, concluding with the playing of Taps at 7:00 pm. Cost: Free _______________________________________________________ Dear Community Leaders & Partners , Every day, too many veterans face challenges that no one should have to face alone. The Volunteer to Stand Post event is more than a day of remembrance, it is a call to action for our communities to come together, honor those we have lost, support those who are struggling, and help connect veterans and their families with life-changing resources and opportunities. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs invites your organization to join us on: Volunteer to set up your Resource Table Tuesday, September 22, 2026 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Central Park - Ardmore 14 E Street SW, Ardmore, OK This event is designed to bring together organizations that are passionate about serving veterans and their families. Whether you provide services, recreational opportunities, support groups, hobbies, clubs, or community engagement, your presence can help a veteran discover hope, purpose, and connection. Please RSVP as soon as possible, no later than August 31, as space is limited. Participant Information Please bring your own canopy, table, and chairs. Paperweights or other items to secure materials are strongly recommended. Lunch will be on your own. We will do our best to have food trucks available nearby. The event runs from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to accommodate veterans with different work schedules. You are not required to remain the entire day, please participate for as much time as your schedule allows. We encourage every organization to offer an interactive activity in addition to brochures or printed information. Interactive experiences create meaningful conversations and lasting connections. If your organization would like to host a future veteran-focused event, such as a golf tournament, workshop, outdoor activity, or another opportunity aligned with your mission, please be prepared to sign up interested veterans and family members. Please note that no items may be sold during this event. Together, we can ensure that veterans know they are seen, valued, and never alone. A single conversation, a new hobby, a support group, or a connection to benefits may change or even save a life. Please reply to all with your RSVP or any questions: Deanna K. Shaw Cemetery Administrator Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs 1555 Myall Street Ardmore, OK 73401 Deanna.Shaw@odva.ok.gov (580) 490-6489 Jamee J. Cassity, CPO Director of Memorial Affairs Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs 1555 Myall Street Ardmore, OK 73401 Jamee.Cassity@odva.ok.gov (580) 490-6481 Alfonso "AJ" Garza, Jr., CMSgt. (Ret.) Central Office Veteran Service Representative Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs 2132 NE 36th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 alfonso.garza@odva.ok.gov (405) 523-4000
Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs
Oklahoma · Verified government agency
