Sallisaw Veterans Center opens as ‘the envy of every other state’

A dusting of snow remained Friday at the Sallisaw Veterans Center for the dedication celebration.

Superlatives seemed to be everywhere Friday at the dedication celebration for the Sallisaw Veterans Center.

In an effort to make residents feel at home, common areas at the Sallisaw Veterans Center feature fireplaces, tables for games and conversation, and plenty of comfortable seating.

The state-of-the-art facility, which boasts a sprawling 215,000 square feet and 175 single-occupancy rooms for veterans, was its own superlative as a crowd of more than 300 wide-eyed visitors roamed the center’s spacious halls featuring soaring ceilings as well as a home-like environment in common areas where fireplaces featured dancing flames and TVs were mounted throughout for optimum viewing.

But while the nation’s newest veterans facility was its own best advertisement, state, regional and local officials couldn’t miss their opportunity to praise the center that sits on 90 acres a mile south of I-40 on U.S. 59.

To be sure, virtually everyone would like to claim at least partial credit for the state’s flagship facility, and Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) Executive Director Jay Bynum was glad to spread the wealth.

Jay Bynum

“I will let the building speak for itself. I think you’re going to be overwhelmed with what this facility brings,” Bynum told a standing-room-only crowd during the morning’s dedication ceremonies. “It is absolutely the best of the best, and it’s the newest one in the veterans’ stable in the United States. It’s really fantastic.”

Then the former U.S. Navy rear admiral couldn’t help borrowing from another former naval officer as he invoked the sentiment of John F. Kennedy.

“Success has a thousand — and maybe in this case ten thousand — fathers,” Bynum said, finding it unnecessary to continue the quotation, choosing instead to honor “the stalwart support of everyone … who has an interest in taking care of Oklahoma’s veterans.”

Sallisaw Veterans Center Administrator Sarah Breshears and Sallisaw Mayor Ernie Martens (center) were joined by state, regional and local dignitaries Friday for a ceremonial ribbon cutting as part of the center’s dedication celebration.

After almost seven years since Sallisaw emerged among the six hopefuls for the center to the city being overwhelmingly selected as the site to the September 2020 groundbreaking to Friday’s dedication celebration, “it’s been a long time coming and highly anticipated,” said ODVA Deputy Director Shawn Kirkland. “We gather in deep gratitude to celebrate a place that will serve as a sanctuary of care, dignity and honor for those who selflessly served our nation.”

Brett Martin

Brian Heverly

Brett Martin, chairman of the Oklahoma Veterans Commission, was understandably proud of the magnificent facility the commission helped shepherd to fruition, proclaiming during his dedication remarks that “we are the envy of every other state at the moment.”

For Sallisaw City Manager Brian Heverly, who has been on the job just seven weeks, timing was everything.

“This is a culminating event. It is the culmination of a lot of hard work,” he told the dedication crowd. “I’m humbled by the fact that I get to stand on the shoulders of giants who have moved rocks and moved mountains to make this happen.”

Bryan Warner, deputy principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, echoed Heverly’s humility, and highlighted the collaboration of countless entities, including in no small part the Cherokee Nation.

Bryan Warner

“In the sense of our Cherokee community values, our guiding principles, working together for the greater good,” Warner said in explaining the mindset of the Nation. “Those principles are not just for Cherokees, even though those are Cherokee community values. They’re for us to pass along through the world.”

Warner then cited the perseverance of George Bormann, economic development director for Sallisaw, and praised the late Buddy Spencer, “who was a big part of all of our lives here in Sallisaw and Sequoyah County” as chairman of the Sallisaw Improvement Corporation.

Likewise, Sallisaw Mayor Ernie Martens praised Spencer’s foresight and singular dedication to the veterans center.

Ernie Martens

“Buddy Spencer was a key part of all that, and he’s sorely missed,” Martens said, fighting back tears. “I wish he were here today.

“We do consider it an extreme honor to offer service to the veterans of our country. It’s our hope that the residents and their families will feel the love, honor and respect we intend to offer. The sacrifices that those veterans make for our country are immeasurable, and there’s not enough we can do to honor them and their service, past and present,” Martens said.

“We’ve reached many important milestones here in Sallisaw over the years. But, by far, the most important milestone we have achieved is being chosen as the new home for this ODVA center.”

In addition to recognizing the efforts of former city manager Keith Skelton and his staff in promoting Sallisaw during the selection process, Martens thanked area banks, businesses and individuals for their commitment, as well as the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce, Sallisaw Improvement Corporation, NHS Sequoyah, Carl Albert State College and Indian Capital Technology Center.

Brenda Stanley

Oklahoma Senator Brenda Stanley, who serves as chair for the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, called the facility’s dedication a “monumental moment for our state.”

“Our service members have not only defended the freedoms we hold dear, but they have also established roots, raised families and contributed immeasurably to the security and prosperity of our state and our nation. Our veterans answered the call to service with bravery, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to our country. Today as we gather at this new home, we honor their service, not just in words, but in action. This new facility stands as a symbol of our appreciation for the sacrifices our veterans have made, and as a testament to our commitment to ensuring they have the support they need for many years to come. The opening of the Sallisaw Veterans Home marks a significant milestone, and is an important part of our commitment to ensuring Oklahoma is the state where veterans can thrive,” Stanley said.

“With this home’s 175-bed capacity, specialized programs and numerous onsite amenities, the Sallisaw Veterans Home will make a profound and lasting difference to the lives of our heroes.”

Derek Osborn, chief of staff for U.S. Senator James Lankford, praised the efforts of all who helped make the veterans center possible, then thanked the veterans while offering a reciprocal gesture.

“It’s an opportunity for us in Sallisaw and Oklahoma to come up and say thank you to our veterans, and to say you’ve given so much, let us give a little back to you,” Osborn said.

Sallisaw Veterans Center is expected to start receiving applications for residency beginning next week.

Oklahoma Senator Tom Woods (left) talks with those who turned out Friday for the dedication celebration for the Sallisaw Veterans Center.

Sallisaw City Manager Brian Heverly (left) speaks with Jared Larsen, commander for American Legion Post 27, during dedication ceremonies Friday at the Sallisaw Veterans Center.

Josh West

Jay Bynum

More than 300 people showed up Friday for the dedication celebration for the Sallisaw Veterans Center, and to get a first look at the 215,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility.

In an effort to make residents feel at home, common areas at the Sallisaw Veterans Center feature three-sided fireplaces, tables for games and conversation, plenty of comfortable seating and ample open areas for ease of movement.

In an effort to make residents feel at home, common areas at the Sallisaw Veterans Center feature fireplaces, tables for games and conversation, and plenty of comfortable seating.

More than 300 people showed up Friday for the dedication celebration for the Sallisaw Veterans Center, and to get a first look at the 215,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility.

In an effort to make residents feel at home, common areas at the Sallisaw Veterans Center feature fireplaces, tables for games and conversation, and plenty of comfortable seating.

The Sallisaw Veterans Center features wide hallways for ease of movement, as well as soaring ceilings that enhance an open concept. The 215,000-square-foot facility has 175 single-occupancy rooms for veterans.

Each “neighborhood” residential area at the Sallisaw Veterans Center features its own dining room. Visitors to the new center were served brunch refreshments during Friday’s dedication celebration.

Long shadows are cast on a crisp morning at the new Sallisaw Veterans Center. The long-awaited opening of the state-of-the-art center on Friday attracted more than 300 community members.