EDMOND, - The Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame will celebrate its 26th Banquet and Induction Ceremony on Nov. 1 at the Embassy Suites, Norman. This year’s class includes Specialist Glen E. Blood, U.S. Army, and 10 other living and deceased service members representing all services and all ranks, one civilian and the Kiowa Code Talkers of WWII. Their achievements are as numerous and inspiring as those who have been previously inducted.
Specialist Four Glen E. Blood, U.S. Army, born in 1947 in Canton,, served bravely as a combat infantryman in the Vietnam War. On June 12, 1968, while attached to Company C, 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry, his squad came under intense enemy fire. Despite sustaining wounds to both legs, his arm, and additional shrapnel injuries, he continued to direct a fierce counterattack and led his squad, carrying wounded soldiers to safety. Laying down tracer fire, he guided air support under extreme danger. For his outstanding valor and selflessness, SP4 Blood was awarded the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts.
Seating for the ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m. The Embassy Suites Norman is at 2501 Conference Drive, Norman, Oklahoma. Seating is $95 per person, with a check or credit card due by Oct 20.
The formal event drew over 600 attendees in 2024, according to Colonel (Ret.) Kelly Zachgo, President of the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation, whose board operates the Hall of Fame. Families, friends and corporate sponsors attend to celebrate the honorees.
Zachgo stated the entertainment will feature singer, performer and speaker Maggie Bond and guitarist Dennis Hoch, a Navy veteran of Vietnam. The 145th Army Band will perform patriotic music.
Major General Douglas O. Dollar, USA (retired), who founded the Hall of Fame, explained the purpose behind the ceremony. “We try to honor veterans for one thing, for valor.
They’ve been outstanding in combat. The other criteria is that they may have done community/public service for veterans, and they certainly deserve recognition and encouragement.”
Inductees are selected through a rigorous process to ensure Oklahoma’s most worthy are chosen. Candidates must have a connection to Oklahoma, full biographical information, outstanding civilian and/or patriotic service and most importantly, according to the Hall of Fame’s website, “The military record…must demonstrate heroic and/or extraordinary leadership action, service, or sacrifice; and principal awards received.”
Seating is $95 per person, with a check or credit card due by Oct 20. Dress is Sunday best, business suit, Service Uniform or Mess Dress. For details or to reserve seats, visit www.OKMHF.ORG or email INFO@OKMHF.ORG.
About the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation: The Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation (OKMHF) was established in 1999 and is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization having the purpose of honoring those Oklahomans, living or deceased, who serve or have served in the military with records of extraordinary service and/or sacrifice to our nation. OKMHF sponsors the annual Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame, a ceremony at which today’s and yesterday’s military heroes are recognized. Learn more at https://okmhf.org/welcome.