Community Encouraged to Vote for Henryettan of the Year Nominee by January 9, 2026
Community Encouraged to Vote for Henryettan of the Year Nominee by January 9, 2026
A longtime Henryetta volunteer recognized for her dedication to veterans, families, and community service has been officially nominated for Henryettan of the Year, but the final decision now rests with the public.
The nomination was submitted by past Commander Bill Goodner of VFW Post 539, highlighting years of service supporting veterans and communities across Henryetta and more than 15 surrounding towns since April 2019. While the nomination has been accepted, no vote has yet been finalized, and community participation is now requested.
The nomination letter outlines extensive volunteer work benefiting veterans, families, children, educators, and animal welfare causes. From organizing holiday programs and memorial ceremonies to fundraising efforts and Veterans Day appreciation dinners, the nominee’s service reflects a deep commitment to honoring those who served and strengthening the community they protected.
In addition to veteran-focused work, the nominee has supported education initiatives, youth programs, and animal welfare efforts, including the creation of the Vets for Pets program in Henryetta and fundraising for the Oklahoma Humane Society. The letter emphasizes that this nomination is not only a recognition of personal service, but a reflection of the collective responsibility to support veterans and those in need.
How to Vote
The deadline to vote for Henryettan of the Year is January 9, 2026. Community members are encouraged to submit their vote on or before that date.
Votes may be submitted to the Henryetta Free-Lance using one of the following methods:
Email submissions:
Mail submissions:
Henryetta Free-Lance
320 W. 6th Street
Okmulgee, OK
Community support plays a vital role in recognizing those who give their time and energy to serving veterans and strengthening Henryetta. Those wishing to show their appreciation are encouraged to submit their vote before the January 9 deadline.
Thank you for your continued support of veterans and the organizations that serve them.
Bill Goodner Nominates Tricia Bear For “THE HENRYETTAN OF THE YEAR 2025”
Since April 2019, Tricia has been a driving force behind veteran support and community service efforts in Henryetta and more than 15 surrounding towns across Oklahoma. Her work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that the men and women who fought for the nation’s freedoms are never forgotten. Through consistent volunteerism, fundraising, and community leadership, she has embodied the core American values of liberty, justice, and service.
Her involvement spans a wide range of community-focused initiatives. Tricia regularly assists the local Lions Club with packing and distributing Christmas packages to families in need. She also plays a key role in the annual Christmas Party hosted by the VFW Post 539 Auxiliary, helping organize the event for approximately 75 children at the Briefcase venue and donating door prizes and game awards to ensure a memorable experience for every child.
In addition to family-focused efforts, Tricia has made significant contributions to education and youth recognition programs. She nominated three teachers for the VFW Teacher of the Year awards, with two of those nominees earning the Oklahoma VFW Teacher of the Year distinction. She also promoted the VFW National Anthem Singing Contest, a competition that brought national recognition when Breanna Bevenue won first place in the nation.
Fundraising has been another cornerstone of her service. Through raffles, flag drives, and poppy drives, Tricia has helped raise essential funds to support veteran programs. She actively participates in Memorial ceremonies at Westlawn Cemetery, working alongside fellow VFW members to place approximately 1,200 flags on the graves of fallen veterans each year. Her dedication extends to organizing Loyalty Days activities and community barbecues for volunteers who support VFW efforts, including youth groups such as the Schulter Frontier City kids and the Dewar Football team.
Every Veterans Day, Tricia personally sponsors a dinner for 10 veterans or veteran dependents at Charleston’s Restaurant in Tulsa as a gesture of appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
Her commitment to service also reaches beyond veterans’ causes. In August 2025, Tricia launched the Vets for Pets program in Henryetta, dedicated to promoting the welfare of animals. During the First Family Credit Union Car Show held at the Briefcase, she donated $175 toward prizes for the Vets for Pets costume contest. Later that year, she participated in the Okmulgee County Pet Calendar Contest, raising $360 for the Oklahoma Humane Society. Her dog, Daisy Mae, was named the grand prize winner of the contest, helping contribute to a total of $2,360 raised for the organization.
While the recognition she has received is a significant personal honor, it also serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to care for those who have given so much for their country and community. Tricia has been a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20 for 11 years and continues to support veterans while strengthening the community they fought to protect.
Her work stands as a testament to the spirit of Henryetta—a community deeply rooted in service, gratitude, and pride for both its people and its country.
For additional information, inquiries may be directed to Bill Goodner of VFW Post 539 at (918) 510-1727.
