Tricia Bear has built a legacy of service, dedication, and excellence, both as a military veteran and a passionate community advocate. A retired Sergeant First Class with over 21 years of active duty in the Marines and Army, Tricia served with distinction during Operation Enduring Freedom in Baghdad in 2008. Her career highlights include assignments at the Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the 2/142nd Field Artillery, and four years with the 2nd Marine Division HQBN Communications Company at Camp Lejeune. She earned seven military occupational specialties, embodying the discipline and adaptability that now define her civilian pursuits.

Today, Tricia channels her dedication to service as a Veteran Service Officer for VFW Post 539 in Henryetta and Chapter 20 of the Disabled American Veterans in Krebs, Oklahoma. She has assisted over 600 veterans in securing critical VA benefits and leads impactful programs like “Feed the Vets,” which supports 125 veterans and their families every quarter.

Her commitment to community extends beyond veterans’ services. A graduate of the OSUIT Culinary Department in 2022, Tricia combines her military precision with culinary artistry as the host of The Culinary Command Post on The Henryettan TV. The show, built on the slogan “Where recipes are executed with precision,” blends her culinary expertise with the structured approach she honed in the military. This Sunday at 2 PM, Tricia will premiere Carrot Cake Cookies Culinary Command Post with Tricia Bear (Season 1, Episode 3), showcasing her creativity and passion for cooking.

Tricia’s impact isn’t confined to her kitchen. A 2021 OSUIT Newman Civic Award Recipient, she has dedicated her time to student success initiatives like OSUIT Pete’s Pantry and has been a vital part of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association Culinary Cookoff for the past five years. Her creativity is also evident in her poetry, published in multiple collections, and her original song, March on Soldiers, written in memory of her late brother.

Living in Henryetta with her husband John and their 12 dogs, Tricia continues to inspire her community with her unyielding work ethic, creativity, and compassion. Through her endeavors, Tricia Bear demonstrates that service, whether in uniform or as a community leader, is a lifelong calling. Don’t miss her upcoming episodes of The Culinary Command Post every Sunday at 2 PM!