Meet Tricia Bear: A Veteran, Community Leader, and Culinary Command Post
Tricia Bear has dedicated her life to serving others, both in and out of uniform. As a key leader and Veteran Service Officer for VFW Post 539 in Henryetta, Oklahoma, and Chapter 20 Service Officer for the Disabled American Veterans in Krebs, she has helped over 600 veterans secure their VA benefits. Tricia’s deep knowledge of veterans’ services and her passion for improving their quality of life highlight her unwavering commitment to her community.

Tricia is the driving force behind the “Feed the Vets” program, which provides food to 125 veterans and their dependents every 90 days. Retiring from the military after 21 years of active duty with the Marines and Army, she earned seven military occupational specialties, served during Operation Enduring Freedom in Baghdad in 2008, and retired as a Sergeant First Class in 2014. Her assignments included the Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and the 2/142nd Field Artillery in Arkansas, as well as four years in the Marines with the 2nd Marine Division HQBN Communications Company at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

In addition to her military service, Tricia excels as a community leader and culinary expert. A 2021 OSUIT Newman Civic Award Recipient, she has donated time and resources to help college students succeed, including volunteering for OSUIT Pete’s Pantry in Okmulgee. A graduate of the OSUIT Culinary Department in 2022, Tricia now combines her military precision and culinary expertise as host of The Culinary Command Post on The Henryettan TV. With the slogan “Where recipes are executed with precision,” the show reflects her disciplined approach to crafting delicious meals while honoring her military roots.

Tricia also lends her talents to the Oklahoma Restaurant Association Culinary Cookoff at their annual ORA Expo in Oklahoma City, where she has been involved for the past five years.

Beyond the kitchen, Tricia’s creativity shines in her song, March on Soldiers, written in memory of her late brother Teddy Samuel Bear. The song, featured in the American Spirit video, serves as a rallying cry for veterans to hold onto hope. She is also an accomplished poet, with her work published in three poetry collections by Eber and Wein Publishing.
Tricia and her husband John live in Henryetta, Oklahoma, along with their 12 beloved dogs. Her hard work, trustworthiness, and dedication continue to inspire and make a profound difference in the lives of veterans and her community.