board of directors & Officers
President
James Bassett - Membership-Elected Board Member, term ending June 2026. Past State Commander of the Department of Oklahoma VFW, formerly served on Foundation Board from July 2019 through June 2021.
Vice-President
Amanda Duncan - Member of the the VFW Auxiliary. Board member appointed by the Foundation Board currently serving her 2nd term.
Secretary-Treasurer
Andrea Melcher - Membership-Elected Board Member, term ending June 2025. Past Adjutant of the Department of Oklahoma VFW.
Board Members Elected by Oklahoma VFW Membership
Jeff Harris - Current Senior-Vice Commander of the Department of Oklahoma VFW.
Andrea Melcher - Membership-Elected Board Member, term ending June 2025. (See Secretary-Treasurer info above)
James Bassett - Membership-Elected Board Member, term ending June 2026. (See President info above)
Appointed Board Members
Curtis A. Watts - Term Ending June 2025
Term Ending June 2025 (This Board Position is Currently Vacant)
Amanda Duncan- Tern Ending June 2026
Term Ending June 2026 (This Board Position is Currently Vacant)
Honorary Board Members
Dan Fuller - Current Commander of the Department of Oklahoma VFW
Rebecca Merit - Current President of the Department of Oklahoma VFW Auxiliary
Curtis O. "Doc" Bohlman - Co-Founder of Oklahoma VFW Foundation. Extensive experience with the VFW organization, including service as a national officer (VFW Surgeon General and National Committee Chairman). Awarded the "Mr. VFW" designation for Oklahoma. All-American VFW Post Commander and past Captain of the All-State Team of Post Commanders. All-American VFW District Commander and past Captain of the All-State Team of District Commanders. 6 Years as a Trustee for the VFW National Home for Children. Formerly served as a Commissioner for the Oklahoma War Veterans Commission.
John H. Fischer - Member of the Department of Oklahoma VFW Budget and Finance Committee. Co-Founder of the Oklahoma VFW Foundation and lifetime honorary board member. Was the Foundation's first Executive Director and also currently serves as an assistant to the Secretary-Treasurer.
Curtis A. Watts - VFW Counsel of Administration representative for the Department of Oklahoma and Immediate Past Department Quartermaster. Co-Founder of the Oklahoma VFW Foundation and lifetime honorary board. Has also served as the Board President and the Board Secretary-Treasurer.
How the Seven Board Members are Chosen
Chosen Directly by the Oklahoma VFW Membership
- Currently Serving Senior Vice Commander of the Department
- Member Elected to serve 2-Year Term at Department Annual Convention (even years)
- Member Elected to serve 2-Year Term at Department Annual Convention (odd years)
Chosen by the Foundation Board
- 2 Members chosen each even numbered year to serve a 2-year term
- 2 Members chosen each odd numbered year to serve a 2-year term
Honorary Board Members (non-voting, advisory only)
- Currently Serving Commander of the Department
- Currently Serving President of the Department Auxiliary
- Surviving Co-Founders of the Foundation
- Up to 3 others chosen by the Board