Veterans committee advances two nominees to Oklahoma Veterans Commission

The Oklahoma Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee advanced two gubernatorial nominees to the full Senate on unanimous committee votes Thursday.

Sen. Green presented the nomination of Ted Perry to the Oklahoma Veterans Commission. Perry, who addressed the committee briefly, said he was "here to serve" and praised recent commission leadership and work. After a motion for a "due pass" and a short endorsement from Sen. Hines, the clerk called the roll; the committee recorded 9 ayes and 0 nays and advanced Perry's nomination to the Senate floor.

Sen. Standridge presented Senior Chief Thomas George for an at-large three-year term on the commission. Standridge summarized George's military service — including more than 5,000 flight hours and combat overland time — and noted his work leading QB Impact Academy and Impact Strength and Performance. George told the committee he was "humbled" by the nomination and said serving veterans in Oklahoma was "the American dream." The committee voted 8-0 to forward his nomination for full-Senate consideration.

Secretary John Nash, who attended and spoke in support of the commission's progress, thanked committee members and said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve; he also noted this was his final Senate meeting. A committee member closed the meeting by commending the chair's work on rebuilding and vetting the commission roster. The nominations now move to the full Senate for confirmation proceedings.