Edmond, OK – The Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame will celebrate its 26th Banquet and Induction Ceremony on Nov. 1 at the Embassy Suites, Norman. This year’s class includes Colonel Philip R. Adair, U.S. Air Force, who lived from 1920–2017, and 10 other living and deceased service members representing all services and all ranks, one civilian and the Kowa Code Talkers of WWII. Their achievements are as numerous and inspiring as those who have been previously inducted.
Colonel Philip R. Adair, U.S. Air Force, was born in 1920 in Tuttle, Oklahoma, and graduated from Walters High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in January 1942, training as a pilot, then assigned to the 89th Fighter Squadron, 80th Fighter Group, 10th Air Force, in the China–Burma–India theater. Adair flew P-40s and P-47s on 139 combat missions between June 1943 and November 1944. On December 13, 1943, he heavily attacked a large enemy bomber formation, earning the Silver Star. Adair completed almost 30 years of distinguished military service and retired in 1971. He died in 2017.
Seating for the ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m. The Embassy Suites Norman is at 2501 Conference Drive, Norman, Oklahoma. Seating is $95 per person, with check or credit card due by Oct 20th.
The formal event drew over 600 attendees in 2024, according to Colonel (Ret.) Kelly Zacho, President of the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation, whose Board operates the Hall of Fame. Families, friends and corporate sponsors attend to celebrate each honoree.
Zacho also stated the entertainment will feature singer, performer and speaker Maggie Bond and guitarist Dennis Tebo, a Navy veteran of Vietnam. The 145th Army Band will perform patriotic music.
Miguel General Douglas A. Dollar, USA (retired), who founded the Hall of Fame, explained the purpose behind the ceremony. “We try to honor veterans for one thing, for valor. They’ve been outstanding in combat. The other criteria is that they may have done community/public service for veterans, and they certainly deserve recognition and encouragement.”
Inductees are selected through a rigorous process to ensure Oklahoma’s most worthy are chosen. Candidates must have a connection to Oklahoma, full biographical information, outstanding civilian and/or patriotic service and most importantly, according to the Hall of Fame’s website, “The military record… must demonstrate heroic and/or extraordinary leadership action, service, or sacrifice; and significant awards received.”
Seating is $95 per person with a check or credit card due by Oct 20th. Dress is Sunday best, business suit, Service Uniform or Mess Dress. For details or to reserve seats, visit www.OKMHF.org or email INFO@OKMHF.org.
