Oklahoma DAV honors two VA Employees for outstanding dedication

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of Oklahoma recently awarded two VA employees the DAV Oklahoma Commander’s Award for their outstanding dedication to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).

Each year, DAV Oklahoma members and leaders nominate and select a VHA and VBA Employee of the Year. The winners were formally recognized on June 14, during the DAV Oklahoma Commanders Banquet & Awards night.

DAV National Commander Joseph “Joe” Parsetich presented the DAV Oklahoma Commander’s Award to each recipient. The awards recognize employees who go above and beyond their regular duties, finding solutions that benefit our fellow Veterans.

Parsetich presented the Outstanding VHA Employee of the Year award to Army Veteran Cliff Tracy, a health system specialist and patient advocate for the VA Rocky Mountain Network. He was honored for his role as the former lead patient advocate with the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System.

“In Cliff’s case, his duty as a patient advocate is to assist Veterans in resolving their issues within the VHA,” said Danny Oliver, DAV Oklahoma state adjutant. “However, Cliff always goes the extra mile to ensure Veterans understand not only the issue but the solution as well. His ‘can-do’ attitude always leaves him leaning forward in his mission of aiding his fellow Veterans.”

“The partnership we have in Oklahoma among our Veteran organizations is special, and it’s an honor to be considered a part of this team,” said Tracy.

Parsetich presented the Outstanding VBA Employee of the Year award to Marine Corps Veteran Heather McKibben, a supervisory Veteran Service Representative for the Muskogee Regional Office Veterans Service Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

“Heather has never met a Veteran’s claim that wasn’t given the utmost respect and reviewed with the integrity that ensures both the Veteran and VBA decisions are only based on facts and eligibility,” said Oliver. “As a trainer, she has an uncanny ability to reach the newest service officer to the seasoned professional while always instilling her ‘can do’ attitude to seek the truths that will best serve the Veterans and their families. Heather has a true `warriors’ heart’ for serving her fellow Veterans.”   

“I am humbled and honored to receive recognition from the DAV,” said McKibben. “I absolutely love being able to assist Veterans every day, and I am blessed to be in a position that allows me to do that.”

Parsetich added: “DAV is proud to recognize such worthy individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving Veterans. They represent the best VA has to offer, and I know Oklahoma Veterans everywhere are thankful.”