Charlie O’Leary Elected Oklahoma’s First Veteran NEC, Honored for Service
September 5th, 2024
Charlie O’Leary, PA-C, was recently the first veteran in Osage and Pawnee counties to be elected Oklahoma’s American Legion National Executive Committeeman (NEC) at the 105th American Legion State Convention, held in Oklahoma City. NEC is the highest Legion office a Legionnaire can be elected to in the state. As Oklahoma’s representative to the American Legion National Headquarters, Charlie will vote in quarterly business meetings, attend the yearly conference in DC, and lobby our state and national politicians, advocating
for veterans. Having been serving as the state Alternate Committeeman, his new position was assumed at the National American Legion Convention in New Orleans, LA on August 29th. This two-year position strengthens Charlie’s passionate commitment to represent the Oklahoma American Legion and veterans across our state.
A 35-year veteran of the US Army, Charlie has spent his entire career in service beginning as a Special Forces (Green Beret) medic on active duty to be followed by serving as an Army Physician Assistant with Oklahoma’s 45th Infantry Brigade with multiple overseas tours and two combat tours in Afghanistan, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel. Having traveled the entire state to meet Legionnaires and veterans, he has listened to their needs and concerns, and he is proud that this election victory is represented mostly by small Legion posts from communities across Oklahoma.
In addition to his newly elected position, on August 3rd, Charlie was presented with the Outstanding Veteran Service Award by the Military Order of Purple Heart (MOPH) at their annual award ceremony held in El Reno, Ok at VFW Post 382. MOPH is composed of military men and women who have received the Purple Heart medal for wounds suffered in combat or by an act of international terrorism. Although he is not a member of the organization, this honorable award was to recognize Charlie’s support of the organization and assistance in its service to veterans throughout the state.
“I will admit that it has been challenging to do all this and keep up with my full-time position at Lake Area Medical Associates (LAMA) but I was able to persevere and prevail. I am thankful for the support of the clinic staff and management in this endeavor”, Charlie shared. With O’Leary and LAMA being a VA Community Care Provider and clinic, veterans can receive primary care that includes Cleveland Area Hospital’s timely full-service lab, radiology, and emergency care services with close, accommodating parking and building access. “The staff is respectful. I tell veterans about LAMA, Cleveland Area Hospital, and how well veterans are treated here. They are grateful.”