A Military Initiative

Sam Richardson is a man of many passions. A dedicated veteran, Richardson has brought his commitment to a new mission that extends a helping hand to our beloved four-legged friends. Through the “Vets for Pets” program, he and the Vets for Pets committee have joined forces with Babs Martin, director of the Okmulgee County Humane Society, to create a unique and inspiring initiative that is touching the lives of both veterans and animals alike.

Richardson shared with the Okmulgee Times his vision, the driving force behind this extraordinary endeavor, and the profound impact it’s having on our community.

Richardson serves as the Senior Vice Commander of Post 1189.

-How long have you been with the VFW?

In 2014, I joined the VFW organization. I have been with Post 1189 for three years.

--- What is Vets for Pets?

The primary purpose of this Committee is: 1. To promote animal welfare, better quality of life and save animals lives. 2. To work with the Humane Society, residents, citizens and businesses to complete our goals.

3. Assist Veterans and the community members with, Spade and Neuter first priority, and Pet Adoptions.

--- Why did you start Vets for Pets?

Veterans have pets, and some have service animals. I’ve talked with a lot of the community complaining about the stray animals. They criticize the City Animal Shelters on their policy of euthanizing animals. My sister was one of those people. I told her to do something about it. She worked with lots of rescue groups while she lived in North Carolina. Michaele Crumpton will be taking up the helm as the President of the committee. So it made sense to work with the Humane Society.

I look at it as a military campaign. In the Army, there is the Infantry, they are the main fighting force. The rest is combat support. It takes 10 people to support one Infantry Soldier. You have Armor, which are Tanks and fighting vehicles. You have Artillery, Transportation, Mechanics, Communication, Cooks, Clerks and the list goes on.

Saying all of this - The Humane Society is our Infantry. We are their combat support. Our goal is to build up an army. You can’t fight a war without people.

We are looking for people who have compassion for animals, to be that good leader. The rest of the community can join up, those who care about animals. You will have half of the people who don’t care either way.

--- What is your message?

If we all just do a little, we can fix any problem, just two hours a month. That’s one day a year. We can change things in our community. I know not everyone wants to deal with animals. They may have a different passion. Volunteer at a school, church, homeless shelter or boy scouts. There are countless organizations one can give to.

--- When and where are your meetings?

We have a meeting once a quarter, the second Saturday of the month, at 12:30 p.m. at the VFW Post Home (1427 N. Okmulgee). Our meeting last 25 minutes or less. Our meetings are open to the public. We do a modified version of Roberts Rule Of Order. When we put an Item on the Agenda, we put (open floor) next to it. That’s when the audience can give their input or opinion.

--- Do you think having a meeting once per quarter is best?

Yes. We have Team Leaders working their assigned task. I hate meetings. Half the time nothing gets done. You sit in a meeting for 45 minuntes and still nothing gets done. Our Team Leaders have the full authority from the Committee to work in their assigned area.

We are looking for sponsors to join the fight to help with some of the Humane Society events.

--- Who can be a sponsor?

Any individual, community group, business, churches, even candidates running for office, can help sponsor an event.

The VFW organization does not endorse any candidates or political groups. It doesn’t matter if you are a Republican or Democrat, we still have a problem with stray animals in our community. It’s all our duty to try to fight this problem. If we all “just do a little,” we can change a whole lot of things. I understand lots of people would rather donate money. That’s great, but if we don’t have the people to help with adoptions or dog/cat events, it makes things more difficult.

I’m in the process of applying for the “Walmart Community Grant” to spay and neuter stray cats. If Walmart approves the grant for this project, we need volunteers (people) to take care of the cats for the 3-day recovery period. Then, they will be released back to the area where they were caught. That’s part of the TNR program. We will also use some of the funds to help low income, elderly, and veterans with spaying and neutering at no cost to them. I would just like to invite the citizens of Okmulgee to enlist in the Dog Army or the Cat Army. Let’s make change and save animal lives.

--- How can people contact Vets For Pets?

You can contact the President (Michaele Crumpton) by calling or texting 910-584-5495 or emailing michaelecrumpton@gmail.com. We also have a facebook page. (Vets for Pets VFW Post 1189) We encourage people to post photos of themselves and their pets.