Senate committee unanimously forwards three Oklahoma Veterans Commission nominees to full Senate

The Oklahoma Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee on Thursday unanimously advanced three nominees to the Oklahoma Veterans Commission, sending each nomination to the full Senate for confirmation.

The nominations were presented during a committee meeting that focused on appointments to the commission that advises the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA). All three nominees received unanimous “do pass” recommendations and 8-0 roll-call votes to move forward.

Senator Weaver introduced the first nominee, identified in the record only by rank as a brigadier general. Senator Weaver noted the nominee served 16 years as an enlisted airman before commissioning and later rose to the rank of brigadier general, and served as chief of staff for the adjutant general. The nominee told the committee, “I’m a proud Oklahoma veteran. The guard and the military raised me, and they raised me right,” and said his military career ended this year. Senator Peterson moved a “do pass” recommendation, a second came from Senator Woods, and the committee recorded 8 ayes and 0 nays. The committee chair announced the nomination will be moved to the full Senate.

Senator Green presented the second nominee, identified as Mister Perry of Arcadia. Senator Green said Perry holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University and has worked in business. During questioning, Senator Hamilton asked Perry his commissioning source; Perry replied he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2005 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Senator Wingard moved a “do pass” recommendation; Senator Hines seconded. The clerk recorded 8 ayes and 0 nays and the chair declared the nomination passed and referred to the full Senate.

Chairwoman Stanley presented the third nominee, Matthew Dukes, who is mayor of Midwest City and a career public-safety official. Senator Stanley said Dukes has more than 30 years in public safety, including leadership in criminal investigations and anti-terrorism operations, and more than two decades in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, reaching the rank of chief master sergeant. Dukes said he views the nomination as “an extension of my public service” and told the panel he wants to continue serving veterans. Senator Peterson moved a “do pass” recommendation and Senator Wingard seconded; the clerk recorded 8 ayes and 0 nays and the chair declared the nomination to proceed to the full Senate.

Committee discussion of the three nominations was brief. No formal opposition or substantive debate was recorded on the floor of the committee for any of the nominees. Secretary Nash appeared in the hearing and was thanked by the chair for vetting candidates, but offered no substantive remarks recorded in the transcript. The committee scheduled additional business for the following week, including a remaining commissioner nomination and policy bills.

Votes at a glance: Brigadier general nominee — do pass (mover: Senator Peterson; second: Senator Woods); committee vote 8-0 to advance. Mister Perry (nominee) — do pass (mover: Senator Wingard; second: Senator Hines); committee vote 8-0 to advance. Matthew Dukes — do pass (mover: Senator Peterson; second: Senator Wingard); committee vote 8-0 to advance.

All quotes and attributions are taken from committee remarks recorded in the meeting transcript.