Beginning on Veterans Day, students, faculty, staff and administrators at Seminole State College launched the 2025 Veteran Appreciation Holiday Cheer Project, an annual initiative to share gratitude with veterans across Oklahoma.

From Nov. 11 through Dec. 2, members of the campus community signed holiday cards with messages of thanks, encouragement and cheer.

A total of 250 cards were delivered to the VA Medical Center in Oklahoma City and distributed to inpatients receiving care. Melissa Overfield, Chief of Voluntary Services, also distributed cards to VA satellite clinics statewide so veterans outside the metro area would feel remembered during the holidays. She thanked everyone involved for helping bring a moment of joy to hundreds of Oklahoma veterans.

Locally, Seminole American Legion Post 204 Commander Carl Odom received cards to share with veterans at the post. He and Overfield said they were deeply moved by the kindness of strangers who took time to honor those who have served.

SSC History Professor Marta Osby, who created and oversees the project each year, said she is continually inspired by the campus response.

“Every year, I am amazed by the sincerity of the messages written in each card,” Osby said. “From every corner of our campus, the response to our veterans is truly inspiring. It is wonderful to know that during the holiday season, those who have sacrificed so much are remembered in such an important way. We at SSC believe they deserve nothing less than the very best.”