McDugle Invites Unvaccinated Veterans to Move to Oklahoma

State Rep. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow, is inviting veterans who have previously retired, or servicemembers who are being forced out of the military due to COVID-19 vaccination mandates, to move to Oklahoma. Deadlines for military servicemembers to be vaccinated vary among branches, but those who are refusing to be vaccinated have already begun preparing for discharge.

“I think that how our federal government is treating our servicemembers who do not want to receive the COVID-19 vaccination is totally wrong,” McDugle said. “These men and women sacrifice daily for our country and are willing to give up their lives if that is what it takes to keep us safe. We should be honoring them, but instead the Biden administration is planning on firing them. I want them to know that we will welcome them with open arms to one of the most freedom loving states in our nation.”

McDugle wants these veterans to know that they have a home, and a job, waiting for them in Oklahoma.

“I just held two interim studies that looked at how we attract both veterans and businesses to come to Oklahoma and stay here permanently,” McDugle said. “It turns out these two issues have a lot in common. We had at least 5 industries say that they were looking to hire veterans to work for them, and with the proper workforce that would lead to businesses relocating and expanding in Oklahoma. Furthermore, many of these companies looking for workers are against mandating vaccinations for their employees. Oklahoma can be a home for those veterans who are looking for where to go after they leave the service, and we would love to have them here.”

McDugle continued, “I envision an Oklahoma that is the number one state in America for employing veterans. We have just scratched the surface of the potential that our state has, and with a solid veteran workforce and companies looking to grow and expand here, the future will be brighter than ever. If I could say one thing to our veterans it would be this: Move to Oklahoma. We respect your service, we honor your sacrifice and we can’t wait to see you soon.”

Submitted by the State of Oklahoma House of Representatives