OKC VA, Military Basketball Assc. host All-Star game, provide veterans with resources

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Military Basketball Association (MBA) and OKC VA announced on Friday they will be bringing the 2024 MBA All-Star Games to Oklahoma City in September, also providing veterans in attendance with resources they need.

The 2024 MBA All-Star Games will be held at Oklahoma City University in the Henry J. Freede Wellness Center on September 14. Games will start at 6 p.m. and are free for everyone to attend.

“In Oklahoma, we have a huge sporting fan base, and within that community is a large Veteran population—this venue is the perfect opportunity for the VA to bring resources to this event and any upcoming MBA games in our region,” says Katrina Yocum, Oklahoma City VA Congressional Liaison Officer and Outreach Coordinator.

Starting at 4 p.m., veterans in attendance will be treated to resources brought in by the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs staff to help veterans with enrollment and eligibility, receive toxic exposure screenings, file VA claims and more before the start of the MBA game's toss.

The MBA and Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Healthcare System are working together for this project to help raise awareness on suicide prevention and to provide available VA resources to its Veterans.

Veterans, active-duty service members nearing retirement, and military widows are encouraged to attend to receive the help they need.

“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to bring our story of “Life Through Basketball” to Oklahoma City and the VA with its extraordinary team of healthcare professionals and administrators,” said Mike Meyers, MBA Commissioner. “The critical work to prevent harmful behaviors and reduce and prevent Veteran suicide is the responsibility of all of us.”

MBA's goal is to promote strength and awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) that active-duty service members and veterans suffer from the time of their military service. The ultimate goal is to reduce the amount of suicides.

“Here at the OKC VA we use every opportunity that we can to bring our Veterans the resources needed to help them get their healthcare and benefits,” said Yocum. “We are so excited to partner with the MBA and help raise awareness about VA resources, services we can provide to raise awareness and to help reduce Veteran suicides.”

The MBA has been around for over seven years and has formed teams from military instillations around the world. Teams consist of all branches of military service with active-duty servicemen, women, and veterans playing together and representing their military bases.

The MBA prides itself on the fact that no MBA player has attempted or committed suicide since the beginning of the associations existence due to the comradery and community built through both active and veteran players.

For more information about the 2024 MBA season visit mymbaglobal.com or for information about OKC VA Health Care System visit their website here.