Wanda Ludwig was recognized as the Veteran of the Week by Rep. Rick West on Monday, Feb. 24, in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Wanda Ludwig of Poteau was recognized as Veteran of the Week in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Monday by Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener.
Ludwig served as a field medic in the Navy during the Vietnam era, beginning her service at the age of 18. Gaining the title Hospitalman, she served in the naval hospital on the U.S. Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA, serving a total of three years in the Navy plus three-and-a-half years in the reserves.
“It was a great honor to recognize the service of Hospitalman Wanda Ludwig,” West said. “Her willingness to sacrifice her own safety to care for others during a time of great unrest in our nation and in the world is admirable. I also appreciate the excellent service she’s provided as the commander of the Disabled American Veterans Post 63 in Poteau. She’s often the first to volunteer for any community project, and she’s just a great advocate for everyone in our area.”
West presented Ludwig with a citation on the House floor as well as a flag that was flown over the State Capitol in her honor. She was accompanied to the Capitol by several relatives and friends.
Ludwig was born in Independence, KS, as the tenth of twelve children and grew up on her family’s farm. She married Gary who was still on active duty, and the couple had several duty stations across the country. She became a devoted mother to three girls and one boy and faithfully volunteered in many community and school organizations in the various communities where she lived.
Upon her husband’s retirement, Ludwig and her family moved to Poteau where she joined the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans. She served on the Honor Guard for 11 years as well as being elected to the secretary/treasurer’s position for six years before her fellow veterans chose her for the commander’s position. As part of her duties, she oversees Chapter 63’s biggest project of putting out around 3,200 flags on veterans’ graves in all the cemeteries across LeFlore County for Memorial Day. She is also a service officer for DAV working claims for veterans needing assistance.
Ludwig has been recognized as the Oklahoma Disabled Veteran of the Year for 2018, Poteau Volunteer of the Year for 2019, and National DAV Disabled Veteran of the Year for 2024.
Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
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