Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Executive Director Says Veterans Commission is Not Legitimate

Oklahoma Dept. of Veterans Affairs Executive Director Joel Kinstel

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs executive director said that the current veterans commission is not legitimate.

Joel Kintsel released two letters Friday supporting his claims.

He said at least three of the commissioners are not lawfully appointed.

Instead, Kintsel claims they have seats due to collusion between the governor, the Veterans Commission Chairman, the Secretary, Military and Veterans Affairs, and former Attorney General John O’Connor.

He said the commission has no legal right to elect officers, vote or even hold meetings.

Since June of last year, eight of the nine members of the commission have been replaced, six through outright termination.

In a letter to the commission, Kintsel said he will no longer be participating in commission business.