The Bench Foundation

08/25/2026

The Bench Foundation is honored to continue caring for the monument placed in memory of Trooper Leon Bench. We believe it is incredibly important to preserve his memory and never forget the ultimate sacrifice he made while serving as an Oklahoma State Trooper.

As we remember Leon and the legacy he left behind, we also look forward to gathering together to honor him at our upcoming Blue Tie Gala. 💙

The Gala is only 30 days away! 🎟️
Make sure you get your tickets before they’re gone. We can’t wait to see you there!

08/14/2026

Mary Ann Bench and her friend, Bob Schneider, stopped by the Bench Foundation office today, and we were so happy to have them! It was wonderful to see them and reconnect with Mary Ann. They’re both very excited about the upcoming Gala, and so are we!

🎟️ Tickets are going fast! Make sure to grab yours before they’re GONE!

We can’t wait to see you there! 💙

08/13/2026

💙 EXACTLY 6 WEEKS UNTIL THE BLUE TIE GALA! 💙

The countdown is officially on! We’re just 6 weeks away from an incredible evening supporting a great cause. ✨

Haven’t gotten your ticket yet? Make sure to grab yours using the link below! 🎟️

We can’t wait to see you on September 24th! 💙

https://www.thebenchfoundation.org/purchase-tickets

08/10/2026

We are incredibly proud to share that our Founder, Ken Stafford, had the honor of presenting the Oklahoma State Troopers Association Scholarship Award, given in honor of Trooper Leon Bench, to Luke Southall.

Luke is a wonderful recipient of this scholarship, and we are proud to support the next generation of those who carry forward the values of service, dedication, and commitment to others.

Congratulations, Luke! We are so proud of you and excited to see all that you accomplish. 💙

In honor of Trooper Leon Bench — his legacy continues.

08/10/2026

Join us for the 2026 Blue Tie Gala as we come together to support the mental health and wellness of Oklahoma’s first responders.

Your attendance helps the Bench Foundation continue providing critical resources for the men and women who serve our communities every day.

📅 Thursday, September 24, 2026
📍 Patriot Golf Club, Owasso
🕕 Cocktail Hour: 6:00 PM
🍽 Dinner and Program: 7:05 PM

Whether you attend as an individual, bring friends, or sponsor a table, your support makes a lasting difference.

Purchase tickets here: https://www.thebenchfoundation.org/purchase-tickets (thebenchfoundation.org)

08/05/2026

Join us for the 2026 Blue Tie Gala as we come together to support the mental health and wellness of Oklahoma’s first responders.

Your attendance helps the Bench Foundation continue providing critical resources for the men and women who serve our communities every day.

📅 Thursday, September 24, 2026
📍 Patriot Golf Club, Owasso
🕕 Cocktail Hour: 6:00 PM
🍽 Dinner and Program: 7:05 PM

Whether you attend as an individual, bring friends, or sponsor a table, your support makes a lasting difference.

Purchase tickets here: https://www.thebenchfoundation.org/purchase-tickets (thebenchfoundation.org)

A non-profit empowering retired first responders to support one another through retiree-led peer support projects.

07/31/2026

Today, we’re honored to be interviewing Trooper Ryan Smith for this year’s Blue Tie Gala.

His incredible story of courage, resilience, and survival is one you won’t want to miss. We are grateful for the opportunity to share his journey and the powerful message it brings.

💙💙💙With that being said, tickets for the Blue Tie Gala are officially available!

Reserve your seat today by clicking the link below. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable evening with you while supporting the mission of the Bench Foundation.

https://www.thebenchfoundation.org/purchase-tickets

07/25/2026

The Oklahoma First Responder Wellness Division is excited to host Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention training at our headquarters located at the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.

These nationally recognized courses provide first responders, peer support team members, chaplains, and behavioral health professionals with practical skills to effectively respond to individuals and groups experiencing crisis.

We look forward to seeing you there as we continue strengthening the wellness of Oklahoma’s first responders.

https://uniqode.net/c4wVPK

07/17/2026

💙 Get to know The Bench Foundation.

Behind every statistic is a story. Behind every first responder is a family. Our mission is to ensure those who dedicate their lives to protecting others never have to face life’s challenges alone.

Take a moment to learn who we are, why we were founded, and how we’re making a difference for Oklahoma’s first responders and their families.

💙 Hope. Support. Remember.

06/22/2026

Our founder had the opportunity to take Matt Rusk, winner of the Flight with an OHP Pilot auction item, on Friday, June 19th. They had a fantastic time and made some great memories in the air! Thank you, Matt, for supporting our mission and for being part of such a special experience! ✈️💙