Secretary of Veterans Affairs Rita Aragon is hospitalized for treatment after suffering a stroke.
Governor Fallin’s chief of staff, Denise Northrup, confirmed the illness to TMR.
Governor Fallin has visited her in the hospital and is in communication with her family to monitor her progress, Fallin Communications Director Alex Weintz said.
“Rita is not only one of Oklahoma’s hardest working public servants, she is also one of my best friends. I am praying for her to make a full recovery,” Fallin said.
Aragon, 66, a retired major general, was the first female commander of the Oklahoma Air National Guard and was appointed by Fallin in 2011 as the first female secretary of veterans affairs.
When Fallin was a member of Congress living in Washington, Aragon was her roommate while she was on duty in there.
Pray a quick recovery for this wonderful lady. She is a great role model for all Oklahomans in her service to her nation and state.
God Bless Rita – her commitment to our veterans, strong Christian values of mercy and grace to all and her ability to reach out to so many across this state make her a true treasure. Plus, she is a wonderful friend to many of us! May her recovery be swift and complete!
Praying for her recovery. She is a dynamo, just an amazing lady, & great role model for young women