FORT SILL, Okla. May 1, 2014 -- The 75th Fires Brigade launched a massive volunteer effort April 25 throughout the Lawton-Fort Sill community painting 27 homes.
More than 500 volunteers Soldiers, family members and Co-op business partners helped Lawton in the inaugural Lawton Fresh Paint Day.
"It's important the 'Tough as Diamonds' Brigade gives back to the community that has faithfully supported this installation," said Col. Michael Eastman, brigade commander. "Also, it is important for Soldiers to get to know Lawton's citizens and interact with them on a personal level."
Brigade personnel teamed up with the Lawton Neighborhood Service Division for the one-day painting campaign.
The event was modeled after the Oklahoma Fresh Paint Day the state runs.
Anthony Griffith, Lawton Neighborhood Service Division director, thought painting only one house was not enough.
"Painting only one home doesn't impact the community as much as I want it to," said Griffith. "I wanted to make a big splash in the community and have people see these homes and think 'our town really cares about us.'"
Soldiers flocked to the sign-up rosters in their units. Each day, the number of Soldier-volunteers grew, and they were encouraging their friends to help out as well.
"These people have given so much to the community, so it's important to show we appreciate all they've done," said 2nd Lt. Scott Obney, assistant operations officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 75th FiB. "I really enjoyed talking to our homeowner and finding out her life story."
Many homes were well taken care of. The lawns were free of weeds, and the inside was neat and orderly. However, they were just unable to have their exterior match.
One such homeowner, Guillermina Suazo, is a widow of a World War II veteran. Suazo learned about this campaign in the local newspaper and called Griffith to participate.
"Mr. Griffith assured me I was going to get my house painted," said Suazo. "I have never in my life had anything like this happen to me."
Suazo is the original homeowner for her house, and took residence in 1964. When her husband died, she had to take care of the home on her own. She began sacrificing things and tightening her budget so she could keep her house picturesque.
"I'm so grateful that these 15 GIs volunteered to come to my house to paint it for me," Suazo said blinking back tears. "I have always wanted to do this, but it was too expensive; it's a blessing."
At the end of the day, homeowners and volunteers beamed with pride from all of their hard work.
"Seeing the smile from the homeowner after we finished painting really was the icing on the cake," said Obney. "I can't wait to do this again."
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