Every January, the Army recognizes the contributions Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made to America.

His strong message of servitude and peace brought exponential change to the country and gave millions of people hope for a better future.

On Jan. 19, the 75th Field Artillery Brigade co-sponsored the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative luncheon along with the Installation Equal Opportunity Office at the Patriot Club. Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill Commanding General Maj. Gen. Brian McKiernan hosted the event.

The theme was "Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not a Day Off!"

The luncheon included a powerful recitation of King's "I Have a Dream" speech by Simeon Hughes, a senior at Eisenhower High School. Hughes recited the speech in character and the crowd could hardly tell the difference between Hughes and King.

Council woman V. Gay McGahee, Lawton Ward 7 representative, was the guest speaker and delivered an inspiring message for the more than 400 people in attendance.

"Dr. King's work has led to civil rights for all people and has given me the opportunity to stand before you today, and also to serve on the Lawton City Council, and for that I am grateful," said McGahee.

McGahee went on to share, "As we reflect on the life of Dr. King, we remember that he didn't take any days off. He had committed his life to serving others and to achieving civil rights for all despite the harassment, threats, beatings and jail time he had to endure."

McGahee is a native Lawtonian and began representing Ward 7 in October 2015.

She graduated from Eisenhower High School, and received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Cameron University.

In 2016, McGahee won the Perry Publishing and Broadcasting Public Servant of the Year, the Woman of Color Public Servant of the Year, and the Comanche County Woman of the Year awards.

She volunteers for a number of organizations in the community including the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, the Comanche Nation Family Assistance Center, and the City of Lawton City Planning Commission.

At the conclusion, Lt. Col. Ralph Heaton, 75th FAB deputy commanding officer, presented McGahee with a plaque, and 75th FAB Command Sgt. Maj. James Ackermann gave Hughes a token of appreciation for their contributions to the luncheon.

Afterward, the 75th FAB Equal Opportunity and Engagement Operations Office staff were thanked by brigade leaders for their tireless efforts to make the event a success for all in attendance.