Highway dedicated to Lawton-Fort Sill Soldier

FORT SILL, Okla. (April 12, 2018) -- A fallen Soldier from the Lawton-Fort Sill community received recognition and proclamation along with a bridge dedication over Medicine Bluff Creek, April 6. The sign is two miles north of Lawton on Interstate 44.

Cpl. Wilfred "Willy" Flores Jr., died March 31, 2007, after encountering a roadside bomb in Baghdad.

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. The unveiling of the sign was commemorated with a ceremony at the Hall of Remembrance in the Survivor Outreach Services Building wing.

Speakers included the family's pastor; Flores' mother Vicky; Fort Sill Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) director Brenda Spencer-Ragland; and Flores' friend Joseph Branneky, who he served with in the Army.

Flores' parents, Vicky and Wilfred Sr., served in the Army and retired here with the ranks of sergeant first class.

He participated in Junior ROTC all through high school. Upon graduating from Eisenhower High School in 2004, he elected to carry on the family tradition of military service.

"I know there are several survivors in this room," Spencer-Ragland said. "I know it's hard to come to these events. This isn't just about Willy, but about all survivors. This is your room, your place. (Singer) Tim McGraw wanted to dedicate a song to fallen service members (several years ago). I called Vicky (Flores) to meet in Las Vegas, to be on stage when the song was released."

She did just that. "McGraw titled the song "If You're Reading This."

Vicky spoke during the ceremony and afterward to news media.

"He had a passion for people and children. He loved the 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum and the Army," she said of her son.

"About a year ago I started researching (the highway memorial sign). I presented the information to the state legislation. The Department of Transportation and the state capital passed the bill. The whole thing took about three months.

"Everyone was cooperative. I didn't realize how much people cared, even those who didn't know my son," she said.

Spencer-Ragland told the group of the Wilfred Flores Jr. bracelet that she wears each day to remember him by.

Willy was a dedicated volunteer. He volunteered for animal and children's organizations. Due to his contributions to society, Cameron University in Lawton awards scholarships to deserving agricultural student. The Fort Sill Youth Center has a computer lab named after Cpl. Wilfred Flores Jr., which was dedicated in April 2013.

About 70 people attended the ceremony, including family, friends, service members and post and community leaders.