FORT SILL, Oklahoma (Dec. 13, 2018) -- Fort Sill Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) and post leaders thanked the businesses and agencies that supported the installation during 2018 at the Annual Sponsor Appreciation ceremony Dec. 11 at the Patriot Club. Numerous brigade and battalion commanders, and command sergeants major also joined in the recognition.

Logan Ralston, FMWR commercial sponsorship and advertising account executive, gave a heartfelt thank-you to the sponsors for their generosity and the foundation of support they provided to Soldiers, their families, and DA civilians, acknowledging the impact they made on the installation was priceless.

A symbolic, oversized check for almost $414,000 -- the amount represented by the donations and in-kind gifts, was on display in the ballroom.

Lisa Jansen-Rees, acting FMWR director, expressed her gratitude.

"I am so incredibly grateful for everything that the sponsors do for us on a regular basis," she said. This enhances FMWR as it supports the community.

Speaker Col. Don King Jr., Fort Sill Garrison commander, thanked the sponsors and described them as a groups of people who are committed to giving through selfless contributions, and who are an integral part of Team Sill.

"Through that we are able to increase the quality of life that we share ... able to increase the quality of life in the surrounding area," King said. "I am pretty humbled by your efforts and how you support us."

He noted that MWR and community sponsors hosted the Toys for Kids event earlier in the day.

During the ceremony, King and Joe Gallagher, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill deputy commanding general, presented a certificate of appreciation to each sponsor organization. Sponsors were recognized at the bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and patriot levels.

Townsquare Media Lawton was recognized as the top sponsor donating almost $42,000. Kathy Garrett, and Joanne Taylor, Townsquare account manager, and director of sales, respectively, accepted the certificate.

Garrett said they support virtually every MWR event, as well as numerous community activities in Lawton, such as Arts for All, and the International Festival.

"We love to be part of the community," Garrett said. She said Townsquare Media has been a Fort Sill partner for the 18 years that she has been there, and even before that.

Honoree David Giles, BestBuilt Fencing owner, said his donations include crews and materials to put up temporary fencing for concerts at Polo Field.

"Anytime Brenda or Logan (Ralston) would call, we'd get out there," he said, referring to Brenda Spencer-Ragland, former MWR director. He added that he was going to put up his certificate with the others that he's been receiving since 2012.

Brandy Doyle, Trail of Fear business manager, said she enjoys being a community partner.

"It's fun. I enjoy talking to the Soldiers and families at every event," she said. "We are a big believer in that if we support our community, our community will support us."