FORT SILL, Oklahoma (Nov. 13, 2020) -- Leaders from the 434th Field Artillery Brigade met their community partners for the first time at the new Frontier Team social Nov. 5, at the Patriot Club on Fort Sill.
Frontier Team is the framework for lasting relationships between the local community and Fort Sill Soldiers and Families. The intent of the program is to foster open and enduring lines of communication between the Army and local communities which benefits Service members and their families (if applicable) while sharing the Army story with the local community.
Leaders from eight units signed non-binding symbolic letters of agreement to foster a cooperative relationship with private businesses, agencies, and educational institutions in the Lawton Fort Sill community.
“The Fires Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) serves as the collaborative coordinator between the Fort Sill units and their civilian organizations, which may be one or two agencies,” said James Taylor, AUSA Fires Chapter president.
Taylor introduced Col. Daniel Blackmon, 434th FA Brigade commander, and praised his passion for the partnerships.
Blackmon said, “This exactly what we need to be doing. From the partnerships, the Army gains connections back to the community. About 80 percent of our permanent party personnel live off post in the community and when those connections are strong, Soldiers and their families want to stay. This is a way to make our Soldiers not want to leave.”
Managing broker Barry Ezerski, of Pam & Barry’s Team RE/MAX Professionals realtors, was one of the dozen community leaders at the social.
“This isn’t so much about business, it’s about getting to know the community outside the gates, and seeing what we can do to help each other,” Ezerski said.
“It’s about being good neighbors,” added Lt. Col. Shannon Aseron, 1st Battalion, 40th Field Artillery commander, whose battalion is partnered with RE/MAX.
The 434th FA Brigade headquarters is partnered with Cameron University and one of the first ventures in their partnership was Blackmon speaking at CU’s Veterans Day ceremony. The brigade will also participate in CU ROTC and sporting events, he said.
BancFirst is partnered with Fort Sill’s newest unit 1st Battalion, 22th Field Artillery, which activated in October, said Tara Deavours, BancFirst assistant vice president.
“We want to do quality-of-life events with the families monthly, like socials at LETRA (Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area) or Elmer Thomas Park,” she said. “Soldiers and their families can network with the bank employees and their families so they have a community connection.
“Ideally, we want Lawton to leave an impression on you, so when you retire you come back here,” Deavours said.
Waheed Gbadamosi, BancFirst private banker, said he was looking forward to their partnership.
“It’s a way to move forward, and to foster bonds within the community.”
Lawton Mayor Stan Booker said Frontier Team is about establishing relationships and getting to know people.
“I’ve always had great respect for those serving our country, but as I get to know you Soldiers individually that respect increases even more,” he said. “I cannot say how much it means to support those who support our country.”
Any issues, questions, or concerns that arise in the partnerships will be resolved by the AUSA, Taylor said. “We are here to support your needs.”
Lawton business leaders interested in obtaining more information on the Frontier Team program, may contact Taylor at jtaylor@greatplains.edu.
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