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Tradition, Courage, Community: The stories that defined Fort Sill’s 2023

By Christopher WilsonOctober 31, 2023

Family time
1 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. Ashley Moore, a drill sergeant with A Bat., 1-22nd Field Artillery, 434th Brigade, awakens her daughter, Amiya, when she picks her up from FCC Provider Ximena Cerquera’s home after working past the time the SAS Center closes. FCC providers offer flexible childcare options catering to the erratic schedules of military personnel. (Photo Credit: Monica Wood) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Sill Soldier acts swiftly to save fellow Soldier's life
2 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Spc. Ryan Foley, a 14G with 4th Battalion, 60th ADA, exemplified the Army's core values. His recent actions in aiding a fellow Soldier underscore Fort Sill’s motto, 'Life is Better with Great Teammates,' and embodied the spirit of 'This is My Squad (Photo Credit: Christopher Wilson) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Sill observes Patriot Day with solemnity and unity
3 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Phil Brooks, commanding general Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill along Soldiers, Civilians and First Responders marked the 22nd Anniversary of the 9/11with a Patriot Ceremony and 5K run. (Photo Credit: 2nd Lt. Galyna Tuz) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Sill observes Patriot Day with solemnity and unity
4 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Phil Brooks, commanding general Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill along Soldiers, Civilians and First Responders marked the 22nd Anniversary of the 9/11with a Patriot Ceremony and 5K run. (Photo Credit: Monica Wood) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Sill BOLC lieutenants aid roll-over accident victim
5 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left, second lieutenants Michael Bonifazo, Erika Hartel, Stephen Grabher and Liam Dowd, all classmates in the Field Artillery Basic Officers Leaders Course at Fort Sill, jumped into action to help a woman trapped in a rollover Sep. 7, 2023. (Photo Credit: 2nd Lt. Nikki Argyropoulos) VIEW ORIGINAL
Brother and sister at arms: The unique journey of siblings into the Army
6 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – PFC Talon Denman, left, and his younger sister, 18-year-old PFC Lillian Denman, a rare brother-sister duo currently undergoing training together for the 13M Rocket System (MLRS/HIMARS) Crewmember role at Fort Sill, prepare to inspect a piece of equipment their learning to operate in training. (Photo Credit: Christopher Wilson) VIEW ORIGINAL
Future Soldiers step up to the plate at Oklahoma City Dodgers' Military Appreciation Night
7 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Winston Brooks, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Sartain stood on the diamond to administer the oath of enlistment to seven future Soldiers Aug. 25, 2023 at the Oklahoma City Dodgers Military Appreciation Night. (Photo Credit: Christopher Wilson) VIEW ORIGINAL
Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine crowns 75th FA NCO as Top Chef in culinary showdown
8 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine talks with culinary specialist Sgt. Panthamad Khempronna during 75th Field Artillery Brigade's Top Chef Competition. The competition saw three of Fort Sill's finest culinary specialists battle it out in the kitchen. (Photo Credit: Angela Turner) VIEW ORIGINAL
Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine crowns 75th FA NCO as Top Chef in culinary showdown
9 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Romanei Williams, culinary arts specialist with the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, won this year's Top Chef Competition hosted by celebrity chef Robert Irvine. (Photo Credit: Angela Turner) VIEW ORIGINAL
Swearing-in of future service members takes center stage at Lawton Rangers Rodeo
10 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The historic Fort Sill Half-Section, led by Laura Armstrong, rode proudly into the Lawton Rangers Rodeo Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 for Military Appreciation Night. (Photo Credit: Christopher Wilson) VIEW ORIGINAL
Swearing-in of future service members takes center stage at Lawton Rangers Rodeo
11 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Winston Brooks, Commanding General, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill and Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Sartain rode in the Lawton Rangers Rodeo Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. Brooks swore in 26 future service members to the thunderous applause of the hundreds in attendance. (Photo Credit: Christopher Wilson) VIEW ORIGINAL
From Army spouse to second lieutenant: The inspiring journey of Mary Hiller
12 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Mary Hiller's transformation from an Army spouse to a General Schedule (GS) employee, and ultimately to a Second Lieutenant, is a powerful testament to her unwavering commitment and personal growth. (Photo Credit: Monica Wood) VIEW ORIGINAL
Jump
13 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Spc. Brittany Simmons, vocalist for the 77th Army Band, jumps into the air during her performance of Christmas songs at the Lawton free Christmas concert Dec. 9, 2022. (Photo Credit: Monica Wood) VIEW ORIGINAL
I'll Be Home For Christmas
14 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Spc. Brittany Simmons, vocalist, 77th Army Band, sings a Christmas song at the free Christmas concert Dec. 9, 2022, at Lawton’s McMahon Auditorium. (Photo Credit: Monica Wood) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Sill certifies first female Field Artillery instructor
15 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. Elena Bryan, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 78th Field Artillery, is the first female to be a certified instructor at Fort Sill’s Field Artillery School. Bryan teaches Soldiers High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems in Fort Sill’s Advanced Individual Training course. (Photo Credit: Kalen Haynes) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Sill hosts MG Naonobu Koyama
16 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – MG Phil Brooks hosted Japanese Army's MG Naonobu Koyama for a tour of Fort Sill, and both Generals exchanged special gifts.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortsillcannoneer/albums/72177720312346131 (Photo Credit: Angela Turner)
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Alpha "Assassin" Battery 5th BN, 5th ADA Deployment Ceremony
17 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A mother and daughter embrace a touching moment before she deploys. (Photo Credit: Alec Santos) VIEW ORIGINAL
Eisenhower High School JROTC cadets immersed in Army life, history during Fort Sill visit
18 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Cadets observe and learn about the Triple 7 Howitzer (Photo Credit: Angela Turner) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Sill Army Community Services celebrates 58 years of dedicated support
19 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Wylie Watters had the chance to try out the driver's seat of a Fort Sill Directorate of Emergency Services fire truck during Fort Sill's celebration of Army Community Services' 58th Birthday, July 21, 2023. (Photo Credit: Angela Turner) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. (Oct. 31, 2023) — Nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment remains a cornerstone of our ethos at Fort Sill. This year bore witness to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Soldiers, Marines, Civilians, and their Families. The welfare of our community has always been paramount, establishing a solid bedrock upon which our fort thrives.

Leadership is a journey of continuous growth and empowerment. At Fort Sill, we have strived to foster leaders who lead with courage and inspire trust, the crux of our Army's foundation. The tales of valor in the following narratives are a testament to the sturdy leadership and the sense of duty that flows through the veins of our servicemen and women.

Our endeavor to cultivate a culture steeped in Values, Fitness, and Resiliency has seen a renewed vigor this past year. By channeling our efforts and guiding our leaders towards the prevention of harmful behaviors, we have made strides in forging a resilient and morally upright community. This culture has been our guiding light in navigating through the year's challenges and celebrating its successes.

As we reflect on the past year, Fort Sill emerges as a bastion of heroism, camaraderie, and the indomitable spirit that is emblematic of our Army. The narratives encapsulated here highlight the spectrum of courage displayed by Fort Sill Soldiers, be it in lifesaving endeavors or lending a hand in times of adversity. The community's togetherness shone brightly during the observance of Patriot Day, underscoring the unity and solemnity that bind us.

The myriad pathways that have led many to Fort Sill and the larger Army family are as diverse as they are inspiring. The unique journey of sibling Soldiers, the transition from a supportive spouse to a second lieutenant, and more unveil the dynamic and supportive fabric of our community. Each journey is a narrative of aspiration, perseverance, and the collective ethos that propels Fort Sill forward.

The ensuing pages unfold the vibrant engagement between the military and local communities, notably during the Oklahoma City Dodgers' Military Appreciation Night and the Lawton Rangers Rodeo. The culinary finesse displayed at the showdown with Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine, the historic certification of Fort Sill’s first female Field Artillery instructor, and the melodious tradition of service carried forth by a singer enlisting to continue a family legacy, all mirror the versatility and the rich tapestry of experiences at Fort Sill. These stories are a tribute to the enduring resolve and the multifaceted lives of individuals here, painting a vivid tableau of Fort Sill's dynamic and eventful year.

Overcoming Childcare Hurdles: Staff Sgt. Ashley Moore's Tale

Fort Sill Soldier acts swiftly to save fellow Soldier's life

Fort Sill observes Patriot Day with solemnity and unity

Fort Sill BOLC lieutenants aid roll-over accident victim

Brother and sister at arms: The unique journey of siblings into the Army

Future Soldiers step up to the plate at Oklahoma City Dodgers' Military Appreciation Night

Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine crowns 75th FA NCO as Top Chef in culinary showdown

Swearing-in of future service members takes center stage at Lawton Rangers Rodeo

From Army spouse to second lieutenant: The inspiring journey of Mary Hiller

Singer joins Army to carry on family tradition

Fort Sill certifies first female Field Artillery instructor