Leadership Performance: Oklahoma Can Be Proud of Our Military Men and Women

When it comes to leadership today, look no farther than the commitment and courage of the men and women who serve in our nation’s military. Through my position as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I travel around the world to get an up-close look at how our military operates and to make sure they get the resources they need. Everywhere I go, the tremendous works done by our forces from Oklahoma and our nation stand out as true examples of leadership and should make us all proud to be Americans.

For example, consider Oklahoma’s own version of “Band of Brothers.” A Tulsa World article earlier this year reported, “The Iraq theater of operations may never be the same after it gets a taste of Oklahoma’s band of brothers. The Blount brothers — Jason, Jeffery and twins Justin and Jarred — are headed to the Middle East later this year and have been training at Camp Gruber for the mission. The four are with the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s Enid-based 45th Fires Brigade, which is expected to go to Iraq or Kuwait by September or October to provide base and convoy security.” The sacrifice and commitment of this army family is a testament to the strength of our Oklahoma community.

Then there is the story of Lisa Martin, a grandmother and Air Force veteran. The Oklahoman reports “Lisa Martin’s kids thought she was crazy when she told them she wanted to go to Iraq. Martin, of Oklahoma City, is a 49-year-old grandmother who works at the Tinker Air Force Base exchange, a retail store offering military members and their dependents everything from toothpaste to televisions.” When asked by the reporter why she went, she responded simply, “I just thought it was something I needed to do.” The article explains that Martin “is an Air Force veteran who wants to do her part to help the troops.”

Oklahoma service men and women are focused on helping Iraq getting back on its feet.  Captain Josh Lawson, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, the Muskogee Phoenix newspaper reports, “stressed the importance of doing all he and his fellow service members could to help the Iraqi people” he said, ‘but, it’s not just about security – we also want to help the Iraqi people have a better life.’”

These news stories and many more that feature our brave men and women can be found on my website, www.inhofe.senate.gov, under “Inhofe Salutes.” Earlier this year, as a way to feature the honor, commitment and dedication of these fine young men and women, I began posting articles from newspapers across Oklahoma on my website. While it would be inappropriate for me to share many of the personal stories I hear, posting these news articles provides a glimpse into what I hear and see frequently. The Oklahoma media should be congratulated for its excellent coverage of our brave men and women.

As this nation continues its fight in the Global War on Terror, our military is on the front lines fighting for liberty and democracy throughout the globe. Thanks to the efforts of our United States military, the world is a more secure, prosperous, and better place for all of mankind.   The leadership, courage and dedication of our troops and their families are an inspiration to us all.