Class 39 Lawton Ft. Sill

Class 39 Reflections

Tyler Parette
Executive Director
Housing Forward

At our retreat, Mike Dooley gave us a simple warning about the weekend at Fort Sill: "Friday morning is going to be a long day." I arrived in Lawton expecting a physical challenge and a lesson in Fort Sill's role in national defense. I left with a deeper respect for the men and women who commit their lives to our country through military service, and for the families who serve alongside them.

Some of the weekend's most powerful moments came from the place itself. Walking around the Old Post Quadrangle and seeing artifacts from the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache tribes, I felt the weight of more than 150 years of history and the thousands of people who have moved through that ground, a history that holds both service and hardship.

It was humbling to realize we have decorated veterans in our class, and listening to them share what their service asked of them gave me a new appreciation for the people I've been learning alongside. They are true heroes, and I'm grateful for the chance to know them better.



The weekend also widened my view of what our military installations mean for Oklahoma. Fort Sill is essential to national security, but it is also an economic engine for southwest Oklahoma, helping anchor a regional economy that includes employers like the Goodyear tire plant and the suppliers and small businesses that grow up around them.

The best way I know to honor what we saw is to show up for the communities that host our installations, whether through the businesses we lead, the policies we support, or the people we hire.

As anyone who has been through this weekend knows, there's far more to it than fits in a few hundred words. I came home feeling bonded to this class and to LOK in new ways, and I'm grateful to everyone who made this weekend possible.

Theresa Powell
Vice President for University Relations & Chief of Staff
Langston University

There isn’t time for “please” and “thank you” in combat. Each moment is intense and unpredictable, facts made abundantly clear to Class 39 upon our integration at Fort Sill. As we concluded our dinner, we were jostled to face our new friends, the drill sergeants, whose business is transforming civilians into soldiers.

And transformed we were. Forced to relinquish control, there were many push-ups to be counted. Whispers of “Are you okay?”, and “You got this!” rippled through the barracks. No one rested that first night. Before dawn we were moving with purpose to Physical Training where I watched our class overcome adversity, celebrate each other, and become a team.

We learned so much about ourselves and about the military might of Oklahoma. It was truly incredible to meet the new recruits, hear from military and civilian leaders, participate in amazing demonstrations, and learn the history of Fort Sill. We all felt called to lead and to be ambassadors for the military assets within our great state.

Combat requires preparedness beyond what I could ever have imagined prior to our weekend at Fort Sill. A soldier must be ready to act with precision and without hesitation while chaos ensues all around; skills that only come with exceptional training commensurate with warfighting. Now, with a better understanding of just how rigorous BCT is for the brave men and women who serve our country, the Rubies of Class 39 have a deepened appreciation and gratitude for our active-duty military personnel, veterans, as well as the families and communities who serve alongside.

Snapshots of the All Class Reunion & Fall Forum

Leadership Oklahoma members gathered at Okana Resort in Oklahoma City on September 10–11 for two memorable days of connection, recognition, and civic engagement.

On September 10, LOK had the honor of presenting the 2026 Distinguished Leadership Award to Farooq Karim, Class 30 & Lifetime Member, recognizing his exemplary service and continued commitment to Leadership Oklahoma throughout the years. Farooq’s leadership, dedication, and investment in LOK exemplify the spirit of this award, and we are grateful for the many ways he continues to make an impact on our organization and our state.

The following day, members and guests gathered for the Fall Forum: Meet the Candidates, an opportunity to hear directly from 13 candidates in statewide races. The forum provided an important opportunity for LOK members to learn more about the individuals seeking to serve Oklahoma and to engage thoughtfully in the civic process.

A special thank you to Dr. A.J. Griffin, Class 34 & Lifetime Member, and Joe Dorman, Class XVIII, for their leadership in moderating and chairing this important event. We also extend our appreciation to all of the candidates, members, guests, and supporters who helped make the Fall Forum a meaningful and engaging experience.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for these two special days as we celebrated leadership, strengthened connections, and continued our commitment to an informed and engaged Oklahoma.

Youth Leadership Oklahoma Class 27 Applications

Are Open!

Do you know an Oklahoma high school junior who wants to explore your state, meet incredible young leaders, and make a difference?

Youth Leadership Oklahoma (YLOK) is looking for the next class of young Oklahomans!

Each year, 52 students from across Oklahoma are selected to participate in this unique leadership experience. Over the course of one unforgettable week, students will travel across the state and take a deep dive into Oklahoma—exploring our communities, industries, history, government, culture, and the people who make our state special.

And the best part? If selected, the program comes at NO COST to students!

📅 Class 27 Program: June 6–11, 2027
📝 Who can apply: Current Oklahoma high school juniors
✔️ Application Deadline: December 13, 2026

This is more than a week of travel, it’s an opportunity to learn, connect, lead, and see Oklahoma in a whole new way.

Know a junior who should be part of Class 27? Encourage them to apply!

Share this link with them: www.leadershipoklahoma.com/youth-programs

Upcoming Events:

What exactly is NIL (name, image & likeness), and what does it mean for student-athletes, universities, businesses and communities?

Join us for a conversation with Toby Baldwin, attorney and collegiate sports law and NIL expert, and Barry Hinson, Oklahoma State University’s Associate Athletic Director for NIL, as they explore the rapidly evolving world of name, image and likeness.



Toby brings more than 25 years of experience in collegiate athletics, compliance, and sports law, while Barry brings more than 35 years of experience in athletics and has led Oklahoma State’s NIL efforts since becoming the university’s first full-time NIL administrator in 2022.

During the Lunch & Learn, Toby and Barry will take us beyond the jersey to explore how NIL has changed college athletics, what the current environment means for student-athletes and universities, and what businesses and community leaders need to know about engaging in this new era of college sports.

Tickets are $30 for LOK Members and $35 for Non-Members

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT
Leadership Oklahoma members and their plus one are invited to celebrate the holiday season at our annual Winter Party!

This year, we’re heading to Tulsa for an evening at the beautiful home of Phil & Miranda Kaiser. Enjoy an evening of cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and good company as we gather with fellow Leadership Oklahoma members and friends.

Date: December 11, 2026

Time: 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Dress: Festive Attire

Valet parking and coat check will be provided. The address and additional event details will be shared closer to the event date.

Overnight Accommodations

For members traveling from outside the Tulsa area, a courtesy room block is available at the Holiday Inn Tulsa Downtown for $139 per night.