Class 38 Lawton Ft. Sill

Class 38 Reflections

Caitlin Barnes
Director of Outreach Programs & Academic Initiatives
College of Arts & Sciences, Oklahoma State University

I was awake an hour early in the Fort Sill barracks on that first day. Too excited to sleep, I decided to get a head start. In the silence, I made my bed the way my grandfather, a WWII Air Force veteran, had taught me when I was five. As I stood toes-to-the-line at 0500, I thought about him and every friend who has served. How brave they were to leave everything behind. I tried to immerse myself in that feeling, to understand what it would be like if this were real.

What followed was brutal and beautiful. My body was pushed to its limits between motion sickness, falling repeatedly and countless Y-squats, but I wouldn't change a thing. I loved every opportunity during this once-in-a-lifetime experience. I loved seeing strong women at Goodyear and Fort Sill. I loved the kindness soldiers showed when I struggled. I loved how my classmates rallied together through every obstacle.

As someone specializing in workforce development, it's my passion to build and showcase career pathways—whether through college degrees, micro-credentials, or on-the-job training. Now I'm better equipped to dispel misconceptions about skilled manufacturing jobs and military life, to help people see these paths clearly.

This program isn't just teaching me about Oklahoma's industries. It's teaching me about courage, community, and what leadership truly means. I am forever changed, and we're only two sessions in. I’m so grateful for this experience and for the strength of my classmates who now feel like family. #TOUGHESTCLASSEVER

Jody Vivion
Director of Business Development
Flintco, LLC

Our Leadership Oklahoma Class 38 session at Lawton/Ft. Sill was both humbling and inspiring. Being in the presence of men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms filled me with a deep sense of pride and gratitude. Their service, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment are reminders of the strength that underpins our nation. Knowing they undergo 10 weeks of the mental and physical feats that our class experienced for just 36 hours is truly amazing. What also stood out to me was the wealth of knowledge shared by both military and civilian leaders. Their perspectives on leadership, resilience, and service above self were not only insightful but also deeply moving. Each story and lesson carried with it a reminder that true leadership is rooted in integrity, adaptability, and a willingness to place the needs of others before one’s own.

I also came away with a greater appreciation for the communities and families that stand alongside our service members. Their support and dedication are essential to the strength of our military and to the well-being of our state and nation.

Lastly, this session was more than an opportunity to learn—it was a call to lead (and move 😉) with purpose. As we reflect on what was shared with us, I am reminded that gratitude is best expressed through action: by living out the values we witnessed, and by serving our communities with the same spirit of commitment and courage.

Lunch & Learn: Community Disaster Recovery at OBU

Leadership Oklahoma hosted an impactful Lunch & Learn focused on Community Disaster Recovery at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee. The event, attended by 50 community leaders, explored Shawnee’s innovative Disaster Recovery Playbook, developed in response to the devastating 2023 tornado that swept through the area.

The program was thoughtfully planned by Tina Hanna (Class 36 & Lifetime Member) and Rachael Melot (Class 34 & Lifetime Member), who gathered an exceptional lineup of speakers representing community leaders, city officials, education leaders, nonprofits, legislators, and emergency management experts.

Three breakout sessions allowed participants to dive deeper into recovery strategies through focused discussions on:

• Municipality & Legislative Response
• Nonprofit & Long-Term Recovery
• Education & Media

A heartfelt thank you to Oklahoma Baptist University  and Dr. Heath Thomas for their partnership and hospitality in hosting this meaningful event. Together, we continue to strengthen Oklahoma’s communities—because we are strong together.

Leadership Oklahoma is proud to announce that Dr. Stephen E. Smith (Class XXIII & Lifetime Member) has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award.

This prestigious honor is given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding and exemplary service to Leadership Oklahoma, dedicating their time, talents, and passion to advancing our mission and strengthening our statewide network of leaders.

We invite all alumni to join us in celebrating Dr. Smith’s remarkable contributions at the All Class Reunion and Distinguished Leadership Award Reception on Thursday, November 6, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Choctaw Landing Resort in Hochatown.

Come reconnect, reminisce, and recognize a leader whose unwavering commitment to Leadership Oklahoma continues to inspire us all.

Class Reunions

Class VIII gathered for potluck on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 14, from 4 to 7 pm in my daughter’s back yard—Paige and Mike Bass in Nichols Hills. We had fun competitive activities from 4 to 5:30. We had Pickleball and Bean Bag Toss, with Richard Cudjo winning a silver cup as the Pickleball champion and Roger Webb, member of LOK Class 3 and spouse of Class member Jeanie Webb, winning the Bean Bag Toss silver cup!



Potluck followed with lots of great food and fun visiting. We were pleased to have 21 in attendance and plan on having a class gathering on an annual basis.

 Emily Stratton
 Class VIII Ambassador

Several members of LOK Class XXII gathered at the Jones Assembly in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, September 9th to reconnect!

Youth Leadership Oklahoma is currently accepting applications for Class 26. YLOK is seeking applicants who are current high school juniors and passionate about advocating for their community and state.

During the program, 52 selected students from across the state will travel throughout Oklahoma from May 31-June 5, 2026 and learn about critical issues that impact Oklahomans. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with peers and develop their leadership, communication and interpersonal skills. This program is provided at no cost to the participants. Applications are due December 13th, 2025.   

Feel free to share this information to family and friends!

Upcoming Events

All Class Reunion & Distinguished Graduate Celebration

November 6, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Choctaw Landing Resort

Reconnect, reminisce, and raise a toast with fellow alumni at our All Class Reunion the evening before the Fall Forum. During this special gathering, we will also proudly present the Distinguished Graduate Award to Dr. Stephen E. Smith (Class XXIII & Lifetime Member) for his exemplary service to LOK!

Come for the conversations. Stay for the connections.

We invite all alumni, members, and guests to be part of this inspiring two-day experience in the heart of southeastern Oklahoma.

Book Your Hotel at Choctaw Landing by October 9th:

If you intend to stay only one night on November 6th:

If you plan to stay more than one day, please call Choctaw Landing at 580-494-2237, and tell the resort you have a reservation code for Leadership Oklahoma, and you need to do a "back-to-back" reservation.

Leadership Oklahoma Fall Forum: Tourism in Oklahoma

November 7, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Choctaw Landing Resort | Hochatown, Oklahoma

Join us in scenic Hochatown for Leadership Oklahoma’s 2025 Fall Forum, where we’ll explore one of Oklahoma’s fastest-growing industries—tourism. Held at the beautiful new Choctaw Landing Resort, this half-day forum will bring together leaders, changemakers, and industry experts to discuss how tourism impacts economic development, rural revitalization, and community identity across our state.

From nature-based tourism and tribal destinations to small-town experiences and big-picture strategy, we’ll examine what’s working, where we’re headed, and how leaders can contribute to a more vibrant and welcoming Oklahoma.

Winter Party (LOK Members Only)

December 12, 2025 | 5:30 pm-8:30 pm

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Our Annual Winter Party will be held at the beautiful Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center in Oklahoma City! Join us for hor d'oeuvres, cocktails and connect as 2025 comes to a close.