I am Lawton Proud because of the people in this community – people from all walks of life, backgrounds, ethnicity, race and gender, continuously working to make our community the best it can be. Because of my job, I am able to work with so many of these committed individuals and organizations. There are champions in this city working to provide better access to healthcare, increase physical activity opportunities, heighten economic development, increase access to fresh and healthy foods, reduce local food deserts, increase immunization rates, decrease prescription drug abuse – just to name a few initiatives. All of these champions are passionate about these issues, and can be counted to help advocate for healthy opportunities.
I am Lawton Proud because I have the honor and the pleasure of getting to work with the youth in our community. These young people are passionate about being the change that makes our city better. They are involved and can be counted on to be vocal advocates for what they believe in. When people start talking about “today’s kids” I always respond with, “I know – they’re amazing aren’t they?”
I also can’t forget about the young professionals that are a part of Lawton Fort Sill. They believe in working toward the betterment of our future and often volunteer their time, efforts and services around the community. At an age where family, career and schooling are all demanding 100 percent from you at once, we should be incredibly proud of the impact our young leaders are collectively making.
I am Lawton Proud because our city and our Chamber of Commerce understand the importance of a healthy community and why it is so significant to economic development. The City of Lawton has put more resources into making our city more walkable in recent years and we are a Certified Healthy Community at the topmost level. Fit Kids of Southwest Oklahoma work hand-in-hand to spread a mission of healthy living and their movement has finally gained the traction it deserves.
I am Lawton Proud because the women in our community are impressive! They are taking on leadership positions. They are advocating for positive change. They are leading the important conversations about what needs to be done to improve situations for our children and our grandchildren. Most importantly they understand the importance of supporting one another, lifting each other up and taking pleasure in each other’s successes.
Another reason I am Lawton Proud is that the people and the organizations work together. There is collaboration happening in our community each and every day. We have seen hospitals working together, social service organizations working together, churches working together, child care facilities working together, different businesses working together – it’s all because they believe in and are proud of Lawton. As a program director for the TSET Healthy Living Program at Comanche County, I get to see these collaborations and partnerships up close. It is personal to me. I know that I will not be around to see that first smoke-free generation, but I believe with my whole heart that because of the work we are doing, future generations will live longer and healthier lives.
I am Lawton Proud because of the work I get to do in this community. It isn’t easy working in the area of prevention, especially tobacco prevention and obesity prevention. I am so proud to work alongside the committed people and organizations to tackle these hard issues. I am humbled by their dedication and contributions. We are making a difference.
I am Lawton Proud because we are a community that cares.
