In just a few months, we will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Much of that celebration will focus on the Continental Army and remind us that freedom is not free but, in fact, has cost hundreds of thousands of lives. The lives given for that freedom did not end in 1783 but has continued to today with our current brave men and women who stand on the front lines.
As we celebrate the heroes who have fought in these wars, let's remember that one of the most important military leaders still lives in Oklahoma. In fact, Gen. Tommy Franks is arguably the most important military leader in the 21st century. While it's hard to properly thank our military, with General Franks there is a way.
Born June 17, 1945, in Wynnewood, Franks enlisted in the Army in 1965. Later commissioned after graduating from Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, he served two tours in Vietnam where he earned several decorations, including three Purple Hearts and four Bronze Stars for Valor.
General Franks had several important commands, but his most important came in 2000 with command of U.S. Central Command. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Franks was called on to plan and lead operations against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Next, he designed and executed the military plan that removed Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq. Franks was successful in both efforts and retired in 2003. While the subsequent years of creating a lasting peace in the region proved difficult for the military, Franks had fulfilled his mission.
In 2006, Franks and his wife Cathy moved back to Oklahoma where they created the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum in Hobart. Not only did the general want to preserve his memories, but he wanted to share his experiences with one of the most interesting and unique museums in the state.
The museum is unique in that everything on display is a one of a kind and has a personal attachment to Franks. Even more important, Franks believes “Leaders are not born; they are developed,” a motto he has lived by his entire life. To that end, the general and his wife began the Leadership Institute to help develop future leaders. Every summer the Institute hosts the Four-Star Leadership program that brings in high school students from around the globe where they learn from nationally recognized speakers and are presented ethical and leadership challenges to overcome.
This one-of-a-kind museum and leadership program are both free of change, which means it can only happen with generous support of its donors.
One of the best ways we can support heroes like General Franks is to support his causes. And this year, there is a fun way to do it. On Nov. 8, General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum is hosting the 'Ain't this a great country’ clay shoot in Kingfisher. Sign-ups are available for individuals or teams of four with prizes for winning team. The museum and institute also will raffle several items and hold a silent auction. Breakfast and lunch are provided.
For details, call 580-7265900 or email programmanager@ tommyfranksmuseum.org.