Volunteers are the backbone of most nonprofit organizations, and their help is always appreciated. Just ask Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Krista Ratliff.
Two volunteers who serve as members of the chamber’s Redcoats group were honored at the June banquet. Judy Dial, an employee at the United Way of Southwest Oklahoma, and Rose Duckett, owner of Brims & Accessories, were presented with awards for their volunteerism.
Dial was given the Redcoat of the Year award for 2019-2020 and Duckett was honored as the top Redcoat for 2020-2021. The 2019-2020 award was presented this year because last year’s banquet was cancelled.
The Redcoats are a group of volunteers who attend chamber ribbon-cutting ceremonies at various businesses and make periodic visits to Lawton business owners seeking their input about the chamber and its programs.
“I was very honored to receive this year’s award because it’s voted on by the Redcoats,” Dial said. “I’m learning what people do at their businesses. I enjoy meeting new people. This was away for me to get involved in the community and it helps United Way by having a connection to new businesses in Lawton.”
Dial, who has been with United Way since 1975, is now the organization’s donor management director.
Ratliff, the chamber executive, said volunteers are instrumental to the chamber’s success.
“Redcoats are an extension of the chamber who welcome new and existing members and they are a connection between the chamber and the members. They build relationships and partnerships in the community that are long-lasting and assist in supporting our businesses through any situation that might arise,” she said.
Duckett, the 2019-2020 Redcoat of the Year winner, said she has an “over-the-top personality,” which she acknowledges makes her a good fit for the Redcoats.
“I like finding out about new businesses and those that are upgrading,” she said. “It keeps me on top of things.
You think you know what’s going on, but then you get out there and find out what people are really doing.”
Duckett, who received the Rookie Redcoat of the Year award in 2018, said she’ll continue volunteering “as long as they put up with me.”