Oklahoma’s U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe is a strong believer that the recently voter-approved FISTA funding effort will safeguard Ft. Sill’s existence for years to come. “I don’t know how anyone could say it won’t work. It will work,” stated U.S. Senator James Inhofe, Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
One of many centers for innovation in the country, Inhofe noted that the strong sense of community support helps ensure Fort Sill’s future. “We have had five BRACs (Base Realignment and Closures) and the biggest winner has been Fort Sill,” said Inhofe. “Everyone lives in fear of a BRAC, but...Fort Sill would be the last place to suffer. We have community support.”
The addition of FISTA (Fires, Innovation, Science and Technology Accelerator), reinforces the senator’s statements. Established to bring supporting innovation to the community, FISTA will “attract high-end R&D (research and development) technology firms,” said Inhofe.
James Taylor, Great Plains Technology Center’s Small Business Management Coordinator, will lead Fort Sill’s attempt to attract high-end research and development technology firms. Serving as the interim director for FISTA, Taylor is expected to officially assume the role July 1.
When asked if we could see another BRAC in this reporter’s lifetime (the reporter being close to 40) the 85-year-old senator responded, “better put would be ‘how about my lifetime.”