Robert McClain spent much of his life giving and taking orders in the U.S. Army, but nowadays he’s promoting Lawton, its businesses and the chamber of commerce.
Far from his days as a Command Sergeant Major at Fort Sill, McClain enjoys wearing the red blazer that symbolizes his work as a Redcoat volunteer for the Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce. McClain was honored at last month’s annual chamber banquet as the top Rookie Redcoat for 2019-2020. The award was given a year late because the 2020 banquet was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ve learned a tremendous amount about Lawton,” McClain said. “I’ve had a chance to visit with the mayor and councilmen and hear what they do. As the past president of the Lawton chapter of the
Buffalo Soldiers, I’ve had an opportunity to explain about our organization and that’s been rewarding.”
Redcoat volunteers represent their businesses or organizations at a variety of chamber events including ribbon cuttings, open houses and Breakfast Before Business, which is held periodically.
Chamber Redcoats also work with chamber members to find out their needs and how the chamber can assist them.
“It’s a good thing to be a part of,” McClain said. “We come together like a big family.”
Now 75, McClain said his goal is to become a Life Member of the Redcoats, but that’ll take a few more years.
“As long as I can move, I’ll be here,” he said.
2020-2021 WINNER
Bonnie Pruitt was presented the Rookie Redcoat award for 2020-2021 at last month’s banquet.
As an employee at Toyota of Lawton, Pruitt is a constant at chamber events. She started her volunteer work as a chamber Redcoat in August 2020.
“We do retention visits for the chamber, ask questions and find out ways the chamber can assist its members,” she said. “It’s really an honor to be selected (as rookie Redcoat). I have enjoyed learning about other people who are from Lawton. I always wanted to be involved in the community, but didn’t know where my place would be.”
Born and raised in Lawton, Pruitt has strong opinions about why people should love this city.
“I just like promoting this city,” she said. “I tell people all the time about the great things we have like the Wich- ita Wildlife Refuge, Medicine Park, Mears, Community Theatre and Lawton Philharmonic. There’s so much here.”
Pruitt has worked at Toyota of Lawton for six years.