Volunteering, and community support, have been such an important part of my life. I grew up all over the country but went to high school and college in Oklahoma. I was lucky to have very patriotic and caring parents and family. We were all taught to be grateful for our many blessings and to look for opportunities to give back. WhenI was asked to take over as Chairman of the Fires Patriots, I could hardly imagine such an honor, and such an opportunity for service.
I would be thrilled with this opportunity any time, but right now, it is incredible. When you look at what is going on in Lawton Fort Sill and across the country, it is a very special time to serve as Chairman of the Fires Patriots. Who would have ever imagined that when the Army set out to modernize its capabilities, that two of its priorities would reside here at the Fires Center of Excellence (FCoE). Moreover, the cross-functional teams (CFTs) that direct these priorities are part of our community. Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF) and Air and Missile Defense (AMD) cross-functional teams lead the Army's efforts to modernize in these two critical areas.
Having the two CFTs here in Lawton Fort Sill is an opportunity and a challenge. GEN Murray, the commander of Army Futures Command, has said that every community that hosts a crossfunctional team must grow research and development (R&D) and science and technology (S&T) outside the gates of their post. For Lawton Fort Sill, this challenge is especially exciting. After all, we have been working for more than 10 years to bring high tech jobs to our very deserving community. I am really proud of how our community has embraced the opportunity. Across the board, our elected officials and our community volunteers have come together to create a plan for success. The unanimous support for the TIF, the big victory for the CIP and most recently the commitment to grow an “Innovation Park” in Lawton Fort Sill demonstrate that we are working together to bring prosperity to our community. There have been so many wonderful synergies.
The good news for our effort is that the CFTs bring a great deal of positive attention to our community. Although we are just getting started with our Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator (FISTA), we have already been contacted by 14 members of the defense industry. They are expressing interest in having a presence in our Innovation Park. OU and OSU are planning to join us as well.
High tech jobs will begin in the FISTA this year. The prospects going forward are very bright. When we look at the big picture, our recent investments in STEM education could not have been timelier. STEM education prepares our kids for these high-tech jobs. Moreover, high tech industry will enhance our STEM education. It is encouraging to see that STEM education is part of every plan. Adding to the STEM momentum, Cameron University is on the verge of solidifying a 4-year engineering degree program.
New investment in our city will serve as the catalyst for so many of our aspirations. As we grow high tech jobs and high-tech industry, we will have resources to invest in better recreation, the arts and city beautification. Holistic plans like the CIP will ensure that our vision for the city is synchronized and includes everyone.
I look forward to continuing my service as Chairman of the Fires Patriots. I believe in the slogan FIND THE GOOD... AND THEN SOME. I could not think of a better time to be a servant of our Army and our community. I look forward to working with our communities elected officials and many volunteers, as we strive to make our Army stronger and our community more prosperous.