The Duncan Banner

Local News

Related Photos

  • Toni Hopper

    images_sizedimage_213184409
August 1, 2009

Respecting the fallen

Death of soldier sparks emotional response from community

Jayne Boykin

DUNCAN — When the procession escorting the family of Spc. Dennis Pratt to Fort Sill passed through Duncan on Friday, a variety of emotions surged through the bystanders lining the road with flags and banners in hand.

There were expressions of sympathy for the Pratt family, of support for the armed forces everywhere, and some dismay that U.S. troops had to be put in harm’s way.

Shelly Petersen of Duncan stood in front of First Bank & Trust Co. downtown with her sons, Ben, 12, and Sam, 8.

“We just wanted to express our gratitude to the family. I wanted my sons to see the procession. It gave them a more personal aspect of the sacrifice.

“We have five sons, and two of the boys have lived out of the country. They came home. This experience helped my family develop a greater appreciation of the sacrifice of those who did not,” she said.

Ross and Frances Coleman of Duncan, and their son, Cavin, of Pampa, Texas, held a large flag as they watched the procession pass down U.S. Highway 81.

“It is a warm feeling to know that so many in our community turned out to support our country. It was a great honor. We’re just Americans,” Frances Coleman said.

Sharon Hobson, military support chairman for the Stephens County Oklahoma Home and Community Education groups, said members of her organization turned out in their yellow shirts to show support for everyone serving in the military, as well as the Pratt family specifically.

“OHCE has carried out a variety of projects to support our troops, and will continue doing so. Lining the route was just another way we could show support. It’s something easy for us, but we are constantly aware that it’s not easy for the soldiers and what they go through every day. Freedom is not free,” she said.

Each of the five county OHCE groups will decide how it will acknowledge Pratt’s sacrifice.

“In one of our military support workshops at the state convention, we heard from a military wife. She emphasized the importance of continuing support for a family who experiences a loss. Sure, they’re bombarded with offers of help now, but they will still need support later when it all sinks in. We hope people in the community will remember what happened and that it could all too easily happen again,” Hobson said, citing the many local families who have sons and daughters deployed to war zones.

Harold Feltman, a retired U.S. Navy senior chief petty officer, took his place with the Patriot Guard Riders on Friday to escort the Pratt family to Fort Sill for the funeral at Frontier Chapel and burial in Fort Sill National Cemetery.

“We do it out of honor and respect for those who freely gave their lives for their country. They deserve recognition for what they did, and the family and the country deserve our support, too.

“The Patriot Guard Riders was formed in August of 2005 in response to that church in Kansas that pickets military funerals and leads protests. We will not tolerate that kind of behavior toward our military people and their families. In less than a year, we had 120,000 members, and now have more than 200,000 members nationwide. We will provide an escort for any veteran who served his or her country at any time if the family requests it.

“You don’t have to be a veteran — or even a bike rider — to participate in the PGR. Anyone who cares about our military people and what they do to maintain our freedom is welcome to join us,” he said.

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins was not a part of the escort procession, but met the Pratt family at Fort Sill and attended the services. She issued the following statement to The Banner:

“Specialist Pratt embodied the true spirit of Oklahoma; his love for his family and his country was beyond compare. As a third-generation soldier, Dennis exemplified the qualities of a devoted father and patriot. He will be greatly missed. Duncan has lost a beloved son today.”

Text Only
Local News
  • Comforting memories Duncan’s ambassador honored

    When Tara Harper first saw the memorial bench for her grandfather, Al Hinshaw, she remarked about the sweet sentiment of the inscription. Shortly after that, Harper shed a few tears.

    February 3, 2012 2 Photos

  • Johnson’s bills aimed at District 50 constituents

    State Rep. Dennis Johnson is busy preparing for the upcoming state legislative session, where the eight bills he submitted will be considered.

    February 3, 2012

  • Recognized for excellence Duncan shaped Callahan, Wells lives

    Emily Wininger Callahan and Joseph T. Wells found success in their careers, success both acknowledged was shaped in Duncan Public Schools and the Duncan community.

    February 3, 2012 1 Photo

  • Super Bowl Play 60 -- 02.JPG NFL Play 60 Kids Day gets them moving

    It was kids, kids and more kids Wednesday at the Indiana Convention Center, as 38 classrooms of fifth- and sixth-graders enjoyed a morning at the NFL Experience, courtesy of the NFL’s Play 60 Challenge.

    February 2, 2012 4 Photos

  • They all pitched in 4-H member gives gift of reading

    After experience great success from a Stephens County 4-H Teen Leader Project, Ashley Powers and her three siblings donated dozens of books for use by students at Woodrow Wilson Elementary Wednesday afternoon.

    February 2, 2012 1 Photo

  • Marlow council OKs bid on electrical line over U.S. 81

    Two bids have been approved by the Marlow City Council that will help pave the way for construction of a electrical line to cross U.S. Highway 81 on the south side of the city.

    February 2, 2012

  • Barrington focus on budget, taxes

    As a new legislative tern prepares to kick off in Oklahoma, Sen. Don Barrington has his sights fixed on a number of issues and bills the State Senate will be handling before the summer recess.

    February 2, 2012

  • He earned it! City of Duncan employee retires after nearly 36 years

    After nearly 36 years as an employee of the City of Duncan, Mark Littig celebrated his last day Tuesday by sharing a potluck luncheon his colleagues arranged to honor the work and time Littig dedicated to the city.

    February 2, 2012 1 Photo

  • It was self defense

    The District 6 District Attorney’s Office has chosen to forego making charges against Bobby Joe Dyer in the death of Bryan Dean Miller.

    February 2, 2012

  • SecurityPix 1.jpg Super security goes into place for Super Bowl

    Law enforcement officials charged with Super Bowl security are taking extraordinary measures to prevent a terrorist attack, but they’re also working to keep the event from being a field day for common criminals.

    February 1, 2012 2 Photos