The Duncan Banner

Homepage

Related Photos

  • Veterans James Upwinger, left, J.E. Cordell and Odell Hooper enjoy their meal during the Heroes luncheon Friday afternoon at The Simmons Center. Joshua Kellogg/The Duncan Banner

    Veterans James Upwinger, left, J.E. Cordell and Odell Hooper enjoy their meal during the Heroes luncheon Friday afternoon at The Simmons Center.
September 9, 2012

We can be heroes

Luncheon held to honor those who serve public

Joshua Kellogg The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — Members of the community came together Friday afternoon at the Simmons Center to shine the spotlight on and recognize war veterans, law enforcement, emergency services and educators to honor the work they have contributed to keeping the county and country safe.

The 11th annual Heroes luncheon honored veterans of previous and current wars, fire and police personnel and educators with a free meal, to recognize them for contributing to the safety and management of Stephens County, people who sometimes have not been properly thanked before.

Edward R. Tatyrek enjoyed the opportunity the chamber and members of the community provided to honor veterans who served in the armed services.

A Retired Chief Master Sergeant in the United State Air Force, he enjoyed being able to chat with residents of the community, thanking them for remembering those who served in previous wars.

“It’s great, I’m glad the community has a recognition program for those retired and have worked here all their service career,” Tatyrek said. “Whenever I see it’s being held, I made an effort to come. It’s good fellowship and you see a lot people you missed in the last year. It’s a good meal, I’ll say that.”

Duncan Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and C.E.O Chris Deal said the Chamber added the educators to honor the effect they have had in guiding anyone to a path of success.

“Many people feel, to them, they can name a particular educator that had an influence on their life, to change the course of their life and we wanted to include them,” Deal said.

Duncan Public Schools Superintendent Sherry Labyer spoke toward the end of the program, after members of the DHS vocal music and band program performed some musical numbers for the crowd.

Labyer, who spoke after Mayor Gene Brown, shared her views with the crowd about the heroes we see everyday, that she sees everyday.

“I work with heroes everyday and in fact, I am surrounded by heroes every single day,” Labyer said. “I work with teachers, I work with school personnel to help kids. We feed hungry kids, did you know that? And sometimes, to those children, that’s their hero, when they get that first meal when they haven’t had anything to eat.”

Director of Events Laurie Baldwin was running around, making sure everything was set before the guests arrived, said she loved the chance to bring these heroes together for a meal.

“I just love we can give this back to our military, fire personnel, police departments and other heroes in our county we can give back to,” Baldwin said. “I ask nothing of them aside from just coming out and enjoying themselves.”

Text Only
Local News
Features
Sports
Education
Opinion
  • Is it ‘coincidence’ the OCE has no teeth?

    Since I spend most of my working hours in offices in Duncan and Waurika, it’s nice both communities now have recycling programs so I can deposit the sticky notes that serve as my memory.

    May 19, 2013 1 Photo

  • Name new complex for Barnes

    Duncan High School’s new tennis complex, looking sharp in its blue and green U.S. Open color scheme, is drawing high praise for its quality and team impact.

    May 18, 2013 1 Photo

Special Deals
Facebook
The Duncan Banner on Facebook
Poll

Do you think Oklahoma does enough when it comes to tornado safety education?

Yes
No
Unsure
     View Results
AP Video
Mayor: Person Killed in San Antonio Flooding Raw: Apple 1 Computer Sells for More Than $650k Hagel Urges Cadets to End Scourge of Sex Assault Raw: Gay Rights Activists March in Ukraine Bus Fire Kills 16 Children, Teacher in Pakistan Raw: Pakistan Election Results Protested Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse American Held in Grisly Czech Murders Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Jersey Shore Open for Business Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse