Steagall, Rosino to Join OKC Fire, Police for Soldiers Christmas Homecoming

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon, and State Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, co-chairs of the Oklahoma House and Senate Joint Veterans Caucus, are joining the Oklahoma City Fire and Police Departments on Thursday and Friday to provide pizza to soldiers returning home for Christmas and the New Year. The soldiers currently are stationed at Ft. Sill in Lawton and are traveling through Will Rogers World Airport.

“What an honor it is to welcome these soldiers on this leg of their journey home,” Steagall said. “On behalf of the members of the Oklahoma Legislature’s Veterans Caucus, I want to extend our gratitude for these soldiers’ service to our country, and pray that we all remember those who cannot be home this holiday season.”

Rosino added, “It’s such a blessing to once again participate in this event, honoring our brothers and sisters in arms who are on their way home to spend time with their families for the holidays.  Though this year has presented several challenges, I’m grateful that these troops will be able to be home with their loved ones.”

“As firefighters, we feel a kinship to those who wear a uniform on a daily basis,” said Cameron Weems, president of the Oklahoma City Firefighters Local 157. “Public service is a foundation to both our community and this nation.  To be able to provide something so simple as a warm meal to our service members is one small way to show our appreciation.  I can only hope that these brave women and men realize that they have our everlasting respect and appreciation for the job they do. The Oklahoma City Firefighters will always stand ready to support our military community.”

“The Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police is honored to play a small role in this act of appreciation,” said Mark Nelson, Vice President of Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police.  “This year has been extremely difficult for all of us.  The men and women who selflessly give of themselves deserve our gratitude and respect.  We wish all our military personnel a safe and Merry Christmas.

Steagall, Rosino and members of the fire and police departments will greet soldiers arriving at Will Rogers World Airport at midnight Dec. 17. More will arrive Dec. 18. Pizza will be served both days.