Feeling at home (when you can't be there)
Downtown opens its heart to Fort Sill soldiers
Downtown opens its heart to Fort Sill soldiers

By Susan Simpson Comments 2
Published: December 22, 2007

From a standing ovation at Toby Keith's restaurant to a speedy slide down an icy incline, about 40 Fort Sill soldiers who aren't going home for the holidays instead enjoyed a fun-filled day downtown.

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Snow tubing at the ballpark

Dec 21People having fun snow tubing at the Bricktown Ballpark

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Pvt. Joseph Martinez rides a snow tube Friday at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. About 40 soldiers who won't be going home for Christmas were in the city Friday to enjoy the attractions. BY JIM BECKEL, The Oklahoman

The soldiers traveled by bus Friday from the Lawton post and were hosted by downtown businesses and attractions.

"Out of the more than 15,000 men and women stationed at Fort Sill, these were the only ones who could not make it home,” said Kari Watkins, executive director of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, which the soldiers toured. "We thought we'd help make their time in Oklahoma memorable.”

‘I felt my heart jump out of my chest'

Pvt. Joshua King said he was "overwhelmed” by Oklahomans' generosity and friendliness.

"I've never gotten this kind of respect before,” said the 18-year-old from Oroville, Calif., as he lined up to snow tube at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark.

Pvt. Aaron Maxfield, a New Jersey native, said he's proud to be a soldier.

When the group ate lunch at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill, everyone in the crowded restaurant stood and clapped.

"I felt my heart jump out of my chest,” said Maxfield, 20. "They know we are doing something good for the United States of America.”

Pvt. Shawn Straub said he was moved by the national memorial. The 31-year-old National Guard member is a New York firefighter and lost comrades and his fiancee in 9/11.

"It was good to see it,” Straub said of the Oklahoma City bombing memorial. Straub said he joined the military to support those fighting the war against terrorism.

"They went to war for taking out our buildings,” he said. "It's the least I can do for them.”

Teresa Webber was in line to snow tube after the soldiers and said she's glad Oklahoma City welcomed them.

Webber, a Los Angeles resident, was in Oklahoma City to welcome the newborn of her son, who is stationed at Tinker Air Force Base.

"It's hard to be away from family during the holidays,” Webber said.