Ministry in Lawton, OK is ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’

As the City of Lawton, Oklahoma celebrated its 125th birthday on August 8, community members gathered to reflect on the people, organizations, and traditions that have helped shape the city over the last century and a quarter. Amid the festivities, The Salvation Army received special recognition for doing something that Mayor Stan Booker described as “some kind of wonderful.”

The day began with a trail ride breakfast, a cattle drive, and the ribbon cutting for the historic McMahon Memorial Auditorium. As the celebration continued, residents enjoyed youth performances, community presentations, and Mayor Booker’s annual awards recognizing those making a meaningful difference in Lawton.

This year’s honorees included The Salvation Army of Lawton, receiving the Community Impact Award for its unwavering commitment to helping some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

While presenting the award, Mayor Booker spoke passionately about the organization’s work.

“Some things happen that must create an award,” he said. “Over the past year, The Salvation Army has worked relentlessly to help people get back on their feet.”

The mayor highlighted the organization’s efforts to serve individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, praising both the results and the compassionate approach that have become a hallmark of The Salvation Army’s ministry.

“In the last year, The Salvation Army has helped more than 100 individuals who are chronically homeless find rehabilitation or reunite with families under the most challenging circumstances,” Mayor Booker said. “All while serving with quiet humility. Folks, these guys are changing lives.”

For The Salvation Army of Lawton, the recognition was a reflection not only of the caliber of its staff and volunteers, but of an entire community that comes together to care for neighbors in need.

Accepting the award, Lawton Corps Officer Captain Bryan Brinlee noted that The Salvation Army has been serving Lawton for 122 of the city’s 125 years.

“We just want to accept this award on behalf of all of the businesses, community residents, and everyone here who has helped make this possible,” Captain Brinlee said. “Thank you.”

For more than a century, The Salvation Army has stood alongside Lawton families during times of crisis and hardship. Today, that mission continues through homeless outreach, rehabilitation referrals, housing assistance, family support services, and countless acts of compassion that often happen quietly and behind the scenes.

While this award recognized accomplishments from the past year, it also served as a reminder of what can happen when a community works together. Every person who finds recovery, every family reunited, and every life restored represents more than a statistic — it represents hope.