News from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission

Jim Palmer, Director of Information

December 6, 1999

(OKLAHOMA CITY)—"Just as tomorrow is the 58^th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, which drew the United States of America into World War II, it is also the memory of December 7 which reminds us of the courage and strength of Oklahomans who have not only answered the call to serve but have committed their lives to fighting for results," said Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Ed Apple.

Apple points out that Oklahoma has always been an integral part of America’s efforts to blunt the advance of tyranny and carry the banner of freedom around the world making it the home of several key military installations (Tinker, Vance and Altus Air Force Bases and Fort Sill) and attracting a large number of general officers in their retirement years.

At the request of Commissioner Apple, who has for years been working to improve living conditions through economic development in Oklahoma, and because of the assistance of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Norman Lamb, several retired general officers will be welcomed by Governor Keating Tuesday morning at 9:30. The volunteers will then meet to discuss the reasons they decided to remain in Oklahoma after traveling the world and examine ways to enhance Oklahoma as a location for new business and families. The generals will become known as the Oklahoma General Officers Council (OGOC) and will meet to consider how they can help Oklahoma.

As envisioned by Commissioner Apple, the OGOC objectives include suggesting initiatives to increase Oklahoma’s attraction as a location for military retirees, publicizing those attractions, preparing and/or accompanying the governor on visits to out-of-state defense-related firms looking to relocate, expand or contemplating a presence in Oklahoma, assisting the governor as requested in interactions with the state’s congressional delegation, the Military Departments and the Department of Defense and providing advice and assistance in matters related to state military installations, military-municipal relations, veterans’ affairs and the Guard.

Apple said "the OGOC will provide a unique body of experience to brainstorm and prioritize ideas for making Oklahoma more attractive to those who may be seeking a business location, jobs or retirement in a safe, healthful and productive community." -more-

page 2, retired volunteer general officers…

Among the OGOC volunteers are Lieutenant General Dick Burpee, Major Generals William Bowden, Stanley Newman, Gillis Johnson, S.T. Ayers, Jay Edwards, Charles Jones III, all of Oklahoma City, Major General Jerry Holmes of Norman, Brigadier General James F. Brickman of Norman, Major General Clyde W. Spence, Jr. of Enid, Major General Robert A. Goodbarry of Edmond, and Major General Lee Baxter, Major General Eugene S. Korpal and Brigadier General Horace L. Sanders all of Lawton.

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