Media

The Oklahoman - By Congressmen Tom Cole (OK-04) and Jim Bridenstine (OK-01)

Driven by shrinking budgets across all areas of government, most noticeably to the Department of Defense, President Barack Obama’s recent budget proposal reveals cuts that will reshape the U.S. military for the remainder of the decade and far beyond.

Throughout our more than 237-year history, countless men and women have selflessly answered the call of duty to preserve liberty by serving in our military. Now each day we wake up in a country with freedoms that are coveted, studied and admired across the world. There is no nation greater than the United States of America—a status maintained because of the extraordinary service of those who volunteered to protect our nation.

Norman Transcript - Joy Hampton

One year after an EF-5 tornado devastated a core area of Moore that included the Moore Medical Center, the community gathered on the site of the former hospital to reflect and remember those who were lost.

However, the Moore Community Remembrance Ceremony was not all tears and sorrow. It also was a day of celebration, survival and new beginnings.

“Our weather is tough, but our people are tougher,” Moore Economic Development Director Diedre Ebrey said.

Federal News Radio - Jack Moore

A proposed amendment to the House version of the annual bill setting policy for the Defense Department would preemptively protect DoD employees paid through working-capital funds from potential furloughs.

The measure, which was introduced Monday by Reps. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), is being considered by the House Rules Committee Tuesday. The House is expected to take up the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act as early as this week.

As we look back on the tornadoes that devastated Oklahoma last May, we still mourn the precious lives taken, neighborhoods destroyed and communities shaken. Despite a heartbreaking tragedy, especially for those living in my hometown of Moore, Oklahomans proved their resilience and the rest of the nation supported us every step of the way.

A year later, our state is stronger and recovery continues to look better each day, but this would not be possible without those who navigated the tragedy, responding immediately and with great urgency during the critical first hours.

Pauls Valley Daily Democrat - Barry Porterfield

A few dozen of Pauls Valley’s band members are about to get very patriotic with a special trip that hits the road in just a few days.

Their destination is the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C.

Planned for some time now the band will take part in a national parade on Memorial Day right down Constitution Avenue.

“This is something I thought would be important for the kids, not so much on the performance but the historical aspect,” said band director Drew Etheredge.