Empowered is a monthly newsletter for members of
84TH ANNUAL MEETING A BIG SUCCESS! Central Rural Electric Cooperative is still buzzing from seeing all of the members’ smiling faces, countless numbers of cars and the excitement from this year’s blue bucket attendance gifts at annual meeting. Members from across the service area participated in the 84th annual meeting on Oct. 3 by driving through one of the four locations at Chandler, Guthrie, Perry and Stillwater.
A total of 2,681 members attended, making this year the largest annual meeting to date and surpassing last year’s record attendance by nearly 13 percent. Following the annual meeting, a special board meeting was held to seat the two new trustees. Randy Wedel and Randy Ethridge will serve as the District 1 and 7 trustees, respectively.
Annual meeting is more than just a drive-thru, it connects you to Central by more than just powerlines. Annual meeting allows us to celebrate what’s important - our members! Thank you for empowering your cooperative through the 84th annual meeting!
THE VETERANS THAT POWER US Working for an electric cooperative is more than a job. Serving Central’s membership and community is a mission for every employee.
to the United States Armed Forces. This November, Central is highlighting Veterans Day events and four of Central’s veterans.
For a few of Central’s employees, serving began before their employment. It began with a service
Get to know more about the veterans who work at Central below.
NOVEMBER 2023 Central Board of Trustees: Randy Wedel (District 1) Greg Tytenicz (District 2) Carol Dvorak (District 3) Sid Sperry (District 4) Ken Starks (District 5) James Wells (District 6) Randy Ethridge (District 7) Hunter Robinson - Chief Executive Officer Empowered Editors: Jillianne Tebow - Vice President of Business Development and Marketing Larry Mattox - Director of Communications Kory Bowman - Marketing and Communications Specialist Ivy Swan - Marketing and Communications Specialist
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Contact Us: editor@mycentral.coop 405-372-2884 | 800-375-2884 3305 S. Boomer Rd. | P.O. Box 1809 Stillwater, OK 74076 Notice: Central’s office will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10 for Veterans Day and Nov. 23-24 for Thanksgiving. Central Rural Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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Russ Ingram - NAVy Sean Martin - ARMY CB Heavy Equipment Operator Central’s Outside Fiber Plant Superintendent
Infantry Heavy Mortarman Central’s Electrical Equipment Superintendent
“We were a bunch of kids carrying rifles,” Ingram said.
“The best memory is coming home,” Martin said.
His Most Memorable Experiences
Martin, a seventh-generation combat veteran, turned 21 during his time in Desert Storm.
“My enlistment was over in 2000 after 12 years. My wife and I were married on September 8, 2001, with one of my buddies being a groomsman. My battalion was deployed on October 8th after 9/11. It was very difficult to watch them all deploy and not reenlist.” During Operation Safe Haven in 1995, Ingram served at Guantanamo Bay Cuba building camps. “These refugees had a strong desire to become U.S. citizens and work extra hard to prove to Americans they would contribute to society. They worked tirelessly with the service members to build the camps. They were doctors, lawyers and other professionals in their home country. It was really eye opening.”
His Most Memorable Experiences During the May 3 tornado, Martin was stationed at Bridge Creek to help with crowd control from the aftermath of the tornado that shook Oklahoma in 1999. “When I was in Kuwait, the war was over, but we would provide goodwill services. It would be 120 degrees during the day and drop to 40 degrees at night.” “I followed my dad around the world growing up, but Germany was my favorite place I was stationed.” Martin was stationed in Germany after the Berlin Wall fell.
LOCAL VETERANS DAY EVENTS
Levi Ferrell Air Force National Guard
Airfield Systems Central’s Fiber Optic Technician “During a student flight, I came to drill without shaving and had to shave with cold water and a 50cent blade,” said Ferrel. “It wasn’t so bad, so I have shaved that way ever since.” Ferrel was assigned to the 205th Squadron at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City.
Why Ferrell Served “I joined because my dad was drafted into the Marines and went to Vietnam. I grew up with all of his photos but very little stories.” He also said that he loved heroic combat movies growing up and participated in the Civil Air Patrol.
Why he works at Central “I came to Central because I have a passion for bringing the internet to rural communities and for what the cooperative stands for,” Ferrell said.
Eliot Tremblay Air force Security Forces Military Working Dog Handler Central’s Apprentice Lineman
“My life would look very different without the military. I probably wouldn’t have the military bearing or organization skills the military taught me,” Tremblay said. Tremblay served six years from 2014 to 2020 in the 90th Missile Wing, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and the 14th Flying Training Wing.
Tremblay’s favorite memory “My favorite memory from my time served was while I was working as a Security Forces Military Working Dog Handler and being able to travel near constantly around the country together.”
His Most Memorable Experiences As a Security Forces K9 handler, Trembly said, “I was paired with a female German Shepherd for three years, then a male Belgian Malinois for one year, who were both trained to detect various explosives, as well as perform bite work.”
Veterans Day Breakfast Friday, Nov. 10 • 7:30 a.m. First United Methodist Church, Chandler Veterans Day Parade Friday, Nov. 10 • 9 a.m. Downtown Chandler and to the Schools High School Veterans Program Friday, Nov. 10 • 10 a.m. Chandler High School Performing Arts Center, Chandler Veterans Luncheon and Program Friday, Nov. 10 • 11:30 a.m. American Legion Post 64, Chandler Luncheon is open to everyone Chandler Veterans Program Friday, Nov. 10 • 1:30 p.m. Museum of Pioneer History, Chandler Veterans Day 5k Saturday, Nov. 11 • 3-5 p.m. Mitch Park, Edmond 5k race, music, food truck and other fun activities, proceeds benefit Mission 22 Veterans Day Weekend Saturday, Nov. 11 and Sunday, Nov. 12 • W.M. Conrad Memorial Gardens, Langston Those Who Served; Those Who Serve Military Exhibit Open until Saturday, Dec. 9 The Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Museum, Stillwater
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First 50 Prize $1dit Bill Cre ing gg and Birgahts R
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The second annual Home Holiday Lights Contest is here, bringing cheer to Central’s service area along with your chance to win up to a $150 bill credit and bragging rights. Enter online by Dec. 17 for a chance to win!
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