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Frontier Banter

Frontier Banter

Written by: Fort Sill Public Affairs
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About this listen

 Introducing "Frontier Banter," the official podcast of Fort Sill Garrison! Join Col. Derek Baird, Garrison Commander, and CSM Bill Pearson as they share the stories and spotlight the people who make Fort Sill an exceptional place to live, work, and serve. From housing improvements and family support programs to fitness initiatives and cutting-edge technology, "Frontier Banter" delves into the topics that matter to our Soldiers, Army civilians, and families.DVIDSHub.net Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Frontier Banter: The Final Episode with CSM Pearson - Presence, Community, and “Be Better Than Yesterday” - Episode 10

    Frontier Banter: The Final Episode with CSM Pearson - Presence, Community, and “Be Better Than Yesterday” - Episode 10
    Sep 26 2025
    Col. Derek Baird and Command Sgt. Maj. Bill Pearson go mic-to-mic one last time—just two neighbors talking shop, football, and the real work of running a post. With eight days left in the seat, CSM Pearson reflects on what surprised him about garrison life (“you affect everything—from lights turning on to gates opening”), why presence matters, and how trust across Fort Sill and Lawton turns into action (like the missing teen search that drew hundreds of volunteers in under an hour). Come for: Smoke-pit banter: Commanders vs. Cowboys, fantasy football woes, and gamer-nerd confessions. Behind-the-scenes truth: Mattresses, washers/dryers, work orders—and the “dirty house” coffee-table book idea (free-range cockatiels = never-again potlucks). People first: Morale vs. stress, why “get out and see it” is the #1 tip for the next CSM, and how small thanks (and coins) go a long way. Community wins: AER goal smashed (think $300k+), BOSS volunteers installing Red Cross smoke alarms, and a Patriot Club comeback (Gridiron Challenge, Thursdays 1800). What’s next: Handoff to CSM Jared English and a preview of next month’s episode with Reynolds Army Clinic on Warrior Marathon prep. Parting wisdom from CSM Pearson: “Don’t try to be better than everyone—just be better than yesterday.”
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    1 hr
  • Frontier Banter: Some Kind of Wonderful: Lawton–Fort Sill Connections

    Frontier Banter: Some Kind of Wonderful: Lawton–Fort Sill Connections
    Sep 3 2025
    In this community-focused episode, Garrison Commander Col. Derek Baird and Command Sgt. Maj. Bill Pearson sit down with Lawton Mayor Stan Booker and City Manager John Ratliff to talk about why the Lawton–Fort Sill relationship works so well: leaders “show up,” communicate, and solve problems together. The team covers Lawton’s large veteran population, new quality-of-life projects, readiness partnerships, and the story behind Mayor Booker’s signature phrase, “some kind of wonderful.”
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    52 mins
  • Frontier Banter: Relationships, Readiness & Rip-Its - Episode 8

    Frontier Banter: Relationships, Readiness & Rip-Its - Episode 8
    Jul 1 2025
    In this powerful new episode of Frontier Banter, Col. Derek Baird and Command Sgt. Maj. Bill Pearson sit down with Fort Sill’s brigade commanders — Col. Lourdes Costas (31st ADA, calling in while deployed), Col. Jason Ferguson (MEDDAC), Col. Lazander Tomlinson (428th FA), and Col. Reginald White (434th FA) — for an unfiltered conversation about what keeps Fort Sill running strong. From building rock-solid relationships and supporting rapid deployments to tackling barracks, training space, wellness resources, and holistic health & fitness (H2F), our leaders share behind-the-scenes stories that show how teamwork — and looking out for each other — keeps our Soldiers and families mission-ready.
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    49 mins
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