The Oklahoma City National Memorial

9:02...Prior to April 19, 1995, these numbers were just numbers and nothing more. Post April 19, these numbers became much more. They became symbols of a horrific and unspeakable act resulting in the loss of 168 of our friends…our family...our co-workers…our children…On this cloudy day in April, 9:02 became the moment in time Oklahomans, and the nation, will never forget.

In the face of tragedy, this unspeakable act could have crushed a community with a lesser heart, but the citizens of Oklahoma displayed the strength of compassion, warmth, and inspiration.

We recognize, and we commend, the Oklahoma City National Memorial for their continued dedication and compassion in the community. Through the Memorial, the fateful day of April 19, 1995 will be remembered and the memories of those involved will forever be honored.

    Community Educator/Teacher

Rhonda Malahy is a counselor at Putnam City North High School where she never fails to listen to her students or work to find a solution that will help them in academic and non-academic situations they face. She provides a bridge that enables the students to reach for success in their lives rather than drowning their problems at home or in the classroom.

Ed Pulido has worked in some of the economically challenged neighborhoods in Oklahoma City to help secure a better future and for the children of this community. In January 2002 he got called to active duty in Iraq. During this time, he lost his left leg when an explosive hit the unarmored vehicle he volunteered to drive. Ed has since returned home and has already learned to walk on his prosthesis. He is now attending meetings at the United Way of Central Oklahoma, and once the Army releases him, he plans on returning to work in Oklahoma City communities.

Sgt. Tod Yates, Sgt. Lance Marston, Officer Shayne Clark, Sgt. Larry Boggess, and Police Dog Kazan (not pictured)

These officers, and police dog Kazan, worked together to save the lives of two young girls ages two and three. Without their help these two girls, who wandered from their backyard one afternoon, would have drowned in a nearby swimming pool. We commend these officers for their tremendous efforts to save a life.

Chaplain Lt. Col. Boyd Fallwell founded Veterans of America Honor Guard in 1995 and has rendered 1112 military honor burial ceremonies since 1991. He has also given hundreds of patriotic programs at schools, churches, and youth groups across Oklahoma and surrounding states. This is a service that Lt. Col. Boyd provides free of charge and uses his own resources for travel arrangements.

After witnessing a head on collision Mr. Gilreath ran to the aide of a man whose legs were pinned in his car. As the car began to go up in flames others backed away, but Mr. Gilreath never backed down and risked his life to save another. Randy's actions saved a life and showed great courage and strength of character.

Battling their second four-alarm fire for the night, Corporal Tilton and his company found themselves on top of an apartment complex cutting a ventilation trench in the roof. While descending back down the ladder to safety Corporal Tilton’s fellow firefighter fell as a result of a heavy blast of smoke and heat. Corporal Tilton quickly lunged to the aide of his co-worker and placed his body between him and the concrete, softening the impact of the fall. Corporal Tilton's efforts were successful and we honor him for his dedication to his team.