Frontier Banter

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 a...

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 partne...

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 ro...

In this month’s episode, Garrison Commander Col. Derek Baird and Command Sgt. Maj. Bill Pearson sit down with the people who keep Fort Sill running safely and smoothly when the rest of us are sleeping—or shooting, flying, or training. Their guests are: Glenn Waters – DPTMS Director (the orchestra conductor) William Benitezpeña – Chief, Plans, Operations & Security Division (masters emergency readi...

New Frontier Banter episode alert! Ever wondered what it takes to run Fort Sill—and why that matters off-post, too? Tune in as Garrison Commander Col. Derek Baird sits down with his identical twin, Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Thomas “TJ” Baird, and Fort Sill Garrison CSM Bill Pearson for “Double the Baird, Triple the Insight.” With 50 years of service between them, the brothers trace their journe...

Get ready for an in-depth, lively conversation that shows exactly why Fort Sill’s Army Community Service (ACS) keeps racking up awards—and changing lives! In this episode of the “Fort Sill Frontier Banter Podcast,” Garrison Commander Col. Derek Baird and Command Sgt. Maj. Bill Pearson sit down with ACS Director Monica Ulibarri, Family Advocacy Program Manager Margarita De Leon, and Financial Readi...

Join "Frontier Banter" for a refreshingly candid conversation where Fort Sill Garrison Commander Col. Derek Baird and Command Sgt. Maj. Bill Pearson sit down with Miss Oklahoma USA 2024, Danika Christopherson, for a fascinating journey into mental toughness. From 4 a.m. runs channeling her military-inspired "Delta Charlie" alter ego to plunging into ice baths while listening to David Goggins, Dani...

In this dynamic episode of Frontier Banter, Col. Derek Baird and Command Sgt. Maj. Pearson take listeners behind the scenes with Fort Sill's stellar Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team, revealing how they're transforming military community life while preserving the installation's rich frontier heritage. Join MWR Director Sarah Gersper, whose dedication to "serving those who serve" shines thr...

Get ready to power up your wellness journey with Frontier Banter! In this electrifying Episode 2, “Fit Frontier: Inside the Army Wellness Center,” as Fort Sill’s own Garrison Commander Col. Derek Baird and Garrison Command Sergeant Major Bill Pearson join forces with Army Wellness Center (AWC) experts Erika Lopez-Therlot and Chad Cruse to unveil the secrets behind Fort Sill’s top-notch health prog...

Ever hear the one about a giant hog redecorating military housing? How about the mystery of the self-appointed "Garrison Attorney General" Or maybe you're curious about upcoming goodies like doggy daycare and a seafood market right here at Fort Sill?