Photo By Lt. Col. Geoff Legler | Image of Col. (R) Carl Franks read more read more
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Friends, family and fellow service members gathered to celebrate the life of retired Oklahoma Army National Guard Col. Carl L. Franks Jr., at the Oklahoma National Guard's Ardmore Armed Forces Center, July 24.
Brig. Gen. Cynthia Tinkham, Oklahoma Army National Guard assistant adjutant general – Army, said Franks was an authentic human being and an officer who Soldiers could trust.
“Carl didn’t have to put on a show to demand attention,” Tinkham said. “Soldiers quickly knew he was a leader with the utmost integrity and somebody they could trust who always had their best interest [in mind]. He had an impact on us and on the entire National Guard. Those of us that served with him will carry his legacy forward throughout our professional careers and throughout our personal lives.”
When it came to equal opportunity, diversity, inclusion and treating everyone with dignity and respect, Tinkham said Franks was the real deal. She said one pivotal moment in her career development was when Franks selected her to serve as his executive officer when he was commander of 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard.
“I know I would not be here today as a brigadier general if Carl had not been part of my military journey,” Tinkham said. “He knew how historically female and minority officers didn’t often get the opportunity to be considered or ever selected for those types of positions. I know I am not the only one Carl spoke up for to ensure they got recognition and were considered for opportunities they wouldn’t have received. He was a champion for all of us.”
After retirement from 34 years of service in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, Franks worked as the Oklahoma National Guard Youth Services program director, where he took an active role in supporting the Thunderbird Youth Academy.
Frank’s sister, Lor.Raine Franks-Samuels, said her brother’s goal was to show young people their purpose is the most important discovery they can make for their lives. In honor of his commitment to inspiration, mentorship and desire for the next generation to become successful, Franks-Samuels announced the Col. Carl Franks Jr. Endowment Memorial Scholarship Fund for first generation African-American men to attend Oklahoma State University, Frank’s alma mater.
“He was always planting a seed in the ears of young folks and always encouraging them to find their purpose,” Franks-Samuels said. “He knew his life and his legacy would be a witness to others and help them to continue to pursue their dreams. We are excited my brother’s legacy will live on.”
Tributes to Franks were given by the Ardmore High School class of 1982, Brothers Incorporated members, fraternity brothers of the Oklahoma State University chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, as well as video tributes from the Oklahoma adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Michael Thompson, and the Thunderbird Youth Academy.
“I just urge all of us to remember that some of us go through life no more simply than just to live and drift away,” Will Burnett, Kappa Alpha Psi member said. “I urge all of us today to please don’t just exist, don’t just survive. Confront life each and every day, and leave a legacy as Carl has done for us today.”
Franks enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1981 and commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in 1988. Franks retired from the Oklahoma Army National Guard in December 2015 after serving as the 90th Troop Command commander, 345th Corps Support Battalion commander, deputy director of maintenance at Joint Force Headquarters and the equal opportunity advisor for the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Frank’s military awards included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medal.
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| Date Taken: | 07.27.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 08.08.2021 14:15 |
| Story ID: | 401849 |
| Location: | OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Hometown: | ARDMORE, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Web Views: | 419 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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