Governor Anoatubby receives John F. Kennedy Award

This article appeared in the December 2014 edition of the Chickasaw Times

OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Bill Anoatubby and country music star Vince Gill received the John F. Kennedy Community Service Award from the Oklahoma City Knights of Columbus Oct. 28.

The awards were presented during a banquet that raised funds for the Santa Fe Family Life Center. The Family Life Center is a comprehensive health club that provides a multitude of activities for the community, including a basketball court, weightlifting, tennis and more. Fundraising efforts enable the facility to provide scholarships to many deserving families.

During his introduction of Gov. Anoatubby, master of ceremonies Mike Turpen said the Chickasaw Nation had become a “force for good” in Oklahoma.

“It is an honor to receive this award from an organization which does so much to enhance the lives of families in the community,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “The Santa Fe Family Life center is a great example of those efforts.”

Named for President John F. Kennedy, the Community Service Award is presented in recognition of Oklahomans who have served the community in meaningful and lasting ways.

Mr. Gill said he was glad to accept the award because he truly admired President Kennedy.

President Kennedy is well known for challenging Americans to “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” That charge is similar in many ways to the Chickasaw Nation mission to enhance the overall quality of life of Chickasaw people.

Gov. Anoatubby noted President Kennedy was also known for saying “a rising tide lifts all boats.”

“That is something we keep in mind as we strive to achieve our mission,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “As we work to enhance the quality of life of the Chickasaw people, it has the welcome effect of enhancing the lives of others in the community.”