Source: City of Broken Arrow
Broken Arrow Mayor Debra Wimpee and Mayor Nikki Lloyd of Bethany have been selected by the Oklahoma Military Order of the Purple Heart for the Oklahoma Patriotic Mayor Award.
“Both mayors are amazing ladies who do so much for the military and our veterans,” said Oklahoma Military Order of the Purple Heart State Commander Larry Van Schuyver. “When you see someone working 24/7 honoring veterans, how can you not admire her?”
Wimpee and Lloyd were selected from more than 150 nominations. Van Schuyver said it was the organization’s first tie in this category.
Mayor Wimpee said it is an “absolute honor” to be selected and to tie with her friend and fellow mayor, Mayor Nikki Lloyd.
“Her husband is a combat veteran, and she knows all too well the battles at home our heroes go through daily,” Mayor Wimpee said.
Mayor Lloyd spoke highly of Mayor Wimpee as well.
“It is such an honor to share the Oklahoma Purple Heart’s ‘Oklahoma Patriotic Mayor Award’ with Broken Arrow Mayor Debra Wimpee,” Mayor Lloyd said. “She is an incredible leader, and I’m thankful to call her a friend.”
In addition to serving as Broken Arrow’s mayor, Mayor Wimpee is the Executive Director of Soldier’s Wish. This organization identifies and provides for the needs of veterans, service members, and their families.
“I truly believe I have the very best two jobs ever—Mayor of this great city that is home to so many veterans and Executive Director of Soldier’s Wish,” Mayor Wimpee said. “I get to truly make a difference every day with our team, granting wishes and meeting unmet needs of true heroes here and across this great nation.”
Mayors Wimpee and Lloyd will be honored at a ceremony in El Reno on Aug. 3. Broken Arrow became a Purple Heart City in 2017 and is the largest Purple Heart City in the state. More than 3,600 Purple Heart recipients reside in Oklahoma.
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