The Place:
Sanders Stables sits at the junction of Hunt, Babcock, and Burrill Roads. It houses the 2nd Battalion 2nd Field Artillery Regimental mascots. Big Duece is a mule and Short Round is a goat. There is a plaque and three large stone markers decribing the unit and the person in which it is named. Additionally, when the mascots die, they are buried in the Mascot Cemetery
Plaque reads:
SGM John L. Sanders
July 13, 1928 - May 7, 2013
"Sanders Stables"
SGM John Sanders served as the Sergeant Major of the 2nd Battalion 2nd Field Artillery from 1956-1959. He is credited with the purchase of the battalion's first mascot "Big Deuce". Big Deuce is a living symbol of the unit's rich history and a source of pride for all Mule Soldiers. In an effort to boost morale the decision was made to reproduce the unit crest, a mule with a mountain gun. The order was given to SGM Sanders, "Sergeant Major, I want an ass!" Like any good Mule Soldier, SGM Sanders received the order and executed.
SGM Sanders spent 23 years on active duty in service to his country. He defended Germany during the Cold War and during the Berlin Crisis, and he stood in defense of the U.S.A. during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His life and career are an embodiment of pride, motivation, competence, and discipline.
The Person:
Biography:
SGM John L. Sanders enlisted in the Air Force in 1945 at the age of seventeen. In 1947 he re-enlisted in the 82nd Airborne Division. He volunteered for service in the 187th Regimental Combat Team Korea. In 1953 he was assigned to the United Nations Command Military Support Group overseeing prisoner exchanges.
He reported to Fort Sill as the 1SG of the 2nd Howitzer Battalion 2nd Artillery. He also served as Battalion Sergeant Major from 1956 to 1959. In late 1959 he served in Germany with A Battery 12th Artillery. Over the course of this 3 month assignment he would witness the construction of the Berlin Wall. In 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis, he was sent to Fort Stewart GA with the 73rd Field Artillery.
In 1966, he returned to Fort Sill as Sergeant Major of the Gunnery Department for what was formerly known as the United States Army Artillery and Missile School. SGM Sanders retired in 1968. He remained active in the Lawton-Fort Sill community and served with the Lawton Civil Defense for 15 years.
His awards and decorations include the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the UN Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Senior Parachutist Badge.
Obituary:
SGM John Loyd Sanders, USA (Ret.) was born on July 13, 1928 in Marietta, OK to William B. and Amber (Brown) Sanders. He died on May 7, 2013 in Duncan, OK at the age of 84. John was raised and attended school in Marietta, OK. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps shortly after his 17th birthday in hopes of contributing to the war effort. At the end of his enlistment, John left the Air Corps, married the love of his life, and re-enlisted in the US Army. He served over 20 years working in field artillery with over 6 of those years specializing in chemical warfare; earned his Parachute/ Glider Badge and Senior Parachutist Badge while attached to the 82nd Airborne, and was awarded numerous additional medals and ribbons which included the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal w/Bronze Star, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Commendation Medal 2nd Award, Good Conduct Medal w/Silver Clasp & 2 Loops, National Defense Service Medal w/OLC, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, a Letter of Commendation, and Expert Gunner, Carbine and Rifle certification. John retired from the Army in 1968 with the rank of Sergeant Major(P) which in today's Army would be a Command Sergeant Major. After leaving the military, John held positions with the Comanche County Sheriff's Department, US Marshal Service, and eventually retired from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. His hobbies included riding his Harley, riding and raising horses, and occasionally "stretching the truth". John belonged to several organizations through the years, was currently a member of Mt. Scott Masonic Lodge and a 32nd Degree Mason for the last 54 years, Lawton Rangers, and a lifetime member of the NRA. John was a man of high morals and strong family values. He loved his wife of 66 years, Loretta, and raised his son to be loyal to his country and true to his family and himself. John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clinton, Allan and Eddy Sanders; and sisters, Jean Headrick, Billie Barfield and Merle Fincher. Survivors include his wife Loretta; son, Mike Sanders and wife Tonya of Lawton; granddaughter, Amanda Ogle and husband Greg Hightower of Elgin; great grandchildren, Kayden Stedman, Rylan Stedman, Spencer Hightower, Brady Hightower and Sadie Hightower, all of Elgin; sisters, Pauline Hoyler of Dimmitt, TX, and Jessie Lee Orr of Tulia, TX; brothers, Eldon Sanders and wife Florene of Levelland, TX and James Sanders and wife Pat of Tulia, TX; very special neighbors and friends, Bill and Michele Scott and their daughters of Marlow, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.