McAlester News-Capital, McAlester, OK

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July 3, 2009

Oilfield appreciation day set for July 10

By Marketta Johnson

According to Tom Beddow, coordinator for the Oil Patch Chaplains, the oil and gas industry has been a economic blessing for southeastern Oklahoma; however, because of the world economy, the boom has turned into a bust.

Beddow believes the fact that is most overlooked is the economic hardship that has been placed on employees of the energy industry and related service companies.

Many of these employees have been laid off and others have had their wages reduced. Others have been forced to take lower paying positions just to keep their jobs.

With this in mind, an event has been organized to show appreciation for the industry personnel and their families and to provide resources for those that are experiencing financial difficulties because of lower wages or unemployment.

An Oilfield Appreciation Day and Resource Fair is scheduled for July 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Southeast Expo Center. This event is for all current and unemployed energy industry personnel and their families.

According to Beddow, barbecue brisket with all of the trimmings will be served, along with homemade dessert.

The meal will be prepared by Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief in cooking trailers. The desserts will be provided by members of First Baptist Church.

Wal-Mart gift cards will be given as door prizes throughout the day.

Candlewood Suites made a donation, as well.

In addition to this, representatives from state agencies, free medical and pharmacy clinics, educational institutions, churches, and other faith based ministries will be present to assist people in learning about many valuable resources that may be available to help them during times of financial crisis, according to Beddow.

Resource agencies and ministries include the Department of Human Services, Workforce Oklahoma, health department, for southeast Oklahoma free medical and pharmacy clinics, Caring Hands Community Health Center, Shared Blessings, First Baptist Church clothing and food ministry, Kiamichi Technology Center, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Angel Food Network and Briggs Printing with Resumes to Go.

This event has been organized by the missions committee of First Baptist Church of McAlester in partnership with Oil Patch Chaplains, a ministry to the oil and gas industry, of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.

Beddow is proud that so many state and local organizations have chosen to get involved to support this industry.

Sponsors of this event are Big Mac Tank Trucks, Bronco Drilling Company, BS and W Solutions, Flow Testing and Goober Drilling Company.

For more information contact Tom Beddow at 580-421-6582 or visit www.bgco/oilpatch.

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