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Olin Branstetter: Always There for You By Billy Krier

Unlike the daily media coverage of national and urban politics, municipal policymaking in the countrys rural heartland is hardly ever publicized coast-to-coast, allowing the curiosity of future generations to uncover hidden anecdotes. Hence, theres surely to be countless of untold legacies embracing honorable accounts of political self-sacrifice for the basis of the common good as John F. Kennedy had described (Kennedy). However, on occasion, a tragic development of events magnifies the ripples of a small story across oceans. For instance, on November 17, 2011, a single-engine stock airplane crashed near Little Rock, Arkansas. Four lives of well-respected members of supportive communities were unfortunately claimed. Among them were the head and assistant coaches of the Oklahoma State University womens basketball team, and former state Senator of Oklahoma Olin Branstetter and his wife Paula (KHBS). Many mourned their dreadful deaths, yet many also arose to the opportunity to celebrate the courageous life Branstetter lived as an avid pilot, dedicated politician, and heroic patron, keeping his remarkable bravery alive that had previously survived tragedies in multiple arenas. Olin Branstetter had a well varied professional career. After graduating with an agricultural degree from OSU in 1952, he served in the Korean War during his 12-year stint in the U.S. Army Reserves and later the Oklahoma National Guard. He then pursued occupations as a businessman in real estate, insurance, and independent oil production (McNutt 1); which was quite ironic for an old man so admired by common folk. Though, a former colleague, state Senator Charles Ford, a Tulsa Republican who served with Branstetter, compliments, "He was just a gem, a guy that was always well dedicated to his work. (KHBS) In between, he would relax with his hobby of flight in his personal plane. Both he and his wife, who resided in Ponca City, Oklahoma, are accomplished and qualified safe pilots fueled with

enough passion to have flown over the magnetic North Pole. They sure did fly quite often, helping coaches with recruiting trips, etc.; Olin even flew once to breakfast (McNutt 2). Although his unfortunate demise will be remembered with respect to his fearless love of flight, his legacy will endure and be remembered in honor of his political fearlessness as well. As a very renowned and proud citizen of his state of Oklahoma, Branstetter chose to campaign for state Senator representing Alfalfa, Garfield, Grant, Kay and Woods counties (Worlds). His election was victorious, but his seat was short lived, from 1987 to 1991, after his defeat for reelection (AP). Why would a man whose personality charmed and pleased both aisles, among the Republicans and Democrats (as quoted by former Senator Norman Lamb, a Republican from Enid who served two years with Branstetter) be extinguished after one term? (McNutt 2) Well, in 1991, not far from reelection, Branstetter was the lone wolf Republican to vote for the historic education reform and revenue act known as House Bill 1017 (Worlds). More specifically, the bill would reform directly relating to student performance programs, courses, and technology; teacher compensation and training; school accountability and structure; and funding issues (Chance). With majority, the liberal Democrats obviously voted for the reform, ultimately securing the legislation anyways. On the contrary, since Republican platforms commonly favor conservative views, the party and Branstetters constituents would have expected him to vote against the educational reform. How much did the Oklahoma state senator have to lose then to go ahead with such a controversial vote? Generally speaking, the common consequence of such a movement against party affiliation usually results in political suicide, therefore, his seat in the state Senate (Kennedy). Actually, in attempt to comprehend the motive of his action, state senator Branstetter hadnt anything to lose but rather much to maintain. The Oklahoman was only a typical man popularly elected to represent his fellow citizens and to serve justly for the states public good. With only a normal reputation and not of one desiring fame, power, or glory, he already understood the true meaning of representation. He was fond of the

obligation and character a representative needed to fulfill. He also knew such a fulfillment requires philosophies of the independent thinking he exhibited and the strength he displayed to not fall short by just robotically following suite. For those reasons, his conscience boldly chose to conserve the essence of his basic morals of altruism instead of his partys conventional policy; while respecting the public opinion for his political death. Thus, his early exit is undoubtedly explained by his demonstration of political courage: unnoticed and disrespected among present peers, yet praised and dignified among later admirers-much often too late, as with his situation and vocation. For example, his dauntless stand posthumously gained political praise by former Democratic state Senator Penny Williams of Tulsa (Worlds); indirectly making another plea for more self-sacrifice via political courage in even higher arenas. Yet, the commemorations of his passing dont end with the remembrance of a daredevil in the Artic or a maverick in politics, but as an angel always by troubled sides. In his post political adventures, Olin Branstetter contributed his hobby of flight to saving and helping others, like he intended to do educationally in the policymaking realm. With his wife, they frequently conducted angel flights for a non-profit organization with his plane transporting cancer patients from the area to hospitals around the country, as quoted by Ponca City Airport Manager Don Nuzman (KHBS); for such a hobby, bravery is clearly mandatory amongst the threat of failure. In addition, as an indirect representation of the beneficial cause he intended but was never commended for when voting for education reform, he established the Paula G. Branstetter Aviation Scholarship at OSU in his wife's honor, aiding those motivated for mindful independence. Finally, in paying tribute to the couples lives, their friends commented, If anybody had a need, it seemed the Branstetters were always there for you [whether if it was for the right political choice, cancer patient, or ordinary issue]. They were wonderful people. (McNutt 2) And so, the lost tale of Oklahomas fearless champion for courageous consciousness, public education, and the common good has been found.

Works Cited

Associated Press. Former state senator killed in plane crash. Web. 2 Jan 2013. http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Former-state-senator-killed-in-planecrash/Enu0tRexQkiPe39B7FE9BA.cspx Chance, Edward W., THE IMPACT OF OKLAHOMA HOUSE BILL 1017 ON RURAL EDUCATION: A STUDY OF SELECTED SCHOOLS. Norman, OK: The University of Oklahoma. November 1992. Pdf. Kennedy, John F., Caroline Kennedy, and Robert F. Kennedy. Profiles in Courage. New York: Perennial/HarperCollins, 2006. Print. KHBS. Former Okla. State Senator, Wife Among 4 Killed Olin, Paula Branstetter Killed In Crash That Killed 2 OSU Coaches. Web. 2 Jan 2013. http://www.4029tv.com/Former-Okla-State-SenatorWife-Among-4-Killed/-/8898190/14702846/-/hgd4q0z/-/index.html McNutt, Michael. Ponca City couple killed in crash remembered as avid pilots, community supporters. NewsOK. Web. 2 Jan 2013. http://newsok.com/ponca-city-couple-killed-in-crash-rememberedas-avid-pilots-community-supporters/article/3624695/?page=1 McNutt, Michael. Ponca City couple killed in crash remembered as avid pilots, community supporters. NewsOK. Web. 2 Jan 2013. http://newsok.com/ponca-city-couple-killed-in-crash-rememberedas-avid-pilots-community-supporters/article/3624695/?page=2

Worlds Editorial Writers. Olin Branstetter was a man of political courage. Tulsa World. Web. 2 Jan 2013.http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/article.aspx?subjectid=61&articleid=20111123_61_A 18_OlinBr121687

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