General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute & Museum

The General Tommy Franks Museum is housed in a National Historic building in downtown Hobart, OK. It is one of only two military museums in the state of Oklahoma that charges no admission fee to any visitor. We have a collection catalog with over 7,000 objects, photographs, and archives and is the official archives for General Tommy R. Franks and his time as Commander in Chief at US Central Command from 2000-2003. Our unique exhibits tell the story of the United States military through the life of General Franks, with interactive exhibits that span from WWII to present day. The museum showcases what is believed to be the largest permanent 9/11 exhibit west of the Mississippi as well a temporary exhibit room, where traveling military and leadership exhibits with national significance are on temporary display. As part of the museum. The museum also houses a large taxidermy collection of various species from every continent and an extensive military, political and historical collection of books in the historic Stanley building in Hobart.

The Mobile Roadshow and Classroom is an educational program that tours the United States going to various educational institutions free of charge, and to other private, civic and military events for a small fee. The mobile exhibit is a cultural story of General and Mrs. Franks travels throughout various countries in the middle east. The educational curriculum is based on Oklahoma middle school geography; however, the trained educator that travels with the exhibit showcases differences and similarities in cultures throughout the region compared to that of our in the United States. The program is used as a tool to teach children even though differences may exist in cultures, all individuals deserve respect as humans, no matter their upbringing. Educational exercises are provided for children to find commonalties to build relationships from and grow respect from.

The Midland Young Leaders Challenge with General Tommy Franks is a yearly summer program with a competitive application process, which selects 30 of the top high school junior leaders from Midland County, Texas. The 2-day program gives students the opportunity to speak directly with leaders from an array of backgrounds, hone their persuasive speaking skills and learn practical leadership skills based on the four core principles of leadership General Franks honed during his 38-year military career: Character, Common Vision, Character and Caring.

Inspired Leadership is an interactive learning program that further develops young and established leaders from the core principles of leadership in which General Tommy Franks honed during his 38-year military career: Character, Communication, Common Vision and Caring. Each session engages participants through illustrations, videos, activities, and interactive exercises which further develop the participants ability to understand and practice servant leadership.

Understanding Community Understanding is an optional program four star leadership participants are given to further build leadership skills. During the weeklong four star leadership program, students are taught practical skills servant leaders use to help create change in their local communities. Students are challenged to find a problem in their local area, communities, or school that they are passionate about and create a project that will have the ability to create lasting change. The program helps young leaders identify issues, ask questions, get perspectives, and develop a clear understanding of the issues that citizens face in their communities.