LAWTON, OK — Earlier today, executives from Aeon and Firehawk Aerospace were joined by FISTA CEO Dr. Krista Ratliff, representatives from U.S. Rep. Tom Cole’s (OK-04) and U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s (R-OK) offices, and leaders from Fort Sill at the FISTA Innovation Park in Central Plaza for the presentation of a $50,000 grant to the FISTA Foundation to establish a new scholarship program for students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
“We are incredibly grateful to Aeon and Firehawk for their generous support in launching our scholarship fund,” said Dr. Krista Ratliff, CEO of FISTA. “Their investment reflects a shared belief in the power of hands-on STEM education and the impact it can have on the future of our community. Through this partnership, we hope to inspire and equip young innovators with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed—right here in Lawton-Fort Sill.”
The new endowment will grant scholarships to students eager to explore STEM-related activities and programs offered by FISTA and its partners. This effort is part of a broader strategy to make advanced scientific education and career training more accessible in the Lawton area.
“I’m grateful for the generous donors who supported my community youth programs growing up. It’s an honor to now pay it forward to the next generation,” said Naweed Tahmas, Founder and CEO of Aeon. “We’re excited to work with Representative Cole, Senator Mullin, Firehawk, and FISTA to support new STEM opportunities. This grant will be the first of many larger ones to come.”
“We believe it is vital to invest in the next generation of innovators,” said Will Edwards, cofounder and CEO of Firehawk Aerospace. “By partnering with Aeon and FISTA, we can help remove barriers for students in Lawton-Fort Sill and spark an enduring passion for science and technology. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders in the STEM fields and will shape the future of our country.”
Representatives from the offices of Oklahoma’s Congressional delegation were on hand to take part in the event.
“I am thrilled to see Aeon and Firehawk investing in the future of our community,” said U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04). “Their investment will not only help aspiring students pursue their interests in STEM, but it also strengthens Lawton’s position as a growing hub for innovation and education. By
fostering these opportunities here at home, we are laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth and a brighter future for all of Southwest Oklahoma.”
“I applaud Firehawk, Aeon, and FISTA for their commitment to empowering Oklahoma students through this critical scholarship fund,” said U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). “By investing in our youth and equipping them with valuable STEM skills, we are fostering an environment where innovation can flourish and Lawton-Fort Sill and the entire state of Oklahoma continue to lead in developing the skilled workforce that keeps our nation competitive.”
FISTA recently brought on a STEM coordinator and has already begun building a dedicated STEM Lab within the Innovation Park to give high school and college students hands-on learning experiences. Meanwhile, the City of Lawton is planning a “Discovery Lab” for younger children. Both facilities are to be located in the FISTA Innovation Park in Central Plaza, under the direction of the FISTA Innovation Park.
Firehawk, which is based in Dallas, Texas, opened an office in the FISTA Innovation park in May of 2024. FISTA welcomed Austin-based Aeon to the Innovation Park in December of 2024.
About Aeon
Aeon is a defense technology company specializing in the rapid development and manufacturing of advanced tactical weapon systems. Founded by veterans and senior missile engineers, Aeon leverages deep operational experience and technical expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions in months, not years, ensuring that American and allied warfighters always maintain a decisive edge.
About Firehawk Aerospace
Firehawk is a rocket engine design and manufacturing company that enables the next generation of aerospace and defense systems with engines built for performance, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and founded in 2019 by Ronald Jones, Will Edwards, and Steve Edwards, Firehawk’s 3D-UltraTM Hybrid Rocket Engine follows a streamlined and scalable design process that shortens production times, reduces cost by up to 90 percent, and leverages additive manufacturing in unique ways. Firehawk manufactures its product at their Dallas headquarters and performs static fire and flight tests of its rocket engines at two facilities in West Texas, including a 30-square-mile launch range.
About FISTA Foundation
The FISTA Foundation, an initiative of the FISTA Innovation Park, is a beacon of hope and progress in Southwest Oklahoma. Our mission is to foster a brighter future through our dedicated support of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, community engagement, and uplifting the underserved segments of our society.