EDMOND, Okla.  –   Friends, family and fellow Guardsmen gathered to celebrate Lt. Col. Casey Reed, operations officer with the Oklahoma National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, who promoted to the rank of colonel in a ceremony held at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Dec. 4, 2021.

Maj. Gen. Michael C. Thompson, Special Assistant to Chief National Guard Bureau, presided over the ceremony. Thompson reflected on his time working with Reed and his current accomplishment.
“Right now it a critically important time for the National Guard,” said Thompson. “Promoting someone like Casey Reed is exactly the kind of senior leader that we need in the Oklahoma National Guard.”

During the pinning ceremony Reed was joined on stage by his father retired Command Sgt. Maj. Morgan Reed, his father-in-law, retired Navy Capt. Gene Davis, and his son and daughter, Berkeley and Hayden Reed.
Immediately following the pinning ceremony Reed reaffirmed his oath of office.

Reed recognized distinguished guests in attendance at the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Thomas Mancino, the adjutant general, and Brig. Gen. Jon Harrison, director of the joint staff, and thanked them for their mentorship and leadership.
He also recognized the contributions of friends, families and staff members on his journey to success.

In his speech, Reed highlighted his wife Julia’s contributions and dedication as part of the success of his promotion.

“This is our promotion, Reed said. “This isn’t mine, it ours.”

Reed directed his final words to fellow Guardsmen and emphasized the importance of building a tribe and feeling necessary.

“The modern society has done well with the art of making people feel unnecessary,” Reed said. “I think when you have a sense of belonging and ownership with your tribe you feel necessary.”

Reed has served for 35 years, including 26 years of commissioned service as an infantry officer. He has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan and received multiple awards in his military career, to include the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster.