News from the Oklahoma National Guard

90th Troop Command welcomes new senior enlisted leader
March 18, 2025 — Soldiers assigned to 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Solis as the brigade's new senior enlisted leader, and honored outgoing command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Railyn Silva, during a ceremony at Camp Gruber Training Center, March 1, 2025.Silva served as the brigade's senior enlisted... MORE

Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Solis, the incoming command sergeant major for 90th Troop Command, salutes the flag during the playing of the national anthem during a change of responsibility ceremony at Camp Gruber Training Center Saturday, March 1, 2025. The ceremony signifies the transfer of responsibility from outgoing command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Railyn Sanderson to Solis.

“I'm a troop Soldier, so I like to be out there,” said Solis. “I like to see what everybody is doing. So just be prepared. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do.”

(Oklahoma National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Bradley Cooney)

OKGuard, SWOSU, Weatherford sign agreements fostering greater cooperation
March 14, 2025 — Leadership with the Oklahoma National Guard, the city of Weatherford and Southwestern Oklahoma State University sign new agreements, building on years of shared commitment. Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, signed a memorandum of agreement with SWOSU president, Dr. Diana Lovell, and a memorandum of understanding with Weatherford Mayor Mike Brown, laying the foundation for continued partnership... MORE

(front row, left to right) Mayor Mike Brown, mayor of Weatherford, Oklahoma, Dr. Diana Lovell, Southwestern Oklahoma State University president, and Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, gather after signing agreements at Weatherford city hall in Weatherford, Oklahoma, March 12, 2025. The ceremony celebrated the signing of agreements, fostering cooperation between the city, university and the Oklahoma National Guard. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Tyler Brahic)

SWOSU GOLD Soldiers and student honored for saving fellow student’s life
March 14, 2025 — Four Southwestern Oklahoma State University Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) program officer candidates and one student lifeguard were honored on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, for their heroic actions in saving a fellow GOLD candidate during training on Jan. 28, 2025, in Weatherford, Oklahoma... MORE

Four Southwestern Oklahoma State University Guard Officer Leadership Program Development officer candidates and Statton Mantz, a student lifeguard at SWOSU, pose for a photo with SWOSU President, Dr. Diana Lovell, Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, and Command Sgt. Maj. John Hernandez, the state command sergeant major for Oklahoma, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Weatherford, Oklahoma. The five students were presented with awards for saving the life of a GOLD officer candidate during training. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Tyler Brahic)

Oklahoma Army National Guard enhances artillery readiness with live-fire, air insertion training
March 12, 2025 — Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers demonstrated their ability to rapidly mass troops and equipment during live-fire artillery training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma on March 7-9... MORE

Field artillery Soldiers assigned to Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard, emplace an M777 howitzer during training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, March 7, 2025. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Anthony Jones)

OKGuard mechanics compete for annual Mechanic of the Year
March 5, 2025 — OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Army National Guardsmen gathered to compete for the title of Mechanic of the Year at the Combined Support Maintenance Shop in Norman, Oklahoma, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 and Feb. 26-27, 2025... MORE

Oklahoma Army National Guard member Sgt. David Quinn, a mechanic with a team from Field Maintenance Shop Six, inspects a humvee during the Mechanic of the Year competition held at the Combined Support Maintenance Shop in Norman, Oklahoma, Feb. 26, 2025. The Guardsmen came together for the fourth annual competition, teaming up to showcase their mechanic skills and connect with fellow competitors.(Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

OKGuard flight crew supports Air Force paradrop training
February 21, 2025 — An Oklahoma National Guard flight crew out of the Army Aviation Support Facility #2 in Tulsa, Oklahoma assisted in a joint training paradrop event out of Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas, Jan. 22, 2025. The six members of the flight crew carried Air Commandos from the Air Force Special Operations Command to altitude in a UH-60 Black Hawk, where they conducted... MORE

An Air Force Special Operations Air Commando prepares to land during training at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Area, Arkansas. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

OKGuard Leader Retires after over 30 years of service
February 7, 2025 — Friends, family and fellow Guardsmen gathered at the Norman Armed Forces Reserve Center to celebrate a retirement ceremony for Col. Shane Riley, former director of Unmanned Aerial Systems and Launched Effects Program for the Oklahoma Army National Guard, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025... MORE

Col. Shane Riley speaks during his retirement ceremony, held at the Norman Armed Forces Reserve Center, in Norman Oklahoma, Feb. 1, 2025. Riley’s last assignment was director of Unmanned Aerial Systems and Launched Effects Program for the Oklahoma Army National Guard, and his career spanned 36 years and included four deployments. (Oklahoma National Guard Photo by Spc. Brooklyn Clark)

OKGuard, Air Force conduct joint MEDEVAC training at Tinker AFB
February 5, 2025 — Airmen from the 72nd Air Base Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, teamed up with Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment, 90thTroop Command for a joint medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) training exercise at the Glenwood Training Area, Jan. 28, 2025.During the exercise, combat medics practiced patient... MORE

Crew chiefs assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment, Oklahoma Army National Guard, and Airmen assigned to the 72nd Air Base Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, secure medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) dummies into a UH-60 Black Hawk during a joint training exercise at the Glenwood Training Area in Oklahoma City, Jan. 28, 2025. During the exercise, combat medics from the 72nd Air Base Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, practiced patient stabilization, MEDEVAC calls, and loading procedures while coordinating closely with the OKARNG pilots conducting helicopter insertions in austere environments. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

Heavy maintenance operations keep OKGuard Black Hawks mission-ready
February 4, 2025 — The Black Hawk mechanic’s function is essential to maintaining the performance and safety standards of the aircraft, and includes performing inspections and replacing faulty parts. Their job is an integral part of successfully carrying out missions such as disaster relief and counter-drug operations... MORE

MOS Highlights
15T UH60 Helicopter Repairer

Oklahoma Military Department announces launch of Sooner Job ChalleNGe
February 4, 2025 — The Oklahoma Military Department’s Sooner Job ChalleNGe program is officially underway as students begin classes. The Sooner Job ChalleNGe Program is an optional next step for graduates of the Thunderbird Challenge Program where graduates will have the opportunity to further their success through career readiness and vocational training at Metro Technology Center in Oklahoma City... MORE

Students, or “associates” enrolled in the Oklahoma Military Department’s Sooner Job ChalleNGe in-process at the program’s campus in Oklahoma City, Jan. 28, 2025. The Sooner Job ChalleNGe Program is an optional next step for graduates of the Thunderbird Challenge Program where they will have the opportunity to further their success through career readiness and vocational training at Metro Technology Center in Oklahoma City. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

Video by Spc. Anthony Ackah-Mensah

SWOSU GOLD Soldiers and student honored for saving fellow student’s life

Oklahoma National Guard

March 13, 2025 | 1:22

Four Southwestern Oklahoma State University Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) program officer candidates and one student lifeguard were honored on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, for their heroic actions in saving a fellow GOLD candidate during a training exercise on Jan. 28, 2025, in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Spc. Avrie Nowakowski, Spc. Diego Ortiz, Pfc. Rhyson Golightly, and Spc. Austin May were among the officer candidates who received the Army Achievement Medal for their actions.

Statton Mantz, the student lifeguard involved, received the Thunderbird Medal, the Oklahoma National Guard’s highest award presented to a civilian