News from the Oklahoma National Guard

219th Engineering Installation Squadron Stays Mission Ready With Tower Rescue Training
June 6, 2023 — The 219th Engineering Installation Squadron, 138th Fighter Wing recently conducted tower rescue training, a crucial aspect of their mission preparedness... MORE

Cable and antenna system technician Airmen with the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron watch as their colleagues scale an antenna tower at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla., June 3, 2023. This training is crucial to the wing mission to ensure Airmen safety and preparedness for future missions. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Airman 1st Class Addison Barnes Released)

137th SOW Airmen unite for wing change of command
June 4, 2023 — Nearly 1,200 Airmen gathered for a change of command ceremony at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City June 3, 2023. Col. Christopher Gries, 137th SOW outgoing commander, passed the authorities and responsibilities of the wing to the 19th and current wing commander Col. Jason Davis... MORE

a crowd of airmen stand in orderly formation for a change of command

137th SOCF redesignated as squadron
May 31, 2023 — The 137th Special Operations Communications Flight was redesignated as a squadron May 7, 2023, during a ceremony held at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City... MORE

two people hold out guidons during a ceremony with onlookers

WWII Thunderbird turns 100
May 30, 2023 — The village of Mexico said happy 100th birthday on May 27, 2023 to Laurence “Sparky” Rector, a World War II veteran who fought with the Oklahoma National Guard’s 45th Infantry Division. One hundred people gathered at Mexico’s VFW Post 369 to celebrate his military service and his life at home over the Memorial Day weekend. Rector, who turned 100 on Memorial Day, also served as the grand marshal of Mexico’s Memorial Day Parade... MORE

The custom box presented to Laurence “Sparky” Rector, a World War II veteran of the 45th Infantry Division at his 100th birthday party in Mexico, N.Y., on May 27, presented by the Oklahoma Army National Guard's 45th Infantry Brigade. Rector fought through Europe with the 45th Division and went on to be a successful wrestling coach and a beloved member of his community after the war. (New York National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Gunther)

OKGuard Recruiting to offer ASVAB prep courses
May 30, 2023 — The Oklahoma Army National Guard will be offering Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery preparation courses led by education professionals... MORE

Oklahoma Guard’s Civil Support Team assists local first responders in full-scale exercise
May 26, 2023 — In a joint effort to enhance emergency response capabilities, the Oklahoma National Guard's 63rd Civil Support Team collaborated with local first responders during a full-scale exercise held in Custer and Washita County and the City of Weatherford, May 23-25, 2023... MORE

Oklahoma Army National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Willard Casey, member of the 63rd Civil Support Team, examines possible hazardous material during a training exercise May 23, 2023 in Weatherford, Oklahoma. In a joint effort to enhance emergency response capabilities, the Oklahoma National Guard's 63rd CST collaborated with local first responders during a full-scale exercise held in Custer and Washita County and the City of Weatherford, May 23-25, 2023. The comprehensive exercise provided an invaluable opportunity for all participants to enhance their coordination, communication, and response capabilities. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Leanna Maschino)

1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment hosts 2nd Annual family day, live-fire demonstration
May 24, 2023 — Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team hosted their second annual family day and live-fire demonstration during the battalion’s annual training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, May 20... MORE

Staff Sgt. Lyndell Shawnee, a member of the 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team shows his three daughters around an M119 howitzer after a family day live-fire demonstration on May 20, 2023 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The event was hosted by his unit in order to strengthen the bonds between the unit’s Soldiers and their families. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Pfc. Anthony Ackah-Mensah)

How the Heck do you run properly
May 24, 2023 — Cpt. Christopher Buck shows our very own Sgt. Reece Heck how proper running form will decrease your running time and prevent long-term injuries... MORE

Thumbnail image for "How the Heck do you run properly" video

TF Tomahawk finishes post mobilization training, departs overseas
May 22, 2023 — Leadership with the Oklahoma National Guard, including Brig. Gen. Colby Wyatt, Col. Brad Carter, Col. Andrew Ballenger and Command Sgt. Maj. John Hernandez, bid farewell to members of Task Force Tomahawk as they officially depart overseas to the Horn of Africa... MORE

Oklahoma NG hosts Wellness Day event
May 17, 2023 — As part of the Oklahoma National Guard's marking of Mental Health Awareness Month, members of the OKNG attended the annual Wellness Day event in Norman, Oklahoma, on May 9, 2023.The event brought together members of the Army and Air National Guard, creating a unique opportunity for collaboration and learning. The focus of the day was centered... MORE