News from the Oklahoma National Guard

OKNG RTI first in nation to use female mannequins for medical training
October 19, 2023 — The Oklahoma National Guard's Regional Training Institute is the first National Guard RTI in the nation to field female mannequins to prepare military medics and first responders better to treat female trauma patients. ... MORE

63rd Civil Support Team trains with first responders from across the state
October 19, 2023 — In a weeklong operational readiness exercise, the Oklahoma National Guard's 63rd Civil Support Team with Task Force One and various first responders from across the state honed their search and rescue skills recently... MORE

A member of the Oklahoma National Guard’s 63rd Civil Support Team, Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Poland, constructs a solid sole raker that would hold a wall in place when damaged, during a collapsed building exercise at the Edmond Fire Training Center, Edmond, Oklahoma, October 4, 2023. This simulation is part of a biennial weeklong operational readiness exercise, designed to ensure local first responders maintain preparedness and familiarity with one another. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Reece Heck)

COMAFSOC visits 137th Citizen Air Commandos
October 18, 2023 — U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Green, command chief of AFSOC, were introduced to the Air Commandos of the 137th Special Operations Wing during a visit Oct. 15, 2023... MORE

Airmen observe a group of people clearing debris during training

CMSAF underscores need for 137th SOW multi-capable Airmen
October 16, 2023 — Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass saw firsthand how Citizen Airmen with the 137th Special Operations Wing set the Oklahoma Standard across the force during a visit to Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City, Oct. 12, 2023... MORE

137th AES trains for the first time on KC-46 refueling aircraft
October 12, 2023 — Members of the 137th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 156th AES completed initial certifications for operations on the KC-46A Pegasus Sept. 15-17, 2023, at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City. A total of 25 Airmen participated in 35 aircraft and survival scenarios and 20 different medical scenarios, but also provided consistent care to simulated patients during three flyovers conducted by the 22d Air Refueling Wing aircraft... MORE

A simulated patient has a pulse oximeter put on their finger to measure oxygen saturation levels

'King of Battle' shows power of artillery
September 28, 2023 — Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers exercised the "King of Battle" during a series of live-fire training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Sept. 15-17, 2023. ... MORE

An Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Field Artillery Brigade, rides in a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during a live-fire training exercise at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Sept. 16, 2023. The regiment conducts live-fire training exercises several times a year to maintain the proficiency and readiness of its Soldiers and equipment. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

OK Army Guard Soldiers compete in the Sergeant Major's and Governor's Twenty Marksmanship Competition
September 28, 2023 — The Oklahoma Army National Guard’s top marksmen were locked, loaded and aimed for excellence for the Sergeant Major’s Match and Governor’s Twenty marksmanship competition, Sept. 14-17... MORE

Capt. Erik Mortenson, commander of A Troop, 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard, fires at silhouette targets with his M17 pistol during the Sergeant Major’s Match and Governor’s Twenty Marksman Competition at Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma, Sept. 14, 2023. The Sergeant Major’s Match and Governor’s Twenty bring together Soldiers from across the state and tests their weapons skills to earn the coveted Governor’s Twenty tab. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Tyler Brahic).

Oklahoma Army National Guard holds first Wildland Firefighting Course
September 21, 2023 — Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers braved the sweltering summer heat and completed the Oklahoma Army National Guard's first-ever Wildland Firefighting course held at Camp Gruber Training Center, Aug. 21-25, 2023... MORE

Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers light a backfire during the Wildland Firefighting Course at Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma, Aug. 21, 2023. Soldiers volunteered for the course to earn their Red Card Certification and have the knowledge and experience to respond to wildfire incidents both in state and around the nation. (Oklahoma Army National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

Oklahoma National Guard members conclude border support mission
August 31, 2023 — Fifty Oklahoma National Guard members who deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border in support of the Texas Military Department’s Operation Lone Star returned to Oklahoma on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023... MORE

Oklahoma Army National Guardsman, Spc. Evann Paulsen, member of 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, performs border operations along the Rio Grande in El Paso, Texas, August 16, 2023. Approximately 50 Soldiers and Airmen are assisting the Texas National Guard with border security by manning security points to identify and alert local law enforcement of any illegal immigrant or drug trafficking activities. The deployment is expected to last through the end of August with a follow-on deployment of an additional 50 Soldiers and Airmen sometime in 2024. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Reece Heck)

OK Guard deploys helicopter and crew to battle wildfires in Louisiana
August 25, 2023 — The Oklahoma National Guard deployed one CH-47 Chinook helicopter and five aircrew members to Louisiana today to battle wildfires there. ... MORE

An Oklahoma Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter crew fills a water bucket during wildfire fighting training in August 2015. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Bruce)

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