News from the Oklahoma National Guard

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

Laurence “Sparky” Rector , a World War II veteran of the 45th Infantry Division, speaks to 100 people attending his 100th birthday party in Mexico, N.Y., May 27, 2023. Rector fought through Europe with the Oklahoma National Guard unit 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, dons his protective gear during a training exercise in Weatherford, Oklahoma, May 23, 2023. 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

Families and friends of Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment sit and wait as their loved ones prepare for a live-fire demonstration using M119 and M777 howitzers on May 20, 2023 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The live-fire event was a family day hosted by the artillery unit as a way to strengthen the bonds between the 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

Col. Lindy I. White, divison chief, health and wellness, delivers opening remarks during the Oklahoma National Guard Health and Wellness Event at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Norman, Okla., 09 May, 2023. The health and wellness event focused on the five pillars of health; physical, occupational, social, spiritual and financial wellness. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mireille Merilice-Roberts)

Brig. Gen. Harrison retires
May 11, 2023 — Brigadier General Harrison hung up his uniform on May 6, 2023, after a moving retirement ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Lexington, Oklahoma, after 39 years of service... MORE

Maj. Gen. Thomas Mancino (left), adjutant general for Oklahoma, and Brig. Gen. Jon Harrison, former assistant adjutant general, pose at Harrison’s retirement ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Lexington, Oklahoma, May 6, 2023. Harrison built a distinguished career over the course of 39 years and earned many awards for his service, including the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

146th ASOS trains under new mission set
May 10, 2023 — Tactical air control party specialists with the 146th Air Support Operations Squadron performed familiarization training for a new career field mission set at Fort Sill, Okla., May 10, 2023. The TACP Airmen conducted land navigation across rugged terrain to a broad area of land where they performed reconnaissance operations that would help develop intelligence on strategic level threats for the air component commander... MORE

An Airman crosses through a field of grass

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