News from the Oklahoma National Guard

Adjutant General's message: Dec. 9, 2021
December 9, 2021 — Oklahoma Guard Family, I owe you an update on the latest news concerning the DoD COVID-19 vaccine mandate, specifically the new guidance from the Secretary of the Air Force. First let me stress again, that as the Governor has repeatedly said, this is an issue of personal responsibility:Personal responsibility necessitates you educate yourself,... MORE

137th SOW hosts CANSOFCOM aircrew for MC-12W training
December 8, 2021 — Members of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) participated in the first-ever Manned Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Fundamentals Course held by the 137th Special Operations Group (SOG), Aug. 2-Oct. 25, 2021, at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City... MORE

two pilots and the view from the cockpit

Lt. Col. Casey Reed promoted to colonel
December 7, 2021 — 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... MORE

Lt. Col. Casey Reed, deputy chief of staff for operations with the Oklahoma Army National Guard, stands as he is pinned the rank of colonel by his father, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Morgan Reed, and his father-in-law, retired Navy Capt. Gene Davis, at his promotion ceremony held at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Dec. 4, 2021. Reed has served for 35 years, including 26 years of commissioned service as an infantry officer. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

Oklahoma Air National Guard pilot receives Distinguished Flying Cross
December 7, 2021 — The Oklahoma Air National Guard held a ceremony Sunday, December 5th, celebrating the heroic airborne acts of Lt. Col. Michael Coloney during a Taliban attack on U.S. and Afghan Special Forces in Afghanistan on April 30, 2018. ... MORE

Retired Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt III, former Director of the Air National Guard, presents Lt. Col. Mike Coloney, 125th Fighter Squadron director of operations, the Distinguished Flying Cross Dec. 5, 2021. The actions Coloney took on April 30, 2018 over the skies of Afghanistan saved countless lives and earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by A1C Allen Tyler/Released)

Oklahoma Guardsman donates kidney to retiree, friend
November 23, 2021 — A little over a year ago, Capt. Christopher Buck, a member of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, had a life-changing decision in front of him; a decision that would save his friend's life... MORE

137 SOW exercises Mission Sustainment Teams, develops multi-capable Airmen for tomorrow’s fight
November 18, 2021 — Fifty-five Airmen from five squadrons began Mission Sustainment Team (MST) training, which will create multi-capable Airmen ready to sustain livable conditions in deployed environments Nov. 5-7, 2021, in Oklahoma City... MORE

Statement on COVID vaccination policy
November 13, 2021 — The Oklahoma National Guard released a statement today concerning their policy on COVID vaccination mandates for the Soldiers and Airmen in their formations. At the direction of Governor Kevin Stitt, Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, the adjutant general for Oklahoma, issued updated COVID-19 vaccine policy for the Oklahoma National Guard... MORE

Governor Stitt Names New Adjutant General for Oklahoma
November 10, 2021 — Governor Kevin Stitt today named Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino as The Adjutant General for Oklahoma and commander of the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard... MORE

Official portrait of Brig. Gen. Tommy Mancino.

TF Liberty ground transportation crew is pulling their weight
October 28, 2021 — Members of Task Force Liberty Ground Transportation work daily to transport passengers and cargo around Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, in support of Operation Allies Welcome... MORE

Airmen posing for group photo in front of vehicles and heavy equipment

Oklahoma National Guard honors fallen WWII Citizen-Soldiers
October 27, 2021 — Members of the Oklahoma National Guard recently traveled to Epinal, France to learn about the history of the 45th Infantry Division in World War II and to honor the Citizen-Soldiers who gave their lives to liberate Epinal from Nazi occupation more than 70 years ago... MORE

Maj. Gen. Michael Thompson, adjutant general for Oklahoma, poses with members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard around a newly dedicated memorial in Epinal, France honoring the members of the 45th Infantry Division who gave their lives while liberating France in World War II. (Photo provided by Mrs. Debbie Thompson)

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