News from the Oklahoma National Guard

Oklahoma National Guard breaks ground on wellness center focused on holistic health
August 14, 2024 — Members of the Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Military Department gathered alongside Flintco Construction at the Oklahoma City Military Complex, Wednesday, August 14, 2024, to break ground on the OKNG’s Wellness Center... MORE

Members of the Oklahoma National Guard, Flintco Construction, and the Oklahoma legislature, including Senators Chuck Hall, Brenda Stanley, and Roger Thompson, as well as Representatives Jason Lowe and Josh West, break ground on the Oklahoma National Guard Wellness Center at the Oklahoma City Military Complex in Oklahoma City, August 14, 2024. When completed, the 32,000-square-foot physical readiness center, constructed by Flintco Construction and designed by Larson Design Group, will replace the previous physical fitness facility located at the Oklahoma City Military Complex and will be open to members of the Oklahoma Air and Army National Guard, Oklahoma Military Department employees, and civilian law enforcement and first responders. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Anthony Jones)

Brig. Gen. Rick Mutchler Retires After Distinguished Service in the Air National Guard
August 7, 2024 — Brig. Gen. Rick L. Mutchler, chief of staff for the Oklahoma Air National Guard, retired in a ceremony held at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, on Aug. 3, 2024... MORE

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, presents U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Rick L. Mutchler, Oklahoma National Guard Chief of Staff-Air, with the Stanley F.H. Newman Award for his exemplary service to the Oklahoma Air National Guard during his retirement ceremony on Aug. 3, 2024, at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City. During the ceremony, Mancino praised Mutchler for his exemplary career and the profound impact he has had on the Airmen of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Carnes)

90th Troop Command welcomes new leader, honors former
August 6, 2024 — Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 90th Troop Command held a change of command ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Lexington, Oklahoma, Aug. 4, 2024, celebrating the end of Col. Robert W. Walker’s tenure and marking the transition of leadership to Col. Steve D. Cheadle... MORE

Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, passes the brigade colors to the incoming commander of 90th Troop Command, Col. Steven D. Cheadle, at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Lexington, Oklahoma, Aug. 4, 2024. The ceremony signifies the transfer of command from outgoing commander Col. Robert W. Walker, to the incoming commander, Col. Steve D. Cheadle. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Connor McBride)

Committed to service: An Oklahoma Guardman's dedication to giving back
August 2, 2024 — Maj. Christopher Buck wears many hats: Soldier in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, vice president of the Oklahoma National Guard Association, hometown board member, camp counselor, volunteer firefighter, church group leader, husband and father, and organ donor... MORE

Close up of Maj. Christopher Buck's nametape.

Will Roger Air National Guard Base receives first AT-802U trainer aircraft
August 2, 2024 — Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, welcomed its first AT-802U trainer aircraft on July 29 following test pilot training at Hurlburt Field, Florida... MORE

The 137th Special Operations Wing welcomes its first AT-802U trainer aircraft at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City, July 29, 2024, following test pilot training at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The AT-802U trainer aircraft will be used to train initial cadre in a representative tail wheel aircraft in preparation for the missionized Armed Overwatch (OA-1K) variant. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall selected WRANGB for the Total Force Integration OA-1K Formal Training Unit. The OA-1K is a low-cost, multirole, rapidly-deployable, small-to-medium size aircraft system to support geographically isolated special operations personnel. The aircraft will perform close air support, precision strike, armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in austere and permissive environments. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Erika Chapa)

700th BSB Soldiers train to operate, defend logistics hub
July 24, 2024 — Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 700th Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, took part in a field exercise at Glenwood Training Area where the logistics Soldiers trained on multiple Soldier skills, July 13-14, 2024... MORE

The Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 700th Brigade Support Battalion sets up a brigade support area at Glenwood Training Area in Midwest City, Oklahoma, July 13, 2024. The 700th BSB used their drill weekend to set up the BSA where they trained on their field crafts, including perimeter security, setting up a mobile kitchen trailer, and various warrior tasks. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Haden Tolbert)

OKGuard’s Thunderbird Challenge Program empowers Oklahoma youth
July 18, 2024 — The Thunderbird Challenge Program, an initiative of the Oklahoma National Guard, is making a significant impact in the lives of at-risk Oklahoma youth by providing tools and opportunities to change their lives for the better... MORE

Art by a Thunderbird Challenge Program cadet hangs on the wall.

Oklahoma ANG F-16s deploy to Polish Air Base for Aviation Detachment Rotation
July 16, 2024 —  Six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Oklahoma, arrived at Łask Air Base, Poland, today, July 16, 2024.The aircraft arrived in preparation for the next 52nd Operations Group Det 1 Aviation Detachment Rotation beginning July 24.R)... MORE

Six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Oklahoma, will began operations at Łask Air Base, Poland

138th Fighter Wing wins prestigious Disney Award
June 25, 2024 — The 138th Force Support Squadron services flight won the Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Disney Award for their exemplary nature in food service in the Air National Guard on March 14, 2024... MORE

138th Fighter Wing Services Flight, October 14, 2023, at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla. Services Flight is responsible for planning, preparing, and cooking meals for Airmen. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring they are nutritious, balanced, and meet Air Force standards. (Oklahoma Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. C.T. Michael)

45th Field Artillery Brigade holds change of command
June 20, 2024 — The Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 45th Field Artillery Brigade held a change of command ceremony at the Mustang Armed Forces Reserve Center in Mustang, Oklahoma, June 15, 2024, signifying the end of Col. Johnnie Dale Moss’ tenure and welcoming Lt. Col. William Kale Rogers as the new commander... MORE

Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, passes the brigade colors to Lt. Col. William Kale Rogers, incoming commander of the 45th Field Artillery Brigade, Oklahoma Army National Guard during a change of command ceremony held at the Mustang Armed Forces Reserve Center in Mustang, Oklahoma on June 15, 2024. The changing of command signifies the transfer of responsibility from outgoing commander Col. Johnnie Dale Moss, to incoming commander Rogers. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Pfc. Brooklyn Clark)

Video by Sgt. Haden Tolbert

Oklahoma Army National Guard hosts Best Warrior

Oklahoma National Guard

Nov. 9, 2024 | 1:30

Sixteen Soldiers from the Oklahoma Army National Guard competed in the 2025 OKARNG Best Warrior Competition at Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma, Nov. 6-8, 2024.

At the conclusion of the competition, Spc. Juan Lopez, a resident of Stillwater, Oklahoma assigned to the 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team as a signal operations support specialist, won the title of Soldier of the Year, while Sgt. James Bording, a resident of Claremore, Oklahoma assigned to the 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th IBCT as an infantryman, was awarded the title of Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. (Oklahoma National Guard Video by Sgt. Haden Tolbert)

CG:
00:23:15
Command Sgt. Maj. John Hernandez
Command Sgt. Maj. for Oklahoma

00:38:14
Spc. Juan Lopez
2025 Soldier of the Year

00:46:23
Sgt. James Bording
2025 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year