News from the Oklahoma National Guard

Oklahoma Guardsman uses skills to help community
July 7, 2020 — Oklahoma Army and Air National Guardsmen, like all Guardsmen, serve on two fronts: one at home and one overseas. For many of those Guardsmen, the Guard’s current part in Oklahoma’s whole-of-government response to COVID-19 is their first state activation here at home. Oklahoma Air National Guard Senior Airman Kaleb Peckham, a water and fuels systems maintainer with the 137th Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron, is one of them. He worked for weeks at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City before transitioning to other needed tasks within the state... MORE

Oklahoma Air National Guard Senior Airman Kaleb Peckham, a water and fuels systems maintainer with the 137th Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron, poses for a photo at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, April 24, 2020. He worked for weeks at the Food Bank before transitioning to other needed tasks within Oklahoma during the state's whole-of-government response to COVID-19. (Oklahoma Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Martin)

Perseverance during trying times turns Liberian into ANG Captain
July 7, 2020 — A journey that began in Liberia as the president of his seventh grade class led to fleeing the country during a civil war and ultimately becoming an officer in the Oklahoma Air National Guard is one of perseverance and determination. This journey is the life of Capt. Robert S. Gaygay, 138th Medical Group preventative health assessment officer in charge, who attributes his success in life to God’s blessing first; followed by his tenacity, humility and positive attitude, which he realizes has been the platform for who he is today. ... MORE

Capt. Robert Gaygay, 138th Medical Group, speaks with Airmen at the Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, April 23, 2020. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, 25 Airmen from the 138th FW are working with the Tulsa Food Bank to provide support including receiving, packing and transporting food, as well as completing inventory food bank supplies. (Oklahoma Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Imwalle)

Video by Leanna Maschino

Exercise Thunderstruck 2.0 Tests Oklahoma Guard's UAS Capabilities

Oklahoma National Guard

Sept. 13, 2025 | 2:13

Package: Members of the Oklahoma National Guard conduct Exercise Thunderstruck 2.0 at Camp Gruber Training Center near Braggs, Oklahoma. The exercise tested concepts for countering an evolving threat environment and drew visitors from across the state and world, including industry leaders, National Guard representatives, active-duty forces, and emergency management officials. Training included a Chinook infill, tactical movement through wooded terrain and clearance of an enemy trench system under simulated multi-domain threats, highlighting the integration of emerging technologies to enhance lethality, improve survivability, and sustain readiness for future conflicts. CG Information: Lt. Col. Brent Hill (00:08-00:14) Director, OKNG UAS/Launched Effects Program Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino (00:28-00:30) The adjutant general for Oklahoma Additional footage by: Sgt. Haden Tolbert Senior Airman Erika Chapa Sgt. Cambrie Cannon Sgt. Joe Pena Sgt. Kenshi Kaneshiro