News from the Oklahoma National Guard

Governor's Twenty showcases marksmanship of Oklahoma Guardsmen
September 12, 2024 — More than 100 Oklahoma National Guardsmen from across the state tested their marksmanship skills and abilities in the 2024 Governor’s 20 Marksmanship Competition, Sept. 7-8 at Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma... MORE

An Oklahoma Air National Guard Airman with the 138th Fighter Wing, fires an M4 Carbine during the 2024 Governor's 20 Marksmanship Competition, Sept. 7, 2024 at Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma National Guard Governor’s 20 is an annual competition where Oklahoma Army and Air National Guardsmen compete in a series of shooting events to showcase the Oklahoma National Guard’s top marksmen. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Haden Tolbert)

US Sen. Lankford meets with leaders of OKGuard cUAS program
August 29, 2024 — U.S. Sen. James Lankford meets with Oklahoma National Guard leaders and other members of the Oklahoma Advanced Air-mobility innovation group following a demonstration from the Oklahoma National Guard’s Counter UAS school to discuss the unique capabilities at Camp Gruber Training Center, Aug. 22, 2024... MORE

U.S. Sen. James Lankford meets with Oklahoma National Guard leaders and other members of the Oklahoma Advanced Air-mobility innovation group following a demonstration from the Oklahoma National Guard’s Counter UAS school to discuss the unique capabilities at Camp Gruber Training Center, Aug. 22, 2024. The Oklahoma National Guard partnered to establish this working group to integrate unmanned systems support and capabilities across multiple domains including domestic response. Organizations in attendance include tribal, state, higher education, emergency management, and aerospace industry partners. The OKNG’s UAS initiatives relate to both the federal and state National Guard missions including survivability on the battlefield of the future as well as domestic response in the homeland. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Haden Tolbert)

Tulsa Air National Guard Base opens vital infrastructure
August 23, 2024 — The Oklahoma Air National Guard’s 138th Fighter Wing held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, August 13, 2024, celebrating the opening of a fuels complex and a commercial inspection facility... MORE

The 138th Fighter Wing marked a significant milestone in its operational capabilities with the official opening of a new fuel complex and commercial inspection facility. , Aug. 13, 2024, at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla. A ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the completion of this critical infrastructure project, underscoring the Wing’s commitment to mission readiness and support. The advanced facilities will enhance fuel handling, storage, and quality control, while also streamlining commercial inspection processes. (Oklahoma Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. CT Michael)

Artillery booms as Soldiers re-enlist at Northern Strike 2024
August 23, 2024 — Amid the thunderous backdrop of artillery rounds echoing downrange, two artillerymen raised their right hands to recommit to the Oklahoma Army National Guard... MORE

Spc. Jonathan Underwood (right), a fire control specialist assigned to Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment, Oklahoma National Guard, recites the oath of enlistment to Brig. Gen. Colby Wyatt, director of the joint staff for Oklahoma National Guard, during Exercise Northern Strike 2024 at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 12, 2024. NS 24-2 is a premier reserve component training event that focuses on joint readiness training to build interoperability and strengthen partnerships in an all-domain environment. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Cpl. Danielle Rayon)

Thunderbird artillery takes aim at Northern Strike 2024
August 16, 2024 — Artillerymen with the Oklahoma Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, tested their mettle at Northern Strike 2024 at Camp Grayling, Michigan, August 3-17, 2024... MORE

Members of Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard, load an M777 towed 155mm howizter during Exercise Northern Strike 2024, Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 11, 2024. NS 24-2 is a premier reserve component training event that focuses on joint readiness training to build interoperability and strengthen partnerships in an all-domain environment. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Cpl. Danielle Rayon)

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)

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