News from the Oklahoma National Guard

137 SOLRS supports passenger, cargo movement in total force operation
October 31, 2022 — In a total force partnership, the 137th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron and five members of the 321st Contingency Readiness Squadron partnered to conduct passenger and cargo movement, working with Joint Base Charleston active and Reserve aircrew to load a C-17 Globemaster III... MORE

a C-17 Globemaster III is refueled on an airfield while receiving cargo

Medal of Honor recipient, former Oklahoma National Guard member returns home
October 28, 2022 — Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee, a Medal of Honor recipient and US Army Special Forces Soldier who started his career with the Oklahoma Army National Guard, returned to Oklahoma for the first time since being presented our nation's highest honor. ... MORE

Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee, Medal of Honor recipient, receives a blanket from one of his former teachers at Merritt Public Schools in Merritt, Oklahoma, Oct. 21, 2022. Plumlee, a native Oklahoman, toured his home state Oct. 18-22. During his visit, Plumlee spoke at a Merritt High School football pep rally about his experiences being a Medal of Honor recipient and what it meant to be back home. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Reece Heck)

Oklahoma National Guard hosts cyber security exchange with Azerbaijan military officers
October 17, 2022 — As global challenges evolve, strategists are turning their attention to cyberspace and developing the tactics, techniques and procedures to safeguard our tomorrows, today. That focus on cyber security served as the backdrop of the latest Oklahoma National Guard – Azerbaijan military knowledge exchange where the Oklahoma National Guard hosted three cyber security officers from the Azerbaijan army in late September... MORE

Cyber security officers from the Azerbaijan army listen to a presentation by an Oklahoma Air National Guard member during a cyber security knowledge exchange hosted by the Oklahoma National Guard at the Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma National Guard hosted a multi-day exchange focused on building cooperation between the two partners. (Photo provided by Lt. Col. Sharon McCarty)

137th AES trains alongside Air Force total force, ROTC partners
October 17, 2022 — Members of the 137th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES), Oklahoma National Guard, participated in a total force training event alongside active-duty counterparts with the 375th Air Mobility Wing and Air Force Reserve Airmen with the 514th Air Mobility Wing Sept. 17, 2022, Oklahoma City. They conducted training on a C-17 Globemaster III flight and flew alongside Air Force ROTC cadets from Oklahoma State University who participated in some of the scenarios... MORE

an airman directs Air Force ROTC cadets acting as litter bearers

Oklahoma Guardsmen assist Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics with Counter Drug Operations
October 14, 2022 — Members of the Oklahoma National Guard supported the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs during a state-wide operation to curb the supply of illegally grown marijuana, Sept. 27-Oct. 7. More than 30 Airmen and Soldiers volunteered for the joint Oklahoma Air and Army National Guard state active duty mission to collect, transport and prepare more than 75,000 plants seized in the ONB-lead operation for destruction... MORE

Oklahoma National Guard members assist with Regional Emergency Medical Services System training event
September 28, 2022 — Medical professionals with the Oklahoma National Guard mentored more than 170 emergency medical technicians, highway patrol medics, and firefighters participating in a Regional Emergency Medical Services System training event at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant, Oklahoma, Sept. 21, 2022... MORE

An emergency medical technician (far left) explains her evaluation of a simulated casualty during a Regional Emergency Medical Services System training event at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant, Oklahoma, September 21, 2022. A total of around 170 first responders participated in this annual training event. (Oklahoma National Guard Photo by Sgt. Reece Heck)

Silver Flag tests 137th SOW civil engineers readiness
September 28, 2022 — Twelve 137th Special Operations Wing civil engineers joined Airmen from across the total force to participate in Silver Flag, a two-week training exercise for combat support teams, Sept. 12-22, 2022, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida... MORE

Airmen construct the roof of a half-dome shelter structure

From CE to MST: What a difference a year makes
September 26, 2022 — One year ago, 20 Airmen with the 137th Special Operations Wing deployed in support of Operation Allies Welcome, including civil engineer Maj. Neil Chaves. He and a team of Airmen were responsible for setting up a livable environment for those evacuating from Afghanistan to the U.S. One year later, Chaves has found himself in a similar position as the officer in charge of the 137th SOW Mission Sustainment Team, which is composed of multi-capable Airmen from various career fields who support Agile Combat Employment strategies by setting up and sustaining secure, livable conditions in austere environments... MORE

Oklahoma Army National Guard welcomes newly commissioned leaders
September 20, 2022 — The Oklahoma Army National Guard welcomed 19 new second lieutenants into its formation during a graduation and commissioning ceremony at the Norman Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Oklahoma, Sept. 18, 2022. Officer candidates from classes 67, 67A, and 67B celebrated with friends and family as they took the oath of commissioned officers alongside their fellow graduates... MORE

Former officer candidate Matthew Buck is pinned with his new rank of second lieutenant during his OCS graduation in Norman, Oklahoma, Sept. 18, 2022. During the ceremony, family members and loved ones were invited to pin the ranks upon the newly commissioned officers. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Haden Tolbert)

137th SOW develops multi-capable Airmen at Northern Strike 22-2
September 13, 2022 — A group of nearly 50 Oklahoma Air National Guardsmen from the 137th Special Operations Wing (SOW) deployed in support of Northern Strike 22-2 Aug. 6-19, 2022, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich. The focus of Northern Strike 22-2 was the military’s ability to train the warfighter in any environment, and 137th SOW multi-capable Airmen directly contributed to reaching that proof of concept... MORE

Video by Pfc. Anthony Ackah-Mensah

Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers compete in the Sergeant Major’s Match and Governors Twenty Marksmanship Competition

Oklahoma National Guard

Sept. 15, 2023 | 1:06

The Oklahoma Army National Guard’s top marksmen were locked, loaded and aimed for excellence for the Sergeant Major’s Match and Governor’s Twenty marksmanship competition, Sept. 14-17.

The competitions consisted of accuracy matches on the M4 carbine and the M17 pistol, and tests a Citizen-Soldier’s ability to shoot from various positions and distances, taking them out of their comfort zone.

The Sergeant Major’s Match includes closer targets, faster reloading, and more weapons manipulation. The Governor’s Twenty focuses more on long-distance precision and accuracy.