News from the Oklahoma National Guard

137th AES trains for the first time on KC-46 refueling aircraft
October 12, 2023 — Members of the 137th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 156th AES completed initial certifications for operations on the KC-46A Pegasus Sept. 15-17, 2023, at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City. A total of 25 Airmen participated in 35 aircraft and survival scenarios and 20 different medical scenarios, but also provided consistent care to simulated patients during three flyovers conducted by the 22d Air Refueling Wing aircraft... MORE

A simulated patient has a pulse oximeter put on their finger to measure oxygen saturation levels

'King of Battle' shows power of artillery
September 28, 2023 — Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers exercised the "King of Battle" during a series of live-fire training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Sept. 15-17, 2023. ... MORE

An Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Field Artillery Brigade, rides in a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during a live-fire training exercise at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Sept. 16, 2023. The regiment conducts live-fire training exercises several times a year to maintain the proficiency and readiness of its Soldiers and equipment. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

OK Army Guard Soldiers compete in the Sergeant Major's and Governor's Twenty Marksmanship Competition
September 28, 2023 — 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... MORE

Capt. Erik Mortenson, commander of A Troop, 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard, fires at silhouette targets with his M17 pistol during the Sergeant Major’s Match and Governor’s Twenty Marksman Competition at Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma, Sept. 14, 2023. The Sergeant Major’s Match and Governor’s Twenty bring together Soldiers from across the state and tests their weapons skills to earn the coveted Governor’s Twenty tab. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Tyler Brahic).

Oklahoma Army National Guard holds first Wildland Firefighting Course
September 21, 2023 — Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers braved the sweltering summer heat and completed the Oklahoma Army National Guard's first-ever Wildland Firefighting course held at Camp Gruber Training Center, Aug. 21-25, 2023... MORE

Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers light a backfire during the Wildland Firefighting Course at Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma, Aug. 21, 2023. Soldiers volunteered for the course to earn their Red Card Certification and have the knowledge and experience to respond to wildfire incidents both in state and around the nation. (Oklahoma Army National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

Let the wild rumpus start! 137th SOW Airmen escape to zoo after dark
September 10, 2023 — Airmen, families and friends encountered lions, tigers and bears during the 137th Special Operations Wing “Zoo After Dark” event held Sept. 8, 2023, at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Around 1,300 people went where the wild things are during the Airman and Family Readiness Office event, made possible using U.S. Special Operations Command Preservation of the Force and Family funding... MORE

a child spreads their arms in front of a bald eagle graphic

Oklahoma National Guard members conclude border support mission
August 31, 2023 — Fifty Oklahoma National Guard members who deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border in support of the Texas Military Department’s Operation Lone Star returned to Oklahoma on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023... MORE

Oklahoma Army National Guardsman, Spc. Evann Paulsen, member of 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, performs border operations along the Rio Grande in El Paso, Texas, August 16, 2023. Approximately 50 Soldiers and Airmen are assisting the Texas National Guard with border security by manning security points to identify and alert local law enforcement of any illegal immigrant or drug trafficking activities. The deployment is expected to last through the end of August with a follow-on deployment of an additional 50 Soldiers and Airmen sometime in 2024. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Reece Heck)

OK Guard deploys helicopter and crew to battle wildfires in Louisiana
August 25, 2023 — The Oklahoma National Guard deployed one CH-47 Chinook helicopter and five aircrew members to Louisiana today to battle wildfires there. ... MORE

An Oklahoma Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter crew fills a water bucket during wildfire fighting training in August 2015. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Bruce)

138th Fighter Wing medical Airmen MARCH to casualty care
August 25, 2023 — Loud booms can be heard all over the training field located in Perry, Florida. Personnel are scattered all over the facility, covered in fake blood, dirt, and simulated injuries. Smoke is drifting in the air, wavering as Airmen from the 138th Fighter Wing run onto the scene... MORE

Airmen from the 138th Medical Group participate in a simulated combat environment as part of their final test in completing Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Tier 2 in Perry, Fla., July 20, 2023. Smoke grenades and fake rounds were fired to simulate a deployed environment so Airmen could learn how to handle themselves and remain focused on the mission at hand – caring for personnel and casualties. (Oklahoma National Guard Photo by Airman 1st Class Addison Barnes)

From Highschool Pals to Hometown Heroes: Oklahoma National Guard Soldiers Story of Friendship
August 24, 2023 — In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, two Oklahoma National Guard Soldiers and McLoud, Oklahoma High School graduates have found themselves side by side once again, this time on a mission assisting the State of Texas with security along the US-Mexico border... MORE

Spc. Darrell Casey and Sgt. Sean Simpson, both McLoud, Oklahoma High School graduates serving as cannon crewmembers with the 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, pose for a photo together while on patrol along the US-Mexico border on Aug. 4, 2023. The two friends are part of the Oklahoma National Guard task force deployed to the border in support of the Texas Military Department's Operation Lonestar. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Reece Heck)

63rd Civil Support Team trains alongside Yukon first responders
August 22, 2023 — Members of the Oklahoma National Guard's 63rd Civil Support Team train alongside the Yukon Police Department and Yukon Fire Department during an exercise held in Yukon, Oklahoma, Tuesday, August 8, 2023... MORE

Members of the Oklahoma National Guard's 63rd Civil Support Team train alongside the Yukon Police Department and Yukon Fire Department during an exercise held in Yukon, Oklahoma, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.

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