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News from the Oklahoma National Guard

NEWS | Nov. 8, 2023

Maj. Gen. Thomas Mancino's Veterans Day message to the OKNG

By Maj. Gen. Thomas Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma

On this Veterans Day, I wanted to express my profound gratitude to all our nation’s veterans, with a special focus on the remarkable Citizen-Airmen and Soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard.

For decades, Oklahoma National Guard members selflessly answered the call to protect our nation’s interests all over the world. That sacrifice is ongoing with more than 1,300 OKNG Soldiers and Airmen currently deployed to the Horn of Africa and Middle East. Their dedication to promoting stability and security in these areas is a testament to their unwavering commitment to our nation.

The OKNG also stands ready as the state’s first military responder to natural disasters and emergencies. From floods to wildfire and pandemics to extreme weather, our men and women answer the call in a moment’s notice to provide life-saving support to Oklahoma citizens. Their sense of duty is evidence of their absolute commitment to put service over self.

Our Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, through their commitment, embody the principles that Veterans Day celebrates—duty, honor, and patriotism. So, today, I thank our veterans for the sacrifices they make and the service they provide. Remember the freedom we enjoy is not free, but the result of their dedication, courage, and selflessness. Let’s never forget the debt of gratitude we owe to those who have served and are currently serving in the Oklahoma National Guard.

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
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