OKLAHOMA CITY - Over the past 18 months, one Oklahoma Army National Guard recruiter has achieved national recognition, with most of his success being tied to the strong relationship he has within the local school system.

“The relationship with Sergeant Bailey is just second to none,” said Southmoore High School Principal Spencer Braggs, as he described the relationship between the school and the 2023 Oklahoma National Guard Recruiter of the Year, Sgt. McCale Bailey.



For Bailey, 2023’s success hasn’t slowed, as he has recruited 30 new members into the Oklahoma Army National Guard, including 12 students from Southmoore in 2024 alone.

According to Braggs, he and the school staff consider Bailey as part of the Southmoore family, bolstering their desire to provide a bright future for the students.

“We don’t even consider him as someone that’s coming in from the outside,” Braggs said. “He’s pretty much staff with us at this point. There is a whole other world that is opened up with the Army National Guard, and we’re just so happy that Sergeant Bailey is here to help us get these kids in line and let them see those opportunities.”

According to Bailey, he and the school staff get along well because of the mutual goal of giving high school students a path to follow after they graduate.

“We want these kids to go get a second education and further their schooling,” Bailey said. “In a lot of ways, they don’t have options outside of military or taking out student loans, so the school really pushes the Guard's mission a lot because this is a way to not only serve your community, but also get your college paid for at the same time.”

Bailey says educational institutions like Southmoore High School are very supportive of what opportunities the OKARNG provides to students soon entering into the post-high school world. Some of those opportunities include providing education benefits, career advancement, travel experiences, personal development and more, all accompanied with an overall sense of purpose and service.

“[The support] comes with the relationship with the senior principal, Mr. Braggs,” Bailey said. “He’s a big Guard advocate.”

Sgt. Bailey not only wants to build long-term relationships through his recruiting efforts, but also by doing his part as a Solider and a non-commissioned officer.

“Everybody that enlists in the National Guard, I want to take care of them in their six years as much as I can, because the retention process starts now,” Bailey said. “As I climb through the ranks I want to become a better leader to the younger NCOs below me.”

As Bailey continues to pave the way for students' futures and nurture long-lasting connections, his dedication remains a testament to the impact of strong partnerships between the community and the OKARNG.