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News from the Oklahoma National Guard

NEWS | Sept. 27, 2024

OKNG officer earns promotion to brigadier general

By Cpl. Danielle Rayon

OKLAHOMA CITY – Family, friends and fellow service members gathered to celebrate the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s newest brigadier general at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Sept. 26, 2024.

Brig. Gen. Robert H. Walter, assistant adjutant general - Army for Oklahoma, was pinned Thursday by his wife and daughter.

“I would absolutely not be here without the support of my wife and family,” said Walter.
Brig. Gen. Robert Walter, assistant adjutant general - Army for the Oklahoma National Guard, raises his right hand during his oath of office at his promotion ceremony in the Blue Room at the Oklahoma Capitol on Sept. 26, 2024. Walter advises and assists the adjutant general in preparing Oklahoma Army National Guard units for domestic operations and mobilization. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Mireille Merilice-Roberts)
SLIDESHOW | 3 images | 240926-A-JH174-2660

Walter served three years as an enlisted member of the Oklahoma National Guard before commissioning in 1993 through the University of Central Oklahoma. Throughout his career, he has served in various roles throughout the state, including as the chief of staff, Joint Task Force commander and deputy commander of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

“Thank you to the leaders who took the time to shape me, give me opportunities to excel and fail,” said Walter. “I would not be here without those opportunities.”

Walter’s service extends beyond the state of Oklahoma and includes two deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003 and 2011, and a deployment to Iraq in 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His honorable service earned him many awards and decorations, such as a Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters and an Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device and 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.

Earning the rank of brigadier general is no small feat. Walter thanked the noncommissioned officers who raised and mentored him throughout his journey up the ranks of the OKNG.

“The lieutentants you raise become the next leaders,” said Walter. “Thank you for taking the time to mentor me as an LT.”

As one of the OKNG’s most senior leaders, Walter offered words of guidance to up-and-coming Soldiers, emphasizing the importance of resilience and commitment in the face of adversity. He urged the next generation to uphold the values of duty and honor.

“Preparation plus opportunity is a solid formula,” said Walter. “Get your education done, be physically fit, meet all the requirements that are in your control so that you are prepared when the opportunity arrives.”
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
More