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News from the Oklahoma National Guard

NEWS | Dec. 17, 2024

Pat Haynes awarded Thunderbird Medal

By Staff Sgt. Reece Heck

Pat Haynes, volunteer for the Oklahoma National Guard Family Program Office, was presented with the Thunderbird Medal, on Dec. 9, 3024 for dedicating countless hours to the Oklahoma National Guard and utilizing her extensive training and experience as a child and family counselor to support OKNG efforts. The Thunderbird Medal is the Oklahoma National Guard’s highest award presented to a civilian. 
Pat Haynes, volunteer for the Oklahoma National Guard Family Program Office, is awarded the Thunderbird Medal for dedicating countless hours to the Oklahoma National Guard, utilizing her extensive training and experience as a child and family counselor to support OKNG efforts. The Thunderbird Medal is the Oklahoma National Guard’s highest award presented to a civilian. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Reece Heck)
Pat Haynes, volunteer for the Oklahoma National Guard Family Program Office, is awarded the Thunderbird Medal for dedicating countless hours to the Oklahoma National Guard, utilizing her extensive training and experience as a child and family counselor to support OKNG efforts. The Thunderbird Medal is the Oklahoma National Guard’s highest award presented to a civilian. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Reece Heck)
Pat Haynes, volunteer for the Oklahoma National Guard Family Program Office, is awarded the Thunderbird Medal for dedicating countless hours to the Oklahoma National Guard, utilizing her extensive training and experience as a child and family counselor to support OKNG efforts. The Thunderbird Medal is the Oklahoma National Guard’s highest award presented to a civilian. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Reece Heck)
241211-A-OB588-8122
Pat Haynes, volunteer for the Oklahoma National Guard Family Program Office, is awarded the Thunderbird Medal for dedicating countless hours to the Oklahoma National Guard, utilizing her extensive training and experience as a child and family counselor to support OKNG efforts. The Thunderbird Medal is the Oklahoma National Guard’s highest award presented to a civilian. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Reece Heck)
Photo By: Staff Sgt. Reece Heck
VIRIN: 241211-A-OB588-8122
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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