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News from the Oklahoma National Guard

NEWS | Feb. 4, 2025

Newberry awarded Star of Valor for life-saving actions

Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, presented 2nd Lt. Gary Newberry, 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment, with the Oklahoma Star of Valor, at the 1-180th CAV's headquarters in Ardmore, Oklahoma, February 2, 2025, for Newberry's actions rescuing a driver from a burning vehicle on July 6, 2024.
Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, presents 2nd Lt. Gary Newberry, 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment, with the Oklahoma Star of Valor at the 1-180th CAV's headquarters in Ardmore, Oklahoma, February 2, 2025, for Newberry's actions rescuing a driver from a burning vehicle on July 6, 2024. (courtesy photo provided by 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment)
SLIDESHOW | 2 images | 250202-Z-RH707-1001 Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, presents 2nd Lt. Gary Newberry, 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment, with the Oklahoma Star of Valor at the 1-180th CAV's headquarters in Ardmore, Oklahoma, February 2, 2025, for Newberry's actions rescuing a driver from a burning vehicle on July 6, 2024. (courtesy photo provided by 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment)
Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, presents 2nd Lt. Gary Newberry, 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment, with the Oklahoma Star of Valor at the 1-180th CAV's headquarters in Ardmore, Oklahoma, February 2, 2025, for Newberry's actions rescuing a driver from a burning vehicle on July 6, 2024. (courtesy photo provided by 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment)
250202-Z-RH707-1001 1 of 2
Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, presents 2nd Lt. Gary Newberry, 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment, with the Oklahoma Star of Valor at the 1-180th CAV's headquarters in Ardmore, Oklahoma, February 2, 2025, for Newberry's actions rescuing a driver from a burning vehicle on July 6, 2024. (courtesy photo provided by 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment)
Download Download Image Link Image Details
Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, presents 2nd Lt. Gary Newberry, 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment, with the Oklahoma Star of Valor at the 1-180th CAV's headquarters in Ardmore, Oklahoma, February 2, 2025, for Newberry's actions rescuing a driver from a burning vehicle on July 6, 2024. (courtesy photo provided by 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment)
250202-Z-RH707-1002 2 of 2
Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, presents 2nd Lt. Gary Newberry, 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment, with the Oklahoma Star of Valor at the 1-180th CAV's headquarters in Ardmore, Oklahoma, February 2, 2025, for Newberry's actions rescuing a driver from a burning vehicle on July 6, 2024. (courtesy photo provided by 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment)
Download Download Image Link Image Details

Award Citation:

For 2LT Newberry's exceptional heroism and life-saving actions on 6 July 2024. While driving, 2LT Newberry observed a disabled vehicle on the side of the road with an individual inside. As he approached the car, 2LT Newberry noticed smoke from the engine compartment. 2LT Newberry sprinted towards the vehicle, entered from the passenger side, and removed the occupant from the now-burning vehicle. His actions are in keeping with the highest standards and dedication to service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Squadron 180th Cavalry Regiment, and the Oklahoma Army National Guard.
 
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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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