NORMAN, Okla. - Friends, family and fellow Guardsmen gathered at the Norman Armed Forces Reserve Center to celebrate a retirement ceremony for Col. Shane Riley, former director of Unmanned Aerial Systems and Launched Effects Program for the Oklahoma Army National Guard, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.

Riley is a highly decorated infantry officer, having served 36 years with various roles in support of domestic response and combat deployments abroad.

Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, awarded Riley with the Legion of Merit award for his many years of service to the Oklahoma Army National Guard.

“Shane has been my friend for many, many years,” Mancino said. “It's with great pleasure to stand here today with the opportunity to honor him.”

Riley began his military career in 1989, and held many different leadership positions throughout the Oklahoma Army National Guard.

His overseas deployments include Egypt in 2002, Iraq in 2008 , and twice to Afghanistan. His 36 years of sacrifice and service earned him many awards including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge and Combat Action Badge.

During the last two years, Riley was the driving force for the Oklahoma National Guard's Unmanned Aerial Systems and Launched Effects Program. The program partners with several different industries among law enforcement, academia, and civilians to prepare for the future of unmanned aircraft, not only overseas but for local domestic response as well.

“This organization was my family away from home,” Riley said. “As we all know this job takes a lot of your time. I’m very comfortable and happy with where I’m at, heading out the door to spend time with my family."

As Riley steps into retirement, his contributions leave a lasting legacy of innovation, leadership, and service excellence.