An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News from the Oklahoma National Guard

NEWS | May 20, 2025

Oklahoma Guardsman receives Star of Valor for saving fellow Soldier

By Spc. Cambrie Cannon

NORMAN, Okla. – Oklahoma Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Matthew Klemann was awarded the Oklahoma Star of Valor in a ceremony held at the Armed Forces Reserves Center in Norman, Oklahoma, May 18, 2025.
Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, presents 1st Sgt. Matthew Klemann, Echo Company, 700th Brigade Support Battalion, with the Oklahoma Star of Valor award at the Armed Forces Reserves Center in Norman, Oklahoma, May 18, 2025. The medal is Oklahoma’s second-highest military award and honors Oklahoma National Guard members who perform heroic or valorous acts in non-combat situations. Klemann received the Star of Valor for his quick and courageous action in administering the Heimlich maneuver during a retirement ceremony in 2021. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Cambrie Cannon)
Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, presents 1st Sgt. Matthew Klemann, Echo Company, 700th Brigade Support Battalion, with the Oklahoma Star of Valor award at the Armed Forces Reserves Center in Norman, Oklahoma, May 18, 2025. The medal is Oklahoma’s second-highest military award and honors Oklahoma National Guard members who perform heroic or valorous acts in non-combat situations. Klemann received the Star of Valor for his quick and courageous action in administering the Heimlich maneuver during a retirement ceremony in 2021. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Cambrie Cannon)
Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, presents 1st Sgt. Matthew Klemann, Echo Company, 700th Brigade Support Battalion, with the Oklahoma Star of Valor award at the Armed Forces Reserves Center in Norman, Oklahoma, May 18, 2025. The medal is Oklahoma’s second-highest military award and honors Oklahoma National Guard members who perform heroic or valorous acts in non-combat situations. Klemann received the Star of Valor for his quick and courageous action in administering the Heimlich maneuver during a retirement ceremony in 2021. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Cambrie Cannon)
250518-A-JK933-9455
Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, presents 1st Sgt. Matthew Klemann, Echo Company, 700th Brigade Support Battalion, with the Oklahoma Star of Valor award at the Armed Forces Reserves Center in Norman, Oklahoma, May 18, 2025. The medal is Oklahoma’s second-highest military award and honors Oklahoma National Guard members who perform heroic or valorous acts in non-combat situations. Klemann received the Star of Valor for his quick and courageous action in administering the Heimlich maneuver during a retirement ceremony in 2021. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Cambrie Cannon)
Photo By: Spc. Cambrie Cannon
VIRIN: 250518-A-JK933-9455

The Oklahoma Star of Valor, the state’s second highest military award, was presented to Klemann, the first sergeant for Echo Company, 700th Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, for his actions during a retirement ceremony on Sept. 18, 2021, when he rushed to help a Soldier who was choking.

“The second I saw it, training took over,” Klemann said. “I just knew I was the only person that saw it and someone had to react to it quickly.”
Klemann and another Soldier noticed their fellow service member in distress after he began choking and walked toward the restroom. Without hesitation, they followed him to the restroom to provide assistance.

Upon arrival, Klemann quickly assessed the situation and performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully dislodging the obstruction from the Soldier’s throat.
Klemann emphasized the importance of committing fully to training, saying, “Your training can lead to helping somebody someday, so take it seriously.”

Kleeman’s sharp observation skills, decisive action, and courage in a critical moment were instrumental in the rescue and likely saved the Soldier’s life.

“When the time came, he was in the right place at the right time, and does something heroic,” said Gen. Thomas Mancino, the adjutant general for Oklahoma. “I couldn't be more proud to stand here and present that to you–thank you for everything that you’ve done.”
Video by Spc. Cambrie Cannon, Sgt. Haden Tolbert
Oklahoma Guardsmen face-off against drones in survivability exercise
Oklahoma National Guard
June 12, 2025 | 1:34
Soldiers assigned to the 45th Infantry Brigade took part in the first of a series of counter-unmanned aircraft exercises at Camp Gruber Training Center on June 12 and 13. This exercise focused on Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th IBCT being forced to avoid, react to, and counter reconnaissance drones and first-person view drones deployed to harass them as they battled opposing force role players.
More