MUSTANG, Okla.- Friends, families and leaders from the Oklahoma Army National Guard welcomed home Soldiers assigned to the 145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment during a ceremony in Mustang, Oklahoma, March 7, 2026.
This ceremony recognized their accomplishments during a nine month deployment across Europe.
During the deployment, the unit supported U.S. Special Operations Command Europe by documenting and communicating the missions and training of U.S. and allied special operations forces operating throughout multiple locations in Europe.
“Over the last year, this team has traveled across Europe supporting U.S. Special Operations Command, telling their stories, and ensuring their missions were seen and understood,” said Maj. John Brown, commander of the 145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard.
The unit executed more than 35 missions producing photo, video and written content that highlighted multinational training exercises and showcased the capabilities and readiness of U.S. and allied forces.
The Soldiers' work helped reinforce the message of a united front among partner nations while demonstrating the strength of special operations forces operating in the region.
“Every command has a story to tell,” said Staff Sgt. Reece Heck, a public affairs mass communication specialist assigned to the 145th MPAD. “As a mobile public affairs detachment, it’s our job to tell their story and get their lines of messaging out.”
The unit and its Soldiers were recognized for their hard work and public affairs skills at the National Guard Bureau level through the Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Communications Awards, which honor excellence in military public affairs.
The 145th MPAD was awarded Public Affairs Organization of the Year for Command Information in a Medium State.
In addition, the unit also received individual awards such as a second place award for Soldier Communicator of the Year and a third place award in the Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Military Photographer of the Year category.
Brown said, despite the unit’s small size, the Soldiers consistently rose to meet the demands of the mission, adding the work they did was significant with everyone carrying more responsibility, adapting to changing circumstances, and supporting each other in ways that only a team can do.
“This team built relationships, supported fellow units and represented our organization with professionalism everywhere we went,” Brown said. "They proved that a small group of dedicated people can have an impact far beyond its size.”