Oklahoma National Guard Departs for D.C.

DECEMBER 2, 2025 – Friends, family and Oklahoma National Guard leaders gathered Monday at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Mustang, Oklahoma for a ceremony held for members of the Oklahoma National Guard’s Task Force Thunder.

The approximately 160 Guardsmen will depart for Washington, D.C. in the coming days in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission.

Governor Kevin Stitt authorized Oklahoma Guardsmen to volunteer for the mission, which is scheduled for approximately 90 days.

The mission falls under the direction of Joint Task Force D.C..

“Our Guardsmen routinely answer the call to serve and support their community, state and nation,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma. “As with many state-side support missions, this mission is voluntary, and I am so proud of each and every one of our Guardsmen as they continue to step forward.”

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt addresses nearly 160 Oklahoma National Guardsmen and their loved ones during a farewell ceremony held in Mustang, Oklahoma, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, for their upcoming mission to Washington, D.C. in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Gov. Stitt authorized Oklahoma Guardsmen as part of Task Force Thunder to volunteer for the mission, which is scheduled to last approximately 90 days. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Haden Tolbert)

Story by Lt. Col. Kristin Tschetter
Oklahoma National Guard

USS George Washington Returns to Yokosuka

DECEMBER 12. 2025 – Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, returned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, on Dec. 11 after completing operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. George Washington departed Yokosuka on June 10 to conduct routine operations with embarked Carrier […]

Air National Guard Unveils New Bonus Program

MARCH 11, 2023 – On March 1st, the Air National Guard (ANG) launched a new bonus program to attract and retain personnel in critical specialties. The initiative offers significant financial rewards, with bonuses of up to $90,000 for eligible members, depending on their Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs). This strategic move aims to strengthen the […]

Military Students’ Tips to Balance Service and Studies

OCTOBER 10, 2025 – Studying in college while serving in the military can be highly rewarding but also extremely demanding in some respects. Military members, veterans, and their families typically balance demanding duty schedules, deployments, family responsibilities, and school schedules. It requires careful planning, flexibility, and being willing to seek and take advantage of available […]

Former Soldier Navigates Job Hunt

NOVEMBER 19, 2024 — In early 2017, Michael Quinn endured what he called the worst day in the worst year of his life. Quinn, then a sergeant major and 24-year Army Soldier, had weathered deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines. As an Army counter-intelligence agent, he said he learned to operate under grave circumstances […]

How Military Families Can Avoid Financial Panic During a Shutdown

OCTOBER 23, 2025 – Government shutdowns create unique challenges for military families who live on tight budgets, frequently relocate, and manage the constant demands of military service. While the uncertainty can feel overwhelming, following these five strategies can help you navigate the crisis with confidence. Keep Perspective. This financial disruption will end, just as the […]

Comments