Members of the Oklahoma Legislature gathered Tuesday morning in a joint session for Oklahoma National Guard Appreciation Day.

Major General Thomas H. Mancino, the Adjutant General of the Oklahoma National Guard, addressed the audience and declared April 9, 2024, Oklahoma National Guard Appreciation Day. This day recognizes the National Guard's courage and dedication to their duty to serve their state and nation.

"From the battlefields of World War I, II, or Korea, to the mountains of Afghanistan and the Streets of Iraq, to domestic terrorism, tornados, floods, and now even three eclipses, your Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard have been there defending life, liberty, and freedoms from oppression around the world and ensuring the safety of the citizens of this, the greatest state in the greatest nation," Mancino said. "Our whole state has been right there supporting us every step of the way. And we are so grateful for that support." 

Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, served in the National Guard for 20 years and retired as a Sergeant First Class in 2018.

Also in attendance was General Colby Wyatt, who also served with Burns in the 179th Battalion, and Lieutenant Colonel Brent Weece, who was Burns' commanding officer during his time as a Captain in Afghanistan from 2011-2012. Weece was previously a Delta 179 Commander in Laghman and has recently returned as the Battalion Commander for deployments in African countries such as Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia.                  

"It was great to see those I've served with, and stand alongside them again," Burns said. "The thunderbird patch we wear represents our service and commitment to protecting our state and nation. It's an honor to stand among those who have answered the call to duty at home and overseas."

In 2023, nearly 2,000 members of the Oklahoma National Guard answered the call to overseas duty, including the largest deployment in over a decade.