Oklahoma sends National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.
By Skyler Cooper
Dec 3, 2025 12:08 PM
Around 160 members of the Oklahoma National Guard are headed to the nation’s capital as part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission.
A ceremony was held for the Oklahoma National Guard’s Task Force Thunder on Monday where friends, family and Guard leaders gathered at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Mustang, Oklahoma.
According to a press release, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt authorized Oklahoma Guardsmen to volunteer for the mission, which is scheduled for approximately 90 days.
“Our Guardsmen routinely answer the call to serve and support their community, state and nation,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general of Oklahoma. “As with many stateside 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.”
The deployment comes after two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in Washington, D.C. a week earlier.
Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was seriously injured.
