Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) joined the entire Oklahoma Congressional Delegation on a letter to the Oklahoma National Guard this week, thanking them for their exemplary service at the U.S. Capitol Building last month. Sen. Jim Inhofe, Sen. James Lankford, Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03), Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04), Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), and Rep. Stephanie Bice (OK-05) all joined the letter.

Members of the Oklahoma National Guard Members spent a week guarding the U.S. Capitol Building during the inaugural ceremonies in January.

“I am deeply grateful to the Oklahomans who answered the call to serve with the Oklahoma National Guard and have been diligently working to keep us safe in our nation’s capital,” said Rep. Hern. “In-person attendance at this year’s inauguration was severely limited, but Oklahoma National Guard members were among the few onsite for the ceremony and will forever be a part of this chapter in our history. I am glad to know that we have such impressive men and women protecting us.”

“The Oklahoma National Guard has a special place in all of our hearts and I am proud to have such outstanding men and women wearing the uniform of their nation,” said Sen. Inhofe. “The service members of the armed forces deserve a thank you for their commitment, and I’m glad to sign on to Representative Bice’s letter to show them a small token of our gratitude.”

“It was my highest honor to personally thank our Oklahoma National Guard members, who kept everyone safe during President Biden’s inauguration,” said Sen. Lankford. “Their families shared them with us to ensure the peaceful transition of power, and they did so with distinction. Thank you for how you keep us safe and for letting me show you around the US Capitol.”

“Following the unfortunate events last month, the Oklahoma National Guard showed one of Oklahoma’s brightest qualities- the Oklahoma Standard,” said Rep. Lucas. “We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Guardsmen and women who put their lives on hold back home to ensure the safety and security of the U.S. Capitol. Thank you to every member of the Oklahoma National Guard for your service and sacrifice in our times of need.”

“I am deeply grateful for the service of hundreds of members of Oklahoma’s own National Guard who were recently stationed in our nation’s capital to support and reinforce security during the presidential inauguration,” said Rep. Cole. “The brave members of our state’s National Guard truly live up to their motto of ‘Always Ready, Always There.’ I am proud to join Oklahoma’s congressional delegation in expressing my appreciation for their efforts and congratulating them on a mission completed well.”

“I was honored to be able to spend some time with OK National Guardsmen while they were in Washington and thank them for their service,” said Rep. Mullin. “The sacrifices they made, including being away from their loved ones back home, to help protect our Capitol will not be forgotten.”

“It was an honor to have the Oklahoma National Guard in Washington to ensure the safety and security of all who work within the Capitol complex. The sacrifices of these men and women are truly appreciated and will not be forgotten,” Rep. Bice said.

Read the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation’s letter to the Oklahoma National Guard here and below.

February 10, 2021

Oklahoma National Guard
Joint Force Headquarters
3501 NE Military Circle
Oklahoma City, OK 73111

Members of the Oklahoma National Guard:

We in the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation would like to express our sincere gratitude to you and the nearly 400 Oklahoma National Guardsmen who have deployed to Washington, D.C.

The events of the last month were unprecedented and have presented unique challenges to us all. Your efforts to ensure the safety and security of all who work within the Capitol complex are truly appreciated and will never be forgotten. We are incredibly thankful for your sacrifice, integrity, and adherence to your constitutional oath. You have operated with continued and impressive devotion to our great nation. Oklahoma’s guardsmen stand as an example to the nation, and we and the American people are grateful for your service and sacrifice.

With sincere thanks and best wishes,

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