Oklahoma leaders visit Oklahoma National Guard members deployed to Africa

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Two of Oklahoma’s national Senators, the Governor of Oklahoma, and the Adjutant General of Oklahoma recently went to visit some of the Sooner State’s National Guard troops currently deployed to Africa.

Senator James Lankford, R-OK, led a congressional delegation trip to the Horn of Africa to connect with members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard in the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) area of responsibility (AOR) as part of Task Force Tomahawk.

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“Seeing our Oklahoma Guard members proudly protect our nation half-way around the world was humbling and inspiring. They are safe, motivated, and ready to finish the last three months of their long deployment so they can get home to their families,” said Lankford. “We brought the men and women in uniform our support and admiration, and a taste of home in cases of Oklahoma Head Country BBQ sauce and Chick-fil-A sauce provided by the Wounded Warrior Project and an Oklahoma store owner. Our Oklahoma Army National Guard has a proud tradition of service. I heard their stories around the tables over meals and from leaders who were incredibly impressed with their excellence and attitude.”

Also traveling with Lankford were Senator Markwayne Mullin, R-OK, Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt, and Adjutant General of Oklahoma, Major General Thomas Mancino.

“It was a privilege to spend Veterans Day weekend with Oklahoma’s National Guard members deployed with Task Force Tomahawk in the Horn of Africa alongside my wife Christie, Governor Stitt, and my fellow congressional delegation colleagues,” said Mullin. “I couldn’t be more grateful for the sacrifice each and every one of these national guardsmen and women, along with their loved ones, have made to protect our homeland in the US and abroad. As we enter the holiday season, may we all reflect on this sacrifice and say a prayer of gratitude for their service.”

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The delegation visited troops stationed in Djibouti and Kenya.

“It was an honor to spend time with our brave Oklahoma service men and woman in Djibouti this week,” said Stitt. “As the proud dad of one of those service members, this visit was special. I’m grateful for all the families back in Oklahoma who are praying for the safety of their service member and I’m proud of each of these soldiers who answered the call and are serving their country.”

Representatives Jim Banks, R-IN, and Larry Bucshon, R-IN, also participated in the congressional delegation trip as Indiana National Guard members are also part of Task Force Tomahawk.

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