Oklahoma National Guardsmen Killed In Afghanistan Remembered 6 Years Later

More than a dozen Oklahoma families will never forget the day their loved ones died fighting for our country. 

About six years ago, 14 National Guardsmen were killed in action in Afghanistan. 

Today, a group of bikers participated in the 2nd annual Oscar Kilo Memorial Ride to raise money for the families.

Learn more about Oscar Kilo, a nonprofit organization, on their Facebook page. 
     
These Oklahoma National Guardsmen gave their lives between 2011 and 2012 during Operation Enduring Freedom. 

"You know they're gone, but you know they're not forgotten." Said father Shan Gailey

Each mile of the ride is dedicated to a soldier. 

Mile number three is for Specialist Chris Gailey, from Ochelata.

Gailey was killed in Afghanistan on November 1st of 2011. 

11/2/2011 Related Story: Family, Friends Remember Two Oklahoma Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan

It's been almost six years since Shan and Tammy Gailey lost their son.

An IED went off, killing him and Private First Class Sarina Butcher.

She was the first woman from the Oklahoma National Guard killed during wartime.

Gailey’s father said, "They were just on a routine mission. Shouldn't have happened, but you know whenever you go into war, things happen."

Saturday, a group of bikers showed up to ride in their honor.

"It's impossible to forget them." Said biker Dustin Ward.

Ward knew many of the fallen soldiers because he was with them for his first deployment. 

But Chris is the one he knew best. 

"Hard-working guy. Never didn't have a smile on his face." Ward said.

Chris was 26, and just starting a family of his own.

His daughter Allison is now nine.

"Our last picture of him is as he's leaving the airport holding Alli; she's about three." Said Gailey’s father.

Beyond this ride, Shan said there's something everyone can do every day for the families of the fourteen soldiers. 

"Just remember them in your prayers," he said.