Lawmakers Honor Oklahoma Soldiers Set To Deploy

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Thousands of soldiers with Oklahoma's Air and Army National Guard who are deploying to Afghanistan in June are being honored by state lawmakers.

The Oklahoma House and Senate met in a joint session of the Legislature on Tuesday to honor current and former soldiers with the Oklahoma National Guard's 45th Infantry Division. About 3,300 soldiers with the division's 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are currently training in Mississippi and preparing to deploy to Afghanistan.

It will be the Oklahoma National Guard's largest deployment since the Korean War.

Governor Mary Fallin praised about 50 uniformed troops who crowded into the gallery, calling those who serve in the armed forces "Oklahoma's heroes."

Fallin signed a proclamation declaring Tuesday Oklahoma National Guard and 45th Infantry Division Appreciation Day.

3/31/2011 Related Story: Oklahoma Families Say Goodbye To 45th Infantry Brigade Soldiers