Congressional Delegation Thanks Okla. National Guardsmen For Protecting US Capitol

Oklahoma’s congressional delegation thanked the Oklahoma National Guardsmen who were at the U.S. Capitol for President Joe Biden’s inauguration.

In a letter from all seven members, Senator James Lankford said, “their families shared them with us to ensure the peaceful transition of power and they did so with distinction.”

Congressman Kevin Hern said, “I am glad to know that we have such impressive men and women protecting us.”

In total, nearly 400 guardsmen from Oklahoma were sent to Washington D.C. last month.

The full letter to the guardsmen is below.

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, DC.

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.

You can read the full responses from the rest of the delegation below.

Sen. James Lankford:

“It was my highest honor to personally thank our Oklahoma National Guard members, who kept everyone safe during President Biden’s inauguration,” said 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.”

Rep. Stephanie Bice:

“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,” Bice said.

Rep. Kevin Hern:

“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 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.”

Rep. Markwayne Mullin:

“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 Mullin. “The sacrifices they made, including being away from their loved ones back home, to help protect our Capitol will not be forgotten.”

Rep. Frank Lucas:

“Following the unfortunate events last month, the Oklahoma National Guard showed one of Oklahoma’s brightest qualities- the Oklahoma Standard,” said 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 US Capitol. Thank you to every member of the Oklahoma National Guard for your service and sacrifice in our times of need.”

Rep. Tom Cole:

“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 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.”

Sen. Jim Inhofe:

“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 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.”