Washington, DC (March 17th) – Congressman Josh Brecheen recognizes the students from Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District who received nominations from our office and have received appointments to the United States Service Academies.
Oklahoma City, OK (Oct. 15th) – The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus challenges the decision to host and promote “National Coming Out Day” on Tinker Air Force Base.
Senator Shane Jett, OKFC Chairman and U.S. Navy veteran, expressed the criticism shared by thousands of military families. “Military bases have significant budgets to cultivate positive relationships in their communities. It’s incomprehensible that Tinker Air Force Base would openly promote a prurient lifestyle that would obviously affront the tenets of faith of over 75% of Oklahoma’s professing Christian population as well those practicing Jewish and Muslim faiths. It is vulgar, prurient, inappropriate, and unbecoming of our military facilities.” said Senator Jett.
OKLAHOMA CITY (October 7th) – A group of legislators is opposing an event at Tinker Air Force Base called "National Coming Out Day" and the affirmation that homosexuals are "born this way."
The following statement is issued by Reps. Jim Olsen, R-Roland; David Hardin, R-Stilwell; Clay Staires, R-Skiatook; Kevin West, R-Moore; Rick West, R-Heavener; and Danny Williams, R-Seminole.
"As one of the nation's most important and strategic military bases, Tinker should remain focused on our national defense and not expend taxpayer dollars to promote a lifestyle contrary to the values of the majority of Oklahomans.
Washington, D.C. (August 19th) – The office of Congressman Josh Brecheen is now accepting service academy nomination applications.
The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
GOVERNOR STITT ANNOUNCES U.S.S. OKLAHOMA, NEW U.S. NAVY NUCLEAR SUBMARINE
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 28, 2024) - Governor Kevin Stitt revealed the creation of the U.S.S. Oklahoma Commissioning Committee to build a 29th Virginia Class, Fast Attack Nuclear Submarine in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Newport News Shipbuilding. Carrying Tomahawk Missiles and MK-48 torpedoes, the U.S.S. Oklahoma will home 132 sailors, 18 officers, and feature advanced stealth capabilities to make it virtually undetectable in water.
“I couldn’t be more excited to have Oklahoma so well represented in our nation’s Navy,” said Governor Stitt. “I’m grateful to Director Slavonic and the committee members for their leadership. Not only will this submarine represent the patriotic, God-fearing culture of Oklahoma, but it will symbolize our commitment to innovation, security, and the men and women who protect our country. It’s an honor to help bring her to life.”
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brecheen voted against the so-called “compromise” National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which maintains taxpayer funded abortion travel, taxpayer funded transgender surgeries, and radical climate alarmism, which contributes to the current military recruitment crisis. It also continues the unconstitutional FISA 702 program, which has led to the warrantless surveillance of Americans, and even includes $600 million for Ukraine.
Washington, D.C. (Dec. 4th) – Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen announced the following service academy nominations.
Pugh files bill to protect military surviving spouse benefits
OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 9th) – As Oklahomans prepare to celebrate Veteran’s Day, Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, filed legislation Thursday to honor veterans killed in action by protecting the benefits of their surviving spouses. He pointed out that surviving spouses only get benefits as long as they do not remarry before the age of 55 – an unfair and disrespectful federal law that Pugh hopes to raise awareness of with Senate Bill 1201, while also providing assistance for those loved ones left behind in Oklahoma.
WASHINGTON, DC (Nov. 14th) – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) returned today from a congressional delegation trip he led to the Horn of Africa to connect with members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard in the USAFRICOM area of responsibility (AOR) as part of Task Force Tomahawk.
Also traveling with Lankford were Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), who serves on the Armed Services Committee, Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt, and Major General Thomas Mancino, Adjutant General of Oklahoma. Representatives Jim Banks (R-IN) and Larry Bucshon (R-IN) also participated in the CODEL as Indiana National Guard members are also part of Task Force Tomahawk.
Washington, D.C. (Sept. 19th) – The office of Congressman Josh Brecheen reminds constituents in Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District that completed application packets for service academy nominations must be received in the Claremore office by 5:00 pm October 20, 2023.
Hamilton appointed to Strategic Military Planning Commission
OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, appointed Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, to the Strategic Military Planning Commission. Hamilton, an Army veteran and West Point graduate, will serve on the nine-member commission as an ex-officio member.
WASHINGTON, DC – Among many priorities secured for Oklahoma’s military installations, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today highlighted two major overall wins for Oklahoma service members and veterans and for the nation in the Fiscal Year 2023 James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (FY23 NDAA), otherwise known as the “defense bill.” Lankford secured language to roll back the existing COVID-19 vaccine mandate for military service members in all branches of service.
Lankford, Cruz, Colleagues Defend Service Members from Vaccine Punishment
WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and 12 of their colleagues to introduce the Allowing Military Exemptions, Recognizing Individual Concerns About New Shots (AMERICANS) Act of 2022. The bill counters the Biden Administration’s efforts to coerce and punish service members who decline the COVID-19 vaccine and introduces accountability measures in response to DOD efforts to undermine transparency.
OKLAHOMA CITY (April 25th) – The Senate approved a trio of bills Monday honoring the service and sacrifice of Oklahoma’s military and their families. Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee chair Frank Simpson, R-Springer, authored the bills to ensure veterans are provided a proper burial and to help Oklahoma’s heroes save money in various areas.
GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS JOHN NASH AS SECRETARY OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
OKLAHOMA CITY (March 28, 2022) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today he has appointed John Nash as Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Brig. Gen. Ben T. Robinson.
“John Nash’s background as a loyal member of the armed forces combined with his leadership and business skills will ensure we are serving our veterans with honor and supporting the brave Oklahomans who have risked their lives to defend our freedom,” said Gov. Stitt.
Nash enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve at age 17 before graduating from McLoud High School. He was later commissioned as an officer through the University of Oklahoma’s Army ROTC program, where he also was a member of the men’s basketball team and the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.
Nash graduated from a variety of military schools including Airborne School and Ranger School and served in multiple leadership and command roles at various levels in the Army. He served for over a decade in a variety of special operations, national security and diplomatic roles including multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq and other theaters.
“I am humbled by Governor Stitt’s appointment to serve Oklahoma as the Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs,” said Nash. “As a member of our country’s armed forces, it is an honor to be able to support our veterans and members of the military in this new role.”
Oklahoma City, OK (March 17th) – Today, former National Security official to President Trump Alex Gray, has announced another significant endorsement for his campaign. Lt. Gen. (Ret) Keith Kellogg, one of President Trump’s earliest supporters and advisers, has endorsed Alex, making him the seventh notable endorsement of the campaign.
General Kellogg served in the United States Army for over thirty years and is a highly decorated combat veteran. After leaving active duty General Kellogg advised President Trump’s 2016 campaign and transition on defense and foreign policy. He would go on to serve as Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary of the National Security Council and later as the Acting National Security Advisor to President Trump. General Kellogg would also serve as National Security Advisor to the Vice President.
General Kellogg provided the following endorsement statement of Alex Gray.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — With support of military leaders from across the state, T.W. Shannon announces his military advisory council.
“America’s military might is mission critical during these uncertain times. Having the advisement of these military leaders is invaluable during this campaign and for the next Senator from Oklahoma. I am humbled by their support and confidence in me,” said Shannon.
WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford, joined Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) in introducing the COVID-19 Vaccine Dishonorable Discharge Prevention Act to prohibit the Department of Defense (DOD) from giving service members a dishonorable discharge for choosing not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The House Armed Services Committee recently passed similar language led by Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) in an amendment to the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation comes on the heels of President Biden mandating millions of Americans—including service members—to get vaccinated and the DOD issuing guidance stating that soldiers who refuse the vaccine will face “administrative or non-judicial punishment [under UCMJ] – to include relief of duties or discharge.”
Yesterday, Lankford demanded Biden reverse his policy on vaccine mandates and asked specific questions on protections for employees who request religious and medical accommodations as well as on the impact of employees with natural immunity. Lankford is calling on the Department of Defense to not force service members to choose between their sincerely held religious beliefs and serving in our nation’s military when it comes to getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
