WEBVTT 00:00.343 --> 00:02.880 - We have something that I'm really lookin' forward to 00:02.880 --> 00:05.913 because I used to command a 279 infantry. 00:05.913 --> 00:09.080 279 has had such a historic reputation 00:09.726 --> 00:11.250 in the Oklahoma National Guard 00:11.250 --> 00:13.750 in the United States military. 00:13.751 --> 00:16.554 You cut your teeth in World War II. 00:16.554 --> 00:18.971 We weren't called to Vietnam, 00:19.204 --> 00:21.871 but we had involvement in Korea. 00:22.466 --> 00:24.966 We had involvement in Katrina, 00:25.270 --> 00:27.341 and, of course, you look around and you see 00:27.341 --> 00:29.353 all the combat patches that are represented 00:29.353 --> 00:30.853 in this formation. 00:30.855 --> 00:32.491 So it's really proud at the moment 00:32.491 --> 00:34.733 for me to stand here before you today, 00:34.733 --> 00:36.558 and I'll be very brief because I know the thing 00:36.558 --> 00:38.297 that's most important is you have a little bit 00:38.297 --> 00:40.107 more time to tell your family goodbye. 00:40.107 --> 00:42.012 So since you're standing at ease guys, 00:42.012 --> 00:44.584 look over at your family and let's give your family a hand. 00:44.584 --> 00:46.834 (applause) 00:55.382 --> 00:57.408 The thing that I always enjoy the most about coming 00:57.408 --> 00:59.500 and being a part of an event like this, 00:59.500 --> 01:02.492 and again, I'll extend General Asher's regards. 01:02.492 --> 01:04.179 He couldn't be here today, 01:04.179 --> 01:06.978 is I love the idea of standing in front of a formation 01:06.978 --> 01:09.561 of being a part of a formation. 01:09.561 --> 01:13.394 I've had 34 years in this uniform in December, 01:13.957 --> 01:16.070 so I know the days of me being in uniform 01:16.070 --> 01:18.820 are far outnumbered by the days ahead of me. 01:18.820 --> 01:21.364 I know my days are limited, but that's okay that's life, 01:21.364 --> 01:25.531 that's time, but I love seeing men and women in uniform 01:25.792 --> 01:28.111 who are answering the call once again. 01:28.111 --> 01:32.028 That's what the Guard has done for generations. 01:32.163 --> 01:33.960 If you wanna be precise, that's what the Guard 01:33.960 --> 01:35.627 has done since 1636. 01:37.687 --> 01:41.687 When the nation calls the Guard answers, period. 01:41.759 --> 01:44.549 It doesn't matter whether it's convenient. 01:44.549 --> 01:45.545 It doesn't matter if your gonna miss 01:45.545 --> 01:48.378 your son's high school graduation. 01:48.573 --> 01:51.796 It doesn't matter if you're miss your daughter's wedding. 01:51.796 --> 01:53.213 It doesn't matter if you've been teaching your kid 01:53.213 --> 01:55.059 how to throw a fastball all summer, 01:55.059 --> 01:59.062 and you're gonna miss his first pitch when he starts. 01:59.062 --> 02:00.492 It doesn't matter. 02:00.492 --> 02:03.825 When that call comes, you always answer, 02:03.898 --> 02:05.452 and that's what makes me so proud to be a part 02:05.452 --> 02:08.952 of this organization, to be a part of you. 02:09.674 --> 02:11.825 This mission that you're goin' on today, 02:11.825 --> 02:13.984 or you're gettin' ready to embark on, 02:13.984 --> 02:16.484 it has strategic implications. 02:17.495 --> 02:18.982 Your Commander talked to about it, 02:18.982 --> 02:20.761 but if you're gonna be in Ukraine, you consider 02:20.761 --> 02:23.490 what's goin' on in the world today, 02:23.490 --> 02:26.771 you guys are playin' an important part of our stability. 02:26.771 --> 02:28.354 You always do that. 02:28.568 --> 02:30.054 And when I see a formation like this, 02:30.054 --> 02:32.653 most people would see men and women 02:32.653 --> 02:34.782 that are dressed the same, standing the same, 02:34.782 --> 02:37.556 looking the same, and they will make the foolish 02:37.556 --> 02:39.752 conclusion, that you're all the same, 02:39.752 --> 02:43.919 you all have the same goals and ambitions and you don't. 02:44.652 --> 02:45.967 You all have aspirations. 02:45.967 --> 02:46.999 You all have dreams. 02:46.999 --> 02:49.253 You all have individual goals, 02:49.253 --> 02:50.745 and you put all that to the side, 02:50.745 --> 02:54.637 because you answered this call when this nation calls. 02:54.637 --> 02:58.105 As a community, as a state and as a nation, 02:58.105 --> 03:01.022 we should all be grateful for that. 03:03.419 --> 03:05.714 I'm incredibly proud of who you are 03:05.714 --> 03:07.631 and what you represent, 03:08.170 --> 03:10.248 and when I see this formation before me, 03:10.248 --> 03:12.530 some people will see a bunch of people who look the same 03:12.530 --> 03:16.280 as I mentioned, but I see sons and daughters. 03:17.748 --> 03:20.998 I see school teachers, police officers. 03:21.215 --> 03:22.802 I see college students. 03:22.802 --> 03:24.837 I see all walks of life represented 03:24.837 --> 03:26.816 in this formation right here, 03:26.816 --> 03:28.875 and you put all of that to the side, 03:28.875 --> 03:32.958 to go and serve our nation when our nation calls. 03:34.376 --> 03:35.513 I wish you the very best, 03:35.513 --> 03:39.172 and the most success on your mission in the Ukraine, 03:39.172 --> 03:41.711 and I'm hoping to be standing there to shake your hand 03:41.711 --> 03:44.035 when you step off the plane to come back. 03:44.035 --> 03:46.163 You got my utmost respect. 03:46.163 --> 03:50.035 So on behalf of General Asher, who couldn't be here today, 03:50.035 --> 03:51.931 I send you his warmest regards. 03:51.931 --> 03:53.701 On behalf of Governor Fallin, 03:53.701 --> 03:55.260 that was unable to be here today, 03:55.260 --> 03:58.282 she sent her warmest congratulations. 03:58.282 --> 04:01.169 On behalf of me, just regular old Mike Thompson, 04:01.169 --> 04:02.252 I salute you! 04:04.737 --> 04:05.871 God bless you guys! 04:05.871 --> 04:08.121 (applause)