Hall of Honor Citations JAnuARY-JULY 2026
JANUARY 2026
Brandi Rector
Marine Sergeant Brandi Rector served as a CH-53E helicopter mechanic and aerial gunner, completing multiple overseas deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Following honorable service, she established a distinguished civilian aviation career as a Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument and FAA-certified Airframe and Powerplant mechanic. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Semper Fly Helicopters. Under her leadership, Semper Fly achieved full FAA Part 141 certification within one year. She has led national aviation initiatives, including university helicopter training partnerships, federal instructor training programs, and aviation workforce development for transitioning service members. Brandi serves on the Board of Directors for Vertical Aviation International, contributing to national rotorcraft training, education, and safety policy. Her leadership also includes statewide youth aviation programs, Native American outreach, and veteran transition development.
Peter Plank
Army Lieutenant Colonel Peter Plank moved to Oklahoma in 1975 to pursue higher education at Southern Nazarene University. He entered the Oklahoma State Guard, where he served with distinction in positions of responsibility, including Civil Affairs Officer, Chief of Staff, Executive Officer, Deputy Commander, and Aide de Camp to the Commanding General. He honorably retired in 2011 after a career marked by exceptional service, earning numerous awards, medals, and commendations. He is the cofounder of the Liberty Jump Team, an organization that conducts parachute demonstrations throughout the United States and Europe to honor military heroes. He was recognized with the Southern Nazarene University Outstanding Alumni Award in 2012. In 2014, he was awarded the prestigious French Legion of Honor by the Government of France in Normandy. In 2024, the Order of Saint Maurice was bestowed upon Lieutenant Colonel Plank by the United States Army Infantry Association.
Kristopher B. Killsfirst
Army Sergeant Kristopher B. Killsfirst served with honor from 24 September 1992 until his medical retirement on 26 January 2012. He completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee as a Petroleum Supply Specialist, later serving in assignments across Fort Drum, Fort Sill, Fort Hood, Fort Carson, Camp Mobile and K-16 in Korea, and Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. His distinguished career included 36 months of combat duty in Iraq with Headquarters and A Company, 1-4 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, where he served as the Section Chief for the Forward Arming and Refuel Point. His unit was among the first to enter both Baghdad and Tikrit during major combat operations. His awards include the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Army Commendation Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, SGT Killsfirst currently serves as Commander of the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache Indian Veterans Organization and the Apache Native Warrior Society.
Matthew Dukes, Sr.
Marine Sergeant Matthew Dukes, Sr. distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in service to his country. Born August 10, 1928, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Sergeant Dukes first served honorably in the Navy during World War II, then reenlisted in the Marine Corps for service in the Korean War. As a Fire Team Leader, Company F, Second Battalion, First Marine Division, he displayed conspicuous gallantry in action on 14 September 1951. When his platoon was pinned down by intense enemy sniper fire, then Corporal Dukes advanced alone to assault the hostile position. Despite sustaining a severe gunshot wound to his left eye, he crossed forty yards of fire-swept terrain and single-handedly destroyed the enemy emplacement. Though gravely wounded, he continued to expose himself to enemy fire to rescue a fellow Marine, carrying him to a covered position for evacuation. For these valorous actions, Sergeant Dukes was awarded the Navy Cross. Matthew Dukes passed away in August 1996 and rests in Marlow, Oklahoma.
Mark Earl Barker
Army Captain Mark Earl Barker, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service to his country over a 20-year military career. Born May 14, 1940, in Wichita, Kansas, Captain Barker entered Army service during a time of war and answered the nation’s call with valor and devotion. He served ten years as a Special Forces Combat Medic, then earned a commission through Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill in 1967. Captain Barker completed three combat tours in the Republic of Vietnam, including two as an enlisted Soldier and one as Battery Commander, A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery. His final overseas assignment supported the Pershing Missile system with the 1st Battalion, 81st Field Artillery. He concluded his career as Deputy Adjutant General, Fort Sill, retiring honorably in 1977. For his gallantry and faithful service, Captain Barker was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and numerous additional decorations. His life exemplified selfless service to nation, community, and fellow veterans.
FEBRUARY 2026
Bennie Coleman
Army and Oklahoma Army National Guardsman Sergeant First Class (Retired) Bennie L. Coleman was born in Greenbush, VA in 1976 and has lived in Cache, OK since 2018. He served from 1999-19 as a Cannon Crewman (13B48). SFC Coleman served overseas for 3 years, 1 month and 12 days in Iraq in 2003 and 2009-10, Afghanistan in 2104 and Korea. He completed the NCO Basic and Advanced Leadership courses. His awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service with/Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), Army Commendation with Silver and Bronze OLC, Army Achievement with/3 OLC, Good Conduct with/Silver Loop, National Defense Service with/Bronze Star, Iraq and Afghanistan Campaigns, Korean Defense Service, Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary medals. and the NCO Professional Development with/Numeral 3, Army Service and Overseas with/Numeral 4 ribbons and the Army and Navy Meritorious Unit Citations. SFC Coleman is a volunteer coach for the SW Oklahoma youth programs.
Kenneth Looking Glass
Marine Corps Lance Corporal Kenneth “Kenny” Looking Glass was born in Lawton, OK in 1946 and lives in Apache, OK. He is an enrolled member of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma and of Comanche decent. LCpl Looking Glass served from 1966-68. After completing his Boot and Occupation training he was assigned to L Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division based at Phu Bai Combat Base and Hue Fire Base, Vietnam, from December 1966 to January 1968. He was the Company Commander’s driver, assisted with river patrols and convoy security. On 1 September 1967 he was wounded by mortar shrapnel. He completed his military obligation in Norman, OK. In addition to the Purple Heart his awards include the Presidential and Navy Unit Citations, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service medal with/2 Service Stars and several other medals and ribbons. He is a member of the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache Veterans Association.
James Czerniak
Army Sergeant (Retired) James J. “Jim” Czerniak was born at Hammond, IN in 1967 and has lived in Lone Wolf, OK since 2019. He served on active duty with the Navy from 1988-94; the Georgia Army National Guard in 1996; Alabama Army National Guard from 1996-99 and 2005-11; and Illinois Air Guard from 1999-05. While in the Navy he served on-board the USS Bagley (FF-1069) and USS Rueben James (FFG-57). SGT Czerniak served in many military occupations to include Electronics Warfare Technician; MLRS Crewman; Cannon Crewman; Radio/Telephone Operator; Intelligence Analysis; Motor Transport Operator; Avionics Journeyman; Satellite Wide-band and Equipment Craftsman; and Chemical Operations Specialists. He was based in Pensacola and Orlando, FL; San Diego, CA; Pearl Harbor, HI; LaGrange, GA; Montgomery, AL, Springfield. IL and Phenix City, AL. His awards include the Navy Achievement medal with/3 Oak Leaf Clusters. He is an Associate member of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association.
Aaron Boone
Army Sergeant Major (Retired) Aaron E. Boone was born in in New York City, NY in 1938. He has lived in Lawton, OK since 1982. SGM Boone served from 1955-58, 1960-62, 1968-74 and 1978-84. His duty stations were Fort Sill, OK, Fort Hood, TX, Fort Stewart, GA and St Louis and overseas in Korea, Germany and Vietnam. In Vietnam he was assigned to the II Field Force and MACV. His awards include the Meritorious Service with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation, Good Conduct with/2 Silver Loops, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service with/4 Service Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with/Palm and Vietnam Campaign with/1960 Device medals and the Meritorious Service Unit Citation. He was instrumental with the establishment of the Vietnam War and Korean Defense Memorials at Elmer Thomas Park in Lawton. SGM Boone is the President of the Korean War Veterans Association and Vietnam Veterans of America both based in Lawton.
