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.
Brent Hale
Army Major Brent Hale was born on March 15, 1962, in California. He moved to Okmulgee as a young boy and graduated from Okmulgee High School, the University of Kansas and Harvard Medical School. He returned to Oklahoma to complete a residency in emergency medicine. He was commissioned as a Captain in the Army Reserves and served in a hospital unit from July 1999 to September 2002. After 9/11, he transferred to the Army National Guard and served with the 1st of the 19th Special Forces Group (A), one of two Special Forces units within the National Guard. After completing airborne training, he deployed to Afghanistan to serve as a battalion surgeon, providing medical support to 12-man A-Team units in the field. The SF medics were often the only medical asset available. He spent most of his year in the Kunar Provence, near the Pakistani border. He served with the 19th until 2007, then again from 2013 to 2016. For his outstanding service as a medical officer, he was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Medical Badge. Doctor Hale lives in Norman, OK.
MARCH 2026
Amy Stout
Mrs. Amy Stout of Mustang is being honored for her leadership and service through the Military Order of the Purple Heart. She was honored as a Purple Rose Lady in 2020 and appointed a Purple Heart Ambassador in 2021. In 2023, she was named Chairwoman of the Oklahoma Purple Heart Ambassadors. She now leads twenty-two ambassadors statewide in establishing Purple Heart Cities and Towns and recognizing Purple Heart Businesses. In 2024, she was inducted into the Purple Heart Supporters Hall of Honor in recognition of her outstanding contributions. Mrs. Stout has volunteered over 1,000 hours supporting the Purple Heart Family, the VFW Auxiliary, and the American Legion Auxiliary, and currently serves as Department Chaplain and President Special Project Chairman for the Wreaths Across America for the VFW Auxiliary. She continues to donate lap blankets to veterans’ facilities, supports Quilts of Valor, and leads the Oklahoma National Guard Christmas Party for Mustang, OK , serving military families and children. Her service and leadership reflect her honor, compassion, and patriotism.
Steve Byrd
Mr. Steve Byrd of Coalgate is being honored for his exceptional service to Oklahomans through the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He has served honorably as an Oklahoma Purple Heart Ambassador since 2022 and was named Oklahoma Ambassador of the Year in 2025. He has volunteered over 1,000 hours in support of Oklahoma veterans, Purple Heart recipients, the VFW, and others. In 2025 alone, Mr. Byrd helped establish fourteen Purple Heart Cities, three Purple Heart Towns, one Purple Heart School, and two Purple Heart Businesses. He supported food drives benefiting hundreds of veteran families during Thanksgiving and Christmas and, with his wife Cindy, contributed time and resources to home repairs and handicap ramp construction. Mr. Byrd has represented the Order at numerous Purple Heart ceremonies and works with Youth Ambassadors to promote patriotism in Oklahoma schools. His service reflects the highest traditions of honor and devotion to Oklahoma’s veterans and Purple Heart recipients. Steve is a proud member of the Sioux Nation.
Pete Peterson
Army Colonel Pete Peterson was born in Mississippi and raised in Beloit, Wisconsin. He joined the Army in 1967 and served with honor and distinction in combat with the Special Forces in Vietnam. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Legion of Merit, and the Vietnam Service Medal with four campaign stars. In his Oklahoma retirement, Colonel Peterson served on the Oklahoma Veterans Council for over thirty years, including more than a decade as Chairman. As a Veterans Administration claims service officer and counselor, he provided thousands of volunteer hours assisting veterans in need. He has been a leader in the Black Officers Association, including service in national offices; an active member of Vietnam Veterans of America; and a plank owner of Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter #902. Colonel Peterson was inducted into the Oklahoma Purple Heart Hall of Honor and named its Veteran of the Year in 2010. His legacy reflects honor, sacrifice, and unselfish service to others.
Jessie Newell
Ms. Jessie Newell of Shawnee is being honored for her creative business services to Oklahomans through the Military Order of the Purple Heart. In 2021, Ms. Newell established the Bird Nest Baby photography studio in Shawnee. She has since photographed over 1,000 veterans and their families at no charge. Her work includes World War II, Korean War, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan veterans, Purple Heart recipients, as well as Oklahoma police officers and firefighters. Her photographs have been featured on the covers of Caregivers Magazine, recognizing the sacrifices of veterans and their families. A Purple Heart Ambassador and recipient of the Purple Rose Lady Award, Ms. Newell’s business was named Purple Heart Business of the Year in 2025. She has additionally donated over 600 volunteer hours to food programs, helped honor three Purple Heart Schools, nominated six Purple Rose Ladies, and was inducted into the Oklahoma Purple Heart Hall of Honor in 2023. Her service and patriotism are unmatched.
Paul “Pete” Costilow
Army Brigadier General Paul “Pete” Costilow is a native of Oklahoma City who entered military service in 1968. After flight training, he served three combat tours in Vietnam as a CH-47 Chinook helicopter pilot. His many awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, 16 Air Medals, and the Army Commendation Medal. He has earned degrees from both the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. General Costilow continued his service in retirement by actively supporting many veterans’ causes. He served five years on the Oklahoma Veterans Commission, including three years as Co-Chairman, and he donated thousands of volunteer hours. His commitment extends to organizations such as Veterans Families United, the Native American Warrior Project, and the Force 50 Foundation. General Costilow is an inductee of the Oklahoma Military Order of the Purple Heart Hall of Honor. In recognition of his service, its annual Volunteer of the Year Award bears his name.
Charles Jones
Army Sergeant First Class Charles Jones served in the US Army and Army Reserve for 22 years. He was a Drill/Senior Drill Instructor for 15 years, training new recruits in critical Soldier and common task skills. Charlie is heavily invested in his community, especially youth activities, serving the Guthrie High School Band for 10 years as the Booster Club Vice-President and as the marching band prop master. He also volunteers with the JROTC program with Wreaths Across America. He has been involved with Scouts for 15 years, to include five years as Cub Master and 5 years as Scout Master. With his help, 13 young men have earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He is also active in his church, serving as a leader in the children’s ministry and with the church safety team. Charlie earned two Bronze and one Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Medals, representing over 1,000 hours of community service, and is eligible for the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tom Stegner
Airman First Class Tom Stegner served in the U.S. Air Force as a crew chief on the B-58 Hustler strategic bomber from 1963-1967. In 1970, Tom joined the OKC Fire Department, where he served for 25 years. Over the course of his career, he created the Woodcrest, Oak Cliff, and Sooner Volunteer Fire Departments, and advised on many others, creating crucial defense of smaller communities against fires and other emergencies. As a skilled underwater diver, Tom helped create the OKCFD Underwater Recovery Team. He was one of the first trained on the “jaws of life” and used his knowledge and skills to train others on this important lifesaving device. On April 19, 1995, Tom was the first responder on site after the bombing of the Murrah federal building. He directed others to safety and began the first recovery efforts, remaining on site for five straight days. Tom was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners International, where he transported injured children to the burn center in Houston.
John Shore
Navy Captain John Shore served in uniform for more than forty years. A native of Crescent, Oklahoma, he entered the U.S. Navy in 1962 as a Hospitalman Recruit and retired in 2003 as a Navy Medical Service Corps Captain. In 1974, he was selected for a temporary commission through the Navy’s In-Service Procurement Program. Two years later, he earned a regular officer commission and was promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer, the Navy’s highest enlisted rank. As Executive Director for TRICARE Region Nine, he helped guide the transition from CHAMPUS to TRICARE and TRICARE for Life, strengthening health benefits for military members, retirees, and their families. Upon retirement from active duty, he continued serving the military community through TriWest Healthcare Alliance. In that role, he supported oversight of military treatment facilities and helped ensure high-quality medical care for service members and their families across the nation.
APRIL 2026
Billie Shaw
Marine Lieutenant Colonel Billie Kennedy “B.K.” Shaw was raised in East Texas and graduated from high school in Eustace before attending North Texas State College. Following the outbreak of World War II, he left college to enter the U.S. Navy’s flight training program, later transitioning to the Marine Corps fighter pilot program. After earning his wings as a Corsair pilot, he flew with Marine Fighting Squadron 215 in the South Pacific. By 1943, he had been promoted to Captain and awarded the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Gold Stars, and the Air Medal with four Gold Stars and one Silver Star. Following World War II, he continued serving in China and Korea, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before leaving active duty in 1954. He then settled in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he built Shaw Gulf into a successful petroleum company and became a respected civic leader as a City Commissioner, Chairman of the Urban Renewal Board, and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Brent Jones
Army Staff Sergeant Brent Edward Jones, an infantryman in the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma National Guard, has honorably served in overseas deployments supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan and Operation Enduring Freedom in the Horn of Africa. While earning his Master of Arts in History at Oklahoma State University, he authored a thesis preserving the stories of fifty Payne County, Oklahoma, World War II veterans who served in the Philippines.
He traveled to the Philippines to visit historic battlefields and document their service.
He co-curated an exhibit at the Stillwater History Museum, contributing to public education on military service and sacrifice. He continues his distinguished service as Brigade Historian and is pursuing a doctoral degree in Public History at Oklahoma State University. His awards include the Army Commendation Medal (Third Award), Army Achievement Medal (Third Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
William Berry
Navy Lieutenant Commander William Aylor Berry (1915–2004) is hereby honored for exemplary service, courage, and lifelong dedication to justice and community. Born in Ripley, Oklahoma, and raised in Stillwater, he pursued academic excellence at Missouri Military Academy, Oklahoma A&M College, and the University of Oklahoma. Commissioned as an Ensign in 1941, Berry served in the United States Navy in the Philippines. Following the fall of Corregidor in 1942, he endured captivity at Cabanatuan Prison Camp. Demonstrating extraordinary resolve, he escaped with fellow prisoners and survived for months in the jungle before recapture and confinement at Bilibid Prison. Liberated in 1945, he returned home and completed his service as a Lieutenant Commander. Thereafter, Berry distinguished himself in law and public service, contributing significantly to Oklahoma’s judicial system, including leadership in juvenile justice reform and service on the Oklahoma Supreme Court. His legacy reflects honor, resilience, and unwavering commitment to duty and country.
MAY 2026
B.C. Young
Navy Captain B.C. Young enlisted in the Navy in 1975 as an Airman Recruit and retired 39 years later as a Captain. Beginning as an Aviation Electronics Technician, he served on five aircraft carriers and spent more than five years deployed at sea. His early tours with the VAQ 133 and VA 83 squadrons included Cold War operations, Mediterranean and Middle East deployments, and participation in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, where he advanced to Chief Petty Officer. He was commissioned in 1994 and served in Japan with VFA 195 squdron, supporting Western Pacific and Persian Gulf operations. Young later held key maintenance leadership roles at multiple naval air stations, supporting F/A 18, S-3, H-3, and H-60 aircraft. He eventually led major maintenance organizations, culminating as Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation Maintenance for Naval Air Force Reserve. His awards include the Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal. Captain Young retired in 2018, honored by letters from the sitting President and all living former Presidents.
Jeanette Compton
Army Major Jeanette Lillian (Hofmann) Compton was born on February 18, 1945, in Philadelphia, PA; graduated high school in 1964, and enlisted the Army at age 19, She served honorably in the Women’s Army Corps for over 30 years. In the early 1970s, she married Gary Compton. Jeanette had a distinguished military career, reaching the rank of Major and specializing in psychiatric nursing. She deployed with the 528th Medical Detachment during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. She retired from active duty in 1999 after her assignment as a Nurse Manager of Inpatient Psychiatry at William Beaumont Army Medical Center at Fort Bliss, TX. She later accepted a post-retirement nursing positions with the Veterans Administration Medical Centers in Martinsburg, VA; St. Petersburg, FL; and Fayetteville, AR. After living a life of service to her nation, Jeanette passed away in Mannford in January 2025.
ARMED FORCES DAY 2026
Rhonda Williams
Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Rhonda Williams was born in Lawton, OK in 1970 and resides in Lawton. She is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation and a descendant of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma. LTC Williams was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through the Cameron University ROTC program in 1993 and retired from the Army in 2023. She has served as a Launcher Platoon Leader, Platoon Leader, Battery XO, Assistant Battalion S-3, Battalion Adjutant, Battery Commander and Assistant Brigade Operations Officer. LTC Williams completed a 12-month combat tour in Afghanistan from 2010-11 and also served in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. She is one of four Comanche women awarded the Combat Action Badge, one of two Comanche women awarded the Parachutists Badges and one of five Comanche women to serve in a combat zone. Other awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Afghanistan Campaign medals and several other medals and ribbons.
Donna Harris
Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant (Retired) Donna Kay Harris was born in Lawton, OK in 1954 and lives in Indiahoma, OK. She is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation and is of Sac & Fox and Pawnee Indian descent. GySgt Harris served from 1973-75 and 1978-96 including direct combat support during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm with the 1st Force Service Support Group in Saudi Arabia. She also served in Washington DC; Paris Island, SC; Camp Lejune, NC; Camp Pendleton, CA; Quantico, VA; Barstow, CA; Norfolk, VA and overseas in Hawaii, Korea and Okinawa. GySgt Harris served in numerous Logistics/Supply positions and was a member of the Marine Corps Women's basketball and softball teams. She is the only Comanche woman to attain the enlisted grade of of E-7. Her awards include Marine Corps Commendation, Achievement and Southwest Asia Campaign with/2 Service Stars medals and several other medals and ribbons.
Eleanor McDaniel
Army Specialist Four Eleanor Atauvich McDaniel was born in Lawton, OK in 1954 and lives in Cache, OK. She is an full-blood member of the Comanche Nation. She served, with Honor, from 1982-92. SP4 McDaniel completed a combat tour during the Gulf War with the 7th Support Command as a member of the unit's Explosive Disposal Team and as an Administration and Communication Specialist. SP4 McDaniel's unit was part of the invasion force into Iraq on 17 January 1991. She also served at Fort Polk, LA and Fort Hood, TX and overseas in Bamberg and Nuremberg Germany. SP4 McDaniel is the first of five Comanche women to serve in a combat zone. Her awards include the Army Commendation with/4 Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC), Army Achievement with 3/OLC, Southwest Asia Campaign w/2 Service Stars and Kuwait, Saudi Arabia Liberation of Kuwait medals and several other service medals and ribbons.
Stormy Bennett
Army Private First Class Stormy Garcia Bennett was born in Lawton, OK in 1982 and lives in Chickasha, OK. She is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation and also of Kiowa descent. PFC Bennett served from 2002-2004. After completing her Basic and Occupational Training, as an Aviation Specialist, she was assigned to HHC, 9th Battalion, 159th Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. They deployed two weeks after her arrival to Mosul Air Base, Iraq for one year. She flew over 100 combat helicopter flight missions as the radio operator. PFC Bennett was discharged at Fort Campbell, KY. She is one of two Comanche women awarded the Army Aircrew Badge, one of four Comanche women awarded the Combat Action Badge and one of five Comanche women to serve in a combat zone. PFC Bennett received the Iraq Campaign w/Service Star, two Overseas bars and several other medals and ribbons.
The Punley Family
The Punley family represents a legacy of service to the United States, spanning three generations and more than 60 years of combined service in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Air Force Sergeant Norman Punley was a Vietnam veteran. His dedication reflects a deep-rooted family commitment to military service. His father, Arthur Punley, Sr., served in the Navy, as did his brother Arthur Punley, Jr. Another brother, Kenneth Punley, served in the Army. Norman’s sister, Nona Punley Bessette, also served in the Air Force. This proud legacy was continued by Norman’s three daughters. Staff Sergeant Michele Punley is a retired career Army nurse. Senior Master Sergeant Kristie Punley Subieta retired from the Air Force a Dental Superintendent, and Staff Sergeant Kay Punley Hokeah served as an Air Transportation Specialist in the Air Force. Extending this tradition further, Kristie’s father-in-law, Robert Subieta, Sr., served in the Army as a combat construction specialist. The Punley family is also proudly affiliated with three Native American tribes.
MEMORIAL DAY 2026
Jack Rogers
Army Master Sergeant Jack Allen Rogers was born in Illinois and moved to Enid in childhood to become a lifelong resident. His life exemplified courage, humility, and lifelong service to his nation and community. Jack was a decorated Korean and Vietnam veteran who was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart in Korea , a Bronze Star in Vietnam, other commendations earned through valor and sacrifice. Yet, he carried these distinctions not as accolades, but as a quiet testament to duty fulfilled. Beyond his military service, he was a devoted advocate for veterans, a leader in community organizations, and a voice of reflection through his poetry, including his tribute to Enid’s Living Walls of Honor. In his passing, he continued to serve - donating his medals, uniform, and resources to educate future generations on the meaning of service and sacrifice. MSG Rogers’ legacy endures as an example of honor, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others. We remember him with deep respect and lasting gratitude.
R.D. Bland
Army Air Corps Staff Sergeant R.D. Bland is honored for extraordinary courage, selfless sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to duty. At just seventeen years old, he demonstrated exceptional bravery when he witnessed a distressed aircraft crash near Enid Army Air Field. Without regard for his own safety, he rushed into the burning wreckage and rescued a trapped airman, an act of heroism that would define his life of service. Inspired by this moment, he chose to join the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving as a waist gunner aboard a B-17 in the World War II European Theater. On his fifth combat mission, his aircraft was critically damaged, forcing him to bail out over enemy territory. Captured upon landing, he endured months of brutal captivity, starvation, and constant movement under harsh conditions. Despite extreme adversity, he maintained resilience and honor until liberation from Stalag VII-A. Awarded three Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart, Staff Sergeant Bland’s valor and steadfast spirit reflect the highest traditions of military service.
