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.
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.
