Oklahoma State Senator Brenda Stanley has been honored with the Oklahoma Thunderbird Medal, the highest civilian award given by the Oklahoma National Guard for her commitment and service to the state's military community. Stanley, representing Midwest City, received the award on the Senate floor on Wednesday, highlighting her role as Chair of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and her advocacy work for veterans and their families, as reported by the Oklahoma Senate.
In her acceptance speech, Stanley expressed her gratitude for the honor and reaffirmed her dedication to the welfare of those who have served in the armed forces, saying as per Oklahoma Senate, "Receiving the Thunderbird Medal is a profound honor, and I am proud to work alongside our state's veterans organizations and ODVA to build a stronger Oklahoma for those who have served us." She underscored the importance of the military's contributions to the local community, economy, and the state at large particularly Tinker Air Force Base in her district, in a statement obtained by the Oklahoma Senate.
Major General Thomas H. Mancino, the Adjutant General for Oklahoma, presented the award with Chief Master Sgt. Scott Irwin and Colonel Kevin Roland at his side; he noted Stanley's impressive legislative work, including her co-authorship of House Bill 4012 in 2024. This legislation, which she pushed forward, resulted in the funding for the creation of a memorial arch and veterans park on the State Capitol grounds dedicated to the 45th Infantry Division and the broader guard community. Her actions as a legislator have been marked by an unwavering commitment to the state's military and veterans, earning her this high honor.
