Red, White & You: Honoring Oklahoma’s Military Heroes

Oklahoma has a storied tradition of military service, with countless individuals dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. While words can't fully capture the immense gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to highlight a few remarkable veterans and active-duty military members from our state. Read about their stories below, and if you know a military hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

1. Spc. Alexander Weimer

Spc. Alexander Weimer of the Oklahoma Army National Guard was awarded the Oklahoma Star of Valor in March 2024 for his courageous actions at the scene of a deadly head-on collision. While on his way to military training, Weimer stopped to help victims trapped in their vehicles. He directed emergency response, pulled injured drivers from the wreckage and stayed until all victims were safely transported to the hospital. His selfless actions exemplified the Guard’s core values of leadership and service, and earned him praise from leadership for acting with calm resolve in a moment of crisis. Read more here.

2. Capt. Frederick P. Smith (1946–1971)

Capt. Frederick P. Smith, a Chemical Corps officer and EOD specialist, was posthumously inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame in 2025 for heroism during a Vietnam War mission. In February 1971, while aboard a helicopter conducting a CS gas “sniffer mission,” canisters began detonating inside the aircraft. Smith, already badly burned, pushed the canisters out to protect the crew, falling 1,500 feet to his death in the process. Remembered as a leader, mentor and devoted father, Smith’s sacrifice saved seven lives. His legacy has been preserved by friends, family and fellow service members determined to honor his courage. Read more here.

3. Spc. Juan Lopez

Spc. Juan Lopez of Stillwater was named the 2025 Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldier of the Year. A signal operations support specialist with the 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment, Lopez earned the title after competing against top Guardsmen in the state’s Best Warrior Competition. He will go on to represent Oklahoma at the regional level in May 2025. Known for his discipline, drive and technical proficiency, Lopez exemplifies the excellence and commitment of today’s Citizen-Soldiers. Read more here.

4. Col. Abigail Ruscetta

Col. Abigail Ruscetta, commander of the 72nd Air Base Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, was named the 2024 Oklahoma Aerospace and Aviation Woman of the Year. At the helm of nearly 3,000 personnel and a $311 million operating budget, Ruscetta enables critical missions at the largest single-site employer in Oklahoma. Her distinguished Air Force career spans over two decades and includes overseas deployments, Pentagon assignments and numerous commendations. Ruscetta’s leadership continues to inspire the next generation of women in military and aviation roles. Read more here.

5. Maj. Gen. Rita Bly Aragon

Trailblazer and public servant Maj. Gen. Rita Bly Aragon broke barriers as the first woman to command the Oklahoma Air National Guard and later, the state’s first female Secretary of Veterans Affairs. After enlisting at age 30 as a single mother, Aragon rose through the ranks to become a two-star general and served two tours at the Pentagon. Her extensive service has earned her induction into both the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame, along with dozens of awards recognizing her leadership, patriotism and advocacy for veterans and women in uniform. She was recently interviewed by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame about her journey serving our country. Read more here.

Do you know a veteran or active military member who deserves recognition? We’d love to hear their story! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured on Patch!