Congress presented its highest honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, to the 13 men and women who lost their lives while selflessly serving our nation in Afghanistan in August 2021. It was a privilege to join my colleagues and the impacted Gold Star Families in honoring these heroes and paying tribute to their loved ones.

To the Gold Star Families of these 13 heroes, we will forever remain in debt to you for your sacrifice. May we always remember: Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Pichardo, Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole Gee, Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan Page, Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Espinoza, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton Soviak, and Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss.

The decision to apply to a service academy is a personal and courageous one, and I am humbled to be a part of the process. My office is accepting applications for service academy nominations for appointment to the five U.S. service academies: the U.S. Military Academy, U.S Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

No matter the branch, rank, or role, each of our men and women in uniform play an important part in maintaining our national security and defending our way of life. I encourage Oklahoma’s qualified high school seniors to consider if this path is right for you. The deadline to apply is Friday, October 11th, 2024. Learn more here. 

While visiting Southwest Oklahoma last weekend, I had the chance to return to Altus Air Force Base for a mission brief, which included updates on the C-135 and KC-46 aircraft, as well as the Rivers Elementary School renovation project. We also spoke about our longstanding efforts to fund planning and design of a new front gate. This latest visit to Mobility's Hometown was all the more special, because I was joined by my beautiful wife, Christie, and our three daughters, Larra, Ivy, and Lynette. Thank you to the exceptional airmen who volunteered their time to meet with our family, and discuss what it takes to equip the sixth largest mobility air force in the world. 

I joined Fox Business to discuss the House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans’ report that confirms everything the American people have known for three years about the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal. Between the Biden-Harris administration’s hesitation to evacuate noncombatants despite warnings, to their failure to adhere to recommendations to leave a small military presence in place, the findings in this report corroborate everything we have known. Still, this administration refuses to admit their failure. We will not stop until those responsible are held accountable. Watch the interview here. 

As I traveled across Oklahoma during the August work period, I heard the same concern at each stop: election security. Watch this week's Weekly Wrap Up on how the SAVE Act can address these concerns now that Congress is back in session.

Thanks for reading my weekly e-newsletter! It’s an honor to represent the great state of Oklahoma in the U.S. Senate. You can stay in touch by following me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Gettr, Truth Social, and YouTube. As always, don’t hesitate to contact my office if we can help in any way.

God Bless!

Markwayne Mullin

U.S. Senator for Oklahoma

mullin.senate.gov

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