Photo By Kendall James | Maj. Gen. Robbie L. Asher, Adjutant General of Oklahoma, presents the Army...... read more read more
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Maj. Gen. Myles L. Deering retired from the Oklahoma National Guard in February after some 43 years of military service as the state’s Adjutant General, but he continues to be recognized for his outstanding service.
Earlier this month, Deering, 62, of Midwest City, Oklahoma, found himself standing at attention in front of a packed conference room of his former Soldiers and Airmen at the Renaissance Hotel in Tulsa as he was presented the Army Distinguished Service Medal.
The military award is presented to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States military has distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. Deering served as the Adjutant General for Oklahoma for six years before retiring two months ago.
“While it is a great honor to be recognized with this award, I have to share this honor with all the men and women of the Oklahoman National Guard who have served our state and nation with great distinction” said Deering. “I also want to thank the great families that support our Soldiers and Airmen because it’s with their support that we are able to serve.”
In August 2005, then Brig. Gen. Deering deployed to New Orleans as Commander of the Oklahoma National Guard’s Joint Task Force in response to Hurricane Katrina. His Soldiers and Airmen immediately brought relief to the region devastated by the hurricane and subsequent flooding. They were widely credited for saving lives and protecting property.
Two years later, he deployed the 45th Infantry Brigade, based in Norman, Oklahoma, to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his tenure as the Adjutant General, which began in 2009, the Guard supported more than 140 distinct state active duty missions and multiple federal mobilizations.
Part of the citation read before the large audience said, “….Deering played a key role in Oklahoma’s ability to answer the call of duty in support of state emergencies from natural disasters at home to globally in the fight against terrorism.”
Dressed in a nice suit with tie for the awards ceremony, Deering was quick to share the accolades read aloud about his service.
“It was a huge privilege to lead this tremendous organization,” said Deering. “Our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen serve with great pride. But I also want to share this honor with the families of our fallen Soldiers, as they have shouldered the burden of freedom and liberty with the lives of their loved ones.”
Shortly after retiring from the Guard, Deering was appointed by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin to be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. It’s a position he currently holds.
Deering is married to Dr. Pam Deering, superintendent of Mid-Del Schools.
| Date Taken: | 04.17.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.30.2015 11:40 |
| Story ID: | 161774 |
| Location: | OK, US |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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