NORMAN, Okla. — In a room of distinguished visitors and Soldiers and Airmen who represent the 9,000 Oklahoma Army and Air National Guardsmen, Maj. Gen. Michael Thompson assumed the position of adjutant general of Oklahoma from Brig. Gen. Louis Wilham, interim adjutant general, in a change of command ceremony at the Norman Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Oklahoma, Dec. 9, 2017.
After receiving the Oklahoma National Guard Distinguished Service Medal for his service to his state and his efforts to help Texas during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Wilham spoke to those in attendance on three points during his time in the position: his pride in the OKNG, his appreciation for the support of the Soldiers and Airmen in the OKNG, and his gratitude toward the friends and families of the OKNG members. Wilham was appointed Interim Adjutant General in August 2017.
“I can promise you that being Oklahoma adjutant general during that period of time will go down for me as the proudest and most humbling moment of my career,” said Wilham of his tenure. “So again, I’m going to thank you for the service and sacrifice it takes to do what you do.”
Wilham enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1987 and commissioned through the officer candidate school as a second lieutenant in 1989. He is a veteran of Operations Iraqi Freedom. He served as the brigade commander for 90th Troop Command, director of manpower and personnel, vice chief of staff, deputy chief of staff personnel, and held staff and command positions at company, battalion, and brigade levels.
Wilham officially passed his duties to Thompson as of Nov. 15, Thompson’s effective date. Thompson is the first African American to hold the position of adjutant general of Oklahoma.
“We’re glad to have you continue on with our administration and continue the important work of our state,” said Mary Fallen, governor of Oklahoma, to Thompson. “I’ve always been able to trust in [Thompson’s] wisdom, leadership, virtue and integrity … I am excited to be able to work with Adjutant General Michael Thompson.”
Thompson enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1983 and commissioned through Officer Candidate School as a second lieutenant in 1986. He is also a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Among notable assignments, he served as the brigade commander for 90th Troop Command, land component commander, chief of staff and assistant adjutant general - Army. Thompson commanded at the company, battalion and brigade levels, and recently retired as the commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety with 28 years of service.
“I look at the men and women of the Oklahoma National Guard, and I just feel humbled to be a part of your formation,” said Thompson. “You make incredible sacrifices for our communities each day … I will trust you to do your part, and you can trust me to do my part.”