This month, I was honored to recognize a soldier with the Oklahoma Army National Guard who was named “Soldier of the Year” from among all the Army National Guard soldiers in the nation.

Sgt. Larry Isbell of Oklahoma City has been a member of the Oklahoma National Guard for three years and is currently assigned to the 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Sgt. Isbell deployed to Iraq in 2007 and, next year, will serve in Afghanistan with his fellow Thunderbirds.

The members of the Oklahoma National Guard are the most selfless, courageous and professional men and women I know. I am proud, but not surprised, that one of our own has been named the ANG Soldier of the Year. In fact, three members of the Oklahoma National Guard have earned this honor. No other state can claim as many recipients of this award.

This is an incredible honor for Sgt Larry Isbell and recognition of years of hard work and dedication on his part. On behalf of all Oklahomans, I offer my congratulations and my sincere thanks for his service to our state and the nation.  

All Oklahomans should take pride in Sgt. Isbell, and the men and women in the Oklahoma National Guard and Air National Guard, who dedicate themselves to defending our freedoms and protecting our way of life.

Whether they are defending our freedoms overseas or serving closer to home in response to ice storms, floods or tornadoes, the members of the Oklahoma National Guard live and breathe service to our state and our country.

Those men and women are as committed to excellence as they are to serving their state and their nation. They devote themselves to hard work and excellence. That dedication is evident not only in Sgt. Isbell’s accomplishment, but also in the professionalism with which the members of the Oklahoma National Guard carry out their duties at home and abroad.

To all the men and women of the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard and their families: thank you for profound service to our country and to the State of Oklahoma.

If you have questions or comments, please write me at the Office of the Governor, Room 212, Oklahoma City OK 73105 or visit the "Contact the Governor" section of my website, www.governor.ok.gov.