Capitol update: House recognizes National Guard

By State Rep. Randy Randleman
This week, I had the pleasure of hosting a page from House District 15, Luke Spradlin from Porum. I appreciate his eagerness to be involved and assist me throughout the week. He attended a couple of meetings with me, including the House Common Education Committee in which I presented Senate Bill 626.
SB626 helps schools prepare for children who are severely handicapped, neurologically impaired or have an emotional disturbance. The student incoming to the school could be on a strict regimen of medication or may have a history of disruptive behavior or even violence. It would be necessary to prepare a program to protect the student and other students within that school system.
It has been my experience that many times schools receive children who have been out of control and there was no preparation to meet their unique needs or provide safety for other children. I have received a lot of feedback from special ed teachers and special ed directors that this will help solve a genuine problem in the public school system. Our schools have had to change so much to meet the needs of children these days who are going through much more turmoil that leads to behaviors displayed at school.
I am working on a possible amendment to this bill to improve the language based on feedback I received from fellow committee members.
On Tuesday, the Senate joined us in the House chamber for our second joint session of this year to celebrate Oklahoma National Guard Appreciation Day. Brigadier General Thomas H. Mancino, the Adjutant General of the Oklahoma National Guard, lead the ceremony this year while the Governor presented several awards.
The Oklahoma National Guard Thunderbird Medal was awarded to Cheryl Thomas-Bowen for 43 years of service. She served in a key role in public affairs during large-scale state missions, like Desert Shield/Desert Storm, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing, and the May 1999 and May 2013 tornadoes.
Gov. Kevin Stitt then presented the Oklahoma National Guard Star of Valor to Sgt. Timothy Rose, Sgt. First Class Elijah Partain, First Sgt. Jason Beshears, Major Neal Harvey, Major Montana Dugger and Lt. Col. Michael Vanoni for their actions on April 25, 2021. While returning home from a training exercise, they encountered a multi-vehicle accident along I-40 and sprang into action to provide assistance while the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was coming.
I want to applaud each and every member of our Oklahoma National Guard. It was so meaningful to recognize their heroism on the front lines and also acknowledge their contributions to help the state battle COVID-19 over the last two years. Thank you for your service.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent House District 15 at the Oklahoma Capitol. You may reach me at 405-557-7375 or randy.randleman@okhouse.gov.
Rep. Randy Randleman represents District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes portions of Haskell, LeFlore, McIntosh, Muskogee, Pittsburg and Sequoyah counties.