Future Soldiers take oath at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Official Statements

• U.S. Army Recruiting Division, November 13: “By Capt. Jaxon Lewandowski U.S. Army Recruiting Division Public Affairs Fort Knox, Ky. - Ten future Soldiers from the Oklahoma City Recruiting Battalion’s Oklahoma City West Recruiting Company raised their right hands and took the Oath of Enlistment at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City on Nov. 7.”

• U.S. Army Recruiting Division, November 13: “Set against a backdrop celebrating the spirit of the American West, the ceremony brought future Soldiers together with family members and community supporters to mark the beginning of their Army journeys. The event connected Oklahoma’s tradition of service with the next generation of volunteers preparing to serve the nation. Among those taking the oath was Austin Lee Mason, 23, who enlisted from Memorial Station on Sep. 11 as an 89D explosive ordnance disposal, or EOD, specialist.”

• U.S. Army Recruiting Division, November 13: “I enlisted as an 89D as I wanted to better myself and be someone my family can depend on,” Mason said. “I want to know what it means to serve my country, follow in my uncle’s footsteps, and make something for myself.” Lt. Col. David Thompson, commander of the Oklahoma City Recruiting Battalion, administered the oath and recognized the future Soldiers’ decision to take on the responsibilities of military service.”

• U.S. Army Recruiting Division, November 13: "There are few things more Oklahoma than a Cowboy Museum, and there are few things more patriotic than joining the military. Administering the Oath of Enlistment is a fitting reminder that service, sacrifice, and commitment are enduring parts of our nation's story. Today's enlistees carry that legacy forward as they take the first step in serving something greater than themselves."

• U.S. Army Recruiting Division, November 13: “For the future Soldiers, the ceremony was more than a formal milestone. Surrounded by the history and heritage of the West, they began their path toward Army service with the support of the people and communities that helped shape them.”