Photo By Sgt. Haden Tolbert | Newly promoted Brig. Gen. Michael B. Meason stands with family following his promotion...... read more read more
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Family, friends and fellow service members gathered to celebrate the Oklahoma Air National Guard’s newest brigadier general during a promotion ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Oct. 3, 2024.
Brig. Gen Michael B. Meason serves as the assistant adjutant general, Oklahoma Air National Guard, and is responsible for the mission readiness and operations of two flying wings comprised of more than 2,300 Airmen serving in support of national defense objectives and domestic emergency response operations.
As he serves as a senior leader with the Oklahoma National Guard, he looks forward through the lens of responsibility his new rank brings.
Meason said that he sees this promotion as a greater opportunity to serve the men and women of the Oklahoma Air National Guard, to support the Adjutant General, the Joint Force Headquarters staff and the leadership of the wings.
“[Our mission] is to be ready when called, whether the call is from the Governor to take care of Oklahomans, to save life and property within our own borders, or the call is from the President or Congress to go do things elsewhere,” Meason said. “When we're called, we need to be lethal. We need to be effective. Lethal isn't just kinetic effects on the battlefield, it's the effectiveness of all of our functions, from operations to support and everything in between. I promise you I will do everything I can to do my part, and I confidently trust the other leaders in the room to do yours, and we're all going to do it with strength and honor.”
As community and family support is a crucial piece for a successful military career, Meason made a point to thank his loved ones directly.
“The sacrifices that our household has endured to enable me to continue military service is beyond measure, but it's also beyond value to me to know that you're always there,” Meason said, speaking to his family. “The strength and the dedication that you have, not just to me and our family, but in support of my service to the country, is more than I can ever thank you for.”
Meason is an Air Force command pilot and former naval aviator with more than 3,000 hours of flight time. In total, Meason has 295 carrier landings and has completed numerous deployments in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Joint Guardian, as well as U.S. Indo-Pacific Command theater support.
In 1997 Meason graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in marine engineering and commissioned, where he served as an instructor pilot in the F-14B Tomcat, F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, and T-34C Turbomentor.
Meason transitioned to the Arkansas Air National Guard in 2008 and qualified in the A-10C Thunderbolt II with the 188th Wing. He later transferred to the Oklahoma Air National Guard and served in various roles as an F-16CM Fighting Falcon fighter pilot, air liaison officer, combat training flight commander, Wing inspector general, vice commander and commander for the 138th Fighter Wing. Prior to his current assignment as assistant adjutant general, Meason was the director of plans and programs for the Oklahoma Air National Guard.
As Meason looks to the OKNG’s future, he emphasizes that trust is what motivates the growth of excellence and success.
“Trust is built and earned through demonstrated character, integrity, sacrificial service, honor and courage,” Meason said. “Those are the things that enable the commitment of ourselves as leaders in this room and the Airmen that we're charged to lead, and it provides the environment that allows them to flourish.”
| Date Taken: | 10.03.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.08.2024 12:13 |
| Story ID: | 482566 |
| Location: | OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Web Views: | 261 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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