 The Oklahoma National Guard 138th Fighter Wing named Aircraft 545, the 'Spirit of Broken Arrow.' More than 115 Oklahoma Air National Guard servicemembers reside in Broken Arrow. Many of them were on hand to meet with the City Council and share the mission of the 138th Fighter Wing.
TULSA, Okla.— The 138th Fighter Wing of the Oklahoma Air National Guard paid tribute to the City of Broken Arrow by naming one of its fighter jets “The Spirit of Broken Arrow” at a ceremony held at the Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma.
Mayor Debra Wimpee took part in revealing the city’s logo on the intake of the F-16, much to her surprise.
“We didn’t know that was going to happen, it was quite a surprise to see the city logo on the side one of the F-16s!” Mayor Wimpee said.
Broken Arrow residents have a long history of serving in the military. Today, more than 115 Oklahoma Air National Guard service members reside in Broken Arrow, and many were present to greet Mayor Wimpee and the City Council.
“I was aware a lot of part-time employees from Broken Arrow worked there, but I did not realize so many full-time service members were serving there as well,” Councilor Lisa Ford said.
Councilor Johnnie Parks came away from his visit to the base with an even greater appreciation for the individuals serving in the National Guard.
“I felt very welcome. They were prepared to demonstrate their jobs, but I was not prepared to see how efficient and humble they were,” Councilor Parks said. “I felt even more protected for myself, my family, our city, and our country!”
 Broken Arrow is only the second city in Oklahoma to be honored with this designation, according to Col. Frank D. Horton, Commander 138th Maintenance Group.
“We dedicated the Aircraft 545 to be known as the Spirit of Broken Arrow, and the intention is that the aircraft will fly with that name as long as the program is in place,” Col. Horton said.
Councilor Justin Green said he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and is pleased to know that the Spirit of Broken Arrow will be flown anytime there is a National Guard flyover in Broken Arrow. In addition to naming the fighter jet, Tuesday’s ceremony allowed city leaders to meet the residents of Broken Arrow who serve full-time in the military with the Oklahoma Air National Guard.
“We learned what our citizen soldiers are doing on the base and how, as a military, they are protecting our country, and we were made aware of some of the threats we face as Americans,” Mayor Wimpee said.
The City Council also toured the base and was presented with a weapons employment and a deterrent display.
“The 138th Fighter Wing would like to thank the City of Broken Arrow for their continued support for the veterans and those members currently serving,” Col. Horton concluded.
 City Councilor Justin Green, City Councilor Johnnie Parks, City Councilor Lisa Ford, and Mayor Debra Wimpee were briefed by Col. J. Chad Phillips as a part of the Fighter Wing Welcome Brief on Oct. 1.
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