Oklahoma Air National Guard Airman Meagan Fleck Earns National Award
Oklahoma Air National Guard Airman Meagan Fleck Earns National Recognition for Lifesaving Service
Oklahoma Air National Guard airman Staff Sgt. Meagan Fleck has earned national recognition after being named the Air National Guard's Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer Aeromedical Evacuation Crew Member of the Year. Assigned to the 137th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Fleck distinguished herself through lifesaving medical training, operational readiness and service to fellow military personnel.
During the award period, Fleck completed 65.5 flight hours supporting critical aeromedical evacuation missions. Her contributions extended beyond aircraft operations, including training more than 50 service members in emergency medical procedures and introducing Oklahoma students to military aviation careers. The recognition highlights the continuing role of the 137th Special Operations Wing, based at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City, in supporting military operations and emergency response.
Oklahoma Air National Guard Airman Trains More Than 50 Service Members
As the wing's Tactical Combat Casualty Care program manager, Fleck certified more than 50 military personnel in medical techniques designed to save lives during combat and other emergencies.
Her responsibilities included preparing service members to respond to traumatic injuries when immediate medical treatment may determine survival.
Fleck also supported a large-scale interagency disaster response exercise, providing aeromedical evacuation expertise while helping maintain operational readiness during personnel deployments.
Beyond her medical responsibilities, she coordinated C-130 aircraft fuselage trainer tours for more than 160 high school and ROTC students, introducing young Oklahomans to military aviation and potential service opportunities.
137th Special Operations Wing Has Served Oklahoma for Nearly 80 Years
Fleck's recognition adds to the history of the 137th Special Operations Wing, which began operations in 1947 and has repeatedly adapted its mission to meet changing national defense requirements.
The wing initially operated fighter aircraft, including the P-51 Mustang, F-80 Shooting Star and F-86 Sabre, before transitioning into airlift operations involving the C-97 Stratofreighter, C-124 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules.
From 2007 to 2015, the unit operated KC-135 Stratotankers in an air refueling mission associated with Tinker Air Force Base. In 2015, it transitioned to special operations, eventually operating the MC-12W Liberty intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.
The wing's official historical record also documents one of its most unusual assignments. Between 1961 and 1963, a specially equipped C-97E Stratofreighter, nicknamed "Talking Bird," helped maintain communications for President John F. Kennedy during international travel.
Oklahoma Military Unit Has Long History of Emergency Response
The 137th's service extends beyond overseas military operations into disaster relief and emergency assistance.
Following the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, members supported rescue, recovery, medical and security operations. During Operation Haydrop, aircrews delivered emergency hay supplies to stranded livestock following severe winter storms in New Mexico.
The wing also supported relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, providing personnel and transportation resources during the national emergency.
Today, the Oklahoma National Guard continues supporting military readiness and emergency response missions, with specialized personnel such as Fleck contributing medical expertise that can be critical during deployments and disasters.
Staff Sgt. Meagan Fleck's national award recognizes her 65.5 flight hours, lifesaving medical instruction and commitment to preparing fellow service members for emergencies. Her achievement continues a tradition of Oklahoma Air National Guard service spanning nearly eight decades.
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