FEATURELOOK
teacher and principal. She believes her teaching background led to her military success, because, she said with a laugh, “Adults are much like children.” Her enjoyment of people also made her job more difficult, as she faced the obligation of putting lives in danger. “People By Amy Dee Stephens in uniform are extremely conscious of the price of enlisting in the military. No one fully understands this more, except the families who are left behind when we fight or when we don’t come back.” Rita Aragon joined the Oklahoma National Guard for a Gen. Aragon has vivid memories of September 11th, when simple reason--she needed the money. She was a single mom a lieutenant rushed in and said, “Turn on the TV. You won’t with two young girls, and her schoolteacher salary wasn’t believe what you’re going to see!” As the state commander, enough. “I was also working fast food and as the church Gen. Aragon sent the first aircraft off to war and continued secretary, but I still needed my parent’s financial help to make sending people to war until she retired in 2007. Retirement ends meet.” did not end her service, however, and in 2011, Aragon once In 1979, Aragon’s friend from church suggested she join the again earned the “first woman” role, this time as Secretary of National Guard because she could work flexible hours when Veterans Affairs under Governor Mary Fallin. school was out. Aragon was unaware that her life was about Currently, Gen. Aragon serves on Edmond’s Veterans to take a major turn, leading to a 30-year career as a highMemorial Committee, raising funds to honor fellow military ranking officer. members. “We’ve been designing a Aragon enrolled as an airman basic. spectacular memorial,” Gen. Aragon said. “I’m proud to live in “I had more education than 99% of “I’m proud to live in Edmond, because the recruits, but I took advantage of Edmond, because it’s it’s one of the most patriotic towns in every schooling opportunity so I could one of the most patriotic Oklahoma, and there are a number of understand every military function,” Veterans Day ceremonies scheduled in towns in Oklahoma” Aragon said. Edmond on November 11th. Veterans Twenty years later, Aragon was Day honors the 11th hour of the 11th day promoted as the first woman to hold the rank of brigadier of the 11th month—the moment World War I ended. It’s an general of the Oklahoma National Guard and the first female important day to recognize the cost of freedom.” commander of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. “I was Protecting freedom is a common theme as Gen. Aragon proud, but it was tenuous because I realized that if I fell, speaks to groups because although her military time has it would not bode well for those coming behind me,” Gen. ended, her mission has not. “Thank veterans for their service,” Aragon said. “I had some hard knocks, but the men gave me she urges. “It takes people to defend America. Veterans the opportunity to learn leadership.” willingly stand in the breach of those who would take over During Gen. Aragon’s career, she completed tours of duty America and defeat her; of those who would break down our around the world and at the Pentagon. Although travel was democracy because they’d love to have our wealth, resources interesting, she found people to be the greatest part about and people. The military, both past and present, stand National Guard service. Gen. Aragon also continued to work between us and those who would take over. Please thank as an educator for 22 years, becoming an award-winning them. I do, every day.”
A Patriotic Message from
General Rita Aragon
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