OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Joe Newhouse, R-Tulsa, was recently awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for leading future operations of U.S. Special Forces in East Africa during his most recent deployment.

Newhouse, a Navy Reservist, was flown overseas three days after adjournment of the 2021 legislative session, where he served for several months on temporary orders by the Special Operations Command Africa.

While he was deployed, Newhouse oversaw future operations of U.S. Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets and other government agency officials to counter Al Shabaab in Somalia and reduce the Chinese and Russian influence in the Horn of Africa.

“America is a force for good, and I was proud to put the uniform back on this past summer and serve with our military elite in fighting back against our enemies,” Newhouse said. “The current Russian invasion of Ukraine has reminded us that evil never rests, and we in the free world must stay ever vigilant.”

Former Acting Undersecretary of the Navy for President Donald Trump, Gregory Slavonic, commended Newhouse’s achievement.

“Commander Newhouse is a shining example of how our reservists lead from the front and strengthen our defenses,” Slavonic said. “Oklahoma has a rich history of answering our nation’s call to duty, and I congratulate him and his family for their sacrifices.”

The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is the third highest defense/joint peacetime award, given to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by non-combat meritorious achievement or service. Newhouse was awarded the medal by U.S. Navy SEAL and Commanding Officer Rear Admiral Milton Sands, III.

In the Senate, Newhouse represents parts of Tulsa County and serves as vice chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Select Agencies.

He’s also a sitting member of the Appropriations; Business, Commerce and Tourism; Education; and Retirement and Insurance committees.