It was a tremendous privilege to be able to join the governor and my legislative colleagues in honoring Oklahoma servicemen this week. The Legislature on Tuesday met in joint session for Oklahoma National Guard 45th Infantry Appreciation Day to recognize the men and women who defend freedom and represent our state and country in military service.
Two families, including one from Owasso, were present to receive the Oklahoma Gold Star Medal of Honor, which is given to members of the military born in Oklahoma who have lost their lives in the line of duty, or in a combat zone, since Sept. 11, 2001. The legislature last year approved a measure creating the honor, and Tuesday’s ceremony marked the first time it has been awarded.
The families of Army Spc. Christopher D. Horton of Owasso, and Army 2nd Lt. Jared Ewy of Edmond were present to receive the honor. Both men were members of the Oklahoma National Guard’s 45th Brigade Combat Team, and were killed in action in Afghanistan. It was an honor to visit with their families and offer our appreciation for their bravery.
A House committee this week advanced four proposals that are part of broad effort to enhance security in our schools. The four bills are the product of recommendations from the Oklahoma Commission on School Security. The Commission was created last year after the tragic school shooting in Newtown, Conn. Among other reforms, the bills establish new emergency procedures and preparedness requirements for schools. The legislation will also create the Oklahoma School Security Institute within the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security. The Institute would act as a central hub of information and resources related to school security and risk assessments to campuses.
Ensuring that our schools are safe environments for children, educators and support staff is of the utmost importance. The tragic shooting that led to the creation of this Commission was a reminder that we must be vigilant. I believe these measures are positive steps toward ensuring our schools are safe environments.
I was pleased the Senate this week approved House Bill 2045, a measure I co-authored with Rep. Katie Henke, of Tulsa. The bill ensures that parents, foster parents, legal guardians and legal custodians do not violate the Computer Crimes Act by monitoring their children’s Internet or computer usage, provided that the child is under the age of 18. A parent should not be guilty of a crime for trying to protect their children from online predators.
Please feel free to contact me at the state Capitol by calling (405) 521-5566 or by email at brinkley@oksenate.gov.
