A member of the Oklahoma Senate is being called to fight terror. Senator Joe Newhouse made the announcement Thursday that he was being deployed to northern African. He is a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve.
When you are in the reserves, you know there is the possibility that you could be deployed at any time. Although my service in the Senate could have possibly exempted me, I would not want to be treated differently than any other reservist—especially in light of recent terrorist attacks in England, France and around the world,” said Newhouse. “We have to stop these murderous attacks on innocent people, and right now northern Africa is a hotbed for terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda, the Islamic State, Boko Haram and more.”
Newhouse represents Senate District 25 in the Tulsa area. Before being elected to office he was a Navy pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. He flew multiple combat missions during the Iraq War. The deployment means he will likely miss the legislative session in 2018.
“I want to assure my constituents that my office will continue to be available to them while I am on active duty,” Newhouse said. “To all who live in District 25, I want to thank you for your patience and understanding, and humbly ask for your prayers for all who are serving in the military and for our families here at home. I am honored to fight for our country and the freedoms we hold dear, and I look forward to returning to my family, friends and loved ones and continuing my service in the Oklahoma State Senate.”
He’s a fine man, and I sure hate to lose him for the next session.