Sen.TomWoodsisnow one of the newest members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Woods, R-Westville, was sworn in during a ceremony at the state Capitol on Monday. The ceremony was officiated by Major Rex Alan Starr of Stilwell.

“It’s an honor serving Senate District 4, but I’ve also been thinking quite a while about serving my fellow citizens through the National Guard, particularly after some of the terrible storms that have devastated communities throughout our state this year,” Woods said.

Special guests for the ceremony included U.S. Medal of Honor Recipient Dwight Birdwell, of Bell.

Woods joins other members of the Legis-lature through the years who have balanced service in the National Guard with their work as lawmakers. He’ll leave for basic training in San Antonio on Aug. 20.

“I want to thank everyone who helped me celebrate this new chapter in my life. Like thousands of Oklahomans, I’ll be balancing work, family and other obligations in order to serve my state and my country through the Air National Guard, but it is an honor and a privilege to do so,” Woods said.

Info: Sen. Tom Woods at 405-521-5576oremailTom. Woods@oksenate.gov.