From the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of Iraq, the United States Military has long protected the freedoms that we as Americans enjoy. The Armed Forces are composed of everyday Americans that choose to wear the uniform.
Upon completing their missions, these soldiers and sailors return home and often continue their service by joining one of the nation’s law enforcement agencies. Many of these veterans have joined the Tulsa Police Department; officers including Chief Dave Been who served in the United States Army, Officer Carmen Brown who continues her service in the Army National Guard, and Officer Warren Bigelow who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Marine Corp. These Officers, along with many others, continue to protect the citizens of Tulsa. Of the 800 Tulsa Police Officers, over 150 officers are veterans or are still actively serving in a Reserve Unit of the United States Armed Forces. To these officers, we as citizens owe a great deal of gratitude, and we say Thank You!
On September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked. These attacks outraged America. As a 
result, citizens from across the country signed up in record numbers to serve their country. Soon after, America declared war on terrorism. With this Declaration, hundreds of citizen soldiers were called to duty. These soldiers included many from within the Tulsa Police Department. Whether being called to protect a Port in Italy, guard a diplomat in Washington, or hunt terrorists in Afghanistan, these officers left their family, friends and careers to protect America. Since September 11, 2001, Tulsa Police Officers have served over 9,944 days on foreign lands, promoting peace and democracy.
On January 11, 2002, Officer Mike Avey was deployed to the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico. Officer Avey was assigned to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and he subsequently traveled in more than 9 countries. "Many of the ports we assessed were in industrial areas and usually poor sections of the cities. Traveling to these places made me appreciate living in the United States, where we have superior food, lodging, and medical facilities. Many of the average incomes of these countries are less than I made in a month as an E-5 Enlisted Petty Officer" commented Officer Avey.
Corporal Matt Hart was activated on August 23, 2003 until January 1, 2005. Corporal Hart was assigned to Washington D.C. and was attached to a security detail assigned to protect members of the United States government, including Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Richard Myers. During Corporal Hart’s deployment he visited 23 countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar, Bahrain, Germany and Malta. Corporal Hart stated "It was a stressful time. I had a wife and a four year old daughter, and it was hard to explain to my daughter why I could not tuck her into bed every night."
Officer Todd Henley was deployed from January of 2003 to January 2004 with the United States Marines and was assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force/ Anti-Terrorist Unit. Officer Henley spent time in Africa, Kuwait and Germany providing outside reconnaissance and patrol, base security, and hunting for terrorists and terrorist camps. Officer Henley stated "Having to leave my new wife and my new job with the Tulsa Police Department wasn’t easy, but I signed up to serve my country and when the time came, I knew that I had a mission to complete."
These are just three of the Tulsa Police officers that have served in the post 9-11 era. With the dedicated service of individuals like these, the United States and the City of Tulsa will continue to thrive, and be the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
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