Tulsa Recruiting Company Future Soldiers Take Oath at University of Tulsa Game

Twenty-five Future Soldiers Take Oath at Tulsa Halftime

The roar of the crowd at the University of Tulsa football game on October 23 briefly gave way to a singular, solemn tradition. During the halftime intermission, twenty-five future Soldiers from the Oklahoma City Recruiting Battalion’s Tulsa Recruiting Company stood on the field to take the oath of enlistment, DVIDS reported. This public ceremony marked a significant milestone for these recruits, positioning their commitment to military service against the backdrop of a major community sporting event.

Tulsa Recruiting Company Future Soldiers Take Oath at University of Tulsa Game

For many in the group, the decision to enlist is deeply personal. Among the twenty-five recruits were brothers Ethan and Brandon Woodrich, both from Bixby, Oklahoma. Their enlistment continues a multi-generational family legacy of service. Ethan, 23, has signed on as a 15U CH-47 Chinook helicopter repairer, while 20-year-old Brandon is set to train as a 15T UH-60 helicopter repairer. Both brothers are moving into Army aviation, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, who served in the U.S. Navy, and their father, who served in the U.S. Air Force.

“My brother and I joined because it is a family legacy to serve,” Ethan Woodrich said. “We are proud of Oklahoma and our country and want to carry the honor of those that serve.”

Command Leadership and the Spirit of Service

The ceremony was attended by senior leadership from the Oklahoma City Recruiting Battalion, including commander Lt. Col. David Thompson and Command Sgt. Maj. Jared Bullock. The presence of battalion leadership underscores the importance of local recruiting efforts in building the future force. For these recruits, the moment is intended to serve as a lasting memory of their transition from civilian life to the ranks of the U.S. Army.

“Administering the oath to future Soldiers is a powerful reminder that service begins with a willingness to step forward when the nation calls,” Lt. Col. David Thompson said. “These young men and women will remember this moment for the rest of their lives—not only the excitement of the stadium, but the commitment they made alongside their families and community. Their decision reflects the spirit of ‘send me’: a readiness to serve something greater than themselves and to answer the call with purpose, courage and pride.”

The logistical process of bringing these twenty-five recruits to the field involved coordination between the Tulsa Recruiting Company and the university. Staff Sgt. Zachery Johnson, a recruiter assigned to the Tulsa South Recruiting Station, facilitated the enlistment of the Woodrich brothers, highlighting the role recruiters play in connecting the military with local talent pools. The event offered families and community supporters a chance to witness the formal start of the recruits’ paths toward their respective training pipelines.

While the halftime ceremony provided a moment of public recognition, it also highlights the ongoing efforts of the Army to maintain recruitment numbers in a competitive labor market. The military’s reliance on community-based recruiting remains a primary strategy for ensuring a steady pipeline of personnel. As these twenty-five individuals prepare to ship out for basic training, their path represents the broader reality of military recruitment: a mix of family tradition, personal career goals in specialized fields like aviation maintenance, and the communal support required to sustain an all-volunteer force.