Two Oklahoma 45th Brigade Soldiers Receive Purple Heart Medals

Two Oklahoma Army National Guard soldiers with the 45th Infantry Brigade received Purple Heart medals for their service in Afghanistan.

According to the Oklahoma Army National Guard, Spc. Joshua Encinas of Perkins and First Lt. Matthew Smothermon of Tulsa were presented with Purple Heart medals during a presentation ceremony, which was held at combat outpost Xio Haq on December 3, in Laghman Province, Afghanistan.

Both soldiers are members of Company A, 45th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, and 45th Infantry Bridage Combat Team.

Officials said Col. Joel Ward, commander of 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, presented the soldiers with the medals.