---
title: "Marines Across America: Oklahoma Stories of Service, Sacrifice, and Legacy"
description: In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, explore powerful stories of Marines continuing to serve their communities in Oklahoma through the Marines Across America campaign. Presented by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
---

<https://www.marineheritage.org/blog>

# [Marines Across America: Oklahoma Stories of Service, Sacrifice, and Legacy](https://www.marineheritage.org/blog/marines-across-america-oklahoma-stories-of-service-sacrifice-and-legacy)

 Written by [Stephanie Grooms](https://www.marineheritage.org/blog/author/stephanie-grooms) | May 13, 2026 1:00:02 PM

As our nation celebrates **250 years of American independence** in 2026, the **Marine Corps Heritage Foundation** is proud to continue spotlighting the Marines whose stories shape not just the history of the **Marine Corps** but the very fabric of **American society**. Through our **Marines Across America** campaign, we are honoring the **service, leadership, and lasting contributions** of Marines in all 50 states.

Today, we turn our focus to **Oklahoma**, a state rich with Marine Corps pride and powerful stories of post-service impact.

### Brandi Rector

Aviation Entrepreneur | Norman, Oklahoma

****

**Brandi Rector** is a **U.S. Marine Corps veteran** and aviation entrepreneur. She served from **2008–2014** as a **CH-53E helicopter mechanic and door gunner**, completing **two overseas deployments**. After leaving active duty, she earned her **pilot’s license**, becoming both a **certified flight instructor** and **FAA-certified A&P mechanic**.

Rector is the **founder and CEO of Semper Fly Helicopters**, the **only female Marine veteran–owned helicopter flight school** in the United States. Based in **Norman, Oklahoma**, the school partners with the **University of Oklahoma** to train professional helicopter pilots with a focus on **safety, precision, and career readiness**.

She also leads **Skyhunter Outfitters**, a **female-owned aerial hog hunting operation** operating along the **Oklahoma–Texas border**, combining **aviation expertise** with **environmental stewardship**.

### Steven W. Taylor

**Former Chief Justice, Oklahoma Supreme Court | McAlester, Oklahoma****  
**

****

**Steven W. Taylor** is a **U.S. Marine Corps veteran** and influential Oklahoma jurist. He served from **1970–1978**, rising to the rank of **major**, and became the **youngest judge in the U.S. Armed Forces** at age **28**. A native of **Henryetta** raised in **McAlester**, he earned degrees from **Oklahoma State University** and the **University of Oklahoma College of Law**.

Taylor entered public service as **McAlester’s youngest mayor** in **1982** before serving as **associate district judge** and **chief judge** of Oklahoma’s **18th Judicial District**, presiding over **500+ jury trials**, including the **state trial of Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols**.

Appointed to the **Oklahoma Supreme Court** in **2004**, Taylor served as **chief justice from 2011–2013** and retired in **2016** after **33 years of judicial service**. He is the **only individual inducted into both the OSU and OU Halls of Fame** and continues to serve Oklahoma through **civic leadership, board service, and public advocacy**.

**Continuing the Mission in 2026**

As the United States marks **America’s 250th anniversary**, these stories are a vivid reminder that the **legacy of the Marine Corps** is etched not only in history books, but in the communities where Marines live, lead, and serve every day.

The **Marine Corps Heritage Foundation** is honored to amplify these voices as part of our **Marines Across America** campaign—now integrated into our **America250 efforts**—to showcase how **Marines have shaped America for 250 years**.

👉 **Help us continue sharing these stories and preserving the rich legacy of the Marine Corps.** Your support allows us to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations.

 

### **About Marines Across America and America250**

As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, *Marines Across America* honors the legacy of those who have served in the United States Marine Corps and the impact they’ve made—on and off the battlefield—for 250 years. This special storytelling series, part of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve Marine Corps history, highlights Marines from across the country whose service and continued contributions embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment.

Through personal stories, career reflections, and community leadership, these Marines represent the enduring spirit of service that has shaped America since 1775. As we commemorate *America250*, we invite you to help us preserve this living history. [Your support](https://www.marineheritage.org/support-us) ensures that the stories of Marines—past, present, and future—will be shared with future generations.

[View full post](https://www.marineheritage.org/blog/marines-across-america-oklahoma-stories-of-service-sacrifice-and-legacy)

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