OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Joe Newhouse, a member of the Navy Reserve, will be deploying to northern Africa as part of the fight against terrorism, the Oklahoma Senate announced Thursday.
He will likely miss the 2018 legislative session.
Newhouse, R-Broken Arrow, has been a member of the Senate since 2016. His district includes south Tulsa, Bixby, Broken Arrow and Jenks.
Before seeking elected office, he was a jet pilot in the Navy with the rank of lieutenant assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. He flew multiple combat missions during the Iraq War.
After completing his service, Newhouse returned to Tulsa and continued to serve in the Officer Reserve Corps as a Navy Commander and military advisor to NATO.
“When you are in the reserves, you know there is the possibility that you could be deployed at any time,” Newhouse said. “Although my service in the Senate could have possibly exempted me, I would not want to be treated differently than any other reservist — especially in light of recent terrorist attacks in England, France and around the world.
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“We have to stop these murderous attacks on innocent people, and right now northern Africa is a hotbed for terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda, the Islamic State, Boko Haram and more.”
In 2014, Oklahoma voters passed State Question 769 that allows elected officials to remain in office after they are called to active duty or service as a member of the National Guard or reserves.
Newhouse said he will be in contact with his Senate office, fellow senators and constituents during his deployment and will return to the Capitol when his tour is complete.
“I want to assure my constituents that my office will continue to be available to them while I am on active duty,” he said. “To all who live in District 25, I want to thank you for your patience and understanding, and humbly ask for your prayers for all who are serving in the military and for our families here at home. I am honored to fight for our country and the freedoms we hold dear, and I look forward to returning to my family, friends and loved ones and continuing my service in the Oklahoma State Senate.”
Senate President Pro Tem Mike Schulz, R-Altus, thanked Newhouse for his service.
“It’s because of the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Armed Forces that we are able to live freely in this country,” Schulz said. “I will continue to pray for Sen. Newhouse and his family during his deployment and also pray for his safe return.”
Newhouse serves on the following Senate committees: Appropriations; Appropriations Subcommittee on Select Agencies; General Government; Judiciary; and Veterans Affairs.
He runs his a real estate investment business.
