10/27/2026
This week, we're honored to recognize Keith Klein as our Hometown Hero.
A Mustang, OK native and former President of the Mustang FFA Chapter, Keith enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2002. After graduating Mustang High School in 2003, he was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, and deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in October 2004 in support of Operation Phantom Fury.
While overseas, Keith helped build Forward Operating Base "Camp Smitty," named in honor of his roommate and best friend, Lance Corporal Jonathan Lee Smith of Cullman, Alabama, who was killed in action on June 6th, 2005.
Keith returned to Fallujah in 2006, this time with "Team Gator," part of Regimental Combat Team 5's assault group, running armored patrols and fire support across Al Anbar Province. In February 2007, while on combat patrol near Al Karma, Keith was wounded in a coordinated IED ambush.
After recovery and service with the Wounded Warrior Battalion-East, Keith medically retired in February 2010 as a Marine Staff Sergeant (E-6). His awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Achievement Medal, and Meritorious and Presidential Unit Citations, among others.
Keith, thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Oklahoma is proud to call you one of our own.
