Glendon Oakley Jr. facts for kids

Glendon Garfield Oakley Jr. (December 16, 1996 – April 8, 2020) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He is known for his heroic actions during a shooting in El Paso, Texas, in 2019. He helped keep many children safe during a very scary event.

Early Life and Army Career

Glendon Oakley Jr. was born on December 16, 1996. He grew up in Killeen, Texas. His family had a strong connection to the military. His father, Glendon Oakley Sr., was a retired sergeant major. His mother, Wendolyn D. Oakley, was a retired master sergeant. His sister, Glenda Oakley, was also a retired captain.

Oakley joined the United States Army in Macon, Georgia. He finished his basic training and special training in March 2018. He served as a private in the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss. He received several awards for his service, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

Heroic Actions in El Paso

On August 4, 2019, Glendon Oakley Jr. was off duty and shopping. He was at a Foot Locker store near the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas. Suddenly, he realized there was a shooting happening nearby.

He later shared what he did:

I didn't even think. I just grabbed as many kids as I could and ran five stores down to the exit. [...] We got there and ran into a whole batch of police pointing their guns at us. I wasn't focused on myself, and I wasn't focused on my surroundings ... I was just focused on those kids.

Oakley's quick thinking and bravery helped many people. The police chief of El Paso, Greg Allen, praised him for saving lives. Even President Donald Trump met Oakley during a visit to El Paso and said, "What a job he did."

Death

Glendon Oakley Jr. passed away on April 8, 2020. He was found in his living quarters at Fort Bliss.

See also

• James Shaw Jr.