Newcastle's Oxley receives promotion in U.S. Army

Brian Oxley of Newcastle was recently made chief warrant officer 5 in the United States Army. According to Oxley, "Chief warrant officer fives are called unicorns because you never see them." A chief warrant officer 5 is the highest rank among Army warrant officers. Warrant officers make up the technical foundation of the Army and specialize in technical areas, such as intelligence, aviation or military police. Out of 480,000 personnel enlisted in the U.S. Army, Oxley said, there are only 199 chief warrant officer fives. "Being a warrant officer, I just wanted to fly," said Oxley about why he was interested in this position. "I wanted to stay in the military and I decided to enroll in the Flight Officer Training Program to fly helicopters." "It was a huge surprise to make the cut, considering there were so many well-qualified individuals," Oxley said. "I never expected to make chief warrant officer 5. It's been a great opportunity to continue service." His responsibilities include preparing individuals for their upcoming deployment or mission. A challenge with this position, he said, is training up to 3,000 people a month. Oxley has served in the military for about 25 years. He attended boot camp the summer in between his junior and senior year at Del Oro High School in 1997. "I would recommend this job to anybody who wants to serve their country, get a good challenge and see the world," Oxley said. "The Army is a great opportunity for young people to get a job and a great skill set." Oxley completed Advanced Individual Training as a helicopter avionic mechanic. Following Advanced Individual Training, Oxley attended airborne school and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the 1-159th Aviation Battalion until December 2000. After completing an overseas tour in South Korea, Oxley was accepted into the Chief Warrant Officer Program in Fort Rucker, Alabama, in 2002. Oxley has served abroad in countries including Bosnia, South Korea, Germany and Honduras. Oxley has been awarded numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Senior Aviator Badge. Oxley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in professional aeronautics in February 2008 and a master's degree in project management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in March 2018. "I am huge on education," Oxley said. "I love it." Since last year, Oxley has been working on his second master's degree in occupational safety management and he expects to graduate this fall. Oxley, the son of Dennis and Pam Story, was raised in Newcastle and attended Placer Elementary School and Del Oro High School. He left home at 18 to start his Army career. "We are all so very proud of Brian for his dedication to his country, family and fellow mankind," said his mother, Pam Story. "His strength, focus, and determination is evident by the success of his 25-year Army career." His aunt, Penny Beene, added, "Brian has sacrificed a lot for his country and has never complained." Oxley has been married to the former Daysi Delgado from Libertyville, Illinois, for four years. Combined, they have four children: Steven (31), Michael (22), Claire (20) and Emma (18). Oxley is currently stationed at Fort Irwin.