Pages
Stay In Touch
More
© 2013 KentuckyGuard
ACH
By Capt. Andi Hahn, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Chaplain James Ehrman from the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Contingency Response Group takes a quick break while assembling a tent after arriving at Joint Base McGuire-Dix in New Jersey July 27 to participate in a joint exercise simulating humanitarian relief efforts in a poor country. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Andi Hahn, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. (July 29, 2010)—
The Kentucky Air National Guard’s Contingency Response Group mobilized to McGuire Air Force Base July 26 as part a joint exercise called Eagle Flag which simulates a deployment assisting in humanitarian relief efforts.
This year’s Eagle Flag exercise consists of members from the Army and Air Force, both active and reserve components who come together to form the Joint Task Force-Port Opening. There are 147 total service members participating in the exercise to include 82 Kentucky Guardsmen from the 123rd CRG; 50 Soldiers from the Army’s 689th Rapid Port Opening Element; 10 Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing; three members from the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 108th CRG; and two civilians from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Soldiers from the 689th Rapid Port Opening Element, based out of Fort Eustis, Va., load a pallet of food and water to be distributed to local village needing assistance during an exercise at Joint Base McGuire-Dix, N.J. July 27. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt Phil Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs)
The JTF-PO is thrown into a mock scenario of being deployed to a struggling part of a poor country called “Nessor” and are evaluated on being able to work together to rapidly establish a Port Opening to support humanitarian relief operations within the country.
The JTF-PO Air Force assets provide the air mobility expertise and the Army assets provide the ground surface movement expertise to operate as one team to expedite movement of cargo from Lakehurst Airfield to a pre-determined forward node for further distribution. Basically getting the right stuff to the right place at the right time.
This is only the second joint exercise of Eagle Flag and the first year a National Guard unit was invited to participate.
“This provides a good challenge for us working with the Army,” said Air Force Maj. Kevin Thornberry, JTF-PO logistical officer in charge. “We are getting more and more engaged with the Army with these kinds of joint activities and helps us understand their capabilities and they understand ours,” said Thornberry.
Army Capt. Matt Zayd, 689th RPOE operations officer in charge said that everybody had to realize on both sides, both Army and Air, active and reserve components, that there were challenges to overcome initially, but then established a good flow of operations.
“Once you overcome the difference in lingo and terminology, the basics are the same,” said Zayd. “Understanding each other and working together continually allows for the mission to be successful,” said Zayd.
Soldiers and Airmen from the Eagle Flag exercise offload pallets of food, water and shelter to be distributed to local villages in a country needing humaniatiran assistance as part of a training exercise at Joint Base McGuire-Dix, N.J. July 27. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt Phil Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs)
This is the first Joint Task Force-Port Opening with both active and reserve components from the Army and Air Force, however, the Kentucky Air National Guard has a distinguished history of supporting disaster relief missions overseas, their most recent airlift mission-request followed a deadly earthquake in Haiti earlier this year.
ABH
By Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler/133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
A 155mm artillery shell flies towards an impact area at Fort Knox as part of the gun crew certification of Battery C, 2-150th Fires Battalion, during their annual training, Sunday, July 18. The 2-150th, a unit of the Indiana Army National Guard, worked closely with its parent unit, Kentucky's 138th Fires Brigade, to certify its gun crews prior to receiving the new M777 howitzer next year. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
FORT KNOX, Ky. (July 23, 2010) –- “Viper Three-Eight, this is Mojo Eight-Five, adjust fire, over.”
Every Soldier knows that cooperation is key to accomplishing the mission, because the combined efforts of a team frequently yield results individuals cannot achieve alone. So when the Kentucky National Guard and Indiana National Guard join together to train artillery units, the results are guaranteed to be spectacular.
The Indiana Army National Guard’s 2-150th Fires Battalion is conducting its annual training at Fort Knox, Ky., this week where it is joined by elements of its parent unit, the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 138th Fires Brigade.
Two wooden towers at Observation Point 12 overlook the impact area of Fort Knox’s Training Area #2. While the heat and humidity are almost stifling, the towers’ hilltop location provides for frequent cool breezes. Staff Sgt. Keith Leach, a targeting noncommissioned officer for Kentucky’s 138th Fires Brigade stands in the tower next to two other Soldiers from the 2-150th Fires Battalion.
“This is my first time working with the 2-150th,” said Leach. “And so far, it’s been a great experience.”
Leach and three other Soldiers from the 138th are at Fort Knox to train the forward observers of the 2-150th. “Many of [the 2-150th’s] observers only have the training they receive in advanced individual training, so this field experience will help refine the skills they already have,” Leach remarked.
“The forward observers find targets for the batteries and relay firing instructions to the Fire Direction Center,” explains 1st Lt. Josh Huber, a liaison officer for the 2-150th Fires Battalion. “Then, once the gun crews start firing, they help adjust fire to bring the shells on target.”
The forward observers are getting training that is vital to helping certify the gun crews of Battery C, 2-150th Fires Battalion. Next year, the 2-150th will be trading in their M198 155mm howitzers for the Army’s newest artillery piece, the M777 howitzer, which makes this certification process very important for successfully transitioning to the new gun system.
Huber picks up a pair of binoculars and watches the impact area. A plume of dirt and smoke rises into the air followed a second later by the sound of that impact.
“Viper Three-Eight, this is Mojo Eight-Five. Target destroyed. Steel on steel. End of mission. Out”
Jacklynn and Dalton Geen, children of Sgt. Douglas Green of Co. B, 2-147th Aviation, hold up a sign welcoming their father home after a year-long deployment to Kosovo. Company B, 2-147th Aviation conducted flight operations in support of the NATO-led peacekeeping operations in Kosovo. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
ABH
By Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler/133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 22, 2010) — Friends and family showed up in large numbers to welcome home 86 Kentucky Army National Guard aviation Soldiers as they return from a tour of duty in Kosovo. The ceremony was held at 12:30 p.m. today at Hangar #2, Boone National Guard Center.
Bravo Co., 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation and Charlie Co. 169th MEDEVAC (Medical Evacuation) mobilized August 2009 with 11 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for the Kosovo mission, supporting slingload and waterbucket/firefighting operations, troop transport and hoist operations, as well as medical evacuation missions for US and NATO troops and civilians.
This is the second deployment for each unit, Bravo Co. having deployed to Iraq in 2005-2006 and Charlie Co. in 2004-2005.
“It is great to welcome you home,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Dornbush, Director of the Joint Staff of the Kentucky National Guard. “It is truly a blessing to both your Families and to Kentucky to have you home after successfully completing your important mission in Kosovo.”
The Kentucky aviators were among the more than 9,000 Servicemembers from 31 nations that comprised the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo.
For more about this story:
-
Kentucky National Guard troops return from Kosovo (WDRB Fox41)
-
Soldiers return home from year in Kosovo (WKYT CBS 27)
-
Kentucky troops return from Kosovo (WTVQ ABC 36)
ACH
Courtesy Tricia Neal, Staff Writer Commonwealth Journal
Lt. Col. Brian Howay from the Kentucky National Guard's Joint Support Operations program presents the Community Hero Award to represetnatives of the Court Designated Workers Program June 22 in Somerset, Ky.
SOMERSET, Ky. (July 19, 2010)—
The duties performed by members of the nation’s Guardsmen and Reservists are undoubtedly important — but also important are businesses and members of the community who support those individuals in various ways. Yesterday, during a special luncheon held at the Hal Rogers Regional Fire Training Center, representatives of the Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve — and some guardsmen of the locally-based 149th Infantry themselves — recognized several area individuals and groups for their contributions to Guardsmen, Reservists and their families.
Receiving the committee’s Community Hero Award and Kentucky Spirit Award were local businessman Ward Correll, the Pulaski County School System and South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation. Individual awards were given to Sen. Vernie McGaha, Rep. Danny Ford, Rep. Tommy Turner, Frank Lynch and Richard Sewell.Patriot Awards were given to Bluegrass Oakwood, Fruit of the Loom, Clark Security Company, Combs Residential Service, TTAI, Walmart and Windstream. The businesses were nominated by Guardsmen who are employed by them.
Congressman Hal Rogers was the recipient of the committee’s Seven Seals Award, given to individuals who support the vision and mission of the Guard.
ACH
By Sgt 1st Class Peter Ferrell/86th IBCT Public Affairs
U.S. Army Capt. Bobbie Mayes, women's empowerment coordinator for the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team, shakes the hand of Sulhaila Kohistani, director of women's affairs for the Kapisa Director of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, here July 6. Mayes, a Lawrenceburg, Ky., resident, and Kohistani inspected the bee hive project and discussed future projects such as growing mushrooms, saffron and soybeans. These projects are aimed toward widows, poor women and women who want to venture into business on their own.
KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan(July 20, 2010)
— The Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team visited the Kapisa Director of Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock to check on the progress of their bee hive project here, July 6.
The bee hive project, which was started in 2009 by the ADT to help provide women with a source of income from the sale of honey, was inspected by U.S. Army Capt. Bobbie Mayes, women’s empowerment coordinator for the KY ADT, and Sulhaila Kohistani, the DAIL director of women’s affairs.
“The hives have grown better this year than last year, and the sale of honey looks very promising,” said Kohistani. She recently sent two jars to India for testing in hopes of creating a new market for the sale of their honey. Mayes, a Lawrenceburg, Ky., resident started learning the art of keeping bees as a 3-year-old with her father in Frankfort, Ky. With her experience, she had a few suggestions to improve the hives.
“A quick coat of white paint to the outside of the hives would prevent moisture from getting into the wood and causing mold on the inside,” she said.
U.S. Army Capt. Bobbie Mayes, women's empowerment coordinator for the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team, examines the condition of a bee hive at the Kapisa Director of Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock. The Kentucky ADT made a trip to check on the development of the bee hive project, which was started by the previous ADT in 2009. The project is aimed at providing a source of income for women through the sale of the honey produced by the bees. Mayes, a Lawrenceburg, Ky., resident started learning the art of bee keeping as a 3-year-old alongside her father and maintains her own hive near her office on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
Mayes also explained how bees don’t like dark colors and that a keeper should not wear dark clothes around the hives. “I remember seeing my father run once from the bees because he had on dark clothes,” she said. Mayes and Kohistani discussed the possibility of other agricultural projects that could be started to benefit women such as growing saffron, mushrooms and soy beans. Kohistani wants to direct these projects to three types of women: widows, the poor and those who want to venture into their own business.
KEH
By Capt. John T. Stamm, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, 123rd AW PA
(photos by Air Force Tech Sergeant Dennis Flora)
LOUISVILLE, KY (July 17, 2010)-Despite the intense heat and humidity, members of the Kentucky Air National Guard and their families gathered to celebrate “Family Day” at the 123rd Airlift Wing headquarters and air base.
The event was a coordinated effort between the 123rd Family Readiness Office and the Louisville Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
Mr. Dave Rooney, Airman and Family Readiness Program manager for the Wing, led the coordination of base involvement which beginning back in January.
“The VA contacted me and wanted to reach out to the members of the Air National Guard,” Mr. Rooney said. “Family Day is an annual event here, and provided the perfect opportunity for the VA to ‘welcome home’ everyone from the Air Guard who has deployed since 9-11.”
Mr. Wayne Pfeffer, Director of the Louisville VA Medical Center, read the plaque citation given to the Wing’s leadership, ““The Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center stands proud to honor the brave men and women of the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard for their significant contributions and sacrifice given to the United States of America. Welcome home and thank you. “
The day was filled with events and activities. For the adults, there was a corn-hole game tournament and classic rock music by the local Louisville band, “Cadillac Shack.” Kids were treated to several games including a “pugel stick” pit, a football toss challenge and rides around the parking lot on a mini C-130 cargo transport plane replicating the aircraft flown by the Wing.
There was also a martial arts demonstration provided by St. Matthews Martial Arts. The Army National Guard was a hit with their obstacle course and rock-climbing wall. An estimated 1600 people were in attendance for the celebration.
The festivities were more than just a “thank-you” for the troops, explained Mr. Rooney. The underlying motive was to educate everyone about the various programs and benefits that the VA offers to take care of veterans and their families post-deployment.
“The VA’s main focus was to educate and register as many troops as possible for VA benefits, to include employment assistance and referral program as well as family advocacy and medical issues” Rooney said. “Registry into the system allows them to utilize all the resources available.”
Representatives from 22 service providers around the community that assist veterans regarding various issues also were present.
“The VA connects with service providers through the state and nation to get veterans the help they need for whatever reason,” Rooney said. “ESGR (Employer Support of Guard and Reserve) being a major resource to help troops and employers with various issues that may arise after returning from a war zone.”
Among those lending support were several University of Kentucky football players who volunteered their time to ensure the day was a success.
“We appreciate what are (troops) are doing for us,’ said Luke Mc Dermott, defensive tackle for the team. “We just wanted to give something back.”
ABH-MPAD
An M109A6 Paladin 155mm howitzer of the 2-138th Fires Battalion fires a volley as part of a 21-gun salute to the unit's fallen soldiers during a Family Day celebration, Friday, 16 July. Since the Vietnam Conflict, the 2-138th Fires Battalion has lost 16 soldiers to both combat and noncombat deaths. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
FORT KNOX, KY (July 16, 2010) — Nearly 500 family members and friends of the 2-138th Fires Battalion showed up at Fort Knox’s St. Vith range on Friday, 16 July, for the unit’s Family Day celebration. It’s been nearly a decade since the artillery unit had such a grand event, so they pulled out all of the stops.
“The best thing today is getting here to see all these people and soldiers,” remarked Mike McGonigle, father of Spc. James McGonigle. “I can’t wait to see the live fire salute. Can’t wait.”
The highlight of the day’s festivities was the 21-gun salute to the unit’s fallen soldiers. Sixteen soldiers from the 2-138th have been died in both combat and noncombat circumstances since the Vietnam Conflict. The 21-gun salute was then highlighted as all the unit’s howitzers fired a single volley at the same time. The thunderous report of the unit’s M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers could be heard for miles.
In addition to the live-fire salute, the family Day activities included awards to recognize the contributions of the employers of 2-138th unit members and static displays of unit equipment and weapon systems.
“I’m glad they organized something like this in the field, instead of the normal family day back at the armory.” Jerry Longo, Jr., father of Sgt. Anthony Longo, Alpha Battery, 2-138th Fires Battalion, really appreciated the opportunity to see his son’s unit in action. “This is really great for the families to see.”
Also present at the 2-138th’s Family Day was Brig. General Lonnie Culver, who had recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan. Brig. General Culver spent the day visiting with soldiers and speaking to family members. Culver is the first Kentucky general officer to command troops in combat since the U.S. Civil War.
See more pictures of this event on our Kentucky National Guard Facebook Page
ACH
By Spc. Michelle Waters, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Spc. Stephanie Williams of Kentucky National Guard’s Joint Forces Headquarters gives a class on flag etiquette to members of 2nd platoon during Youth Development Week June 19-26 in Greenville, Ky.
GREENVILLE, Ky.(July 16, 2010)—
The Kentucky National Guard and the Veteran of Foreign Wars sponsored the annual Youth Development Week in Greenville, Ky., June 19-26 which which had it’s largest turnout in the camp’s history.
The event, also called “Youth Camp”, was founded in 2003 and is geared towards children of National Guard members. The camp provides a glimpse into the training their parents go through during their military career. This allows military kids to form relationships with others their age who may be experiencing a parent who is deployed overseas or involved in other military missions.
“They are learning a lot about teamwork, encompassing challenges, and how to make a difference in their community,” said Lt. Col. John P. Dooley, Surface Maintenance Officer for Joint Forces Headquarters, and commandant of Youth Camp.
The children are awakened each morning at 6 a.m. by the sounds of clanging trashcan lids and then marched over to the assembly area for morning formation. After breakfast, they begin the day’s activities that include: fishing, archery, rock climbing, gun safety classes, obstacle courses, flag etiquette, land navigation, rappelling as well as internet security and finance classes.
A Kentucky National Guardsmen overseas an archery class given at Youth Development Week in Greenville, Ky., June 19-26.
“You learn a lot about the military and what they do to protect us,” said 13-year old Matthew D. Moses, whose father is Maj. David A. Moses of the 1163rd Medical Company. “It’s a really great camp.”
For anyone who is interested in more information regarding Youth Development week, please contact the State Youth Coordinator, Mrs. Cindy Culver at 502-607-1751.
ACH
By Capt. Andi Hahn/KYNG Public Affairs Office
David W. Altom accepts his Commander's Award for Civilian Service from the Kentucky National Guard at a ceremony today at the Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort, Ky.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 15, 2010)—David W. Altom, Public Information Officer, and Jason M. LeMay, Assistant State Legislative Liaison, were honored today with the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service for their exemplary service by the Kentucky National Guard Chief of Staff, Col. Rondal L. Turner at the Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort, Ky.
LeMay’s superior communicative and interpersonal skills were evident in his successful execution of his duties. Lemay produces the Department of Military Affairs KYNG Annual Report, improving upon it year after year, to effectively and positively represent the Guard and all they accomplish. The entire leadership of the Guard is educated due to his diligence. His extraordinary accomplishments represent the State and the Kentucky National Guard with pride.
Jason M. Lemay accepts his Commander's Award for Civilian Excellence from the Kentucky National Guard at a ceremony today at the Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort, Ky.
Altom received the award for faithful and selfless service to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen who protect them. His superior communication skills and positive vision craft words into art.
Altom dedicated his years of experience and training to serve as a spokesperson, writer and facilitator to effectively publicize the activities, accomplishments and contributions made by the med and women of the Kentucky National Guard. His exemplary efforts have brought distinction and prominence to the organization and are in the best traditions of Kentucky’s military legacy.
ACH
Courtesy Fort Knox PAO
FORT KNOX, Ky. (July 15, 2010)- The Kentucky Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery will host a live fire event at Old St. Vith Range at Fort Knox, Ky., Friday, July 16 at 2 p.m.
Family members, employers, and media are invited to the event showcasing the unit’s artillery equipment, which includes small arms weapons, crew-served weapons and howitzers, displayed at the range starting at 1:00 p.m.
The official ceremony will commence at 2 p.m. and will include a presentation to family members and fifteen employers for their continued support and will honor the service of the battalion’s retirees. Other awards presented will be the Ancient Order of St. Barber and The Legion of Merit Award to retirees of the battalion.
The ceremony will conclude with a memorial tribute to the sixteen soldiers from the battalion who lost their lives in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, the Vietnam War and other non-combat related incidents.
“We haven’t done an event like this in nine years,” said Lt. Col. Brian Wertzler, commander of 2/138th Fires Battalion. “This allows the families and employers to see what we do when we attend drill and annual training and are gone for two weeks.”
Media who wish to cover this event must contact the Fort Knox Public Affairs Office at (502) 624-4413 or (502)296-4798 to make arrangements.
Photos of the equipment and activities are permitted by all attendees.
