Pages
Stay In Touch
More
© 2013 KentuckyGuard
ACH
Courtesy 201st Engineer Battalion, Kentucky National Guard
Soldiers from the 201st Engineer Battalion, Kentucky National Guard, work concrete to ensure proper drainage and texture while constructing a motor park at a training site in Hohenfels, Germany during annual training Aug. 9-27.
HOHENFELS, Germany (August 31, 2010)-Members of the Kentucky National Guard’s 207th Horizontal Engineer Co. of the 201st Engineer Battalion constructed a concrete motor park for wheeled vehicles at Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany during their annual training Aug. 9-27.
The engineers carefully poured the concrete to ensure proper drainage and texture. Each pour contained close to 8,000 gallons of concrete.
Staff Sgt. Joseph Osborne (far left) from the 149th Vertical Engineer Co., and other members of the Engineer Battalion, direct the flow of concrete from a nearby pump truck into a motor park constructed for wheeled vehicles at a training site in Hohenfels, Germany during their annual training Aug. 9-27.
The parking area will be over 20,000 square feet and will be the only improved parking area at the complex. It will allow for up to 25 vehicles to be parked adjacent to the existing hangar at the Hohenfels tactical aviation facility.
Other Kentucky Guardsmen from Det. 1, 149th Vertical Engineer Co. assembled modular platforms at an off-site location to be installed in the Division Tactical Operations Center after the current JMRC training rotation is complete.
Soldiers from the 201st Engineer Battalion cut wood to be used to construct modular platforms or risers for use in the Joint Multination Readiness Center Divisional Tactical Operations Center in Hohenfels, Germany during their annual training Aug. 9-27.
The platforms will upgrade the layout of the TOC into theater-style seating allowing personnel a better viewing area during briefs and multi-media presentations.
ACH
By U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Holly Hess Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team
Panjshir Province, Afghanistan(August 30,2010)-– The Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team with Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team visited a fish farm in Doabe Khwak village in Paryan district August 18th.
The team assisted the owner with paperwork to apply for a U.S. Government Micro Grant.
“The majority of the programs that exist are for the government,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Casada, ADT leader with the Panjshir PRT and London, KY, native. “This grant is for the private individual.”
It is a two-page application process to apply for up to $10,000 in funding for a private business, he said.
“The private individual has more at stake because it is his livelihood,” said Casada. “If you have invested in a project and put a lot of work into it, you want to see it succeed.”
The farm was spotted on a previous mission, so the ADT wanted to take a look at it to see if they could assist.
Abdul Aziz, the owner and operator of the Paryan District fish farm, said he built the farm in February and started raising fish this past April.
“We bought the eggs from Kabul,” said Aziz through an interpreter. “We will raise them and then sell them at the bazaar for 300 Afghani per kilogram.”
Aziz said the money he gets would go back into the farm and help feed his family, but if he gets the grant, he would like to improve the fish farm in various ways.
“If we get the money, I would buy cement to make it bigger, build a retaining wall with a gate, and get more fish food,” said Aziz. “We have 3,000 fish right now, but if we make it bigger, I would try to have 40,000 fish and hire two more workers to help.”
Casada said the ADT will also educate the owner on modern techniques to help improve the farm.
“These fish should grow to full size in about a year and a half with the right food,” said Casada. “He is feeding the fish a diet of wheat, mulberries and fishmeal, but the fish should have grown larger since our last visit, so I don’t think they have enough protein.”
Casada also said they are requesting to have a fish farm specialist evaluate the farm and diet in order to increase the likelihood for success.
“Anytime you have fish in a closed area, you have to be careful of disease,” he said.
Casada said if this is successful the project could be used as a pilot program for other districts.
“He is someone who can teach and involve others,” said Casada. “Eventually, no funds will need to be invested, and it will be a self-sustaining project.”
Aziz is the only known farmer raising fish in the Paryan District and expects to harvest his fish next fall.
MJO
By Staff Sgt. Michael J. Oliver, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Col. Neil Mullaney, Col. Mike Farley, Maj. John Holmes, Command Sgt. Maj. Alexander Maloney, Chief Master Sgt. Victor Dry, Staff Sgt. Austin Larsen, Staff Sgt. Jane Rothstein, and Maj. Chris Cline of the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team with the Adjutant General of Kentucky, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini attended the 47th Annual Kentucky Country Ham Breakfast Aug. 26 in Louisville, Ky.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 28, 2010)-Kentucky National Guardsmen of the Agribusiness Development Team were honored guests at the 47th Annual Kentucky State Fair Country Ham Breakfast at the Kentucky Exposition Center Aug. 26.
Steve Meredith of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet speaks to members of the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team at the 47th Annual Kentucky Country Ham Breakfast Aug. 26 at the State Fair in Louisville, Ky.
The event brought more than 1,600 people from around the Commonwealth including Commissioner of Agriculture Richie Farmer, President of Kentucky Farm Bureau Mark Haney, Congressman Brett Guthrie, Sen. Mitch McConnell, Gov. Steve Beshear, and the Adjutant General of Kentucky, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini.
McConnell spoke on the greatness of America and those who fight to protect it, specifically highlighting the Agribusiness Development Team’s mission in Afghanistan.
The ADT I deployed last summer to Bagram, Afghanistan assigned with the mission of assisting Afghan farmers in becoming agriculturally self-sufficient and helped develop their agricultural marketplace. The task force was composed of a mix of Army National Guard Soldiers and Air National Guardsmen with a variety of skills and backgrounds in agriculture matters. The unit completed more than 300 successful agriculture projects and traveled to four Afghan Provinces with no casualties.
Col. Mike Farley, Commander of the first Agribusiness Development Team attended the breakfast with three other ADT I members and several members of ADT III who are set to deploy next summer. Farley and his team returned from Afghanistan two months ago and are still trying to adjust being home.
Members of the Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team with the Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky Department of Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, and Gov. Steve Beshear attended the 47th Kentucky Country Ham Breakfast 26 Aug. at State Fair in Louisville, Ky.
“Your mind never shuts down when you are over there. When you come home it does, but it still takes time,” said Farley. Even though ADT I is home and readjusting, they stay in contact with Kentucky’s second ADT still in Afghanistan.
“We still speak to ADT II every week via email and they continue to have questions about little things going on and how we [ADT I] reacted to it,” Farley said.
The ADT II will be replaced by a third Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team next summer and a fourth ADT is being discussed.
Click the below link to see Farley’s interview with Fox 41’s Lindsay Allen who deployed to Afghanistan for three weeks to embed with the ADT.
http://www.fox41.com/global/Category.asp?c=163829&clipId=5059907&topVideoCatNo=131920&autoStart=true
MJO
By 2nd Lt. David Doggette, Mortar Platoon Leader, 1-149th Infantry
Soldiers of the 1st Battalion 149th Brigade conduct a live mortar fire exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., Aug. 6. They incorporated all the organic computer systems used in mortar operations to execute a successful digital fire mission.
FORT KNOX, Ky. (August 27, 2010)-Kentucky National Guard’s Det. 1 Headquarters, Headquarters Company 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry conducted a live mortar fire exercise at Fort Knox Aug. 6.
The Soldiers incorporated all the organic computer systems used in mortar operations to execute a successful digital fire mission, a first in the numerous mortar fieldings and training events across the Army in the last four years.
“This unit was the first unit in the many Product Manager Mortars’ M32 Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer operational new equipment training events to incorporate all systems that are used in combat and peacetime operations,” said Mr. Shane Wisley, a mortar NET trainer who congratulated the platoon leader and his team on a job well done.
These systems send, process and adjust fire missions digitally over the SINCGARS radio, and do it much faster than the traditional manual method.
With the fielding of the M252 81mm mortars, M224 60mm mortars, and M32 Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer, Kentucky’s only mortar platoon is fully equipped and trained to provide fire support to the battalion’s maneuver forces.
Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Battalion 149th Brigade adjust fire on their mortar system as they conduct a live mortar fire exercise at Fort Knox, KY., August 6.
The mortar fire control systems digital computer consists of four systems, three of which are run by forward observers of the fire support platoon. The fourth computer, the M32 LHMBC, was used by the mortar platoon’s Fire Direction Center to compute all the data to formulate a successful fire mission. With the integration of the M32 LHMBC on Aug. 6, the FO’s and FDC were able to communicate a fire mission from a great distance with out ever speaking a word to each other. This mission was processed and fired by the mortar platoon. Wisley from PM Mortars said their instructors would typically run the FO portion of the fielding with the soldiers watching and learning.
“On this fielding, those Soldiers were very knowledgeable and with little assistance were able to fully incorporate all systems,” said Wisley.
Following the fielding of the M32 LHMBC and the new mortar tubes at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, Product Manager Mortars instructed the platoon leadership for a week on how to operate and integrate the computer systems. Simultaneously, PM Mortars gave instruction to the mortar gun crews on the M252 and M224 mortar systems. Lastly the PM Mortars representative worked with the forward observers, who had previously been fielded their three computer systems during an earlier training event. Wisley said other mortar units their equipment is usually not fully mission capable.
“With all of the instructor’s knowledge and help, 1-149th Infantry Soldiers were able to work together to gain and maintain operational proficiency,” said Wisley.
Upon arrival the instructors watched and advised as the Soldiers ran through their missions on the 60, 81, and 120mm mortar systems. The team was successful in firing digital fire missions on all three weapon systems, making them the first to do so in the Army. Wisley stated this helped facilitate 1st Battalion 149th Infantry to incorporate the mortars into the ‘digital world’ of the U.S. Army. The unit leadership was extremely proud of their Soldiers accomplishments during the mortar equipment fielding and training and looks forward to once again proving their capabilities during their next live fire exercise in September.
ACH
By Spc. Scott Raper, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Capt. Janee Wilson
As a freshman in college, Capt. Janee Wilson made the decision to join the National Guard to help pay her way through school. Wilson expected to stay in for four years, pay for college and be done with it. After two years however, she joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and almost 10 years later, she is still in uniform as A. Co. Commander, 149th Brigade Support Battalion.
Wilson says her life has changed because of the Guard which gave her the opportunity for a full-time job and leadership skills to excel in the future.
“The Kentucky National Guard has given me a sense of discipline, a sense of family and unity. I have built a relationship and camaraderie with the Soldiers I serve with,” Wilson said.
With a husband also in the military, she fully understands what it means to serve. Wilson recognizes the qualities given as a leader and a Citizen Soldier, and the benefits of serving her country and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
ACH
By U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Jason Smith Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Casada (back, left), Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team leader with Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, Abdul Monan (back, right), Panjshir National Environmental Protection Agency director, and three NEPA employees pose in front of brand new motorcycles.(Photo by U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Jason Smith, Panjshir PRT Public Affairs)
Panjshir Province, Afghanistan (August 25, 2010) – Members of the Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team with Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered four brand-new Corola motorcycles to the Panjshir Province National Environmental Protection Agency director August 17th.
Now, the NEPA director says the agency can enforce standards and do the government’s work.
“We have a vehicle, but our vehicle was not able to go to a lot of places we needed to go,” said Abdul Monan, Panjshir NEPA director, through an interpreter. “We can say that we’re blessed now. We have motorcycles.”
The 150cc motorcycles cost about $4,500 total, said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Casada, Kentucky ADT leader with Panjshir PRT. They were paid using Kentucky ADT Commander’s Emergency Response Funds, said the London, Ky., native.
In addition to the four motorcycles, the ADT delivered four helmets, winter riding mittens and motorcycle covers.
Casada also had Monan sign a letter of agreement stating Monan would be responsible to properly care for and service the new bikes.
The Panjshir NEPA will now be more active in inspecting water, air quality and other NEPA-related responsibilities, said Casada.
“If they’re here without transportation, then they’re not doing their job,” said Casada. “This gives them the freedom to get to the places they need to get to. They’ll be a big part of inspecting the proposed Anaba slaughterhouse.”
Along with increased inspections, Monan said he is looking forward to some other important projects.
“It’s my responsibility to take care of the forest and the animals,” said Monan. “There are some leopards and wolves that people are killing. They’re illegally destroying all of the leopards and wolves, and we’re going to try to stop them.”
With a little help from their American partners, the nine Afghan NEPA employees and their director will be riding to inspect standards and enforce policies.
ACH
By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Johnathon Orrell, National Guard Bureau
ARLINGTON, Va., (Aug. 24, 2010)-– The Air National Guard has been working since the beginning of the operation in late July to provide relief supplies to areas in Pakistan affected by flooding.
Air Force Col. Greg Nelson, deputy director of mobility forces for U.S. Air Forces Central Command, is a member of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing. He is now at Chaklala Air Base in Islamabad, Pakistan, one of the main air hubs for the flood relief effort.
“We are working in concert with the Pakistani air force and the government of Pakistan to try to bring air relief in here and then dispatch it throughout the nation where it is needed,” Nelson told a military reporter Aug. 18.
The 10,000-square-foot warehouse where he works can fill up in a day, Nelson said, depending on how many aircraft arrive from the supporting countries.
“This is a large airfield, so larger aircraft can come in and bring shipments of medications or supplies,” Nelson said. “We will break it down into smaller loads on tactical airlift aircraft like the C-130 to go into flood-affected areas.”
Air Force Capt. Robert Dodson, a C-130 Hercules pilot deployed from the 182nd Airlift Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard, was the aircraft commander on the first mission into Pakistan.
“We had a quick response from the time we were notified to the time the pallets were on the airplane,” he said. “The whole reason why we’re here is to help others when we can, and the whole crew is happy to do it.”
Dodson and his crew are currently assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing’s 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. On July 31, Dodson’s crew in a C-130 from the 133rd Airlift Wing of the Minnesota Air National Guard delivered nearly 8,000 packaged meals that conform with Islamic law to Pakistan.
Nelson said the U.S. and Pakistani air forces, along with several government and nongovernment agencies, are working together to provide relief to the devastated areas.
Check out the below video of Col. Greg Nelson the Deputy Director of Mobility Forces, Air Force Central Command with the 123rd Airlift Wing from the Kentucky Air National Guard and Master Sgt. John Metcalf from Montgomery, Ala., with the 746 Expeditionary Airlift Squadron talk to a military reporter about the Pakistan flood relief efforts. Produced by Cpl. Jenie Fisher.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYcfRJwm02M]
ACH
By Spc. Scott Raper, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Pvt. Taylor Powell
Pvt. Taylor Powell, an Automated Logistics Specialist with the 149th Brigade Support Battalion, joined the Kentucky National Guard while still in High School. The first benefit of his decision was receiving his G.E.D. Other benefits include his job training, a monthly paycheck and the ability and requirement to stay in shape. Powell says he now understands the changes that occur when one answers the call to step up and serve their country.
“Now that I have something going for me, this uniform, this flag on my shoulder, a lot of people want to shake my hand,” Powell said. “It feels nice, feels good and makes me feel like I’m doing something for myself and for everybody else by keeping this country safe.”
SRR
By Spc. Scott Raper, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 20, 2010)—A check for $2500 was presented to the Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund by Col. Rodney Hayes on behalf of the Bluegrass Chapter of National Guard Fires Conference at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., August 19.
Representing the Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund, Inc. were board chairman SFC (R) John M. Trowbridge and board secretary Jason M. LeMay, along with Brig. Gen. Joseph Richie, the Deputy Adjutant General of Kentucky.
Vision of the new Kentucky National Guard memorial to be built at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky.
The donation was from funds raised during the 2010 National Guard Fires Conference held earlier this year in Louisville. The Memorial Fund is closing in on $60,000 in total donations and is receiving more on a regular basis. They are actively pursuing donations to make this memorial a reality in the near future.
The Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund, Inc. – a non-profit organization – has one mission to raise money to design and construct a memorial at the entrance to Boone Center honoring all Citizen-Soldiers who have served in the Kentucky National Guard, in any duty status, from March 1912 to present especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending the Nation and the Commonwealth. Currently 96 names of Kentucky Guardsmen who perished in the line of duty have been identified and another 40 names have been suggested and are being researched. (Learn more at www.kyngmemorial.com)
SRR
By Spc. Scott Raper, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Dennis Hawthorne receives his Lieutenant Colonel ranks from his wife Laura and father-in-law Retired Army Colonel John Haluski during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., August 19.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 19, 2010)—Dennis Hawthorne was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort Aug. 19. Brig. Gen. Joseph Richie presided over the event.
Hawthorne was pinned by his wife Laura and father-in-law Retired Army Colonel John Haluski. The silver oak leaves were the same worn by Haluski when he served as Lt. Col. during his career in the U.S. Army. A rich military tradition respected by all in attendance.
“This provides me with the opportunity to affect more Soldiers and Airman in the organization,” said Hawthorne.
Hawthorne has served in the Kentucky National Guard for 22 years, the first seven as an enlisted Soldier. He counts this promotion as one of many goals he has had during his career. Hawthorne currently serves as the State Training Officer for the Kentucky National Guard.
He and Laura live in Lexington, Ky. with their three children.
