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MJO
Story and photo provided by International Joint Command Public Affairs Office
Maj. Bobbie Mayes, women’s empowerment coordinator, Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team, presents a certificate of completion to a proud Afghan graduate Nov. 20.
KABUL, Afghanistan (Nov. 30, 2010) – Afghan women received chickens and supplies after a graduation ceremony held at the Director of Women’s Affairs compound located near Charikar, Parwan province Nov. 20.
The graduation marked the completion of a course set up to teach women how to properly raise chickens as an additional source of income for their families.
Twenty-five women attended the five-day course coordinated by the Director of Women’s Affairs, the Agency for Building a New Afghanistan and the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team.
“These women are very poor and they came here for help,” said Saleha Zareen, the Parwan deputy director of women’s affairs.
Each woman graduating from the class received nine hens, a rooster, chicken wire, 80 kilograms of feed, a waterer and two vaccinations for each chicken. These supplies should provide the women with enough resources to grow their stock to produce eggs and eventually raise more chickens to sell.
“This is a big deal for the women and they are very appreciative of what they are doing,” said Zareen. “They come from their homes for the training. They are farmers and they are very happy and very excited. They have 10 birds now but I would like them all to have 100 birds.”
The event was attended by people of the community, local media and Samya Azizi Sadat, a representative of parliament.
An Afghan graduate of a five day poultry class conducted by Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team takes a step towards the future.
“This was a great event and we were very happy to be a part of it,” said U.S. Army Maj. Bobbie Mayes, women’s empowerment coordinator, Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team. “These are truly amazing women and I know they will do a great job taking care of their chickens.”
The Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team and Director of Women’s Affairs are planning similar training events in the future.
SDM
Staff Report (Photos & Story)
Capt. Cliff Flanagan, 63rd Theatre Aviation Brigade, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gustavo Grande, Bravo Company 2 Battalion, 147 Aviation Regiment, pre-flight a New York National Guard CH-47D Chinook during training conducted in Rochester, Ny., Nov. 18.
ROCHESTER, Ny. (Nov. 29, 2010)–
A unique partnership between two states allows Kentucky Army National Guard aviators to keep up their skills and support a crucial homeland security mission.
Capt. Cliff Flanagan, Capt. Stephen D. Martin and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gustavo Grande are all qualified in the CH-47D Chinook, though Kentucky currently has none. In order to maintain currency in the tandem-rotor helicopter, they fly with the 1st Detachment, Bravo Co., 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment from the New York National Guard on a bi-monthly basis either traveling to Rochester or having a Chinook travel to Kentucky for training.
The Kentucky aviators work with the New York Guard conducting troop and equipment transport as well as sling load operations, training to remain proficient as well as to build the working relationship between the two states. Their training flights are in support of CCMRF (Chemical Biological Radiological and High-Yield Explosive Consequence Management Response Force) homeland security mission, a part of Joint Task Force Civil Support under U.S. Northern Command.
“This partnership is giving me the opportunity to fly Chinooks again,” said Grande, who along with Martin, is assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment . “I feel I’m very fortunate to be able to train with my fellow aviators in New York and to also do something I enjoy.”
In the event of a large-scale chemical, biological, nuclear or high-yield explosive incident, Kentucky’s 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade has the responsibility of providing command and control of aviation assets in an affected area, while the New York National Guard’s Chinooks will be responsible for providing first line support working directly under the 63rd TAB.
Capt. Stephen D. Martin, Capt. Cliff Flanagan, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Mike Zanghi, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gustavo Grande and Capt. Eric Fritz complete their bi-monthly CH-47D Chinook training in Rochester, Ny., Nov. 19. Zanghi and Fritz are assigned to the New York Army National Guard.
“It feels great to accomplish a job working alongside different states in order to keep the country safe,” said Flanagan, who is assigned to the 63rd TAB. “We’re doing everything we can to prepare for an event that we hope never happens.”
ACH
By Capt. Andi Hahn, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs Officer
Sgt. James Taulbee,
LEJUNIOR, Ky.- Sgt. James Taulbee, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry based in Harlan, Ky., was always interested in the military and joined the Kentucky National Guard to serve his country and grow in his civilian career.
Taulbee lives with his wife Taylor and their child, Taegan in Lejunior, Ky., where he serves as a peace officer. James said he loves being in the Guard because it allows him to serve his country proudly while still being a civilian.
“The Guard has given me personal benefits such as honor and leadership,” said James, a four-year Veteran of the Guard.
“It paid for my college expenses and provided me with financial stability. I have even used the Guard as a reference on several job applications and it placed me above others competing for the job,” he said.
James was part of a team assigned to the guard the Arizona border during Operation Jump Start, and said his favorite memory in the Kentucky National Guard was traveling to Sapporo, Japan last year during the unit’s Overseas Deployment Training.
James said he plans to stay in the Guard for 20 years to continue to serve his unit, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and his country whenever he is needed.
ACH
By Capt. Andi Hahn, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs Officer
Capt. Dylan Sizemore
LEBANON, Ky. – Kentucky National Guard Capt. William “Dylan” Sizemore, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry, Barbourville, Ky., joined the Kentucky National Guard to continue his service in the Army after three years Active Duty and while still attending law school.
Sizemore has served a total of seven years in the military and is currently enrolled in the University of Cincinnati’s college of law. He is an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran, and last year participated in an Overseas Deployment for Training in Sapporo, Japan – which Sizemore said was his favorite Guard memory.
Sizemore credits the Kentucky National Guard for making two significant impacts on his life.
“The Guard has become like another Family for me,” he said. “I have developed friendships that will last the rest of my life. The kind of dependable friendships that will be there through the best and worst of times.”
The Guard also allowed Sizemore to continue his service to the nation while pursuing a law degree.
“This is a huge advantage for me because I couldn’t imagine giving up my life after the Army, and the Guard allows me to further my education,” he said.
Sizemore said his career goal is to continue to take care of Soldiers and pass on his knowledge and experience to the best of his ability.
“My career in the Kentucky National Guard begins and ends with Soldiers,” he said. “In the end, the Soldiers I serve with will decide how far my career extends in this great organization.”
VHV
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Oliver, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Sgt. 1st Class Azelia Campbell, noncommissioned officer for the Personnel Services Branch, hands off donation to Lt. Col. Michael Abell, deputy director of personnel, during the Kentucky National Guard Family Program’s Thanksgiving food drive at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Nov. 18.
FRANKFORT, Ky., (Nov. 24, 2010) – The rain did not slow down the Kentucky National Guard Family Program’s Thanksgiving food drive at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Nov. 18.
“This year’s food drive was very successful and the biggest donation we’ve ever collected,” said Chief Warrant Officer William Wason, deputy director of Family Program.
As BNGC staff and employees drove into work, they handed off their donations at the front gate. Family Program’s staff members filled three truck loads of non-perishable items, which weighed more than 900 pounds. They also collected more than $700 in cash.
Three local charities received the donations, including Open Hands Food Pantry Lawrenceburg, Ky., Access Soup Kitchen/Coalition of Committed Christians Food Pantry Frankfort, Ky., and the Franklin County Emergency Food Pantry Frankfort, Ky.
Kristen Arnett, Kentucky National Guard Family Readiness support assistant, collects donations at Boone National Guard Center’s front gate in Frankfort, Ky., Nov. 18.
The donations were given to three local charities, Open Hands Food Pantry in Lawrenceburg, Access Soup Kitchen/Coalition of Committed Christians Food Pantry in Frankfort, and Franklin County Emergency Food Pantry in Frankfort.
“We appreciate your dedication and concern for helping us to feed hungry families in Franklin County,” said E. Terry Magel, president of Emergency Community Food Pantry of Franklin County.
Chief Warrant Officer William Wason, deputy director of Family Program, gives E. Terry Magel, president Emergency Community Food Pantry of Franklin County, a Kroger gift card more than $230.
“We are now providing groceries sufficient enough to prepare 21 meals to over 500 people each month. One third of these are children,” he said. “Kentucky National Guard’s help today will help feed these hungry children and their parents.”
VHV
Story and photo by Spc. Michelle Waters,133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Lt. Col. Anthony A. Sims accepts the 1st Battalion, 238th Field Artillery colors from Col. Stephan A. Robinson, 238th Regiment commander, during a change of command ceremony Nov. 6, at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center.
GREENVILLE, Ky.
—Lt. Col. Anthony A. Sims accepted command of the 1st Battalion, 238th Field Artillery during a change of command ceremony Nov. 6, at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, Greenville, Ky.
Sims, a 23-year Veteran with deployments in support of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, joined the Guard in 1997. He has held numerous positions with the Kentucky Guard, most recently as the deputy J6 commander.
He is a 1989 graduate of Murray State University, where he received his commission. He resides in Louisville, Ky., and has three daughters, Hannah, Rebecca and Olivia.
Col. Stephen A. Robinson, 238th Regiment commander, presents Lt. Col. Timothy L. Pickerrell, outgoing commander of the 1st Battalion, 238th Field Artillery, with the Meritorious Service Medal for exceptional service while serving as battalion commander from 2009-2010. The award was presented during a change of command ceremony Nov. 6, at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center.
VHV
Story and photos by Sgt. A. Dale Elliott, Unit Public Affairs Representative, 75th Troop Command
Families of deployed Soldiers assigned to the Kentucky National Guard’s 2123rd Transportation Company, based in Richmond, Ky., were treated to a Military Appreciation Game at Eastern Kentucky University Nov. 6. The Colonels defeated No. 2 Jacksonville State University 49-37 but the real winners were the Family and friends of the Soldiers who viewed videos from their Soldiers serving in Afghanistan.
RICHMOND, Ky. (Nov. 22, 2010) - It was a perfect fall evening Nov. 6, at the Roy Kidd Stadium in Richmond, Ky. Pigskin and patriotism were celebrated throughout the stands for the annual Military Appreciation Game hosted by the Colonels in honor of Veteran’s Day.
The cold night was warmed as Families and friends of deployed Soldiers assigned to the Kentucky National Guard’s 2123rd Transportation Company, serving in Afghanistan, watched their loved ones on the scoreboard via video shout-outs during the game.
“I am so proud of Justin,” said Kim Rhodus, mother of Staff Sgt. Justin Rhodus. “This is his second tour. I am nervous and scared, but I am proud of him.”
The university treated the Families to the game, and celebrated the Veteran’s Day observation with recognizing Family members and Veterans in attendance on the field.
The EKU Marching Band played patriotic music for the halftime show and the university ROTC was also heavily involved with the game.
Crowds cheered as EKU featured Soldiers greeting them from Afghanistan.
EKU played the No. 2 ranked Jacksonville State University Gamecocks, defeating them 49-37, ending a 12-game winning streak for the visiting team.
For the Kentucky Guard Families, the Colonels didn’t just put a win on the scoreboard, EKU won their hearts.
VHV
Story by Sgt. Jo Lisa Ashley
Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Crystal Dunn
Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, USDA, presented Capt. Carla Getchell, Capt. Paula Thrush and Sgt. Jo Lisa Ashley with the Laura Clay Award Nov. 9.
ASHLAND, Ky. (November 19, 2010)- The Laura Clay Award for excellence in Agriculture was awarded to The Kentucky Army National Guard for its past, present and future efforts in developing an agriculture base for women in Afghanistan at a ceremony in Ashland, Ky., Oct. 28.
Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team members Sgt. Jo Lisa Ashley, Eubank, Ky., ADT I, Capt. Paula Thrush, Lexington, Ky., ADT III and Capt. Carla Getchell, Frankfort, Ky., ADT III accepted the award on behalf of the Kentucky Guard.
The award is the highest distinction given by Kentucky Women In Agriculture. The organization recognizes Kentuckians who make a difference in today’s world, and the future, at the local, state and national level agriculturally within our communities.
Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kathleen A. Merrigan, presented the Soldiers with the award. She was the guest speaker for the Kentucky Women in Agriculture annual conference and spoke about USDA’s initiatives.
ADT Teams I and II deployed to Bagram Airfield, Parwan Province, Afghanistan and Team III will soon arrive to continue the efforts.
Assigned within the ADT is a Women’s Empowerment Teams charged with providing the Afghan women within the ADT’s AO with agribusiness projects to make a positive impact on the future of the region. Maj. Bobbie Jo Mayes leads ADT II Women’s Empowerment Team.
Using apiculture, saffron and poultry, the projects have provided women with agribusiness education imparting the means to contribute to family income.
Kentucky National Guardsmen Capt. Carla Getchell, Capt. Paula Thrush and Sgt. Jo Lisa Ashley stand with state and national agribusiness professionals at the Kentucky Women in Agriculture annual conference Nov. 9. The Soldiers accepted the Laura Clay Award, Kentucky’s highest award for excellence in the Agriculture community for Kentucky women.
In a country where women are slowly gaining freedoms, supplementing income to their household is turning over new soil for the agriculture foundation of a war torn country with hopes of growing a great future for its women, widows and children.
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By Capt. Andi Hahn, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs Officer
Spc. Phillip Hensley,
MIDDLESBORO, Ky.—Spc. Phillip Hensley, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry based out of Middlesboro, Ky., joined the Kentucky National Guard to create a better future for his Family.
Hensley is married to his wife Rebecca and has three children, Lemisha, Dominique and Takayla and works full-time for the Kentucky Guard as a mobilization support specialist which allows him to be close to his home and Family.
“Had I not joined the Kentucky Army National Guard, I don’t know where my Family would have ended up in this small town,” said Hensley, who has served six years in the Guard.
“Now I can afford to go to school to further my education and provide a better future for my Family which I am so grateful for,” he said.
Hensley said the training he received from the National Guard has opened up many job opportunities that were previously unavailable to him. He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2005-to-2006 and said his favorite memory with the Kentucky National Guard was participating in Operation Jump Start, the National Guard Border Patrol mission in 2007.
Hensley said he has high hopes of acquiring a full-time position in the Active Guard Reserve program and strives to achieve the rank of command sergeant major.
“The Guard is my life,” Hensley said. “Knowing that I can provide for my Family with the support of the National Guard is a success in my eyes.”
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Story and photos by Spc. Michelle Waters, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
The Kentucky National Guard’s newest lieutenants raise their right hand and take the oath of office Nov. 6, at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. The second lieutenants are: Rudolph E. Richard, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 103rd Brigade Support Battalion, Thomas F. Ormsby, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry and Nicholas D. Brophy, HHC 201st Engineers.
GREENVILLE, Ky. —
The Kentucky Army National Guard’s 238th Regiment (Combat Arms) graduated three new lieutenants from the Fall Accelerated Officer Candidate School at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center Nov. 6.
The recent graduates include 2nd Lt. Nicholas D. Brophy, Headquarters and Headquarters Company 201st Engineers, 2nd Lt. Thomas F. Ormsby, 1st Battalion, 149 Infantry and 2nd Lt. Rudolph E. Richard, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 103rd Brigade Support Battalion.
“This course has really taught me the primary function of an officer is to lead Soldiers and planning an operation,” Brophy said.
Laura Brophy, wife of 2nd Lt. Nicholas D. Brophy, pins her husband with the gold bar of second lieutenant Nov. 6, during a commissioning ceremony at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky.
The accelerated OCS program is a rigorous 57-day course conducted at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. Divided into three phases, and lead by Training Advising and Counseling officers, it focuses on physical training, classroom instruction on primary functions of Army leadership and operational planning and it is culminated with a Field Training Exercise where candidates put their acquired knowledge to the test.
“My favorite part of this job is witnessing Leadership development and having a captive audience,” said Capt. John Barder, TAC officer for the 238th Regiment.
“Soldiers commit to OCS because they want to be here. They want to be the best,” he said.
“When you are on the ground, you can see that in each one of them.”
