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Permission to re-publish by Lexington Herald Leader (story by Josh Kegley, photo by David Perry, Lexington Herald Leader)
Officer Brandy Joe Johnson serves as Military Liaison Officer within the Division of Police. "I make sure all our military officers are taken care of along with their families," says Johnson of his position, created in 2009. (photo by David Perry, Lexington Herald Leader)
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 31, 2010) — Brandy Joe Johnson retired from the Kentucky National Guard after serving three tours of duty, most recently in Iraq. But he still has a mission to help his fellow soldiers and veterans.
At first glance, he is a stern man; he assesses you with pursed lips and squinted eyes as if he just caught you breaking the law. But when he speaks, Johnson is quiet and affable. He laughs when he recalls stories — some more frightening than funny — from his most recent deployment to Iraq in 2006.
He tells of spiraling rapidly down thousands of feet as a passenger in a C-130 Hercules transport plane during corkscrew landings. (“I hate flying,” he says, chuckling.) He tells of riding around the city of Mosul in “the buffalo,” a giant armored vehicle that exists solely to detonate improvised explosive devices by poking them with a giant metal prong.
He recalls collapsing with relief — which erupted into uncontrolled laughter — after he and several squad mates narrowly escaped being taken hostage by Iraqi militants.
Johnson, who describes himself as an adventurous man, said he liked “the uncertainty” of the military. It’s the same thing that he enjoys about his job as a Lexington police officer.
You may view the rest of the story by viewing the Lexington Herald Leader link below:
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/12/28/1580568/from-the-beat-to-a-war-zone-officer.html
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By Capt. Andi Hahn, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs Officer
Curtis M. Persinger, Joshua R. Futrell, Spencer R. Robinson and Jonathan M. Holliday stand proudly after pinning on the rank of captain at a promotion ceremony at the fairgrounds armory in Louisville, Ky., Dec. 9.
LOUISVILLE, Ky.–The 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade promoted four officers to the rank of captain during a ceremony at the Louisville Fairgrounds Armory Dec. 9.
The four new captains are:
Capt. Joshua R. Futrell, military policeman, Headquarters Headquarters Company
Capt. Jonathan M. Holliday, commander,1103rd Law and Order Detachment
Capt. Curtis M. Persinger, commander, 940th Military Police Company
Capt. Spencer R. Robinson, judge advocate general, HHC
Col. Scott Campbell, 149th MEB commander congratulated the captains and said it is always a proud day when he gets to pin new rank on officers.
“Promotion ceremonies are always rewarding,” said he said. “These are four outstanding Soldiers who have and will continue to do great things within this organization.”
Approximately 40 people were in attendance along with Family members and staff from the brigade. The newly promoted captains will perform their assigned duties within the brigade as it gears for a mobilization in June 2011. The mobilization will be the largest mobilization of Kentucky National Guardsmen since World War II.
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Story by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Photos by Master Sgt. Phil Speck, Kentucky Air National Guard Visual Information
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Dec. 29, 2010) — Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts from across Louisville visited the Kentucky Air Guard Base Dec. 21.
“For 100 years, the Boy Scouts has created a strong foundation of leadership, service and community for millions of America’s youth,” said Maj. George Imorde, executive officer for the 123rd Airlift Wing. “It’s no surprise that many Boy Scout alumni are a part of the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123d Airlift Wing here in Louisville.”
The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts visited various units at the Air Guard base, talked with the Airmen and received demonstrations of the equipment regularly used at the base.
“The Cub Scouts wanted to learn more about the Air National Guard and what they do,” said John Frolehlich, Cub Scout grandparent. “They wanted to see the planes more than anything.”
To see more photos of the event, please visit our official Kentucky National Guard Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/kyngpao
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Story by 2nd Lt. Ashleigh Peck, Courtesy of Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team
Lt. Col Jeffrey Casada, KYADT2 team leader, and chicken farm entrepreneur Shanawaz Khan, speak through an interpreter in Khenj District Dec. 12. Photo by 2nd Lt. Ashleigh Peck.
PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Members of the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team visited with a local chicken farm owner in Khenj District Dec. 12.
Shanawaz Khan is a Go Joeal villager who started his chicken farm about 16 months ago with 30 chickens.
Today Khan has more than 800 laying hens, and he looks to continue the growth of his business in the future.
“I’d like to have 8,000 chickens to produce enough eggs for all of Panjshir and one day, all of Afghanistan,” Khan said through an interpreter.
“He impressed me from the beginning with his proactive biological security, experience and vision,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Casada, Kentucky National Guard KYADT2 team leader and London, KY, native.
Kentucky ADT 2 visited Khan to see the condition of the farm and talk with him about his plans for the future of his operation.
Khan says he sells many of his eggs at the Anaba Bazaar and adds that he has customers from Kabul who like his “country” eggs as opposed to the “city” eggs.
Currently, Khan said he has more demand than he can keep up with. “Sometimes I turn off my phone because people call asking for eggs even after we’ve run out.”
In the future, Khan would like to move to a new location with a bigger facility to provide more space for feeding, with additional nesting boxes for his chickens.
“Ideally, a chicken farm has one nesting box for every six hens. The chicken farm here has one nesting box for every 20 hens,” Casada said.
Khan talked with Kentucky ADT 2 about getting funds for his future goals.
The Kentucky ADT 2 said a micro grant or low-interest loan may be options for Khan to get the money to make his goals happen.
A micro grant puts money in the hands of private entrepreneurs to expand their operations, and Khan may be a good candidate.
“We look for people with energy and enthusiasm who already have something going,” Casada said. “Whatever is done, we want to help in a way that will be sustainable for years to come.”
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Story by Staff Sgt. Michael Oliver, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur: This late WWII period image shows MacArthur wearing the five-star rank insignia of General of the Army. Photo Credit: U.S Army photo
FRANKFORT, Ky. – After a review of Kentucky’s top company-grade officers and junior warrant officers, the Kentucky National Guard is proud to announce the two finalists for the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award competition.
This year’s selectees are Capt. Jacob B. McKinney, Service Battery 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery, and Warrant Officer Zebulon T. Clapp, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery.
“The selection of these Soldiers is a positive reflection of their hard work, dedication and perseverance that they and their Soldiers have exhibited during the past year,” said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general.
The nominated officers will represent the Commonwealth at the national competition held in Washington.
The Gen. Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award recognizes company grade officers and junior warrant officers who demonstrate the ideals for which MacArthur stood: duty, honor, and country.
The Kentucky Soldiers will compete against more of the nation’s best officers to become one of the 25 commissioned or three warrant officers recognized by this year’s board.
Part two of the command and morale visit of Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, the adjutant general for Kentucky, and key members of his staff to Bagram, Afghanistan. Click here to see part one.
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Story and pictures by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Dec. 9, 2010) – Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, the adjutant general for Kentucky, and key members of his staff visited Kentucky Guardsmen deployed to Afghanistan during a command and morale trip in early December.
Early in the morning, Tonini continued the tradition of watching a hometown Kentucky basketball game with deployed troops.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan – Maj. Gen. Edward W.Tonini, the Adjutant General of the Kentucky National Guard, and members of his staff visit deployed members of various Kentucky Guard units in December 2010. Following a tradition of watching a hometown Kentucky basketball game with deployed troops, Tonini and Kentucky Guardsmen cheered the Wildcats on to victory against Notre Dame. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard)
Tonini ate a specially-catered breakfast with Kentucky troops from the Agribusiness Development Team, 2123rd Transportation Company and 123rd Airlift Wing.
“Next to their Families; there is nothing else that can generate the excitement and passion more than Kentucky basketball,” Tonini said. “Like last years’ visits with Kentucky Guardsmen in Kosovo and Kyrgyzstan, the opportunity to watch the beloved Wildcats seems to be a huge treat with our troops.”
BAGRAM, Afghanistan – Maj. Gen. Edward W.Tonini, the Adjutant General of the Kentucky National Guard, presides over the Combat Action Badge ceremony for members of the 2123rd Transportation Company from Richmond, Ky., Dec 9. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard)
After breakfast, Tonini and his staff met Kentucky troops at the headquarters of Richmond Kentucky’s 2123rd TC.
Tonini awarded the Combat Action Badge to more than a dozen members of the unit who recently were engaged in an area where hostile fire or danger was imminent.
The 2123rd transports supplies and materials via main supply routes on the ground to various forward observation bases throughout the Afghan theatre.
“The 101st Airborne Corps asks for us by name when selecting units to conduct supply runs to forward outposts and bases,” said Capt. John F. Moore, commander of the 2123rd TC.
[More pictures of Adjutant General Tonini’s visit with the 2123rd TC can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kyngpao/sets]
More than 180 members of the 2123rd TC deployed to Afghanistan in February in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan – Members of the Kentucky National Guard deployed to Afghanistan hold a banner made by well wishers from back home.
While visiting each Kentucky unit, Tonini presented a “Light Up Louisville” Christmas card and scrolled-holiday message with signatures from hundreds of Louisville well-wishers. The banners were hung in the troops’ work areas as reminder of the support they receive from back home.
Tonini and his staff visited more than 500 deployed Kentucky Guard Soldiers and Airmen while in Afghanistan.
As Tonini and his staff departed Bagram, 47 Airmen from the 123rd Civil Engineering Squadron arrived in Afghanistan to begin their combat tour (story previously reported at: http://tinyurl.com/28adcrf).
“I am certain these great Airmen will provide the same level of Unbridled Service to their commanders as have these magnificent Soldiers and Airmen we visited during our short trip” said Tonini.
Story and pictures by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard.
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BAGRAM, Afghanistan – Maj. Gen Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky's adjutant general, addresses Kentucky's second Agribusiness Development Team during the TAG's Command visit to Bagram, Afghanistan Dec 8. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard)
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Dec. 23, 2010) – Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, the adjutant general for Kentucky, and key members of his staff visited Kentucky Guardsmen deployed to Afghanistan during a command and morale trip in early December.
Tonini, Chief of Staff Col. Ron Turner, Director of Public Affairs Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Squadron Commander Maj. Shawn Dawley, State Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Armstrong and State Command Chief Master Sgt. James Smith spent two-and-a-half days in Afghanistan, visiting with Kentucky troops from the Agribusiness Development Team, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Detachment, 2123rd Transportation Company and 123rd Airlift Wing Detachment.
“It’s taken us over 21 hours of actual air-flight hours to get here to be with you all prior to Christmas, but for all of us, it’s worth it,” Tonini said, to an assembly of Kentucky’s second Agribusiness Development Team.
“There is no place on Earth that I would rather be than with you all here today,” he said. “I must say, out of all the adjutants general of the 54 states and territories, I am the most fortunate to be with my troops, as the rest of the TAGs are still under the Afghan travel embargo.”
Tonini and the Kentucky delegation were able to secure travel access into Afghanistan through his combatant Kentucky-partner, Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
“General Campbell is truly a partner for the Kentucky Guard,” Tonini said. “When you think of those who watch over our Kentucky Guard here in country, you need to say ‘thanks’ to our partners at Fort Campbell, the 101st. They are the security-might of this region.”
The first leg of Tonini’s command visit was a meeting with Col. Hunter Mathews, commander of Task Force Ironhorse, Kentucky’s second Agribusiness Development Team, which is tasked with revitalizing agriculture in Afghanistan.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan –Col. Hunter Mathews, commander of Task Force Ironhorse--Kentucky's Agribusiness Development Team 2, briefs Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini during the TAG's Command visit to Bagram, Afghanistan Dec 8. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard)
Seventy percent of Afghans earn their living from agriculture, producing 40 percent of Afghanistan’s gross national product. As ADT members help improve the Afghan agriculture, the Afghans are able to improve their standard of living, thus improve the stability of the provincial and central government.
“Whenever someone in Washington mentions the National Guard’s agribusiness development mission, they think Kentucky,” Tonini said. “Even though eight other states are involved in this federal mission, Kentucky leads the way.”
Tonini and staff received a formal mission update from Mathews prior to visiting the KYADT2 troops in their living quarters and work environment.
“It means a lot to me to have our leadership be with us, especially when we’re deployed from home during the Christmas season,” said Master Sgt. William W. Meriwether, supply sergeant for Task Force Ironhorse.
[More pictures of Adjutant General Tonini’s visit with KYADT2 can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kyngpao/sets/72157625618730660]
BAGRAM, Afghanistan –Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and Col. Randall M. Zeegers, commander of the 20th Special Forces Group, enjoy great conversation during a traditional Afghan meal during TAG's Command visit to Bagram, Afghanistan Dec 8. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard)
The same sentiment was echoed by Soldiers deployed with the 20th Special Forces Group, headquartered not far from the KYADT2. “It’s always great to see Kentucky’s adjutant general with his troops,” said Col. Randall M. Zeegers, commander of the 20th SFG. “I’m really glad he was able to be here.”
The 20th SFG (Airborne) is one of two Army National Guard groups for the United States Army Special Forces. The mission of the 20th SFG is to plan and support special operations in any operational environment, such as Afghanistan. Special operations can be conducted independently or in coordination with conventional forces.
Zeegers hosted a traditional Afghan meal for Tonini and his staff, prepared by local Afghan merchants.
[More pictures of Adjutant General Tonini’s visit with the 20th SFG can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kyngpao/sets/72157625492823445]
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BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Downtime decorations created by Airmen while deployed in Afghanistan. The Adjutant General of the Kentucky National Guard, visits three C-130 aircrews and maintenance personnel from the 123rd Airlift Wing Dec 8. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard)
Following his visit with the 20th SFG, Tonini and his staff visited with Airmen from of the 123rd Airlift Wing.
The 123rd AW Detachment deployed three aircraft and 160 aircrew members from Kentucky to Bagram Air Force Base late October as part of the Central Command’s Air Expeditionary Force air-package.
“We’re breaking all-time Air Force records every week, with moving over 1200 tons of material and supplies a month, “ said Lt. Col. Robert Hamm, 123rd AWD commander. “Not bad for an Air National Guard task force.”
According to the Air Force Times, a recent 12-week period recorded approximately 500 bundles being air-dropped per week by aircrews in Afghanistan, which amounts to 450 tons dropped each week.
By comparison, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, 482 tons of supplies were dropped in a two-day period in December 1944. In Vietnam, during the battle of Khe Sahn, 294 tons were dropped in a 77-day period.
The 123rd Airlift Wing is making a very significant difference in the theatre’s ability to resupply its forces and conduct its missions on a daily basis.
“The fight needs Kentucky, and that’s why they called us,” said Hamm.
[More pictures of Adjutant General Tonini’s visit with the 123rd AWD can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kyngpao/sets/72157625493315619]
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BAGRAM, Afghanistan –Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general of Kentucky, meets with Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, commander of Kentucky's 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), during Tonini's visit to Bagram, Afghanistan Dec 8. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard)
Tonini then met with Campbell, currently stationed at Bagram. Dec. 4, Campbell presented Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear with an honorary Screaming Eagle award from Bagram via live video communication during a holiday celebration meal at the Air Guard Base in Louisville. (previously posted at: http://tinyurl.com/268k892).
The combination of 101st Airborne and Kentucky National Guard troops equates to approximately18,000 Kentucky Soldiers and Airmen in Afghanistan this holiday season.
Read part 2 of Adjutant General Tonini’s Afghan holiday visit, Friday, Dec. 24th.
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Story written by Capt. Andi Hahn, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Photo by KYNG staff
Female Soldiers and Veterans from all across the commonwealth gather for an ice breaker in the Lexington Convention Center for the Kentucky Women Annual Veterans Experience on Sept. 10, 2009.
LOUISVILLE, Ky., (Dec. 22,2010)-The Kentucky National Guard will sponsor the Kentucky Women’s Annual Veterans Experience (K-WAVE) conference Jan. 7-9 in Louisville, Ky. This year’s theme is Unleashing the Unlimited Potential of the Woman Veteran.
“The networking opportunity between women in the Guard and other female servicemembers is going to provide an unparalleled opportunity to gather mentors and grow professionally,” said 1st Lt. Susan Matsubara, 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade and co-chair for K-WAVE. “This conference is going to provide much needed discussion for all women Veterans.”
Female Kentucky Guardsmen and Kentucky women Veterans are encouraged to attend the event which will provide a relaxing training environment for female military Veterans to learn about women Veteran resources, opportunities and empowerment.
The success of the 2009 K-WAVE conference prompted Kentucky National Guard leaders to host a second in 2011.
“It’s inspiring to hear from women who have paved the way not just in the military, but in the state of Kentucky as a whole,” said Matsubara.
The weekend’s events will include honoring the highest decorated Kentucky female Veteran of World War I, nurse Mary Willie Arvin.
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Commentary by Spc. Will Bolton, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 21, 2010) — In my life I have done, in my own opinion, a great many things that have made me feel good inside and have given me a feeling of accomplishment. I played football in high school, graduated college and even taught English overseas in China for a couple of years. While these were all good experiences, I was always left wanting something more. I knew that there had to be an adventure to be had somewhere that would not only offer a challenge, but would give me that feeling of fulfillment that I had been searching for.
Believe it or not, I had always toyed with the idea of joining the military since I was 17. Then, I talked to a family member who was in the National Guard, and he convinced me to go see a recruiter to find out what the Guard was all about. The next thing I knew I was raising my right hand and pledging to protect the United States. Since joining the National Guard I have found that sense of fulfillment that I was seeking out for years before. My job in the Guard offers the opportunity to do things that I have only seen on TV and in movies. That, however, isn’t even the best part. The best part is knowing that in whatever endeavor I set out on, I’m not alone. I’m part of something bigger than myself and it feels amazing!
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Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Oliver, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Joseph B. Fontanez, executive officer for Kentucky’s adjutant general, stands at attention as Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky, promotes him to the rank of captain Dec. 13, during a ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky.
FRANKFORT, Ky., (Dec. 22, 2010) – With more than 12 years of service under his belt, Kentucky Guardsman Joseph B. Fontanez was promoted to the rank of captain in a ceremony held on Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 13.
His wife Jayme, daughter Sami, and mother Becky attended.
Fontanez received his commission in 2006 after completing the accelerated Officer Candidate School program. He currently serves as the executive officer for Kentucky’s adjutant general.
