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By Capt. Andi Hahn, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs Officer
Louisville Metro Policeman and Kentucky National Guardsman Sgt. Scott Sturgeon and LMPD and Kentucky Guardsman Sgt. Donald Gosney of Headquarters and Headquarters Company will be taking a break from their civilian job to deploy with the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade this summer.
When a Citizen-Soldier receives orders to deploy, a seat at the dinner table isn’t the only one that sits empty. Sometimes it is a seat at a desk, on a truck or even in the driver’s seat of a Louisville Metro Police Department squad car.
It is a scenario that will play out in literally hundreds of Kentucky companies in the months to come as the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Bridge, a Kentucky-based Army National Guard unit, deploys to Iraq. The mobilization will be the largest deployment of the Kentucky Army National Guard since World War II, as thousands of men and women head to the Middle East.
While it is tough to be away from family, the deployment also requires the understanding and support of employers, said Bob Silverthorn, state chairman of the Kentucky Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. It also means that companies’ human resources personnel become more familiar with the law covering military Reserve and Guard members.
Reservists and Guardsmen are protected under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, which covers prompt reinstatement of these personnel who are called to active duty to serve their country. Silverthorn said his Kentucky ESGR full-time staff and volunteers are trained and available to answer questions about reemployment rights from both employers and military Guardsmen.
“Both companies and Soldiers have responsibilities during the build-up to deployment and upon return,” said Silverthorn. “The keys are good communications and a thorough understanding of the law. Our Kentucky ESGR personnel are available to help at any time.”
Additionally, changes in the Family Medical Leave Act make it possible, under certain circumstances, for Family members of deployed Guard and Reserve personnel to obtain time off from their jobs. Silverthorn said his ESGR staff is able to assist employers with questions about this.
1st Sgt. Richard Southard, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, stands next to his wife Babbette. Southard will be taking a break from his civilian job at Toyoda Gosei to deploy with the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade this summer.
While LMPD officers Scott Sturgeon and Donald Gosney will trade their beats from Louisville streets to ones in Iraq, they prepared their civilian employer for the deployment well in advance to minimize the effects to two empty slots on a shift.
“We were preparing for this before an official order came down,” said Maj. Jim Sohan, 3rd Division Commander, LMPD. “We arranged different days off and adjusted schedules to cover their beats. When they come home, they will jump right back into their same shift.”
For some Soldiers, including the brigade’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1st Sgt. Richard Southard, employed by Toyoda Gosei located in Lebanon, Ky., the transition will not be so easy at the company.
“It is difficult for my co-workers to continue my duties after I leave and it will be challenging for me to re-integrate back into my department,” he said. “However, I am surrounded by very talented and efficient people who are able to absorb the loss and carry on.”
“Richard will have a lot to learn when he comes back,” said Dennis Brown, human resources manager for TG. “It is difficult to lose employees like him, but we support our employees’ military obligations.”
Employers such as LMPD and TG deserve recognition Silverthorn said. Soldiers can recommend their employers for the Patriot Award for ESGR, and employers who go above and beyond in their support are eligible for even more awards.
“I’d like to see that every Kentucky-based company that supports its employees who are in uniform be recognized,” said Silverthorn. “I also want to help ensure that our Soldiers and employers come through this deployment without a single major problem.”
Employers may learn more about ESGR at www.esgr.mil or by contacting either of the Kentucky ESGR full-time staff offices: 502- 454-1316 in Louisville or 502- 607-6055 in Frankfort.
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Story by Spc. Shanna Chouinard, 2123rd Transportation Company
Photos by 2nd Lt. Kristopher R. Karr, 2123rd Transportation Company
Staff Sgt. Dennis LeFrancois receives the Purple Heart Medal from Maj. Gen. John Campbell, 101st Airborne Division commander.
BAGRAM, AFGANISTAN (Jan. 25, 2011) – Four Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers from the 2123rd Transportation Company received the Purple Heart during a ceremony Dec. 30, at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.
Sgt. Allen Jones receives his Purple Heart Medal from Maj. Gen. John Campbell, 101st Airborne Division commander.
The Guardsmen received the award following an attack on the base that same day.
Staff Sgt. Tory Lowery shakes hands with Col. Michael Peterman, 101st Sustainment Brigade commander, after receiving the Purple Heart Medal.
Sgt. 1st Class Michael Osbourne, Staff Sgt. Tory Lowery, Staff Sgt. Dennis LeFrancois and Sgt. Allen Jones received the revered medal by Maj. Gen. John Campbell, commander of the 101st Airborne Division.
Also in attendance were 101st Sustainment Brigade Commander, Col. Michael Peterman and the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 2 commander, Col. Hunter Mathews.
These were the first casualties the 2123rd TC suffered in an attack on its base, although Soldiers from the unit have received 11 Purple Hearts for injuries sustained outside the wire.
More than a dozen Soldiers will receive the Combat Action Badge for the Dec. 30 attack.
“We are incredibly lucky that this incident was not much worse than it was,” said Capt. John Moore, commander, 2123rd TC.
Sgt. 1st Class Michael Osbourne receives his Purple Heart Medal from Maj. Gen. John Campbell, 101st Airborne Division commander.
“These guys must have an angel on their shoulders,” he said. “I’m very proud of the quick response from their battle buddies to get them immediate aid and then get them to the hospital.”
Story and photo by Spc. Michelle Waters, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
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FRANKFORT, Ky.—More than 50 Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard attended the
238th Regiment’s annual Officer and Warrant Officer Candidate School open house in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 8.
The 238th hosts the event each year to show future potential leaders what it takes to become an officer or warrant officer. Soldiers also received information on each branch within the Army and what opportunities are available throughout the Commonwealth as commissioned or warrant officers in the National Guard.
“The fact that you are here today is a testament that you want to better yourself and your career,” said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general.
Border Bowl showcases talent, Kentucky Guard youth at annual rivalry
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Story by Staff Sgt. Steve Tressler, 138th Fires Brigade Public Affairs NCOIC
Steven Sims, brother of Joint Force Headquarters DEERS/ID Card Site Security Manager Sgt. Stephanie Sims, poses with teammate Tyler Hughes, son of 1/623rd Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Jeff Hughes at the Kentucky and Tennesse Border Bowl in Williamsburg, Ky., Jan. 15. (photo by Staff Sgt. Steve Tressler, 138th Fires Brigade)
Barren County High School running back and strong safety Tyler Hughes, an honor roll student, knows the National Guard isn’t just a sponsor for the annual Border Bowl played between Kentucky and Tennessee high school football all-stars.
For him, it’s a way of life. His father Jeff Hughes is a lieutenant colonel and commander of the Glasgow, Ky. – based 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery.
Having a father in the military can be tough, especially with deployments, but the BCHS football star believes it has made him tougher in return.
“I’m proud of my father,” Tyler said. “He’s always been a great role model for me.”
Tyler said he doesn’t think that growing up with a dad in the military has made him any different than any of his friends. Other than the fact that his room always seems to be a little cleaner than his buddies usually are.
So is there anything he does at home that would surprise us?
“A lot of soldiers would be surprised by how much my father jokes around with me. I’ve seen him in front of his troops and he’s so serious. At home he can be a real clown” Tyler said.
Tyler wasn’t the only football warrior on the field Jan. 15, with Guard connections.
Anderson County High School defensive lineman Steven Sims is one big ‘kid.’ At 6 feet 3 inches tall and 245 pounds he’s hardly a baby.
Sgt. Stephanie Sims, Joint Force Headquarters DEERS/Identification Card site security manager, hugs her younger brother Stephen Sims, Anderson County High School defensive lineman and player selectee of the 2011 Kentucky and Tennessee Border Bowl. (photo courtesy of the Sims family)
Tough? You could say that. His job as a defensive lineman is to fight off 300 pound offensive linemen and tackle 190 pound guys running full speed before they get too far.
So where did he learn that kind of toughness? The answer is one you might not expect from a rough, tough football player.
“My sister,” he said.
“She’s a single mom and a sergeant with Joint Forces Headquarters.”
Steven said he and his sister, Sgt. Stephanie Sims are very close and that he’s immensely proud of her. So proud that he hasn’t ruled out possibly following in her shoes and joining the military following high school.
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By Capt. Andi Hahn, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs Officer
Michael J. Stevens, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, is pinned the rank of major by 149th MEB Commander Col. Scott Campbell and parents Rev. Dr. David and Bonnie Stevens at a promotion ceremony held at the Frazier International History Museum in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 14.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky National Guardsman Michael J. Stevens was promoted to the rank of major during a ceremony held at the Frazier International History Museum in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 14. He is assigned to the Louisville-based 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.
Friends, Family members and fellow Soldiers were in attendance as Stevens was pinned by 149th MEB Commander, Col. Scott Campbell and his parents Rev. Dr. David and Bonnie Stevens.
Michael, a native of Sidney, Neb., is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in history. He received his commission as a second lieutenant from UNL’s Army Reserve Officer Training Corps and entered active duty as an armor officer. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, with the 1st Cavalry Division where he deployed to Iraq. Stevens participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom as a scout platoon leader, tank platoon leader and company executive officer before leaving active duty in 2005.
Kentucky National Guardsman Michael J. Stevens was promoted to the rank of major during a ceremony held at the Frazier International History Museum in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 14. He was honored in front of his friends, family members and fellow Soldiers.
Stevens joined the Kentucky Army National Guard in 2006, where he transferred from the armor branch to become a military police officer. He served as the 149th MEB’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander for two years before being assigned as the MP Operations Officer in Charge.
“As a junior officer I hadn’t expected or thought of major as a goal, but here I am” said Stevens. “Now that I’ve pinned it on, I realize that lieutenant colonel, colonel and brigadier general are realistic goals. For right now, though, I want to focus on being the best major I can be and completing this deployment.”
Next up for the new major will be a third deployment overseas; back to Iraq with the brigade as part of Operation New Dawn and the largest mobilization in the Kentucky National Guard since World War II.
“I’m excited to take part in Operation New Dawn,” Stevens said. “I was there twice for OIF and now have the opportunity to take part in the final days of our involvement in the country.
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Story by: Staff Sgt. Gina Vaile-Nelson, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Spc. Adrian Wallace, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, contributed to the story
Photos by: Lt. Col. Kirk E. Hilbrecht, Public Affairs Office Director
Border fans from Kentucky and Tennesse brave the early afternoon chill at the 2011 Border Bowl in Williamsburg, Ky., Jan. 15.
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – There was a winter chill in the air as more than 100 warriors took to the field Jan. 15, for the annual battle at the border. For three days, plays had been run and friendships had been made during the whirl-wind practice schedule.
On this day, it would all come down to one thing … the battle at the border.
The all-star high school football squads from Kentucky and Tennessee faced off for the 2011 National Guard Border Bowl temperatures in lower 40s, all in hopes of winning bragging rights for the next year.
Laced with penalties and fumbles, Tennessee came out on top with a 28-18 victory.
“During this annual rivalry, there will always be a winner and a loser on the scoreboard,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Dornbush, chief of the joint staff for the Kentucky National Guard.
“But when you step back and look at the bigger picture, all of these athletes are winners.”
According to the Border Bowl Committee, more than 60 percent of the participants go on to receive scholarships and grants.
Brig. Gen. Michael Dornbush, chief of the joint staff for the Kentucky National Guard, flips the game coin at the 2011 Kentucky vs. Tennessee Border Bowl in Williamsburg, Ky., Jan. 15.
“This is such a great opportunity for these kids,” said former University of Tennessee football coach Phil Fulmer. “Some of them are playing in the last football game of their career, while others could earn the opportunity to play at the next level (because of being seen at this game).
“It’s a lot of fun to get out here and watch these kids represent their states,” he said.
According to Freddie Maggard, National Community Outreach director and former University of Kentucky star quarterback, the game is a win for the athletes and a win for the Guard.
“This is a big deal for these athletes, for this community and for the National Guard,” he said.
“Many of these players are celebrities in their hometowns, just as our National Guardsmen are celebrities in their communities,” he said. “It’s an excellent paring of two dedicated groups – high school football players and Soldiers.
“Football is about teamwork, just like being in the Guard,” Maggard said. “The heart of the National Guard is the hometowns where our units are from. It’s great to give back to those communities by recognizing these young warriors at the Border Bowl.”
In addition to the football game, athletes and their families attended a banquet; there was a powder-puff football game between Kentucky and Tennessee cheerleaders and numerous static displays by the Kentucky National Guard.
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By Capt. Andi Hahn, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs Officer
Female veterans from the Kentucky National Guard gathered at the second Kentucky Women's Annual Veterans Experience in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 7-9 as a way to bring female Soldiers and Airmen together in a professional environment. The conference was geared at helping women Veterans unleash their unlimited potential.
LOUISVILLE, Ky.— It’s not always easy being a female in a man’s world. When you have other females to share the experience with, though, it can make it a whole lot easier and rewarding.
As a way to bring Kentucky National Guard female Soldiers together in a professional environment, the second Kentucky Women’s Annual Veterans Experience, held Jan. 7-9 in Louisville, Ky., was geared at helping women Veterans unleash their unlimited potential.
“We often find ourselves isolated in our units,” said Lt. Col. Tinagay Riddle, Kentucky National Guard diversity officer and chairman of KWAVE.
“This conference allows our women Veterans an opportunity to find a new friend, mentor or battle buddy to reach out to,” she said.
The conference provided a relaxing training environment for females to network, share their unique military experiences and discuss topics pertaining to the female Soldier and Veteran. The weekend was full of breakout sessions and workshops provided by some of the most influential women leaders in the Commonwealth.
Eleanor Jordan, executive director for Kentucky Commission on Women, praised the Kentucky Soldiers for their patriotism and service to the country and the Commonwealth.
Kentucky Air National Guard's Master Sgt. Cynthia Rogers, Master Sgt. Annette Marshall-Robinson and Master Sgt. Sherrie Davis stand with Sister Kateri Koverman, a licensed independent social worker and chemical dependency counselor after her speech at the Kentucky Women's Annual Veterans Experience in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 7.
“The Commission on Women has a history with females in the Kentucky National Guard,” Jordan said. “I want you to know that you are the ‘breaking of the glass ceiling’ personified.
“Every time you walk down the street in uniform and that little girl sees you, the impact is greater than any of us can imagine,” she said.
More than 800 females are assigned to the Kentucky National Guard, with 770 in the Army Guard ranks, and 181 females in the Air Guard ranks. Females account for 11 percent of the Army Guard and 15 percent of the Air Guard total assigned personnel.
Kentucky Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini recognized the importance of the women assigned to his command.
“Things are not how they were back in the 60s and 70s, but we still have not gotten to where we need to be,” Tonini said. “You people represent what is the beginning of where women are going today.”
In addition to informative sessions, the women Veterans honored World War I nurse Mary Arvin with a historic marker unveiling her accomplishments as Kentucky’s most decorated female Veteran of World War I. Arvin was the first female to ever be awarded the Purple Heart.
“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 1st Lt. Susan Matsubara, Kentucky National Guard equal opportunity advisor for the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade, and KWAVE co-chairman.
“The networking opportunity between women in the Guard and other female Servicemembers has provided an unparalleled opportunity to gather mentors and grow professionally,” said Matsubara, “It was a really fun and successful weekend.”
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Permission to re-publish by LouisvilleCatholicSports.com (story and photo by Chris Jung, LouisvilleCatholicSports.com)
Staff Sgt. Kris Serna, 2/75th Recruiting and Retention Battalion, presents the National Guard and MaxPrep tour of championship trophy to Assumption High School Head Vollyball Coach Ron Kordes, Jan. 12. (photo by Chris Jung, LouisvilleCatholicSports.com)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Assumption High School volleyball Head Coach Ron Kordes called it “the icing on the cake” on Wednesday afternoon, as the 2010 Kentucky volleyball state champion Rockets were honored by Max Preps and the National Guard as the No. 5 high school volleyball program in the country.
AHS, who went 37-4 this past season, defeated Mercy Academy on Oct. 30 to capture the KHSAA championship and was in the national rankings and polls virtually all season. During the 2010 campaign, the Rockets also played in the Durango Fall Classic (Las Vegas, NV), Muncie Burris Tournament (Muncie, IN), and the Asics Challenge (Mother McAuley, IL).
“Obviously it’s an honor any time you’re recognized nationally,” said Kordes. “I want to thank, again, MaxPreps. Any organization that gets behind and supports high school sports is great.”
Kordes’ team was led by Kentucky Miss Volleyball Jeni Houser and an experienced group of senior players. Houser, who will play for the University of Notre Dame next year, also earned several individual, national honors throughout the season.
“It’s a very pleasing season with the national recognition,” said Kordes. “And also to have Jeni (Houser) as the Gatorade Player of the Year in Kentucky and on the Under Armour All-American Team, and all six seniors going on Division-I scholarships to college, I don’t know how it could have been much better. I guess it could have been by going undefeated and winning it all, but that’s so unrealistic with the schedule we play. We’re tickled to death with the season and the kids did a great job and I was glad to see the seniors go out like this. They deserve it.”
Max Preps, who recognizes high school teams and programs around the country on its “Tour of Champions,” was represented at Wednesday’s ceremony at Assumption High School by co-sponsor United States National Guard Staff Sergeant Kris Serna and Sergeant First Class Runyaro Goss. Those two members of the Kentucky National Guard presented the award’s trophy to Kordes and the team in front of the entire school in the Assumption gymnasium.
“Every time we have a (local) school that makes it this far, (the Kentucky National Guard) takes the time to honor them,” said Serna. “The Kentucky National Guard is local to the community, and that’s where we mainly interact, so it’s nice when we have our local schools accomplish something like this, especially when it’s built off teamwork, dedication, and the motivation it takes to establish the winning tradition that Assumption has.”
Kordes, who learned this past week that his daughter Anne was returning home to coach the University of Louisville women’s volleyball team, was a proud Dad when talking about what an exciting few days it’s been for his family.
“Wow,” said a beaming Kordes. “That’s a dream come true. I told her when she left about 13 or 14 years ago that the chances of doing what you do and getting to do it at home is slim and none.
You may view original story at www.LouisvilleCatholicSports.com
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By Spc. Kristina Gupton, Task Force Red Bulls Public Affairs
KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Maj. Bobbie Mayes (left) of Lawrenceberg Ky., and Women's Empowerment Coordinator with Kentucky Agribusiness Development team and U.S. Army Col. Stephen Bentley (center) of Austin, Tx., and Human Terrain Analyst Team leader with Combined Joint Task Force 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) presents Mohammad Sultani, Executive Director of Agency for Building a new Afghanistan (ABNA) a certificate of appreciation during a visit to the Kapisa Director's of Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock (DAIL), Kapisa province, Afghanistan, Jan. 06, 2011. Mayes and members with the KY ADT visits the DAIL to attended the bee graduation, after twenty five women completed a two day class on raising bees. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kristina Gupton/Released)
