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PHOTO ESSAY: Kentucky Guard called up to assist in Hurricane Irene relief
efforts (Photo by Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist 133rd MPAD, Kentucky National Guard)
Elements of the Kentucky National Guard joined other Guard assets in the Carolinas and Pennsylvania to assist in Hurricane relief efforts. These Kentucky forces included UH-60 Blackhawks from Bravo Co., 2nd Battalion 147th Aviation Regiment and Detachment 1, Charlie Co., 2/238th General Aviation Support Battalion joined other National Guard assets to assist in Hurricane relief efforts.
These Kentucky forces also included the 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.
More than 15 members of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron were slated to deploy to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., this weekend for hurricane relief operations but were told to stand down Sunday afternoon.
The Airmen on alert included pararescuemen who are specially trained in water rescue missions and emergency medical care.
See that story here: [Kentucky Air Guard troops deploying for potential water rescue missions]
UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters with the Kentucky Army National Guard's Bravo Co., 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment land at the Ft. Indiantown Gap airfield in Annville, Pennsylvania. They were mobilized along with several other aviation assets from various states in support of Aviation Task Force 151 disaster recovery operations from Hurricane Irene. (Photo by Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist 133rd MPAD, Kentucky National Guard)
UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters with the Kentucky Army National Guard's Bravo Co., 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment stand at the ready to assist in disaster recovery operations at the Ft. Indiantown Gap airfield in Annville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist 133rd MPAD, Kentucky National Guard)
A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter with the Kentucky Army National Guard's Bravo Co., 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment awaits orders to help in the disaster recovery operations at the Ft. Indiantown Gap airfield in Annville, Pennsylvania. The Kentucky Army National Guard was joined by other Army National Guard aviation units from South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Florida and several other states to aid in damage relief efforts caused by severe flooding from Hurrican Irene. (Photo by Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist 133rd MPAD, Kentucky National Guard)
Flight crews from the Kentucky Army National Guard's Bravo Co., 2nd Battalion 147th Aviation Regiment await for a relief mission at the Ft. Indiantown Gap airfield in Annville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Spc David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist 133rd MPAD, Kentucky National Guard)
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Courtesy Story
Transfer of authority ceremony, Aug. 25, 2011, at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The ceremony marked the official transfer of control over ensuring goods make it safely across northern Iraq from the fatigued and road-weary soldiers of Oregon’s 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regt., 77th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command to Kentucky’s 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, who also belong to the 77th.Transfer of authority ceremony, Aug. 25, 2011, at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The ceremony marked the official transfer of control over ensuring goods make it safely across northern Iraq from the fatigued and road-weary soldiers of Oregon’s 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regt., 77th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command to Kentucky’s 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, who also belong to the 77th.
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq — The sun is shining, the wind is blowing and sand finds its way into every crevice possibly imaginable. At first glance, this may be just another day in the “wish I weren’t here” adventure for U.S. soldiers serving here. But something is different, because today the fatigued and road-weary soldiers of Oregon’s 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, 77th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command are passing the baton off to a batch fresh new faces from Kentucky’s 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, who also belong to the 77th.
Just in case you were wondering, the day in question is Aug. 25, 2011, when the 116th Cav. Regt. officially hands over control of the roads of northern Iraq to the 149th Inf. Regt., who has finally completed a weeks-long handoff process and months of training. In this time, the seasoned experts of the 116th have shared their knowledge of Iraq’s northern roads with the 149th.
Lt. Col. Phillip Appleton, 116th Cav. Regt. commander, a native of Silverton, Ore., said, “It feels very good (to be going home), the soldiers and leaders, we’re all tired physically and mentally. We feel a great sense of mission accomplishment, but look forward to getting back to our families.”
Asked whether the mission is being left in good hands, Appleton said, “The 149th is a great unit and we’ve set the conditions that will enable them to successfully complete their mission here in Iraq.”
Following the transfer of authority, the 149th Inf. Regt.’s mission will be ensuring supply convoys make it safely to soldiers on bases spread across northern Iraq in the closing months of the almost 9-year war here. While the task is monumental, it would seem the 149th is ready to take their place in American and Kentucky history with honor.
Regarding whether the 149th Inf. Regt. is ready to take over the mission, Maj. Jeffrey Cole, the executive officer for the 149th, a native of Berea, Ky., said, “Absolutely. We’ve trained for this for 2 years. Our training has been more than adequate. I feel our soldiers are very capable of taking this mission.”
As part of the largest deployment of Kentucky National Guard Soldiers since World War II, it would seem that the 149th Inf. Regt. is already a part of history, but the normal challenges of simply protecting and supplying American soldiers in Iraq are now compounded by the challenge of withdrawing Troops safely.
According to Cole, “I think our (149th’s) biggest challenge is continuing the convoy escort mission at the standard the 3-116th Cavalry Regt. has set. I’m very confident that our soldiers can maintain or even exceed those standards through our time here in Iraq.”
In the end, however, it seems that only time can tell what comes next for both units.
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Story and photos by 1Lt. Mark Slaughter, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Couples attended a Strong Bonds retreat weekend hosted by the Kentucky National Guard Chaplaincy at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Louisville, Ky. August 2011. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
Click here for more photos.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Twenty Kentucky National Guard couples found a little peace and quiet, fellowship and quality time together during a recent marriage retreat conducted by the Kentucky National Guard Chaplaincy on August 19th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Louisville
The Strong Bonds marriage retreat served as a “get away” for Kentucky Army and Air Guard couples, providing a fun, safe, and secure environment where the impact of deployments and military lifestyle stressors were addressed. The focus of Strong Bonds is to increase individual soldier and family member readiness through relationship education, and skills training in an offsite retreat format in order to maximize the training effect.
Chaplain (Maj.) Bill Draper, state support chaplain for the Kentucky National Guard helped organize the event.
“These retreats show our Soldiers and Airmen that we appreciate the job they do, and that we will not forget the sacrifices,” said Draper. “It also shows their spouses that we do care about them and their Family.”
The marriage retreat had much to offer Sgt. Tim Akers and his wife Chiquita. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
Couples in attendance come from a diverse background, including many newlyweds and one couple married almost thirty years.
In the military the importance of communication is understood as something critical to mission success. However, it is often the first skill and the breakdown in married life. During the weekend chaplains taught classes covering topics ranging from communication to problem solving which were well very received.
Trina Eller, wife of Sgt. Steve Eller is a believer. “The weekend taught us some very helpful communication skills,” she said.
The highlight of the weekend for many was the Saturday evening date night. This scheduled event provides couples some well deserved time together that is often hard to come by back home.
Sgt. Steve Eller and his wife Trina found the Strong Bonds marriage retreat helpful in developing communications skills. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
Sgt. Tim Akers and his wife Chiquita found the retreat beneficial.
“We loved the weekend,” said Chiquita. “We’re leaving with some useful tools to use in our marriage.”
Strong Bonds attendance is encouraged by Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, who wants every member of the Kentucky National Guard to be aware of the program.
For more information call the state chaplain’s office at 502-607-1729.
Check out these dates if you’re interested in attending.
FY12 Marriage Enrichment Conference Weekend
13Jan – 15Jan Louisville
10Mar – 12Mar Lexington
01Jun – 03Jun Louisville
27Jul – 29Jul Lexington
17Aug – 19Aug Louisville
FY12 Single Soldier Conference Weekend
8Jun – 10Jun Lexington
24Aug – 26Aug Louisville
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Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky Guard Public Affairs Office
Kentucky National Guardsmen of the Agribusiness Development take time for a group photo at the 48th Annual Kentucky State Fair Country Ham Breakfast at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 25. Pictured from left to right is Ann Evans, Governor's Mansion director, Capt. Travis Riley, KYADT2, Maj. Fred Bates, KYADT2, Sgt. Ashley Branson, KYADT2, Col. Hunter Mathews, KYADT2 commander, Capt. Varinka Ensminger, KYADT4, Maj. Walt Leaumont, KYADT4, and Steve Meredith, Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet. (photo by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky Guard Public Affairs Office)
Click here for more photos
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — National Guardsmen of the Agribusiness Development Team were honored guests at the 48th Annual Kentucky State Fair Country Ham Breakfast on Aug. 25, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
Kentucky Guardsman Sgt. Ashley Branson, Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 2 and two year old daughter Skyler attend the 48th Annual Kentucky State Fair Country Ham Breakfast in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 25. (photo by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky Guard Public Affairs Office)
The event brought more than 1,600 people from around the Commonwealth including Gov. Steve Beshear, Sen. Mitch McConnell, Commissioner of Agriculture Richie Farmer and Mark Haney, President of Kentucky Farm Bureau.
“It’s good to be back in a country where no one is trying to shoot at you,” said Col. Hunter Mathews, KYADT2 commander. “Nothing like a trip to a developing country to make you appreciate the United States.”
Mathews attended the breakfast with four other KYADT2 members and two members of KYADT4 who are set to deploy next year. KYADT2 returned from Afghanistan in May.
“Nobody else here got the entire room on their feet but we did. That was pretty cool to get that type of recognition,” said Sgt. Ashley Branson, KYADT2.
Maj. Walt Leaumont, Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 4 operation officer and Col. Hunter Mathews, Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 2 commander, talk to Gov. Steve Beshear at the 48th Annual Kentucky State Fair Ham Breakfast in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 25. (photo by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The KYADT 2 deployed to Afghanistan last July to help Afghan farmers become agriculturally self-sufficient, create business opportunities through a women’s empowerment initiative, and provide force protection.
“I think it was the best mission to go on because we got to see a different side of the war.We got to connect with them,” says Branson.
The KYADT3 will be replaced by the fourth Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team next year.
“It’s a worthwhile mission because when we deploy and return back home, our legacy will continue to help the Afghan people,” said Maj. Walt Leaumont, KYADT4 operation officer.
Click here for more photos
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KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 LOUISVILLE, Ky--The Kentucky Air National Guard prepares to provide support in the wake of Hurricane Irene Aug 28, 2011
From: Maj Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Officer, Kentucky Air National Guard; 1101 Grade Lane, Louisville, KY 40213
Phone: (502) 387-1887
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Kentucky Air Guard troops deploying for potential water rescue missions
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Approximately 15 members of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron are slated to deploy to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., on Sunday morning aboard two Kentucky Air Guard C-130 aircraft.
The deploying Airmen include pararescuemen who are specially trained in water rescue missions and emergency medical care, said Col Greg Nelson, commander of the the squadron’s parent unit, the 123rd Airlift Wing. They will deploy with a range of dedicated rescue equipment like Zodiac motorboats and all-terrain vehicles in order to carry out a broad spectrum of operations.
The unit has been instrumental in hurricane recovery operations before, conducting rescue missions and operating a helicopter landing zone in New Orleans that airlifted more than 11,000 people to safety following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
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Story by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Photos by Maj. Ben Singleton, 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Officer
See more pictures of the ceremony at: Click here for more photos
INDEPENDENCE, Ky--Friends and family cheer on Kentucky's 1204th Combat Aviation Battalion as they prepare to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.
INDEPENDENCE, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard honored the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion with a departure ceremony as they left for Iraq today from the Northern Kentucky University Campus in Highland Heights, Ky.
“Our morale is very high,” said Command Sgt. Major Tim Walton. “We’ve been training for this day since December of 2009 and we’re ready to go accomplish this mission.”
Based in Independence, Ky., the 1204th ASB will provide logistical, maintenance and signal support for the 29th combat aviation brigade in support of Operation New Dawn, the U.S. Forces withdrawal from Iraq.
Spc. Matt Dornbusch, who’s been in the Kentucky Guard since 2007, has been supporting the unit in a full-time capacity for the last 18 months, helping to prepare the Soldiers for the deployment.
“I’m eager to finally get to do the mission we’ve worked so hard to prepare for,” said Dornbusch. “My wife is sad and excited for me at the same time.”
Dornbusch and his wife Katie Elizabeth got married less than a month ago and plan on taking their honeymoon after the deployment.
INDEPENDENCE, Ky--A Soldier from the 1204th Aviation hugs his kids goodbye at the departure ceremony.
Katie also has a brother, Spc. Adam Stoppelwerth, who will deploy with the 1204th as well.
The 1204th is made up of nearly 600 Soldiers from Kentucky, Alabama, Florida and Maryland, with approximately 325 from the Commonwealth.
The unit reports to Fort Hood, Tx. for an additional four to six weeks of training prior to departing the country.
Lt. Col. Tom Roach is the battalion commander for the 1204th ASB and has prepared the unit for their task ahead.
INDEPENDENCE, Ky--Lt. Col. Tom Roach, commander of Kentucky's 1204th Aviation Battalion, asks attendees at the departure ceremony to applaud the families and supporters of the Soldiers.
“It’s an uncertain environment right now in Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Roach, “but one of the great things about our robust, flexible organization is that we’re ready and adaptable to do our job where ever we’re asked to serve.”
Since 9/11, nearly 14,000 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have deployed in support of the Global War on Terror. The Kentucky National Guard currently has more than 1,450 troops deployed worldwide.
See more pictures of the ceremony at: Click here for more photos
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Photos by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Kentucky Guardsman Pvt. 1st Class Kyle Hoben, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, provides security while his squad is stopped during dismounted patrolling training at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., June 17. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
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photo and story Sgt. Paul Evans, 77th Enhancement Brigade
Sgt. Ian Howe, a multichannel transmission radio operator from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, 77th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, a native of Salt Lake City and resident of Winchester, Ky., proudly displays his acoustic guitar July 19 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. Howe spent time mobilizing there prior to deploying to Joint Base Balad, Iraq, as a battle captain in the 149th Inf. Regt.’s operations center. (Photo by Sgt. Paul Evans)
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – When walking through the living area at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, on any given night, between the sounds of airplanes and helicopters in the night sky, one can hear a certain melody filling the air.
That’s because, more often than not, you will find Sgt. Ian Howe, a multichannel transmission radio operator from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, 77th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, playing his acoustic guitar with his latest renditions.
Howe has come a long way from his hometown of Salt Lake City. Along the way, he’s served as an infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., where he sang with the famed “All-American Chorus,” has served in Iraq running base security patrols out of Contingency Operating Base Speicher, and has attended airborne school. That’s just in the four years he spent on active duty.
Howe, now a resident of Winchester, Ky., is currently deployed to Iraq as a battle captain in the 149th Inf. Regt.’s operations center, watching over the troops out on convoy escort missions.
Howe brought along his guitar to help pass the time during the hot Iraqi nights. And while the crowds aren’t the same as his concerts around the Lexington, Ky., area back home, Howe now finds himself entertaining fellow soldiers.
When asked what he likes most about serving in the National Guard compared to active duty, Howe said, “everybody’s from Kentucky, so there’s more camaraderie.”
In the closing days of the U.S. presence in Iraq, that camaraderie, along with Howe’s trusty guitar, should certainly help the mission play out a little more harmoniously.
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Photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Kentucky Guardsman Sgt. Russell Golden, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, leads his fire team on a dismounted patrol as part of his unit's pre-mobilization training at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., June 16. The Kentucky Army National Guard's Pre-mobilization Training Assistance Element provided training for the 1204th ASB. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Kentucky Guardsman Staff Sgt. George Stephens, PTAE instructor, explains the action required when assaulting an ambush position during field training on dismounted patrolling as part of pre-mobilization training for the 1204th Aviation Support Bn., June 17. The 1204th ASB deployment ceremony is Saturday, Aug. 27. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
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Photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Kentucky Guardsmen of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion are on a dismounted patrol during the unit’s pre-mobilization training at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., June 17. The 1204th ASB will deploy to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn later this summer. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Kentucky Guardsmen of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion re-consolidate after assaulting an enemy position during an exercise to validate their skills in dismounted patrolling at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, June 17. The 1204th ASB departure ceremony is this Saturday, Aug. 27. . (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
