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Story by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Click HERE for more photos of this event.
Kentucky Guardsmen of the Army Aviation Support Facility and Frankfort Fire and Emergency Medical Service react to the 2011 annual aviation pre-accident exercise at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 28. (photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility tested their annual aviation pre-accident plan in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 27.
“This exercise is so important for us to get right,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Tyler Johnson, Army Aviation Support Facility safety officer. “When we pulled the trigger, we had our Soldiers as well as all the emergency personnel in Frankfort respond in record time, which is the ultimate goal — take care of our crews as fast as we can.”
The flight facility simulated a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter make an emergency landing on the grounds of Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort and had local law enforcement and emergency responders respond to the 911 call.
Frankfort Firefighter Jon Lawson administers medical treatment to Kentucky Guardsman Sgt. Devin Gregory, Bravo Company 2 Battalion 147th Aviation Regiment, on a stretcher during the 2011 annual aviation pre-accident exercise at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 28. (photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Frankfort Fire and Emergency Management Services Battalion Chief Kyle Smith oversaw the support from Frankfort’s emergency responders. He was very pleased with the level of coordination between the agencies.
“It’s critical that we do these joint exercises between agencies in order to become proficient in working together,” said Smith. “We’re continuing to build that relationship with the Kentucky National Guard and it was a great experience today.”
Frankfort local firefighters carry Kentucky Guardsman Chief Warrant Officer Jason Conley on a stretcher during the 2011 annual aviation pre-accident exercise at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 28. (photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISEOrzDroMs&feature=email]
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Panther Racing and driver JR Hildebrand are turning pink for the month of October to honor female Soldiers in the National Guard and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month during the last two IZOD IndyCar Series races of the season. The team will change the livery of the team’s No. 4 National Guard entry to pink ACU camouflage, and Hildebrand and his Panther teammates will also wear pink crewshirts and firesuits at the season’s final two races at Kentucky Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway in an effort to recognize female personnel in the Military.
www.JRHildebrandRacing.com - www.pantherracing.com
Story by Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Col. Greg Nelson (right), commander of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing, and Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Carpenter (left), wing command chief, greet new recruits during a mass-enlistment ceremony held Sept. 20, 2011, at the Kentucky Air Guard Base in Louisville, Ky. The eight new recruits will be trained for a broad spectrum of responsibilities, from public affairs to aircrew duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Philip Speck)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Eight new recruits took the Oath of Enlistment during a mass swearing-in ceremony Sept. 20 at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base, joining the 123rd Airlift Wing to fill a variety of jobs from military journalist to aircraft loadmaster.
Kaleb Henry takes the Oath of Enlistment during a mass swearing-in ceremony held Sept. 20, 2011, at the Kentucky Air Guard Base in Louisville, Ky. Henry, who most recently worked at a college textbook rental firm, will serve as a C-130 loadmaster in the 123rd Airlift Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Philip Speck)
Kaleb Henry, one of those new enlistees, will soon depart for training at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., where he will learn how to load cargo on a C-130 Hercules aircraft, the 123rd Airlift Wing’s workhorse military transport plane. The wing uses C-130s to provide intra-theater airlift in support of homeland security, disaster response and military operations all over the world.
Henry, who has a degree in criminal justice and most recently worked at a college textbook rental firm, became interested in the Air Guard after meeting a number of Kentucky Airmen through a family member.
“I liked how they carried themselves and how they approached things,” Henry said. “It kind of made an impression on me, and I decided I wanted to join the unit. I hope to learn more about myself, travel in my job as a loadmaster, meet new people and experience the world.”
Prior to swearing in the recruits, wing commander Col. Greg Nelson told them to expect a purpose-filled tour.
“The unit you’re about to join is the best tactical Airlift wing in the United States Air Force, hands-down,” Nelson said. “When we need you, we will call on you to support the Commonwealth of Kentucky here at home or the President of the United States in the destruction of our enemies abroad. I thank you now for the commitment you’re about to make.”
This latest class of recruits keeps the 123rd Airlift Wing at 100 percent of authorized manning for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, said Master Sgt. Tommy Caruso, Base Recruiting Office supervisor. Such full staffing is not uncommon for the 123rd, which consistently meets or exceeds its recruiting goals year after year while Air Guard units in other states struggle to enlist new Airmen, he noted.
Col. Greg Nelson (right), commander of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing, prepares to swear in eight new recruits at a mass-enlistment ceremony held Sept. 20, 2011, at the wing’s Louisville, Ky., air base. The unit flies C-130 aircraft and provides intra-theater airlift in support of homeland security, disaster response and military operations around the world. The new recruits will be trained for a broad spectrum of responsibilities, from public affairs to aircrew duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Philip Speck)
“I think that’s a reflection of the excellent reputation our wing enjoys,” Caruso said. “We’re one of the most decorated units in the United States Air Force, with 14 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards to our credit. And people enjoy working here. Our members are happy, and they tell their friends and family.”
In addition to the excellent working environment, new recruits enjoy free tuition at state-supported colleges, universities or trade schools; and G.I. Bill benefits of up to $350 per month for full-time students for a period of 36 months, Caruso said.
“We offer a lot of exceptional benefits, unsurpassed training opportunities and the chance to serve with an outstanding unit, both at home and overseas,” he said. “That’s a compelling combination for young men and women who want to make a difference in their own lives and the world at large.”
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Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Steve Baker, 202nd Army Band
Kentucky National Guard 202nd Army Band performs Pass In Review for the Operational Readiness Evaluation at Armory 4 in Frankfort, Ky.
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky National Guard’s 202nd Army Band had reason to make plenty of noise when their recent operational readiness inspection ended on a high note.
Just like any other unit in the armed forces, the band maintains a high standard of readiness. But instead of UH-60 Blackhawks or multiple launch rocket systems, their weapons are the sound of music.
The Readiness Evaluation Team conducted examinations of everything operational from logistics, personnel files, facilities, awards and performance standards via the Musical Performance Teams. The MPTs evaluation consisted of the concert band, marching/ceremonial bands, rock band, jazz combo, sax quartet, woodwind quintet and brass quartet.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Roger Springer, Missouri National Guard 135thArmy Band commander, was in charge of the ORE team. His team rated the musical proficiency, facility, command goals and communications portion of the evaluation and he had many compliments for the 202nd.
Kentucky National Guardsman Spc. Larry Daniels plays the bass drum during the Operational Readiness Evaluation at Armory 4 in Frankfort, Ky.
“This is what a National Band is supposed to look like and sound like,” said Springer. “The Concert Band MPT is really great and the musicianship permeates to the smaller MPTs.”
“The evaluation confirmed our status as one of the premier performing Army bands,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Gregory Stepp, 202nd Army Band commander. “The evaluation tool will be used to aid us in our desire to continue providing musical and mission support to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and United Sates Army.”
The 202nd Army Band is stationed in Frankfort, Ky. and is comprised of 42 musicians from several states and varied backgrounds.
If you’re interested in joining the 202nd Army Band or just want to know more, contact Sgt. 1st Class Angela Wilkins, Readiness NCO, 502-607-5331 or angela.wilkins@us.army.mil
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Story and photos by Spc. Matthew Dornbusch, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion
Kentucky Guardsman Spc. Zach Sullivan, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, coaches fellow Guardsman Spc. Andrew Hoskins at a M249 light machine gun live fire range at Fort Hood, Tx., Sept. 11. (photo by Spc. Matthew Dornbusch, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion)
FORT HOOD, Tx. – Brother helped brother as Kentucky National Guard Soldiers sharpened their combat skills with the M249 light machine gun in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Iraq.
“The M249 coach is important because it’s hard for the riflemen to see where his rounds hit and helps them to keep a good sight picture,” said Spc. Zach Sullivan, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion M249 gunner.
“Having a coach next to me helped the zeroing process. My coach also helped me see what I was doing wrong and showed me how to fix it,” said Spc, Andrew Hoskins.
Based in Independence, Ky., the 1204th ASB is currently training at Fort Hood, Tx. The unit 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.
Staff report
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Click here for coverage from the Cincinnati Inquirer.
Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear joins Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini, state and local officials for a ground breaking ceremony for a new Kentucky Army National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington Ky., Sept. 26. In the photo from left to right: Lt. Col. Steven King, (Ret.) Col. Mike Jones, Col. Michael Ferguson, Col. Ben Adams, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Congressman Geoff Davis, First Lady Jane Beshear, Judge Executive Gary Moore, Ms. Pat Wise-Brown, Joe Wilkins, Bob Green and Architect Michael Jacobs. (photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
BURLINGTON, Ky. (September 26, 2011) — First Lady Jane Beshear joined Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky, in breaking ground today for a new Kentucky Army National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington, Ky.
“This new readiness center will be more than just a building,” said Beshear. “This facility will serve the men and women who serve the Commonwealth, a place where they will train and prepare for whatever the future may bring.”
Kentucky's First Lady Jane Beshear speaks at a ground breaking ceremony for a new Kentucky Army National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington Ky., Sept. 26. (photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The new $19.5 million federally funded facility will be located on 32 acres of land adjacent to the Boone County Sheriffs Dept and the Gateway Industrial Park. Construction is expected to begin on the day of the groundbreaking ceremony and will take between 16-18 months to complete.
“It will also represent a source of comfort and security for the members of the local community, for they know — as we all do — that the Kentucky National Guard stands ready to serve us all, both here at home and in faraway places,” said Beshear.
The facility will be home to two Kentucky Army National Guard units — Headquarters Support Company and A Company, both with the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion. Approximately 35 full-time and 390 part-time personnel will be employed at the new readiness center.
Tonini echoed the importance of the facility as well as the unit that will occupy it.
Boone County Judge Executive Gary W. Moore speaks at a ground breaking ceremony for a new Kentucky Army National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington Ky., Sept. 26. (photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
“Behind the brick and mortar of this new readiness center is the heart of the Kentucky National Guard – the men and women who put the interests of others ahead of their own,” he said. “They are your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers and your relatives. They are your hometown defense force, your hometown heroes.”
The 1204th mobilized August 27 for Operation New Dawn and is currently training at Fort Hood, Tx. before deploying to Iraq.
Boone County Judge Executive Gary W. Moore was also in attendance to celebrate the groundbreaking.
“We’re blessed in Boone County to have the assets and infrastructure to support this partnership with our Kentucky National Guard,” said Moore. “The key word is readiness… with these Soldiers ready to serve here at home or abroad.”
The facility will consist of 75,000 square feet of administrative offices, storage facilities, classrooms and an assembly hall.
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Story by David Altom, Deputy Director, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
FORT KNOX, Ky. — Recognizing the need to address traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder, the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities has united with representatives from federal, military, state and professional organizations across Kentucky to host the 2nd annual Operation: Headed Home conference.
This state-wide conference will address the needs of Service members, Veterans, military families, caregivers and behavioral health professionals with information, resources, and support regarding TBI and PTSD.
The conference will take place from 7:30 a.m. — 5 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Fort Knox Leaders Club.
There is no cost to participants.
A Kentucky Army National Guard Soldier on convoy security duty in Iraq. IEDs are the primary cause of brain injuries among US service members at war. (Kentucky National Guard file photo)
“We’re encouraging all Service members, Veterans, Family members, caregivers and healthcare professionals to attend,” said Cody Stagner, medical outreach coordinator for the Kentucky National Guard. “We also invite concerned members of the community to come as well.”
The conference will have presenters from military, Veteran, federal, state and community agencies on hand to share information and resources.
“Our speakers will address things like how Service members and Veterans can access resources and benefits,” said Stagner. “We want to get as much information out there to the people who need it the most.
“We’ve asked so much of our Service members and now it’s time we took care of them.”
Space for the conference is limited, so attendees must register in advance.
For registration information, contact Justina Keathley at 859-622-4968 or justina.keathley@eku.edu
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By Army Sgt. 1st Class Clinton Wood and Air Force Tech. Sgt. D. Clare
Air Force Master Sgt. Darryl Loafman, Kentucky National Guard Marksmanship Team captain, fires his weapon during the Excellence in Competition Rifle Match held June 18-19, 2011, as part of the Marksmanship Area Command III Combat Regional Marksmanship Competition at Camp Butner, N.C. Kentucky’s “A” team placed first in the pistol category and the Commonwealth’s “B” Team tied for first place in rifle competition. (Courtesy photo)
CAMP BUTNER, N.C. — Kentucky National Guard shooters have distinguished themselves again. Two joint teams of Army and Air Guardsmen earned top honors during the Marksmanship Area Command III Combat Regional Marksmanship Competition at Camp Butner, N.C., this summer.
Kentucky’s “A” team placed first in the pistol category and the Commonwealth’s “B” Team tied for first place in rifle competition. The “A” team also placed second in overall competition and the “B” team placed third.
The state marksmanship team’s captain, Air Force Master Sgt. Darryl Loafman, placed second in the individual pistol competition and second overall in individual fire.
“Kentucky shooters are among some of the best in the nation,” said Loafman, who has competed at the regional and national level for more than a decade. “We often say that it’s important to ‘fight like a Kentuckian.’ When it comes to marksmanship, we prove ourselves as top-notch warriors.”
According to the sergeant, this exercise is a tune-up for the prestigious annual Winston P. Wilson Rifle and Pistol Championship matches held at the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in North Little Rock, Ark. This week-long competition is open to all National Guard shooting teams throughout the United States and features the top shooters from every state and territory.
Kentucky Army and Air National Guardsmen earned top honors during the Marksmanship Area Command III Combat Regional Marksmanship Competition held June 18-19, 2011, at Camp Butner, N.C. Kentucky’s “A” team placed first in the pistol category and the Commonwealth’s “B” Team tied for first place in rifle competition. The “A” team also placed second in overall competition and the “B” team placed third. (Courtesy photo)
Kentucky team member Tech Sgt. Bryan Hunt, an Air Guard combat controller who was competing in the MAC III for the first time, said the experience enhances the abilities of competitors and improves readiness as shooters return to their duty stations.
“I feel very confident that if I ever had to pick up my rifle and eliminate a threat from a ways away, I would definitely be able to do,” said Hunt, who has been deployed to Africa and on his way to Afghanistan in November. He will be attached to either a Special Forces or Navy SEALs team.
Members of the Kentucky National Guard Marksmanship team are all talented, Loafman noted.
One case in point: the state’s “B” team scored more points in the combined team match than the “A” team. But rules specified that the “A” team’s scores were the only ones that counted in the team competition.
According to Loafman, five out of the nine Kentucky shooters on the team were new. “Both of our teams did very well,” he said.
He said these new team members demonstrated a willingness to watch, learn and compete.
“Our problem this year is we had too much talent,” he said. “That is a good problem to have, but we had a lot of talent on our team. Our new shooters are very good, very talented.”
According to Loafman, the team is always looking for marksmen to join and compete. Interested Airmen and Soldiers can contact him at (502) 413-4107.
SIDEBAR:
2011 MAC III Results:
FIRST PLACE TEAM PISTOL - KENTUCKY “A” TEAM
FIRST PLACE TEAM RIFLE - KENTUCKY “B” TEAM (tied with Tennessee)
SECOND PLACE OVERALL TEAM AGGREGATE - KENTUCKY “A” TEAM
THIRD PLACE OVERALL TEAM AGGREGATE - KENTUCKY “B” TEAM
SECOND PLACE INDIVIDUAL PISTOL - MASTER SGT. DARRYL LOAFMAN (KyANG)
SECOND OVERALL INDIVIDUAL - MASTER SGT. DARRYL LOAFMAN (KyANG)
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Photo essay by Spc. Lauren Womack, A Co. 103rd Brigade Support Battalion Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
NOTE: Each week kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by Kentucky National Guard unit public affairs historian representatives, also known as UPAHRs. This is an additional duty taken on by a Soldier or Airmen with the intent of telling their unit’s story. This is one such story ….
FORT CHAFFEE, Ark., — Made up of nearly 127 Soldiers, Alpha Company, 103rd Brigade Support Battalion conducted their annual training this year at Fort Chaffee, Ark., at the end of July.
The below photos highlight a few of the events they conducted while in Arkansas.
Spc. Douglas Hoskins from A Co. 103rd Brigade Support Battalion fires the M2 .50-caliber machine gun at the weapons qualification range at Fort Chaffee, Ark., July 29.
Pfc. William Cummins from A Co. 103rd Brigade Support Battalion provides 360 degree security while fellow Soldiers help the wounded during the medical training at Fort Chaffee, Ark., July 27.
Sgt. 1st Class Robert Clark, Spc. Earl Cooper, Spc. Joseph Boggs, Spc. William Price and Spc. Sarah Noland carry Staff Sgt. Chazarae Garcia to safety as Lt. Col. Robert Larkin oversees the medical training for A Co 103rd Brigade Support Battalion at Fort Chaffee, Ark., July 27.
Staff Sgt. Robert Williams from A Co 103rd Brigade Support Battalion participates in the Army Physical Readiness Training test, the Army's newest system for Soldier physical readiness, while Sgt. 1st Class Jason Cisco evaluates him during the push-up event at Fort Chaffee, Ark., July 27th
