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Story by Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Photos submitted by Agribusiness Development Team 3.
Agribusiness Development Team 3's Female Engagement Team helps to educate the local Afghan women to empower them. From left to right: Capt. Carla Getchell, Staff Sgt. Jane Rothstein, Sgt. Heather Carrier, Sgt. Claudia Rector, Capt. Paula Thrush.
PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team 3 is leaving an impact on the women of Afghanistan.
The Directors of Women’s Affairs in the Provinces of Kapisa, Pawan, and Panjshayr conducted their very first Tri-Provincial Women’s Council meeting with the help of the ADT 3 Female Engagement Team.
The unit’s Female Engagement Team mentored the three Province DoWAs on how to prepare and execute each council meeting. These meetings are meant to educate the Afghan government leaders on women’s affairs and how to better meet the needs of the Afghan women.
Capt. Carla Getchell and Capt. Paula Thrush lead the Female Engagement Team in these three provinces of Afghanistan and enjoy the opportunity to work with the women.
“These women are stronger when they are united,” said Getchell. “They can start working together to solve one another’s problems.”
An Afghan woman takes notes during the first Tri-Provincial Women's Council meeting led by KYADT3's Female Engagement Team in Afghanistan.
Future projects for the team include a honey bee and poultry training center, fish farm, cold storage, solar food drying, kitchen garden and livestock for villagers.
“I hope that these women will continue to work alongside each other to make their lives better in everything they get to
do,” said Sgt. Claudia Rector, KYADT 3. “I hope that their courage is passed down to their daughters and granddaughters and that one day they will pick up the torch and run with it.”
Santa gets a little help from Kentucky National Guard Youth Program Coordinator Cindy Culver and some volunteers during last year’s Operation Military Cheer. More than 440 young people from military families received clothes, shoes, and toys donated by service members, veterans and community organizations. (Kentucky National Guard file photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Can you believe that it’s that time of year? With the holidays right around the corner it’s time for all of us in the Kentucky National Guard family to reach out and help our fellow soldiers and airmen who may need assistance.
And what’s the most effective and direct way to do that? Why, Operation Military Cheer, of course!
“Last year we were able to provide gifts consisting of clothes, shoes, and toys for over 440 youth in the Kentucky National Guard,” said Cindy Culver, State Youth Coordinator. “This year we hope to provide for even more.”
“There is a great need for support out there,” said Linda Jones, State Youth Assistant Coordinator. “With the help of each service member, Family Readiness Group, and especially our local communities, we can bring a lot of comfort to these military families that sacrifice so much of themselves for our country.”
Do you need assistance?
Are you or do you know a service member in need? The FAC has applications that will help you get assistance in time for the holidays. If you know someone who might need a little help, encourage them to fill one out. Deadline for the application is December 5.
Helping a military family
You may also choose to adopt one of our military families. Once you file an application the FAC will will contact you with the age, gender, sizes, and special interests of a child you can assist. Packages must be delivered to the Kentucky National Guard Child and Youth Services in Frankfort no later than December 12.
Click here for Operation Military Cheer 2011 applications
Operation Military Cheer 2014 Application
For more information contact Cindy Culver Cindy.culver@us.army.mil or Linda Jones Linda.jones15@us.army.mil. You can also call them at 1-800-372-7601.
Staff report
Photos by Capt. Stephen D. Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Click here for more photos of this event.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini was on hand at the unveiling of a model of the proposed Kentucky National Guard memorial at Boone National Guard Center Oct. 26.
Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini watches as designer Jon Hofmann describes the model of the Kentucky National Guard Memorial that was unveiled at the Boone Center on Oct. 26, 2011. (Photo by Capt. Stephen D. Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The model, measuring approximately three foot across, shows the complete layout of the memorial including a replica of the granite silhouette of Kentucky, trees and lighting.
“This model puts us ahead in telling the story of the memorial and letting people know what it’s all about,” said Tonini. “We can now show that this is more than a dream. It is real and it is going to happen.
“We put a lot of work into making this model as accurate as possible,” said Jon Hofmann, a designer with Archimod, LLC, the company that created the model. “It was important that we got it right.”
“It was a great honor to be part of this project,” said Hofmann.
Artist Wyatt Gragg designed the statue of Daniel Boone that will serve as the centerpiece of the Kentucky National Guard Memorial. The final rendition will be more than seven feet tall. "You won't find any coon skin cap," joked Gragg. (Photo by Capt. Stephen D. Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Also on hand for the unveiling was artist Wyatt Gragg, who created the bronze sculpture of Daniel Boone that will serve as the centerpiece of the memorial. Standing at more than seven feet in height, the final statue will be a detailed rendition of one the Commonwealth’s greatest explorers, complete with Kentucky rifle and period hunting gear.
“You won’t find any coon skin cap,” joked Gragg.
John Trowbridge is the Kentucky National Guard Command historian. He’s also the chairman of the memorial board.
“It’s our intent to include on the memorial the names of those who have perished in the line of duty in performance of their military duties with the Kentucky National Guard from March 1912 to present in any duty status,” said Trowbridge. “And it’s not just those who died in the theater of war. Some were in training while others died serving during natural disaster and emergency here at home.”
Nearly 400 names have been collected to date and more are coming in as the project continues.
Funding for the memorial is provided entirely through private donations. To find out more about the project visit www.kyngmemorial.com.
Col. Steve King, Kentucky National Guard construction and facilities manager, describes the design of the proposed memorial. (Photo by Capt. Stephen D. Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Built in LED lighting demonstrates how the Kentucky National Guard Memorial will look at night. (Photo by Capt. Stephen D. Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
By Tech. Sgt. Jason Ketterer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Lt. Col. George Imorde III, incoming commander of the 123rd Force Support Squadron, receives the unit colors from Col. Jeffrey Peters, 123rd Support Group Commander, during a change-of-command ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 22, 2011. Outgoing commander Lt. Col. Kathryn Pfeifer (left) has been named staff support officer for Joint Forces Headquarters-Kentucky. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maxwell Rechel)
Click here for more photos of this story.
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lt. Col. George Imorde III took command of the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Force Support Squadron during a change-of-command ceremony here Oct. 22.
Imorde, who most recently served as executive staff officer for Headquarters, 123rd Airlift Wing, replaces Lt. Col. Kathryn Pfeifer, who has been named staff support officer at Joint Forces Headquarters — Kentucky. Pfeifer served as FSS commander since the unit was stood up two years ago following a merger of the mission support and services flights.
Imorde brings experience from 10 years of active duty in the U.S. Army and a previous assignment as Military Personnel Management Officer for the Kentucky Air Guard. He recently returned from a deployment to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, where he served as assistant chief of staff for a joint special operations task force.
As commander of the FSS, he will supervise personnel programs, customer service, community and family support, and quality of life programs for his fellow Airmen.
“I’ve been a staff officer for quite some time and haven’t commanded since a company command in the Army in August 2003,” Imorde said. “I’ve thirsted for the opportunity to lead again and am enthusiastic about this opportunity.”
Members of the 123rd Force Support Squadron stand at attention during their unit’s change-of-command ceremony, held Oct. 22, 2011, at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky. Lt. Col. George Imorde III is replacing Lt. Col. Kathryn Pfeifer, who has been named staff support officer for Joint Forces Headquarters-Kentucky. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maxwell Rechel)
A Louisville, Ky., native, Imorde received his commission from the United States Army in 1997. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom whose decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.
The 123rd Force Support Squadron is comprised of four units: the 123rd Military Personnel Flight, 123rd Services Flight, 123rd Base Education and Training Flight, and Family Services. Those units cover a broad range of functions, from personnel, family support and recruiting to the base dining facility, lodging and honor guard.
“We are largely a customer-service organization, and that will be my emphasis,” Imorde said. We will continue to take care of people and will always do the right thing for the Airmen of the 123rd Airlift Wing.”
Story by Capt. Varinka Ensminger, Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team 4
Photos by Staff Sgt. Catherine Corson, Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team 4
Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 4 members take notes while Kerry Jolliffe of the Talon Winery and Vineyard teaches them grape cultivation. (photo by Staff Sgt. Catherine Corson, Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team 4 member)
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Members of the National Guard’s Agribusiness Development Team 4 are taking a little bit of Kentucky know-how with them to Afghanistan thanks to a local wine maker.
Kerry Jolliffe of Talon Winery in Lexington, Ky. shared his expertise with several Kentucky Guard Agribusiness Development Team members. Troops learned about soil composition irrigation, trellis constructions, predators, pruning and harvesting.
“I was proud to help out,” said Jolliffe. “It’s not often you’re asked to contribute like this.”
“Grapes are a hard crop to grow. There are many challenges, but the teams was attentive. Hopefully they picked up enough. I’ve no doubt the theses practices will help the Afghan farmers with their crops.”
Master Sgt. Christopher Campbell prunes grape vines during a hands on training session at Talon Winery and Vineyard. (photo by Staff Sgt. Catherine Corson, Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team 4 member)
“Plus, I was glad to have the help,” he added.
The KYADT 4 members teamed up to get hands on experience along a section of vines. They identified the parts of the grape vine and pruned the necessary areas. The familiarization will be priceless during their mission.
“It was helpful to learn how to prune the vines. It was very labor intensive,” said Master Sgt. Chris Campbell.
Sgt. 1st Class Crystal Dunn was glad to have the chance to work in a real vineyard.
“The hands on experience provided a chance to not only know how the vine should look and grow but how someone needs to tend to the vines,” she said.
“The practice was great, made me feel more comfortable toward the end with what we were doing, and more confident that I wasn’t destroying the crop, ” said Staff Sgt. Scott Hutchison.
In Afghanistan, table grapes are grown and harvested for consumption and production. Many local farmers grow their grapes on the ground, which often leads to rotted fruit and spoilage. The KYADT4 was able to discuss potential obstacles in their deployed environment with the winery staff and develop alternative courses of action to be better able to assist Afghan farmers.
“Taking folks who had no previous experience in correctly pruning the grape vines for maximum yield, and explaining why you prune a certain way is experience I think will be useful in Afghanistan,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Scott McCauley.
What’s this all mean in “the big picture” of the war in Afghanistan? Harriet Allen, owner of Talon Winery and Vineyard, was grateful for the opportunity to get involved with the ADT’s mission.
“It’s my hope that they can transplant the knowledge and experience they gained from a vineyard in the heart of the bluegrass to a war zone on the other side of the world,” she said. “As they put their knowledge and training to work in that region of the world I know that they will also plant the vines of friendship and goodwill.”
Story by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
(See all photos from today’s event HERE.)
The Kentucky National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion gathered together on the steps of the Frankfort Capitol to celebrate their unprecedented eighth year in a row of making mission Oct. 25. (photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion was recognized today on the front steps of the Frankfort Capitol for an unprecedented accomplishment, surpassing its recruiting goals eight years in a row.
Maj. Fred Bates, Recruiting and Retention Commander, addresses the command and the senior leadership at the recruiting and retention announcement making mission eight years in a row on the front steps of the Frankfort Capitol Oct. 25. (photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
“Despite the aggressive pace of our deployments, we continue to recruit and retain the finest Soldiers year after year,” said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky. “These troops provide a wealth of knowledge that can’t be quantified.”
(See WDRB’s story on the announcement HERE.)
The Kentucky Army National Guard’s end strength for the 2011 fiscal year was 7,310 members.
Sgt. 1st Class Lloyd Renfroe and Staff Sgt. Kristofer Serna received top honors this year for winning a regional recruiting conference encompassing 10 states and territories. Serna will go on and compete for recruiter of the year at the national level in December. (photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
With the Kentucky Air National Guard, the total strength of the Commonwealth’s force is more than 8,500 troops.
(See WKYT-TV’s story on the announcement HERE.)
Since 9/11, nearly 14,000 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have mobilized in support of the Global War on Terror. The Kentucky National Guard currently has more than 1,400 troops deployed worldwide.
By: Mary Meadows - mary.meadows@pikevillehospital.org, Staff Writer
Published: 10/21/2011 (republished with permission of The Medical Leader)
| Garrett resident Brittany Michelle Bradley holds her one-day-old daughter Lilian Alice Farmer, whose birth was broadcast via Skype to her father in Iraq. |
PIKEVILLE, Ky. — When Kentucky National Guard E-4 Specialist Dustin L. Farmer left Floyd County in July to prepare to serve his country in Iraq, he knew there was a chance he wouldn’t see the birth of his first child.
But the impossible became possible last week at Pikeville Medical Center, where his fiancé Brittany M. Bradley gave birth. Farmer witnessed the birth via Skype video conferencing.
On Oct. 13 at approximately 1:48 p.m., both parents welcomed little Lilian Alice Farmer, weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces, into the world.
“It was awesome,” Bradley said. “It was the best feeling, other than having him come home.”
Farmer’s commander suggested the couple use Skype, an Internet technology that allows people to chat face-to-face, because Farmer could not return home for the delivery.
Bradley brought a small laptop computer when she checked into the hospital with plans to broadcast the birth via Skype, but after her labor was induced at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 13, she realized the program wasn’t working on her computer.
That’s when the hospital’s Information Systems Department got involved.
PMC Telecommunications Specialists Clinton Coleman and Mike Newsome and technicians Ricky Hamilton and Steven Johnson were informed that a patient was ready to give birth and her fiancé, who was serving in Iraq, was not able to be a part of it.
They brought Bradley another laptop in the delivery room and used a 50-foot monitor cable to hook the computer into a new 32-inch television so Bradley could easily see and talk to Farmer as she gave birth.
“It was definitely a joint effort,” Coleman said. “We didn’t know how long it would be before she gave birth. We were told that she could give birth at any time, so we got everything hooked up for her in 30 minutes.”
Brenda Chapman, director of PMC’s Women and Children Services department, said that staff members were glad to be a part of the experience.
“Our staff was glad to do it,” she said. “It just shows that our staff does care. We have good people here.”
It was the first time that Coleman’s telecommunication skills helped bring a family together during such a delicate time.
“The way we looked at it was that it’s for our troops, and I will definitely do anything I can to help our troops,” Coleman said.
Before leaving the delivery room, he spoke with Farmer.
Proud father: Spc. Dustin Farmer is currently serving in Iraq with Co. A, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry. (Photo by Spc. Robbie Moore, Co. A, 1/149th Unit Public Affairs Representative)
“We said, ‘Hi’ to him and we thanked him for what he’s doing and he thanked us for what we were doing,” Coleman said.
“We made sure it was working well and left them alone so they could enjoy the moment with their family.”
And what a moment it was. A resident doctor at PMC held the computer so Farmer wouldn’t miss a thing.
Bradley said he kept repeating, “This is amazing!” as he watched the birth of his daughter.
“He just kept saying, ‘I’m proud of you. You did awesome. You did a great job,’” Bradley said.
She’s thankful he could be a part of it.
“It’s the best thing that could have happened,” she said. “I am very thankful for everyone who helped. This hospital is the best place to have a baby. I choose this place over any other place. …They make me feel like I am at home.”
WomenCertified recently recognized PMC as one of the country’s Top 100 Hospitals for Patient Experience based on female patient satisfaction.
When asked, via text message the day following the birth, about what he wanted Medical Leader readers to know about the experience, Farmer bragged on his fiancé.
“I have the greatest fiancé and she is very strong to go through this without me,” he wrote.
The high school sweethearts dated for four years, broke up briefly and got back together in November 2010. Bradley said they planned to have Lilian “in case he didn’t come home” from his service in Iraq.
She can’t wait for him to return home to her, Lilian, and her other daughter, 18-month old Haylee Maria.
“I wonder how old Lilian will be when he finally gets to meet her,” she said.
She wants people to keep American troops serving in other countries in their prayers.
“Pray that they come home,” she said. “They go through a lot, they really do. He’s working away from home, away from his family, for everyone else’s freedom.”
Bradley, 21, and Farmer, 24, grew up in Harlan County and currently reside in Garrett.
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Story and Photo by Cpl. Robert Moore, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Sgt. Barry R. Middleton, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment (photo Cpl. Robert Moore, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment )
Joint Base Balad, Iraq.- For Sgt. Barry R. Middleton, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment based in Harlan, Ky., the military has always been a part of Middleton’s life. Both his stepfather and his grandfather were in the Army, but it was not until one of his friends joined the Kentucky Army National Guard that Middleton could actually see the positive changes that the military could provide.
“The National Guard has done so many good things for my stepdad and my friends, I knew that joining the National Guard would be good for me too,” he said.
Middleton joined the Kentucky Army National Guard in 2006 when he was just 17 years old. Middleton explained how the National Guard has given him many life skills such as, time management, knowledge of vehicle maintenance and improved communication skills. The National Guard also gave him the confidence to succeed in his civilian aspirations as well. Middleton is excited to begin his new job at the Manchester Correctional Institution upon his return from this deployment.
During the past five years, Middleton has set many goals for himself while in the National Guard which included making the rank of Sergeant and deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. While accomplishing these goals he has simultaneously improved the quality of life for his young family and provided assistance to the Commonwealth of Kentucky during the recent ice storms. Middleton said that his favorite memory of the past five years in the National Guard is when his received a coin from the 1st sergeant of Forward Operating Base Lion for his outstanding performance during a mission in the Panjshir province of Afghanistan. Middleton is looking forward to this February when he will separate from the National Guard to spend more time with his family and take the next step in his life.
Joshua Stine takes the oath of office from Col. David Graetz, Kentucky Army National Guard State Chaplain.
Click here for more photos on this story.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — “I’ve been waiting seven years for this!”
Those are the words of the Kentucky Army National Guard’s newest chaplain, 1st Lt. Joshua Stine. Stine was promoted in a quiet ceremony at Boone National Guard Center Oct. 21 by Col. David Graetz, State Chaplain for the Kentucky Army Guard.
Stine’s remarks are in reference to his time as an enlisted Soldier while working toward joining the chaplain corps.
“It’s always been my goal to be chaplain,” he said. “I remained enlisted for a reason. It was important to me to get that enlisted mentality so I could say I’ve been there.”
Stine’s time as an enlisted troop was well spent. He’s already done two tours of duty as a chaplain’s assistant — once in Kuwait in 2005 with the 206th Chemical Company and again in Iraq with the 103rd Chemical Company.
“Stine could have become a chaplain candidate while at enrolled at the seminary,” said Graetz. “But he chose to remain an assistant in order to deploy overseas. He’s committed to the chaplain corps and because of his understanding of the chaplain concept he’ll make a good one for the Kentucky Guard.”
Carmen Stine stands by her husband -- in more ways than one -- 1st Lt. Joshua Stine, the newest chaplain in the Kentucky Army National Guard.
Stine’s wife, Carmen, has paid her dues as well. She was pregnant with twins while her husband was in Iraq. She now looks after Joshua and Shiloh while Stine is away on military duty or working as a youth minister at Rising Son Christian Church in Danville.
“I’ve always been extremely proud of him and supported him being in uniform,” said Carmen. “I’m in awe of his faith and his faithfulness. He’s an amazing husband and father, and I’ve no doubt he’ll be an amazing chaplain.”
“She’s definitely my backbone in all this,” said Stine. “We are blessed.”
FORT KNOX, Ky. — Wounded Warriors, their caregivers and health professionals were given a unique opportunity to share and learn during the 2nd annual Operation: Headed Home conference held at Fort Knox on Oct. 14.
Encounters with IEDs in Iraq and Afghanistan are the primary cause for traumatic brain injury among US troops.
Designed to address traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder, the conference was sponsored by the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities and representatives from federal, military, state and professional organizations across Kentucky.
More than 240 Service members, Veterans, military Families, caregivers and behavioral health professionals were in attendance, to share information, resources, and support regarding TBI and PTSD.
“It was important to show the providers what the military is going through, to give them a little taste of what’s going on in Afghanistan and Iraq,” said Cody Stagner, medical outreach coordinator for the Kentucky National Guard. “It also gave Soldiers an opportunity to better understand the issues they’re going through and to find the multiple resources to help them cope with their injuries.”
To give perspective, nearly 800 Kentucky troops were diagnosed with TBI in a survey ranging from 2007-2011. That’s in the Louisville and Lexington areas alone.
TBI isn’t limited to military personnel. Nearly 32,000 Kentuckians — civilian and military — sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2010, according to a University of Kentucky report.
The effects of TBI can be devastating. In addition to persistent headaches and short-term memory loss, emotional issues can arise, complicating problems with concentration and organization, thereby disrupting the Soldier’s personal and professional life; family members, caregivers, employers and friends all share in the suffering.
Operation Headed Home featured a panel of Soldiers and family members that discussed the conditions troops incurred while in country. Family members talked about the obstacles they faced in caring for their loved ones; they also shared in their success stories.
“Everyone was eager to learn and excited to be there,” said Stagner. “There were a lot of questions and it was interesting to hear what the participants were most interested in. That’s important as it will help us improve our approach and put on a better conference next time.”
Capt. Philip Majcher was part of a discussion panel on resiliency within the family. The Suicide Prevention Program Manager for the Kentucky Guard, Majcher said the conference provided an open environment that encouraged collaboration between participants.
“Active duty, National Guard, civilian providers, and family members were able to present what they offered,” he said. “The attendees were able to ask questions and talk about issues they have been working with themselves. By the end of the time, everyone was off their seats and sharing notes and laying out plans for the future.”
Providers and Service Members alike were briefed on post traumatic stress and post traumatic growth as well as mild traumatic brain injury. Majcher was optimistic that the conference would spark action among attendees.
“What started as a panel discussion became a working group,” he said.
“The panel discussion helped show how PTSD is a real issue, as is TBI,” said Jay Mattingly, care coordinator supervisor for the Kentucky Army National Guard. “These topics are being taken seriously and the military is working hard to address the mental health needs of our Soldiers.”
Another conference is being considered for next spring at Fort Campbell. Information will be posted at kentuckyguard.com as soon as possible.
For more information on TBI and PTSD contact Cody Stagner at cody.stagner@us.army.mil or call him at 502-607-1154.
