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Story by Staff Sgt. Paul Evans, KY ADT 4 Public Affairs NCO
FORWARD OPERATING BASE PASAB, Afghanistan—On the horizon, the tall mountains of southern Afghanistan kept watch on April 16, 2012 as Capt. Varinka Ensminger, an officer with the Kentucky National Guard’s Agribusiness Development Team 4 ran quickly across the rugged, dusty gravel. For Ensminger, a native of Mount Olive, N.J., and also a Lexington, Ky. police officer at home, it wasn’t a question of why she was running, but who she was running for.
Please click HERE to see all the photos of Capt Ensminger’s race.
Ensminger, a 31-year-old who’s been running since the age of 10, ran to help raise money for the Team Hoyt’s Annual Boston Marathon fundraiser, running a total of 26.2 miles. Not able to run the Boston Marathon in person this year due to her deployment with ADT 4, Ensminger took time from her busy schedule as an officer on the ADT mission to train for and complete the marathon from Afghanistan.
Capt. Varinka Ensminger smiles during military training in southern Afghanistan on March 10, 2012. Ensminger ran the Boston Marathon from Afghanistan to help raise money as a member of the Team Hoyt Charity on April 16, 2012. The 31-year-old Lexington, Ky. resident chose not to let her deployment with the Kentucky National Guard’s Agribusiness Development Team 4 stop her from helping raise money for a good cause. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul Evans)
Ensminger had help from various supporters throughout the ADT and other units on FOB Pasab cheering her on, handing out drinks, and even running the same route as her, though shorter distances, to provide encouragement. By the end of her run, Ensminger had completed the grueling trek in the hot, dusty terrain in a respectable 3 hours and 43 minutes.
“It’s the Boston Marathon,” Ensminger exclaimed. “And I’ve always had compassion for folks that aren’t able to compete because of some type of either medical condition or disability. That’s how I linked up with Dick and Rick (Hoyt). I’ve read some of their books and used it as motivation for myself that, you know, whenever I can’t or don’t think I’m able to do something, I always look at them and think how they always find the will within themselves to do so.”
The inspirational story of Dick Hoyt and his son Rick can be found on the team’s website at: http://www.teamhoyt.com/about/index.html.
“This year, I knew the deployment was coming up, so I had to figure out what I was going to do to still stay in contact,” Ensminger said. “So I’m involved in all their emails…I usually send kind of pow-wow chants to them or motivation or offer advice about injuries and training.”
“As motivation, I decided I’d tell them how I’d been running through the deployment, the different locations I’d been, and trying to give kind of that spark,” Ensminger said. “Even though we’re far apart…I’ll be with them in spirit across the finish line.”
Being a member of Team Hoyt’s assembly of world-class runners has come with some pressures, according to Ensminger. She spoke fondly and seemed slightly star struck when mentioning one specific team member who is the only woman to ever win three consecutive Boston Marathons.
“Uda Pipping is like a huge, renowned, world famous athlete, so I’m in her shadow,” Ensminger said excitedly. “But I love it because she treats me like a normal person…like I’m at her level even though we’re light years apart.”
Stationed on a small base in the Afghan countryside, running options are fairly limited for Ensminger. For her run, Ensminger reached the required 26.2 miles running across FOB Pasab’s rocky terrain.
“There’s a 1.89 mile loop that I’ve just been running with a couple running partners here. Just on training runs, if darkness hits, I go back inside and finish up the distance on the treadmill,” Ensminger explained.
“I love to run outside, so the fact that I’m logging more miles on treadmill (during training) is because it’s so hard to see in the dark with the ground holes and the speed bumps and everything. I really don’t like the treadmill, but I’ve embraced the love-hate relationship and the suck of it,” Ensminger noted.
Capt. Varinka Ensminger runs the Boston Marathon from Afghanistan to help raise money as a member of the Team Hoyt Charity on April 16, 2012. The 31-year-old Lexington, Ky. resident chose not to let her deployment with the Kentucky National Guard’s Agribusiness Development Team 4 stop her from helping raise money for a good cause. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul Evans)
Aside from helping raise money for a good cause, Ensminger hoped her running also helped inspire her fellow service members.
“Personally, I hope that it motivates other folks to kind of keep on track here or find something mentally to get through the deployment,” Ensminger said. “If they’ve got a goal, make sure they still stay on track and achieve it…for me, it’s still being a part of the team no matter where you are geographically. You’re still part of it.”
Ensminger has found additional motivation in her training partner, Sgt. 1st Class Crystal Dunn of Lexington, Ky.
“I think the really great part is that I’m out here with my battle buddy Crystal, and she’s very supportive. She’ll stay at the gym for an hour, an hour and a half, sometimes two hours with me, which she wasn’t normally accustomed to. From that, she’s really embraced running,” Ensminger said.
On the day of the big run, Dunn even came out to run 10 miles in support of Ensminger’s effort.
“For me, that’s extra motivation. Because I know she’s sacrificing herself, sticking out these long hours in the gym. I’ve noticed the positive changes in her…she’s really developed as a runner and she’s kind of set some goals where she maybe normally wouldn’t have, so that makes me happy,” Ensminger added.
“We go to the gym…it’s just when she’s (Ensminger’s) running 16 miles, I figure I can at least run 6 or 8 or 10,” Dunn explained.
“She’s (Ensminger’s) been running like 50 miles (per week) for the last couple of weeks,” Dunn said. “She’s a big advocate for runners and people trying to stay active. It’s a big part of her life just because of her lifestyle, and being able to be a part of that and help someone else… it’s just very fitting, very rewarding for her.”
Staff report
Photos by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Surviving families of fallen service members attended Keeneland's Military Appreciation Day, April 22. (Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
Click here for more photos.
LEXINGTON, Ky. — More than 75 survivors from of fallen active duty and reserve component service members attended Military Appreciation Day at Keeneland Racetrack on Sunday 22 April, 2012.
Maj. Gen. Tonini, Kentucky's adjutant general, visits with surviving families of fallen service member attending Keeneland's Military Appreciation Day, Sunday 22 April. (Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
Sponsored by Keeneland Racetrack and coordinated by the Kentucky National Guard’s Survivor Outreach Services, the day included free admission, family activities and a buffet lunch.
The highlight of the day was being recognized in the winner’s circle.
“This was an outstanding gathering for our survivors of American heroes” said Mark Grant, SOS coordinator. “The folks at Keeneland opened their doors and their hearts to this great families and showed them what Kentucky hospitality is all about.”
Survivor Outreach Services is an Army-wide program designed to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to survivors of deceased Soldiers. Members from across the Commonwealth and surrounding states took part in the day’s festivities.
“It was an honor to be part of such a great event” said David Orange, SOS coordinator. “We can never repay these survivors for the loss of their loved ones, but we can surely show them how much we care and that their sacrifices have not been forgotten.”
To find out more about Survivor Outreach Services contact:
Mark Grant, 502-413-4172 or email him at john.grant7@us.army.mil
David Orange, 502-607-1099 or e-mail him at david.orange@us.army.mil
Story by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Soldiers and their Families from the 1/149th Infantry Battalion attending "ReBlue" briefings hosted by Kentucky National Guard Yellow Ribbon Program held on April 20-21, 2012 at the Eastern Kentucky University Center for the Arts in Richmond, Kentucky (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
Click here to see more photos.
Staff Sgt. Anthony Williamson helps his seven month old son Jaxton practice his marching skills during a break at the 1/149th Infantry Battalion "ReBlue."(Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
RICHMOND, Ky. – Kentucky Guardsmen and Family Members of the 1/149th Infantry Battalion attended the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration event at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Ky. April 20-21. This “ReBlue” was the final chapter of their deployment in Iraq supporting Operation New Dawn.
“This was the largest event ever conducted by the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program,” said 1stLt. Oscar Ortiz, Kentucky National Guard Yellow Ribbon Event Coordinator. “We pulled resources from all over the state to ensure we were able to provide a quality product for the deserving Service Members and their families.”
Yellow Ribbon is a program authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 by the Department of Defense. The goal of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is to provide information, services, referral and proactive outreach opportunities throughout the entire deployment cycle for the Guard and Reserve members and families.
This was a team effort by the staff of the Kentucky Army National Guard Family Programs and everybody worked hard to pull off this event.
“The Yellow Ribbon Staff was very nice and helpful,” said Tina Goforth, fiancée of Spc. Garrick Wilson.
Spc. Caleb McEndree feeds his son Braxton during a break at the 1/149th Infantry Battalion “ReBlue” hosted by Kentucky National Guard Yellow Ribbon Program held on April 20-21, 2012 at the Eastern Kentucky University Center for the Arts in Richmond, Kentucky (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
“I think it a good idea,” said Vietnam Veteran Steve Medairos, father of Spc. Christopher Ricci. “They never had anything like this for us. What they are doing now for the guys is good.”
“The Richmond event was the capstone to a weeklong reintegration process which prepares the unit to return to training status,” said Ortiz.
At the conclusion of the two-day training, Tina Wynn said, “We got a lot of helpful information about Tricare, Military One Souces and other information we didn’t have before.”
Flames erupt from the business end of a 105mm Howitzer cannon atop the 2nd street bridge in Louisville, Ky. during the finale of the 22nd annual Thunder Over Louisville fireworks show April 21, 2012. The Howitzers were operated by members of the Kentucky National Guard's 138th Fires Brigade and members of Alpha Company 103rd Brigade Support Battalion. (Photo by: Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky Army National Guard).
Click here to see the complete photo essay.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard played an important role in support of the biggest airshow in the nation last week. Thunder Over Louisville had an estimated crowd of more than 400,000 and was broadcast to service member stationed in 176 countries and aboard 140 U.S. Navy ships at sea.
In case you’re one of the few who didn’t see the show, we thought you’d like a behind the scenes look at our troops in action as well as a glimpse of the great and wonderful aircraft that took party in this one of a kind show.
Special thanks to Master Sgt. Phil Speck and Spc. David Bolton for their hard work in getting these unique images.
Just click on the photo for high resolution image and full caption information.
oOo
By 1st Lt Cammie Quinn, Cope South Public Affairs Officer
KURMITOLA AIR BASE, Bangladesh – A loadmaster from the Kentucky Air National Guard shared his knowledge of heavy-equipment airdrop procedures with an audience of more than 20 Bangladesh Air Force Airmen here April 22.
Tech. Sgt. Joshua Shelby is one of more than 65 U.S. troops participating in Cope South 2012, a bilateral tactical airlift exercise conducted with the Bangladesh and U.S. Air Forces. Approximately 25 of the participants hail from the Kentucky Air Guard, while the rest of the American Forces come from the Georgia Air National Guard; and Yokota, Kadena and Misawa Air Bases in Japan.
The Guardsmen deployed with two C-130H transports, and the Bangladesh Air Force is contributing one AN-32 aircraft.
This year, Cope South participants will exchange airlift, air-land and airdrop delivery techniques, as well as develop and expand combined airlift capabilities with the Bangladesh Air Force, officials said.
Shelby shared the effect of air speed, altitude and wind speeds on parachutes upon deployment from a C-130 and other conditions to consider when conducting an air drop.
“The Bangladesh air force may be able to integrate some of our procedures into theirs,” Shelby said. “This exchange allows us to share our capabilities, discuss different methods and demonstrate how to do everything safely.”
Tech. Sgt. Joshua Shelby, a loadmaster in the Kentucky Air National Guard, shares his knowledge of heavy equipment airdrop procedures with an audience of more than 20 Bangladesh Air Force Airmen at Kurmitola Air Base, Bangladesh, on April 22, 2012. The briefing is part of Cope South, a six-day exercise where participants are scheduled to conduct cooperative flight operations, including aircraft generation and recovery, low-level navigation, tactical airdrop and air-land missions. They also will conduct subject-matter expert exchanges in the operations, maintenance and rigging disciplines. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Cammie Quinn)
Safety and terrain maneuvering are paramount issues for the Bangladesh Air Force.
“In our country, we practice more with paratroopers,” said Maj. Arman Chokldhuvy, a Bangladesh squadron commander. “We want to experience how the U.S. Air Force flies in our terrain and use it to help guide us to be safer in low-level flying during airdrops and deliveries.”
In this exchange, the major said he hopes his team learns different airdrop procedures and identifies possible improvements to their procedures.
“We’re expecting to learn different flying techniques and aspects of flight to assist us with delivering heavy loads for disaster-management missions,” he added.
Throughout the six-day exercise, which concludes April 26, participants are scheduled to conduct cooperative flight operations, including aircraft generation and recovery, low-level navigation, tactical airdrop and air-land missions. They also will conduct subject-matter expert exchanges in the operations, maintenance and rigging disciplines.
All these skills enhance the ability of forces to respond to regional disasters, said Maj. Matt Quenichet, Cope South mission commander for the Kentucky Air National Guard.
“Primarily, we will focus on increasing interoperability with our two teams,” he said. “We’ll exchange airdrop techniques and demonstrate low-cost, low-altitude capabilities.”
The teams will work side-by-side throughout the exercise to enhance readiness, cultivate common bonds and foster goodwill between members of both air forces.
One Airman participating in Cope South 2012 said he expects to learn about a new culture and is excited to work with the different crews.
“I’m looking forward to showing our partners how we operate, and to see how similar or different it is to their methods,” said Airman 1st Class Aaron Dossey, a Kentucky Air National Guard loadmaster from Louisville, Ky. “I am anxious about the language barrier, but I think we can work past it with hands-on exchanges.”
Maj. Matt Quenichet, a Kentucky Air National Guard C-130 navigator and Cope South mission commander, speaks with Tanvir Reza, commander of the Bangladesh Air Force's 101 Special Flying Unit Squadron, before the kickoff of Cope South 2012 at Kurmitola Air Base, Bangladesh, on April 21, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Cammie Quinn)
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office.
Spc. Michael Hill, Staff Sgt. Robert Unger and Staff Sgt. Richard Cummins leap to victory during a run on the obstacle course at Fort Knox, Ky. Spc. Christina Riddle used her cell phone to capture this memorable moment in her unit's training day. (KYNG photo by Spc. Christina Riddle, Co. B 351st Aviation Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative)
NOTE: Each week kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by or about 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 ….
Click here to view all the photos on this story.
FORT KNOX, Ky. – As a human resource specialist for the Kentucky National Guard, Spc. Christina Riddle has a passion for helping Soldiers with personnel issues and problems that affect their career and welfare.
Sgt. Anthony Shick makes a last check on his C-23 Sherpa before taking off from the Capital City Airport in Frankfort, Ky. (KYNG photo by Spc. Christina Riddle, Co. B 351st Aviation Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative)
Riddle also serves as a supply specialist for Company B, 351st Aviation, where she ensures the troops have what they need for their missions and their training.
But that’s not all she does. Riddle took on the dubious extra position as the Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative, or UPAHR, where she takes on the task of telling the story of her fellow troops, to “make them famous.”
When Riddle saw an opportunity to tell her unit’s story, she seized the day … and the opportunity.
“When I was asked to attend the annual UPAHR training by my training NCO to take photos of my unit, I eagerly agreed,” said Riddle. “However, after informing others of the training, I was asked ‘who did you make angry?’”
Riddle quickly set aside any doubts about her new responsibilities once she attended the training in Greenville.
“Not only did I meet so many new people from other units, I also learned more than I could ever know about the Kentucky Guard,” she said. “I’ve only been in for four years, so knowing the history of what I represent is amazing to me.”
Her new responsibilities gave her a new perspective on what means to be in the Guard.
“After learning that it is now my job to show others what I see and what we do is an honor,” she said.
Spc. Jason Dunmire learns the controls of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. (KYNG photo by Spc. Christina Riddle, Co. B 351st Aviation Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative)
Riddle’s first assignment was covering her unit’s weekend training at Fort Knox. She was issued a complete set of professional quality photography gear, but found the responsibility for the state of the art gear intimidating.
“I was so nervous about damaging it that I left it locked in the van,” she said with a laugh.
Her decision put her in a spot once she saw the troops getting into the spirit of the training. Not one to let an opportunity to pass her by, the new UPAHR pulled out her cell phone and started taking pictures.
“I was actually excited to think I could get the state of the art equipment to do this, but it’s not about the equipment,” she said. “My first trip with my unit as the UPAHR this past weekend proved that. It’s the people. It’s not just me, but the Soldiers. Without them there wouldn’t be a picture!”
Staff Sgt. Richard Cummins breezes through the obstacle course at Fort Knox, Ky. (KYNG photo by Spc. Christina Riddle, Co. B 351st Aviation Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative)
“It’s amazing from to be able to capture what I get to see as a Soldier and show my pictures to my husband and children and have them actually understand what we do.”
For her next assignment Riddle will consider using her issued equipment. If her skills with a cell phone are any indication, she ought to do her unit proud.
Staff Report
Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Reed, Staff Sgt. Jeff Ice, Staff Sgt. Eric Dean, Sgt. Ted Broughton, Staff Sgt. Corey Goatley, Sgt. Randy Ford Chief Warrant Officer Craig Scott, Lt. Col. Alan Slusher, Capt. Aaron Grimm, Master Sgt. John Sierbert (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Reed, Kentucky National Guard Marksmanship Team)
Camp Butner Training Site in Stem, North Carolina – The Kentucky National Guard State Marksmanship Team was a force to be reckoned with during its performance at the National Guard Marksmanship Advisory Council (MAC) Region III Competition last March at Camp Butner Training Site in Stem, North Carolina.
The MAC III region consists of: Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, and Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico did not participate in the match).
“The competition consisted of two individual rifle matches, two individual pistol matches, one rifle team match; and one pistol team match,” said Lt. Col. Alan Slusher, who was a shooter on the team. “We divided up into two teams, A and B, with eleven shooters overall.”
The end result speaks for itself. Kentucky captured numerous awards, including first place team aggregate (a total of all matches), first place rifle team and third place pistol team.
The A Team: Staff Sgt. Jeff Ice, Sgt. Ted Broughton, Chief Warrant Officer Craig Scott, Capt. Aaron Grimm, Master Sgt. John Sierbert (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Reed, Kentucky National Guard Marksmanship Team)
In the individual matches the Kentucky shooters swept through the categories, scoring first, second and third in the individual rifle teams; first, second and third in the EIC rifle teams;, second place in the individual pistol match and second place in the EIC pistol match.
The Excellence-in-Competition Program (EIC) is an awards program recognizing marksmanship, open to any service member. Individuals earn badges by finishing in the top ten percent in marksmanship competitions hosted by military services, the Civilian Marksmanship Program or the National Rifle Association. Each win earns them a number of points toward their badge. Each win is commonly referred to as a ‘leg’.
“By winning the EIC rifle match at Camp Butner, Capt. Aaron Grimm has earned 30 points, and is now qualified to wear the gold distinguished rifleman badge,” said Slusher. “Sgt. Adam Broughton has earned his first ‘leg’ points, allowing him to wear the bronze EIC badge.”
Grimm also earned “leg” points in the EIC pistol match, working toward his gold Distinguished Pistol Badge. Senior Master Sgt. John Seibert and Staff Sgt. Jeff Ice both hold the gold Distinguished Riflemen Badge based on previous match earnings.
“A lot of hard work went into this regional match,” said Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Reed, the team’s coach. “These guys gave up a lot of weekends and it showed in the final scores.”
“There’s more to it than just bragging rights,” said Reed. “What goes on in the guard and reserve compels the active duty services to look over their shoulder. Competitive marksmanship is as close to actual combat as you’ll ever come as it puts on the pressure and puts you toe to toe with your competitor.”
The B Team: Staff Sgt. Eric Dean, Staff Sgt. Corey Goatley, Lt. Col. Alan Slusher, Sgt. Randy Ford (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Reed, Kentucky National Guard Marksmanship Team)
How do you get involved, you might ask? The process is easy, but you have to put some effort into it.
“The first step to earning a spot on the state team is to represent your company or battalion in the KYNG State Match, held May 19-20 at Ft. Knox,” said Slusher. “Look for the match letter of instruction and a guide in a JFHQ Weekly FRAGO.
“Shoot well at the state match and you may be asked to try out for the state team,” said Slusher, “Membership on the state team requires support from your unit commander, as you will be required to attend team practices, some of which may conflict with your unit drill schedule.”
Don’t worry about gear, said Slusher, as the unit provides all weapons and special equipment required.
Commanders who want to support the team can encourage each company in your command to compete in the state match. If a company cannot field a team, unit members may combine at battalion level.
“It’s important that you support your competitive shooters by allowing then to split-train whenever possible, fund their travel, and then reap the benefits of their newly acquired skills by using them as marksmanship trainers when the competitive season ends.
For more information on the Kentucky National Guard’s competitive shooting program, contact Capt. Aaron Grimm, State Marksmanship Coordinator, at 502-607-1578 or email him at aaron.grimm@us.army.mil.
Here are the final results of the match:
1st Place Team Aggregate (total of all matches)
KY ‘A’ Team
- Capt. Aaron Grimm – Joint Forces Headquarters
- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Greg Scott - 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
- Staff Sgt. Jeff Ice - 577th Sapper
- Sgt. Adam Broughton - Joint Forces Headquarters
- Senior Master Sgt. John Seibert (Coach) - 165th Airlift Squadron
- 1st Place Team Rifle Match - KY ‘A’ Team
- 3rd Place Pistol Team Match - KY ‘B’ Team
- Lt. Col. Alan Slusher - Joint Forces Headquarters
- Staff Sgt. Eric Dean - Joint Forces Headquarters
- Staff Sgt. John Goatley - Joint Forces Headquarters
- Tech. Sgt. Randall Ford - 123rd Security Forces Squadron
INDIVIDUAL MATCHES
Individual Rifle match
- 1st Place – Staff Sgt. Jeff Ice
- 2nd Place - Capt. Aaron Grimm
- 3rd Place – Chief Warrant Officer 2 Greg Scott
Individual Pistol Match
- 2nd Place – Staff Sgt. Eric Dean
EIC Rifle Match
- 1st Place - Capt. Aaron Grimm
- 2nd Place – Staff Sgt. Jeff Ice
- 3rd Place – Sgt. Adam Broughton
EIC Pistol Match
- 2nd Place – Capt. Aaron Grimm
Also competing as individual shooters were Maj. Travis Carpenter, 138th Fires Brigade, and Tech. Sgt. Eric Smith, 123rd Security Forces Squadron.
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Paul Evans, KY ADT 4 Public Affairs NCO
Spc. Howard Summers (left), a resident of Paducah, Ky. and Spc. Preston Perry (right), a resident of Lexington, Ky. in southern Afghanistan on March 30, 2012. The two Soldiers, who have been best friends for the last five years since originally meeting in Paducah, joined the Army National Guard together, and are serving in Afghanistan as part of Kentucky’s Agribusiness Development Team 4. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul Evans)
FORWARD OPERATING BASE PASAB, Afghanistan - When the world first caused the lives of two future Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers to cross paths around five years ago in Paducah, Ky., no one could have guessed how far their friendship would take them together. But on a small outpost in southern Afghanistan the two friends who consider themselves brothers have found themselves serving together as a part Kentucky’s Agribusiness Development Team 4 with fellow Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian agricultural specialists.
“Closer than blood ever could be,” described Spc. Preston Perry, a 21-year-old Benton, Ky. native now residing in Lexington, Ky. of his relationship with Spc. Howard Summers, a 21-year-old Chicago, Ill. native now residing in Paducah.
“I was there for his first beer, I was there for his first heartbreak, I was there for his first sports car, his first car, which was a horrible idea,” he said. “I mean, at the drop of a hat, we never think twice to call each other if we need something.”
“We’re really, really close, to the point that we get on each others’ nerves. I mean, there hasn’t really been anything I haven’t done with him,” said Summers. “We’ve been there for each other through thick and thin.
“When my granddaddy passed away, he was there for me,” he recalled.
In Kentucky, both Soldiers are members of Marion, Ky.’s 1123rd Sapper Co., 206th Engineer Battalion.
Summers initially joined the Kentucky National Guard at the age of 17.
Spc. Preston Perry (left), a resident of Lexington, Ky. and Spc. Howard Summers (right), a resident of Paducah, Ky. during a mission in southern Afghanistan on March 16, 2012. The two Soldiers, who have been best friends for the last five years since originally meeting in Paducah, joined the Army National Guard together, and are serving in Afghanistan as part of Kentucky’s Agribusiness Development Team 4. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul Evans)
“My grandfather passed away. When he passed away, I always made a promise to him that I would join the military and do something with my life,” Summers said. “After I came back from boot camp…(Perry) wanted to really join, so I talked him into it and told him how everything was. He loved it.”
Perry recalled how his friend inspired him to wear the uniform. “He actually joined a little while before me and once he told me how awesome it was, I wanted a part of it. Howard liked the military stuff already and I was kind of looking for direction, so once he told me how cool it was, I thought maybe there was something behind it.”
The two Soldiers’ families, they said, probably feel about the same as many deployed Soldiers’ families do.
“I mean, they’re excited,” Perry said. “But they’re not happy because [Summers] just got back from Iraq and he chose to go again. I kind of feel like I got blamed for that one. But they’re proud of what’s going on here and our purpose here,” he added.
“Mom doesn’t want either one of us over here,” Summers said. “She didn’t want me to go with the 149th (Infantry Regiment) to Iraq, and when she found out we were both going to go on this one, she was pretty heated. But she understood that we’re going to try and watch each other’s backs and we’re not going to let anything happen to each other.”
“The rest of the family, they’re glad that we’re together, not separate, because like I said, we’ll always have each other’s back if something happens. So if something gets hard I can always go to him, or if something gets hard for him, he can always go to me,” Summers said.
For both Soldiers, they say there are both good and bad aspects to serving with someone they’ve long considered a brother.
“The hardest part is spending every day together. It feels like we’re living together again,” Perry joked. “But the real hardest part is every day when he goes out on mission and I’m not there to protect him. I’m supposed to be the big brother, I’m supposed to guard him.”
Summers echoed his friend’s sentiment. “The hardest part would probably be the fact that we’re on different squads when [Perry] rolls out…or when I roll out as well. I’m not saying that something could happen, but there’s always that possibility that you sit there and think about it that he’s out there and I’m not right next to him.”
“I still wonder, like waiting for him to get back, or ‘hey, have you heard any good news or bad news’ when our convoy’s out there,” he added.
“The best part is we both sleep in the same tent right across from each other. It’s easier knowing that even after a hard day, or just a day full of stress or little things that get on your nerves, that I can come towards him, say ‘hey, this is how I feel today.’ It’s someone to basically cheer me up, bring me back and laugh. We can sit and make jokes. It just gets me out of that negativity attitude,” Summers said.
“Just spending quality time together,” Perry said. “It’s like being little together…you know, we have one task to do, and other than that, we just get to spend time together. We have our petty little arguments and stuff like that, but for the most part, we just get to laugh together and get to see each other in action. We get to see each other as Soldiers.”
“I do regret asking him [Summers] to come only because he just got back from Iraq in December… I feel like if I hadn’t asked him, he wouldn’t have come,” Perry recalled. “He could be at home right now.”
“I don’t feel like I’m stressed out or feel like I’m in a combat zone when I’m sitting back with him [Perry] and we’re just sitting there talking in the tent,” Summers said. “It takes me out of a combat area for a little bit while we sit there and have fun like we’re back at the house.”
Spc. Howard Summers (far left), a resident of Paducah, Ky. spends quality time with Spc. Preston Perry (far right), a resident of Lexington, Ky. in southern Afghanistan on March 22, 2012. Summer and Perry have been best friends for the last five years since originally meeting in Paducah, joined the Army National Guard together, and are serving in Afghanistan as part of Kentucky’s Agribusiness Development Team 4. With them is Jonathan Mixon of Rutledge, Tn., a civilian agricultural specialist. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul Evans)
For their fondest memories serving together, each Soldier has his own stories.
“Here, every time we go to a bazaar, he [Summers] finds his way to weasel out of places with only spending a dollar and coming out with a stereo system,” Perry joked.
“Our very first drill together with our unit…I got promoted to Private 1st Class, and it was really funny because Summers was all excited for me, and he nudged me a little…when he nudged me, I went out in front of the formation,” Perry said. “And as I was going out in front of the formation, it was icy and I slipped and fell in front of everybody… so that would probably be the most hysterical moment we spent together.”
“I would say one of the coolest experiences would probably be when the flood happened last spring throughout western Kentucky… Perry and I were down there,” Summers recalled. “We spent about two weeks filling up sandbags. It was a blast, me and him going back and forth, filling them up. It was just,
we had that perfect bonding time as far as putting us militarily together and doing something for the state,” he added.
“We’ve grown up together, changed a lot, seen a lot of different parts of the world together and gone through hell and back together…we’ve lived together, we joined the military together, and we’ve fought together,” recalled Perry.
“We’re both together, we’re sharing that, not just…from our family side, from a brother side, but we’re also mixing with our military lives as well. So we’re getting both experiences mixed in together, something we both love to do,” Summers said. “He’s my brother and I love him to death.”
Children whose parents are veterans or currently serving being called forward to receive a special award in recognition of their sacrifice during the Freedom Elementary Friday Celebration Assembly. (Photo by Kelley Slaughter)
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SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. — Since 1986, throughout the month of April, the military has taken time to recognize the honor and courage of military children, by celebrating the Month of the Military Child. It has been estimated that in the last ten years approximately two million children have experienced the deployment of one or both parents. These children have bravely endured the effects of ten years of conflict, and even as Soldiers are transitioning home from the wars, many challenges remain for military families, and their children.
This year Freedom Elementary in Shepherdsville, Kentucky took time to honor ten students during their Friday celebration assembly. The school in partnership with the Kentucky National Guard Yellow Ribbon Program recognized children whose parents are veterans or currently serving in our Nations Military. The children recognized represented every branch of service, and were surprised when their parents showed up and they where called to the front by their principal.
“I really appreciate the job our military does, and it’s great to honor these kids,” said school Principal Marcella Minogue.
1LT Mark Slaughter presents children from military Families their personalized awards during the Freedom Elementary School Friday Celebration. (Photo by Kelley Slaughter)
Kentucky National Guard 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter presented the children a personalized certificate of appreciation, signed by the command staff of the 198th Military Police Battalion. A commemorative battalion coin was a special surprise for the students. After getting his coin Slaughter’s son, Brandon told his parents to “find someplace safe to store my gold doubloon.”
Students also received an Army water bottle provided by the University of Louisville ROTC department, and a brief reminder of the importance of education from Slaughter.
“They are amazing kids!” said Laurie Todd, the school’s guidance counselor. “We can’t wait to do this again next year!”
Levi Wentworth understands what it is like to have a parent away on deployment. He’s the son of Spc. Nicholas and Heather Wentworth, representing the 149th Brigade Support Battalion “It was cool my dad was there for the program,” Nicholas said.
Military Child Appreciation Day
This event was just one of many held this month. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for next Saturday April 28th for a very special day when all military youth are invited to a “Festival of Fun” at the American Legion Post 34, the Healing Field in Lawrenceburg. Kids will have the opportunity to create wax hands, face painting will be provided lots of arts and crafts plus games like corn hole, archery and Lowes Build and Grow Project. Plenty of food and drinks will be provided and best of all it is free!
For more information Contact:
Cindy Culver at cindy.culver@us.army.mil or 502-607-1751
Linda Jones at linda.jones15@us.army.mil or 502-607-1593
Click on the image below to download the flyer and registration form.
Story by Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A crew chief for the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team provides direction for a pilot as the aircraft arrives at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., on April 18, 2012, in preparation for this weekend’s 22nd annual Thunder Over Louisville air show. The Raptor is the U.S. military’s premier fighter aircraft, with capabilities that are unmatched by any other plane. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Military aircraft for this weekend’s Thunder Over Louisville Air Show arrived at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base today, including the U.S. Air Force Raptor F-22 Demonstration Team — one of the show’s marquee attractions.
Thunder 2012 is slated to feature more than 25 current military planes and helicopters from the U.S. Armed Services and Canadian military, as well as variety of historic war birds. Highlights include the F-22 Raptor, a B-2 Stealth Bomber and F/A-18 Hornets. A special segment of the air show program will highlight Marine Corps aircraft in recognition of the Corps’ 100th year of flying operations. The United States Marine Corps began its aviation program on May 22, 1912.
The Kentucky Air Guard will once again serve as the operating base for military aircraft featured in Thunder, providing logistical, security and maintenance support for one of the largest single-day air shows in North America.
News reporters interview Maj. Henry Schantz, commander of the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., on April 18, 2012. Schantz, who is based at Langley Air Force Base, Va., will be piloting the F-22 in Louisville’s 22nd annual Thunder Over Louisville air show, to be held along the banks of the Ohio River on April 21. The Raptor is the U.S. military’s premier fighter aircraft, with capabilities that are unmatched by any other plane. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
“It’s always an honor for us to support this event, which is now in its 22nd year and has become one of the most successful air shows in the nation,” said Capt. Josh Ketterer, Thunder coordinator for the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing.
“For the past 21 years, the 123rd Airlift Wing has consistently provided a high level of service to the community and a high level of hospitality to our visiting air crews andmaintainers during Thunder. This year will be no different.We know our efforts allow hundreds of thousands of people to see the nation’s military aircraft up close, whether they’re watching them in person along the riverfront or tuning in to the live telecast.”
The Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron will kick off the air show Saturday when four pararescuemen are scheduled to parachute out of a Kentucky C-130 Hercules aircraft and land in the Ohio River, where they will be recovered by other members of the special tactics team.
