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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Master Sgt. Philip Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group join with Airmen from the 97th Air Mobility Wing at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., the 31st Air Defense Artillery Army Brigade from Fort Sill, Okla., and the 167th Airlift Wing from Martinsburg, W. Va., to unload an M984 Wrecker from a 167th AW C-5 Galaxy on the Altus flight line Jan. 4, 2013. The units teamed up to deploy batteries of Patriot air-defense systems, more than two million pounds of equipment and over 300 personnel to Turkey in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Levin Boland / Released)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing played a key role in the movement of three Patriot missile batteries and more than two million pounds of support equipment to Turkey earlier this month.Twenty Airmen from the wing’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, augmented by members of the 123rd Aerial Port Flight, traveled to Oklahoma where they joined forces with active-duty Airmen from the 97th Air Mobility Wing, the U.S. Army’s 31st Air Defense Artillery Army Brigade and several other units to deploy the Patriots in support of Turkish self-defense capabilities, said Maj. Ash Groves, who served as commander of the Kentucky element.
Grove’s team inspected the outbound cargo for shipment, devised C-5 and C-17 aircraft load plans, and directed the loading of 21 aircraft with equipment and more than 300 personnel in just six days, he said.
The operation followed U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta’s Dec. 14 order to deploy the batteries in an effort to de-escalate tensions along the Turkey-Syrian border while demonstrating NATO solidarity.
Airman Mikal Moore, a Contingency Response Group aerial porter from Kentucky Air National Guard, chains down an M983 Truck inside a C-5 Galaxy on the Altus Air Force Base flight line Jan. 4, 2013. Members of the 97th Air Mobility Wing; the Kentucky Air Guard; the 31st Air Defense Artillery Army Brigade, Fort Sill, Okla; and the 167th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, W. Va., joined forces to deploy batteries of Patriot air-defense systems, more than two million pounds of equipment and over 300 personnel to Turkey in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Levin Boland / Released)
Kentucky’s role began Dec. 26 when a four-person Joint Inspection Team deployed to Fort Sill, Okla., to perform an initial pre-joint inspection on the Patriots, rolling stock and associated equipment before they were moved by road to Altus Air Force Base, Okla. A week later, the JI team relocated to Altus to join with Groves and a 15-person aerial port movement team, which had just arrived via a Kentucky Air National Guard C-130 from Louisville.Over the next six days, the Kentucky Airmen worked with officials at Altus to ensure the Patriots would be loaded onto aircraft and flown overseas as expeditiously as possible.
Groves said that 18th Air Force officials requested the Kentucky Air Guard by name for this mission, in part because of the wing’s capabilities and proven record for mission accomplishment.
“We continue to establish the 123rd Airlift Wing as the go-to unit,” Groves said. “You call us when you need a quality product. All you need to know is that the outcome will be outstanding.”
Army Col. Michael Morrissey, commander of the 31st Air Defense Artillery Battalion, Fort Sill, Okla., presents Staff Sgt. Timothy McNary of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group with the Army Achievement Medal during a ceremony at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., Jan. 9, 2013. Airmen from Altus; the Kentucky Air National Guard; Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; Travis Air Force Base, Calif.; Joint Base San Antonio, Texas; and Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass., provided the timely and safe deployment of Patriot missile batteries and more than two million pounds of equipment to Turkey in support of NATO efforts to augment Turkey’s self-defense capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Klynne Pearl Serrano / Released)
All 20 Kentucky Airmen received Army Commendation Medals from the 31st Air Defense Artillery Army Brigade commander, Col. Michael T. Morrissey, for their outstanding work during the deployment.“These folks had an opportunity to deploy and do their mission,” said Col. Mark Heiniger, commander of the 123rd Contingency response Group. “They accepted that challenge and did an outstanding job.”
Story and photos by Capt. Andi Hahn, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
FRANKFORT, Ky.-Kentucky National Guardsmen Chief Warrant Officer Ryan T. Thompson, aviation maintenance technician with C Company, 1st Battalion, 376th Security and Support Aviation, was named Kentucky National Guard’s Warrant Officer of the Year at a ceremony held at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Jan 17.
Chief Warrant Officer Ryan T. Thompson, C Company, 1st of the 376th Security and Support Aviation Company, accepts the award for Kentucky National Guard’s Warrant Officer of the Year from the Adjutant General of Kentucky Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and State Command Chief Warrant Officer James W. Simms at a ceremony held on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 17.
The warrant officer of the year nominees are a selection of warrants from each major command in the Kentucky Guard and according to State Command Chief Warrant Officer James W. Simms, they are the best of the best.
“Our warrants are the subject matter experts. They are relied on by the various commands for their expertise and experience in their field,” Simms said. “The experience level of our warrants comes from their past service as non-commissioned and commissioned officers in the Kentucky Guard,” he said.
Thompson is no exception to the remarkable reputation warrant officers have in the Kentucky National Guard. His leadership said he has always been a tremendous asset to his company and the Army Aviation Support Facility.
Some highlights of Thompson throughout his warrant career; he has managed and coordinated 28 Phase Maintenance Inspections for OH-58 helicopters in support of KYNG’s Flying Hour Program, counterdrug operations and Operation Guardian Eye, a southwest border mission.
He has coordinated aircraft transfers and maintenance support with 14 states and managed fully mission capable float aircraft between states to ensure mission readiness.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ryan T. Thompson, C Company, 1st Battalion 376th Security and Support Aviation, accepts the award for Kentucky National Guard’s Warrant Officer of the Year at a ceremony held on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 17.
“It was an honor to receive the warrant officer of the year award today from Maj. Gen. Tonini,” Thompson said. “The support of Kentucky’s leadership and professional diligence of the aircraft mechanics in this great guard has made this year a success.”
Simms is optimistic and excited for the future of the warrant officer program which is full of opportunities for both Soldiers and Airmen of the Kentucky Guard.
“We have positions not just for our Soldiers but we look to the Airmen to fill some of the open position related to their Air Force jobs,” Simms said. “We continue to promote the program and recruit for these tremendous opportunities.”
For more photos from the award ceremony click here!
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
The brainchild of the Kentucky National Guard J2 shop, the “2012 OPSEC Derby” screensaver was recognized by Headquarters, Department of the Army, as a unique platform for raising operations security awareness. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Army National Guard J2 set new standards when it received an Army-wide award for its unique operations security program.
Issued by Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA), the award was given in the electronic multimedia achievement category. The winning project, titled “2012 OPSEC Derby,” is a screensaver program that show a series of traditional Kentucky horse racing photographs accompanied by OPSEC messages reminding users to maintain proper security awareness.
“We’re really excited to bring Kentucky to the national spotlight,” said Warrant Officer Charlie Harris, State Security Officer for the Kentucky National Guard. “When a National Guard operation gets this kind of recognition from the Army, the award possesses special meaning to us.”
This is, in fact, the fourth such award that Kentucky has received in recent years. What sets this award apart is that the screen savers are being used across the Army community.
“We’re extremely proud of Kentucky’s effort in this area and they have great understanding of how to apply OPSEC and its best practices,” said Maj. Pete Elstad, Army National Guard OPSEC Program Manager. “Being recognized for this award is just one more indication that Kentucky has a first rate program.”
Harris said the screensaver program was a team effort. “We have a great relationship with our J-6 Visual Information shop, and they helped us put this together. The end result is a professional, eye catching, and exciting series of screensavers.”
The Kentucky screensavers were also submitted by NGB for the 2012 Interagency OPSEC Support Staff (IOSS) Annual OPSEC Award in the Multimedia Category. These results will be announced later in the year.
Story by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 1/623rd Public Affairs
Soldiers of the 1/623rd gather for an evening briefing during an exercise at Camp Shelby, Miss., Jan. 17, 2013. The unit is in the middle of their pre-deployment training prior to mobilization to Jordan this year. (KYNG photo by 1st Lt. Adam Jaggers)
CAMP SHELBY, Miss. — January 5 marked another milestone for the Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 623d Field Artillery, in their long lineage of supporting missions stateside and around the world.
As Morgan’s Men assembled and roll call was conducted, family members stood close by with tear filled eyes. The family members were about to see their Soldiers load buses and depart for the journey to Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Mississippi. The Soldiers will conduct training to prepare for mobilization to Jordan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
For many Soldiers this is their first deployment, but there is also a lot of experience going as well. This was very evident as the veterans comforted and reassured those “first timers.” Spc. Eli Dennis is one of those first timers. He said deploying overseas is a part of the job he enlisted to do to serve his country. Dennis is proud to serve with the 1/623rd family and said his own family back at home has helped him along the way.
“My family really supported me through the pre-mobilization process and with a strong network of friends and family, it has really enhanced my desire to serve,” said Dennis.
Members of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery conduct medical evacuations during training while at Camp Shelby Miss., Jan. 12, 2013. The Soldiers trained in a wide variety of tasks in preparation for deployment to Jordan.(KYNG photo by Capt. John Allen)
Once the Soldiers reached Camp Shelby, they hit the ground running. First they had to go through and verify that all of their administrative papers were correct, from powers of attorneys to their life insurance to verifying that their pay was correct. Once the SRP (Soldier Readiness Program) was complete it was time to become medically qualified to deploy. Soldiers were checked from head to toe and shots were given to protect the Soldiers from possible viruses and illnesses that some foreign countries harbor.
Now that the “hurry up and wait” is over, the Soldiers are ready to take the field to complete their field training exercises. The first is a three-day window, that will cover a variety of tasks that pertain to forward operating base operations that the Soldiers will be conducting while in Jordan.
“Although the weather has been cold and rainy…the levels of motivation, and morale are unmatched in any other deployment I have been a part of previously,” said Sgt. Patrick Hammer from Alpha Battery in Tompkinsville, Ky.
When asked about how things were going from a Commanders point of view, Lt. Col. Timothy Fanter said, “These Soldiers have all displayed a level of enthusiasm and drive that a person in my position rarely gets see many times in their career. I am fortunate to be a part of this unique organization and the history of it.”
“Although, the 1/623 is a field artillery unit, their last deployment as a field artillery unit was during Desert Storm in 1990-91. Our soldiers are experts at fitting to the needs of the Army including artillery, convoy operations, detainee operations and now military to military training,” said Capt. Kevin Massengill of Headquarters, Headquarters Battery in Glasgow, Ky. “The Soldiers are looking forward to the mission and the experiences it may include.”
Members of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery prepare to load buses in Glasgow, Ky., Jan. 5, 2013. The unit traveled to Camp Shelby, Miss., to conduct pre-mob training for their upcoming mission to Jordan.(KYNG photo by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe)
Maj. Larry Gearlds, administrative officer said, “The administrative and medical support planning and the training that was conducted, prior to the unit reaching Mississippi, played an important part in the flow and success, once we arrived here. The cadre and mobilization support staff have been a pleasure to deal with, and they display a level of care for our Soldiers that is unmatched at any mobilization site.”
By Capt. Andi Hahn, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Click HERE for more pictures from the bicentennial event on our flickr site!
More than 300 re-enactors participated in the bicentennial commemoration of the Battle of the River Raisin, where Kentucky’s militia played a vital role, in Monroe, Mich., Jan. 19. (Army photo by Capt. Andi Hahn, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
MONROE, Mich.—Re-enactors depicting the War of 1812, select Kentucky Guardsmen and Canadian dignitaries met to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of the River Raisin in Monroe, Mich., Jan. 19.
Kentucky National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, State Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Armstrong, Capt. Jake McKinney and KYNG historian John Trowbridge were invited to take part in the bicentennial celebration and honor the service and sacrifices of the Kentucky Militia.
Seven years in the making with more than 300 re-enactors from around the United States and Canada participated in the commemorative activities at the national battlefield and included tactical demonstrations, patriotic tributes and celebrations of peace.
A wreath presentation was held at a Kentucky Memorial in downtown Monroe with Tonini and Consul General of Canada Dr. Roy B. Norton to honor the fallen Kentucky militiamen who died in the Battle of the River Raisin. A total of 25,010 Kentuckians fought in the War of 1812 with more than 400 killed in action at the River Raisin.
Over the past 200 years, the citizens of Monroe and the state of Michigan have established monuments and historical markers to commemorate and preserve what occurred there for generations.
“The monument where we stood today was established nearly 109 years ago,” Tonini said. “This is perfect in keeping with the time honored military axiom of ‘no Soldier left behind’,” he said.
Tonini also said he has a terrific historian in John Trowbridge who is a wealth of knowledge of this particular era and Kentucky’s involvement in this war.
Kentucky National Guard historian John Trowbridge (first row, second from left) and Adjutant General of Kentucky Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini stand with Kentucky Militia re-enactors at a Kentucky Memorial established in 1904 to honor the fallen Soldiers of Kentucky during the Battle of the River Raisin in Monroe, Mich., Jan 19. (Army photo by Capt. Andi Hahn, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
“If there is anybody on the face of this earth that does this with a passion, it’s John and I’m real proud of him,” said Tonini. “He’s our anchor.”
Trowbridge has been traveling to Monoroe for the past 10 years and said each time he visits, he’s more impressed with the community.
“They do such a great preservation of our Kentucky folk,” Trowbridge said. “They ask for nothing in return and it makes me feel really proud,” he said.
Trowbridge not only appreciates what the community of Monroe does for Kentucky, he continues to influence and maintain the partnership between Kentucky and Michigan.
One significant event Trowbridge contributed to was back in 2004 when he realized they were approaching the 100th anniversary of establishing the Kentucky Memorial. Trowbridge contacted the local officials of Michigan and asked if they were doing anything in honor of the historic centennial. Originally they had not planned anything but after speaking with Trowbridge, the town of Monroe decided to establish a permanent flag pole at the memorial to fly Kentucky flag to honor their fallen presented to the city by former Adjutant General of Kentucky Norman E. Arflack.
Not to be left out of the celebration was Dr. Norton, who represents Canada in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Norton said because of the War of 1812, our two countries are now built on a foundation of enduring peace.
The Adjutant General of Kentucky Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Dr. Roy B. Norton, Consul General of Canada, and State Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Armstrong stand at the Kentucky Memorial, established in 1904 to honor the fallen Soldiers of the Kentucky militia during the War of 1812 in Monroe, Mich., Jan 19.
“The War of 1812 has been built a model relationship; one in which we collaborate to manage this massive continent for the benefit of all Americans and Canadians,” he said. “A relationship that today is an envy in so many respects of the rest of the world.”
Trowbridge has been following the trail of the Kentucky Militia and their involvement in the War of 1812 for the past year. He made visits to Canada, Michigan and will conclude the bicentennial commemoration in New Orleans this weekend where the British were finally defeated after a 45-minute battle.
By Senior Airman Vicky Spesard, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Force Support Squadron unload food and water at McKinley Technology High School in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 18, 2013. They were among nine Kentucky Air Guardsmen who deployed to the nation’s capital to provide food and lodging for National Guard members supporting the inauguration of President Barack Obama. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Vicky Spesard)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nine members of the Kentucky Air National Guard deployed to the nation’s capital over the past week to provide lodging and food services for hundreds of Guardsmen operating in direct support of President Barack Obama’s inauguration.
The Kentucky Airmen, all assigned to the Louisville-based 123rd Force Support Squadron, arrived Jan. 15 at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., where they joined forces with 21 other National Guard services teams to train in preparation for housing and feeding more than 6,500 Soldiers and Airmen, according to Tech. Sgt. Ricky Odle, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the detail.
A few days later, the Kentucky group moved to McKinley Technology High School in Washington, D.C., where the Airmen began preparing for the arrival of more than 300 military police and security forces for whom they would be providing meals and sleeping quarters.
“It’s a great honor to be asked to participate in the Presidential Inauguration,” said Odle, a services specialist. “We brought a great and experienced group of hardworking Airmen who know the importance of such a high-profile event.”
Airman 1st Class Jordan Newby, a food services specialist who — like all the Kentucky Airmen — volunteered for the mission, was excited about the opportunity.
“I wanted to say that I was a part of history,” Newby said. “Even though we are here to cook for the Army, we’re still a part of something bigger, something important. Later on in life, I wanted to say that I had been there for this event.”
After unloading two pallets of drinking water and five pallets of food, the Airmen set up a new Disaster Relief Mobile Kitchen Trailer in the school parking lot. Of the 13 different units stationed around the D.C. area to provide food services, only two had the DRMKT, a new approach to field kitchens that offers much greater efficiency than previous models, Odle said.
“We were able to test the new kitchen last summer,” he noted. “This event is a great opportunity to put it to use with a high volume of cooking. We are all very excited to break it in and see what it can do.”
“I was completely impressed with the cooking trailer that the Air Guard brought in,” said Army Sgt. Andre Miller, a military police troop from the Virginia National Guard. “I have never seen such an efficient way to cook for such a large group of people.”
With food preparation underway, the Airmen turned their attention to the task of keeping pulled pork sandwiches, chicken pot pie, chili, scrambled eggs and a variety of other foods ready to serve in the gymnasium that doubled as sleeping quarters.
“Space is a commodity with the cots, equipment and supplies that the MPs and Security Forces are bringing,” said Tech Sgt. Shaun Cowherd, who acted as lodging liaison with school personnel. “We had to put the serving line at one end of the gymnasium, tables to eat at in the middle of the room, and sleeping areas surrounding the tables. I had to ask the school to open up additional classrooms for training and tactical areas. It’s a bit tight, but everyone should have a hot meal and a comfortable place to sleep.”
Senior Airman Jeannie Belgrave of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Force Support Squadron prepares breakfast tables for deployed Guardsmen at McKinley Technology High School outside Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 2013. The troops were supporting the inauguration of President Barack Obama. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Vicky Spesard)
Army Sgt. Lashonda Castellanos, a military police Soldier, was impressed with the sleeping arrangements and cooking services provided by the 123rd.
“They were able to roll out meals for all of us even when we were arriving at odd times,” she said. “It was hot, we have a place to sleep and we can go out to do the things that we need to do.”
Castellanos, like the majority of the 6,500 Guardsmen who deployed to the capital region, was charged with augmenting security provided by the Secret Service, Parks Authority and the D.C. Metro Police Department, said Maj. Nathaniel Church, Sustainment Services Flight commander for the 113th Force Support Squadron at Andrews.
“They are here to provide an extra set of eyes and ears for our local law enforcement,” he said. “Security at this event is our top priority.”
Each incoming military member, no matter his or her assigned mission, was given security and procedural training by the D.C. police department and sworn in as a temporary deputy.
“Even though we are here to cook, it was really surreal to listen to a briefing on the correct way to look for suspicious packages and people who might be out of place,” said Senior Airman Dwight Trowell as he was stacking bottles of water. “It really reminds you that we are really here to support the president.”
Throughout the course of the deployment, which ended Jan. 21, the Kentucky team served more than 1,800 meals to Army Guard MP units from Manassas and Fredericks, Va.; and an Air Guard Security Forces unit from Langley, Va.
“It’s definitely true what they say,” said Army 1st Lt. Lloyd Weaver, executive officer of the 266th Military Police Company. “The Army does move on its stomach. We are very grateful when we can get a hot meal and a place to sleep. It’s really great that we can have another military organization be able to come in and provide that to us.
“We don’t always get that chance to work side-by-side with the Air Force. This is a great opportunity for us to work together on something this momentous.”
Story and photos by Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner, James Comer speaks during a press conference at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 22, 2013. Comer announced two new programs to benefit veterans and military farmers, in cooperation with the Kentucky National Guard. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Serving in the military and farming are said to be two of the hardest jobs one could have. New initiatives launched by Kentucky’s Department of Agriculture aim to make both just a bit easier in the Commonwealth. Agriculture Commissioner James Comer announced the Kentucky Proud Jobs for Vets and Homegrown by Heroes programs during a press conference at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 22, 2013.
To see more photos from the press conference, click here.
Click here for the Homegrown by Heroes website.
Click here to see the WUKY story.
Click here to see the Lexington Herald-Leader story.
Comer spoke to a packed room that included Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, state senators and representatives and veteran/farmers. He said the initiatives aim to improve employment of veterans in agriculture and to benefit military farmers, by using the state’s successful history on the battlefield and in the crop fields.
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner, James Comer thanks Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini following his speech during a press conference at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 22, 2013. Tonini said the two new programs launched by the Agriculture Department would benefit the Kentucky Guard and the Commonwealth. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“We know Kentucky is a great agriculture state with a great agriculture heritage, and we know Kentucky is a great military state,” said Comer. “What a great partnership this will be, that will highlight the work of Kentucky troops teaching farming all over the world and to come back and create economic development back here at home. That’s what this partnership is all about.”
The Kentucky Proud Jobs for Veterans program will work to connect military veterans looking for work in agriculture with Kentucky farmers and agribusiness who need labor. Comer said it’s a simple idea that will work with national organizations to connect people from all over the country to employment opportunities in the state.
Robert Silverthorn, Kentucky Field Chairman for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), said the new program can help fill the void of employment possibilities in the rural areas of the state for Guardsmen, reservists and veterans.
“This is an exciting day for the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Silverthorn. “And the reason is, you have a five billion dollar industry that often times gets lost in the other noise of economic development in our state. And for the Kentucky committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve now to be partnered in this initiative is something that is particularly exciting for us.”
The Kentucky Proud Homegrown By Heroes program allows military farmers to identify themselves through a new logo applied to any or all of their products for sale throughout the state. Comer said this will only increase the awareness buyers have of products grown in Kentucky and their desire to support not only Kentucky farmers, but also local farmers that are Veterans as well.
Jars of products produced by military farmers in Kentucky are adorned with the new Kentucky Proud Homegrown By Heroes label at a press conference in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 22, 2013. Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer hopes the labels will become a national model for other states to implement. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Comer has hopes the new programs will become national models for other states to follow. He called attention to the Veteran Farmer Coalition, whose nationwide mission “is to mobilize veterans to feed America.”
Michael O’Gorman, Executive Director of the Veteran Farmer Coalition said he has been working to introduce veterans to careers in agriculture for years and hopes for every American “to recognize the Homegrown By Heroes label, to know where it came from and to know who it stands for.”
Tonini said Kentucky has always been perceived as a great agriculture state, and in turn produced five successful agribusiness development teams in Afghanistan. The Kentucky Guard has been instrumental in the agricultural improvements overseas, and now has the chance to help out at home.
“There’s no better core in America than Soldiers and farmers, it’s as simple as that,” said Tonini. “The Kentucky National Guard is very proud to be a part of such a unique endeavor and will support it in every way possible.”
Story by Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Sgt. 1st Class Charles Miller speaks with Command Sgt. Maj. Scottie Sloan following the presentation of the Expert Seven award. Miller competed against 10 other states’ recruiters for the regional honor.(Courtesy photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — There are over 7,000 Soldiers in the Kentucky Army National Guard. They were all put there by recruiters. Annually the National Guard recognizes those Soldiers who have demonstrated their abilities to rise above the rest in their field. Competitions such as the Best Sapper and Soldier of the Year honor outstanding Soldiers. And sometimes the best are recognized simply for how well they do their job.
One Kentucky Guardsman was recently recognized as one of the top seven in the country for being the best at his job.
Sgt. 1st Class Charles Miller became one of the seven best recruiting supervisors in the country by winning the “Expert Seven” award for the 2012 fiscal year.
Miller is the noncommissioned officer in charge of Bravo Company, Detachment 1 of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Recruiting and Retention in Louisville, Ky. He supervises more than 10 Soldiers and up to 125 new recruits in the Recruit Sustainment Program, RSP. He and his staff support nine units in the area and finished the fiscal year with a 110 percent enlistment rate.
“I love recruiting, and this award is very humbling,” said Miller. “Several of the people I was in competition with were Soldiers I looked up to throughout my career, so winning it truly meant something to me. Being recognized for an achievement where winning means my team was successful means a lot.”
The Expert Seven is first a state competition. Kentucky has six recruiting areas with six NCOICs supervising them. Once Miller was chosen as the best in the state, he then went up against the winners from the 10 other states that make up the Southeastern Region. The National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C. draws seven regions of the country, making each regional winner and Expert Seven.
Sgt. 1st Class Charles Miller, his wife, Janna and their two children pose for a photo in Chicago on a family trip. Miller and his wife have been married for 10 years, nine and a half of those years, he has worked in recruiting for the Kentucky National Guard. (Courtesy photo)
According to Miller, his team stood out because each recruiter made their individual mission for the year, which he said was unique. Miller and his team also hit every quality mark used to identify the success in recruiting: ASVAB test scores, education levels, and standards met by recruits in the RSP.
Fiscal Year 2012 was quite unique for the Kentucky Army Guard recruiters. With budgets cuts and restricting rules for enlistments, the job of putting new Soldiers into the Guard became a bit harder according to some recruiters. In addition to their expected numbers, Kentucky Guard leadership agreed to a challenge from the National Guard Bureau to enlist another 100 into its ranks on top of the original goal.
Maj. Fred W. Bates V, commander of the 2/75th said they succeeded through an aggressive marketing campaign and the hard work and dedication of the recruiters in the schools and in the community. He said his recruiters took full responsibility for each individual interested in joining the Guard and guided them through the process all the way to their new unit.
Bates called Miller’s work exemplary and is not surprised of the award. Bates is glad to have such Soldiers setting the example for his command.
“Sergeant First Class Miller is an NCO that cares about his mission,” said Bates. “while at the same time, ensuring his Soldiers are mentored and developed as NCOs.”
Miller has served in the Kentucky Guard since 1999, following a four-year run in the Air Force. Originally a military policeman, Miller started into recruiting in 2002. He said he relates his success to who he has worked with over the years. Soldiers with the right work ethic and dedication to the Kentucky Guard.
“I have had several influential people on my career,” he said. “Retired Sergeant Major Dave Tharp has always been the ‘bar’ for me to try and achieve as a leader in recruiting, but seeing the success and productivity of other individuals has been a driving force for me.”
“People like Colonel Ron Turner, Command Sergeant Major Scottie Sloan, First Sergeant Matthew Ihnen and Sergeant First Class Bobby Jones showed me what can be accomplished and through their success gave me the motivation to succeed.”
Staff Report
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Having National Guard assets provide support for the presidential inauguration dates back more than 200 years.
In 1801, a militia company in Charlottesville, Va., escorted Thomas Jefferson to Washington before his inauguration ceremony and during William Howard Taft’s inauguration in 1909, the 7th New York Militia missed the parade because of bad weather. They refused to leave Washington until they paraded before Taft. Taft, therefore, had two inaugural parades, courtesy of the National Guard.
Brig. Gen. Stephen Hogan, Assistant Adjutant General for training, presents the Superior Unit Award to Capt. Stephen Martin, commander of Bravo Co., 2nd battalion, 147th aviation regiment at the Boone National Guard Center, Hanger 2 in Frankfort, Ky. Dec. 1, 2012. (photo by Spc. Tom Harrington, Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative)
In support of the 2009 Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama, the Kentucky Guard sent several units to the greater D.C. area. One of those units was an Army Guard aviation unit of 21 Soldiers with five UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.Bravo Co., 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment was part of a reserve force that was to provide quick insertion of troops in to the Washington Mall area in case the need arose for extra crowd control.
For their distinguished service in providing support to the inauguration, Bravo Company received the Superior Unit Award.
Brig. Gen. Stephen Hogan, Assistant Adjutant General for training, presented the award to Capt. Stephen Martin, commander of Bravo Co., in front of the unit at a ceremony in Hangar 2 on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 1, 2012.
Hogan said of the prestigious recognition, “this is yet another example where the Kentucky Guard stands out among its peers, especially our Army Aviation units.”
The Kentucky Guard has both army and air assets mobilized in support of this year’s inauguration as well providing communications support and food service support.
story by: Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Members of the Kentucky National Guard’s Detachment 3, Company H, 171 Aviation provide Hurricane Sandy relief support through McGuire Air Force Base, NJ Nov. 3. The flight crew provided passenger and cargo transport with less than 12 hours notice. (photo by Maj. Tongret, 167th Theater Sustainment Command)
Fort McGuire, NJ — The Kentucky National Guard sent three Army aviation Soldiers to provide support for those affected by Hurricane Sandy last October.
For more photos from the mission, please click HERE.
With less than 12 hours notice, Sgt. Alan Gootee and Chief Warrant Officers Chad Russell and George McMakin provided passenger and cargo transport from Anniston, Ala., to Fort McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., totalling over ten hours of flight time.
The flight required 11 personnel with over 2,000 lbs of cargo to be picked up and transported to Fort McGuire to set up a command cell in support of the relief effort. The mission had enough cargo to warrant the Air Force C-130 support, but fell to the Army when they weren’t available to take the mission.
“Even though it was last minute, we stepped up,” said Russell. “We all came together as a team to achieve this mission and help out those in need,” he said.
Sgt. Alan Gootee, Detachment 3, Company H, 171 Aviation, inspects and uploads cargo for Hurricane Sandy relief support Nov. 3. (photo submitted)
According to McMakin, the mission could not have been accomplished without Sgt. Gootee’s hard work.
“Alan weighed and loaded every bag himself and somehow was able to fit it all in the Sherpa,” said McMakin. “The passengers were amazed that he was able to accommodate that amount of weight and personnel on such short notice.”
Without the C-23 Sherpa support, the command cell providing direct support to Hurricane Sandy relief would not have gotten their personnel and equipment until 72 hours later, which proved vital in the time of crisis.
