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By Senior Airman Vicky Spesard, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Master Sgt. Kevin Roy has been named the Kentucky Air National Guard’s Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year for 2013. Roy is a member of the 123rd Security Forces Squadron. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Master Sgt. Kevin Roy of the 123rd Security Forces Squadron has been named the Kentucky Air National Guard’s Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year for 2013.
As first sergeant, Roy provides oversight and guidance to more than 85 Security Forces Airmen, assisting with any pay, personal and family issues that may arise. He has revamped the squadron’s Dependent-Care Program and operates a Family Liaison Program that facilitates regular interaction with the family members of deployed troops.
A full-time Louisville Metro Police officer, Roy joined the Guard in 1999 and has served as the squadron’s “first shirt” since March 2011. It’s a position he is well qualified for, according to Chief Master Sgt. Dan Radke, chief enlisted manager for the 123rd Security Forces Squadron.
“Part of his responsibilities include ensuring Airmen in the security forces are well trained and have all of the unit’s resources available to them,” Radke said. “Roy does more than that. He has an open door for these guys. He is a confidant, a mentor and professional colleague. He really strives to know each member of the squadron. They know that whatever issue they might be experiencing, their first sergeant is there to help.”
Roy also places a high level of emphasis on making sure his Airmen are properly trained.
“It is very important for them to stay current in their military education to be promotable to the higher enlisted levels,” said Roy, a certified Taser instructor and civilian Active Shooter Response Team member who is certified to conduct field sobriety tests and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management.
“I am also stressing to my Airmen the value of a good education, both within the military and law enforcement.”
Being a mentor and community leader outside the Air Guard is another priority for Roy, who encourages civic involvement among his Airmen. He is a volunteer with the Explorers Program and an instructor at Merit Badge University, which assists Boy Scouts in earning merit badges.
“I have to lead by example,” he said. “My father told me to surround myself with good people, and I encourage my Airmen to do the same thing. Get involved in the community; surround yourself with people who become a positive influence on you. That is my goal every day: to be a positive influence and good example to my guys.”
Story by Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
1st Sgt. Richard Robinson of the Kentucky Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters stands with the trophy presented to him by Johnson Central High School for his induction into the school’s hall of fame. Robinson graduated from the school in 1988 as an award-winning musician and undefeated drum major for the marching band. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Johnson Central High School stands in Paintsville, Ky., in the midst of Appalachia. For the people of Eastern Kentucky, roots can run deep. Many will always hold on to where they came from, even if they have left. The same is true for the towns, schools and businesses left behind; they don’t forget either. Examples of this pride can be found in the high school hall of fame.
The school has been inducting students and faculty into the hall since 2006. In the years since, more than 125 teachers, athletes, musicians and students have been honored, recognizing past accomplishments and paving a bright future for the school.
On Jan. 12, 2013, several new names were added to the roster of the elite from Johnson Central. One was the Kentucky Guard’s own 1st Sgt. Alan Robinson of Joint Force Headquarters in Frankfort.
Robinson graduated from Johnson Central in 1988 after an extremely successful career with the Golden Eagle Marching Band. He holds the JCHS record for the only undefeated Drum major in school history. During his senior year, Robinson won seven first place awards in competitions as the Drum Major.
“At first I didn’t know what to think and didn’t really expect much but once I got there I saw how cool it was, I felt very honored to be a part of it,” he said.
People associated with the school have called the hall of fame one of the greatest ideas Johnson Central has come up with, recognizing excellence on the field, floor and in the classroom.
Sgt. 1st Class Gordon Spears (left) of the Georgia National Guard and 1st Sgt. Richard Robinson of Kentucky’s Joint Force Headquarters stand beneath the plaques of inductees at the Johnson Central High School Hall of Fame in Paintsville, Ky., Jan. 12, 2013. (Courtesy photo)
“The whole experience was fantastic, they have a very nice hall of fame,” said Robinson. “Most schools just have a sports hall of fame induction but this school encompasses sports, music, the arts, anything that has been a large contributor of the school.”
Also inducted was Georgia National Guardsman, Sgt. 1st Class Gordon Spears, a 1981 graduate. The Blairsville, Ga.-resident has spent 32 years in the military with six deployments and three combat tours. Spears was recognized by the state of Georgia for his heroic actions during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics bombing.
Story and photos by Capt. Andi Hahn, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
FRANKFORT, Ky.—Approximately 40 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers from the 149th Signal Co. and Joint Forces Headquarters participated in a communications exercise testing tactical networks with civilian networks at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 15-17.
1st Lt. Paige Young, 149th Signal Co., Kentucky National Guard, observes a 106-ft mobile radio tower during a communications exercise in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 15. The tower would be used during emergencies in Kentucky where it could be placed atop a mountain in remote areas to expand mobile and portable communication capabilities.
“For the first time ever, we are testing our tactical communications systems with civilian systems to see if we can get them to talk,” said Chief Warrant Officer Dave Barker, Wireless Communications Manager for the Kentucky National Guard.
Barker said this is important because when there is a natural disaster in Kentucky, the state has limited deployable communication assets.
“If everything goes down, say during an earthquake, all we have is satellite,” said Barker. “We end up using primarily civilian communication networks, but we have all this tactical communications not being utilized at all.”
Soldiers from the 149th Signal Company, Kentucky National Guard, set up a satellite dish during a joint communications exercise in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 15-17.
The communication specialists spent the entire weekend testing both networks, civilian and tactical, to be able to intercommunicate with each other by making phone calls, doing video teleconferences, sending emails and ultimately, sharing all data with each other.
“We have a tactical command post set up, a civilian satellite truck, the emergency management truck and we are seeing how well we can send data between all three systems,” said Barker.
One of the biggest systems the Soldiers were testing over the weekend was a 106-ft mobile radio tower that can be set up on a mountaintop in remote locations that would extend the range of portable and low power radios, a huge capability in certain areas of Kentucky.
“This is such a unique exercise, expanding our capabilities and testing civilian and military networks,” said Sgt. Caleb Riggs, a communications specialist with Joint Forces Headquarters and full-time Visual Information Manager at Boone Center. “I love this kind of work and for our state it’s new territory,” he said.
Sgt. Caleb Riggs, Visual Information Manager and communications specialist, participates in a joint exercise testing civilian and tactical communication systems at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Feb 15.
“Not only are we (full-time staff) training with the signal company, but they are training with us,” said Barker. “We are short personnel on the full-time staff so the signal company can help us out come any emergency.”
“It was excellent training; a lot of high-tech equipment went into this and we were able to troubleshoot issues or detect a lot of problems during this exercise,” said Barker. “That’s why we do this, so during a real-world disaster, we will know exactly what to do.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Sidney Hoffman, ADT 5 Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Capt. Forrest Holdsworth (4th from left), of Kentucky’s Agribusiness Development Team 5, speaks with district leaders and local farmers in Arghandab District of Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, Dec. 23, 2012. The meeting was the first for ADT 5 to meet with locals and continue relationships improved by ADT 4. (Courtesy photo)
KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Members of Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 5 traveled to Argandab District Headquarters to meet with District Governor Haji Shaw Mohammed in late December, 2012. This was the first meeting between ADT 5 and the governor since arriving in country. The conference focused on continuing the positive relationship established by Kentucky’s ADT 4. According to Maj. Bill Hatfield, the Argandab District has been very successful in self-governance and agriculture development over the past year. Their visit was to reinforce these improvements by highlighting the importance this meeting holds for future operations in the area.
“When I was here last, you would barely ever see a car and now traffic jams are the norm when traveling through the city,” said ADT 5 commander Col. Bob Hayter while traveling through the bustling city of Kandahar.
His statement highlighted the progress being made in security and commerce in the past seven years. Hayter had previously been assigned to RC South in 2005 as a Military Training Team Embedded trainer with the Afghan National Army and had been stationed in Kandahar for over a year.
As they traveled through the Argandab area, several members of the agribusiness team remarked on how different this district was from the western districts they had visited. They noted the abundance of trees and green spaces that even the bleakness of the Afghan winter could not hide.
According to team’s lead civil engineer, Capt. Forrest Holdsworth, “This could be attributed to the district’s position higher in the Argandab River watershed, thereby producing an abundance of vegetation compared to districts like Panjwai and Maiwand. In Kandahar Province, water is a valuable commodity which has the greatest impact on the agricultural success of the region, yet is it also one of the most scarce.”
Capt. Forrest Holdsworth (middle), of Kentucky’s Agribusiness Development Team 5, speaks with district leaders and local farmers in Arghandab District of Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, Dec. 23, 2012. ADT 5 will assist local farmers in agricultural techniques such as controlling pomegranate diseases and managing water resources. (Courtesy photo)
Shaw thanked all of them for coming and discussed with the team some of the agricultural challenges facing his district and how he hoped that ADT 5 might be able to assist over the coming year.
Among his priorities were: training the farmers of Argandab on more advanced farming techniques used in America; training on pomegranate diseases that have been prevalent over the past year; and helping farmers properly manage water resources in the district.
The Governor was glad to hear one of the primary objectives of ADT 5 was to train farmers in water management in an effort to help get the most of this limited resource. Hayter expressed to the Governor that such assistance would gladly be provided by the team, and they would immediately begin working to help accomplish these goals.
Shaw expressed he had been very pleased with the efforts of the previous agribusiness team and hoped his work with ADT 5 would be equally as successful. Hayter thanked the Governor for his remarks and expressed his hope for similar successes over the course of the next few months. The KYADT V staff felt that Argandab District was well positioned for the transition of ISAF over the next year and would be ready for 2014.
Story and photos by Pfc. Sarah Anderson, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Assistant Secretary of the Army, Katherine Hammack presents the 2012 Natural Resources Conservation Award for large Army installations to staff members of the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center during a ceremony in Greenville, Ky., Feb. 22, 2013. WHFRTC became one of only six installations Army wide to be recognized in 2012 for its environmental programs. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Pfc. Sarah Anderson)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — The Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, one of more than 60 facilities in the Kentucky National Guard, has gained national recognition in light of its environmental and fiscal restrictions to the Department of Defense.
Katherine Hammack, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment presented the Natural Resources Conservation award for large Army installations to the Kentucky Guard training center, Feb. 22, 2013 for its commitment to protecting the environment and becoming more sustainable. Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini joined the staff at the Greenville, Ky.-based training center along with members of the Kentucky Guard command staff to receive the award.
“This is a great day for the Kentucky National Guard, and for Kentucky,” said Tonini. “It’s not often that we are blessed with such recognition from Washington. This award symbolizes not just our care and concern for the environment, but our stewardship to the taxpayer dollars.”
To see more photos from this story, click here.
The Army picks winners based on their work in natural resources conservation, cultural resources management, environmental quality, pollution prevention and environmental cleanup. Wendell Ford is among only six-army installations world wide to be selected for the fiscal year 2012 environmental awards.
“This effort is not only commendable, but is saving the installation tens-of-thousands of dollars in contracting costs each year,” said Hammack.
According to Army officials, the recognition for environmental programs in the Army, which account for a billion and a half dollars of the Army’s total operating budget, is increasingly important, since stewardship is a critical part of the Army’s plans to transform to a lighter, faster, more efficient 21st century fighting force.
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini walks with Assistant Secretary of the Army Katherine Hammack following an aerial tour of the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Feb. 22, 2013. Hammack paid the visit to present the facility the 2012 Natural Resources Conservation Award for large Army installations. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Pfc. Sarah Anderson)
On an air tour of the facilities Hammack and Tonini got an aerial view of the training center grounds, previously coal mining terrain. During the flight, Hammack received the opportunity to see the growth of the facility and the improvements the Kentucky Guard has incorporated into the 10,000-acre site.
Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center has gained recognition for many of its environmental success including; pallet recycling program, sponsorship of the Hunters Feeding the Hungry program, partnership with the American Chestnut Foundation, and prescribed burn management program. These projects, among others that the Kentucky Guard leadership is proud to share with local, state and federal agencies exemplify the cooperation to cost-effectively improve the environment.
“The training Center’s native grass restoration program has had a positive impact on wildlife populations,” said Hammack. “As mentioned, the successes recognized here today have saved the army a great deal of money.”
“During my career the facility has grown from just a few acres of rough hewn strip mine land to one of the greatest training facilities the United States military has to offer,” said Tonini. “The Ford Training Center is indeed the crown jewel for Kentucky and it has benefited from countless initiatives and programs to make it the best.”
The site will go on to compete with the Navy/Marine Corps, Air Force and other Defense agencies for the Secretary of Defense Environmental Award later this year.
Story by John Trowbridge, Kentucky National Guard Command Historian
In recognition of February as Black History Month kentuckyguard.com is publishing a series of articles honoring African-American men and women who are significant figures in Kentucky’s military history. The following is one such story ….
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. The recipient must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States.
Sgt. Brent Woods, Medal of Honor recipient, 1894.
During the Western Indian Wars of the mid to late eighteen hundreds, two Kentucky African Americans received the Medal of Honor for their actions in battle.
Brent Woods was born in 1855, in Pulaski County, Kentucky and joined the Army from Louisville, Kentucky. By August 19, 1881, he was serving as a sergeant in Company B of the 9th United States Cavalry Regiment, (Buffalo Soldiers). On that day he participated in an engagement in New Mexico where he “[s]aved the lives of his comrades and citizens of the detachment.” Thirteen years later, on July 12, 1894, Sgt. Woods was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the engagement. He eventually retired from the Army in 1902, and returned to Kentucky. He died on March 31, 1906, and is buried in Mill Springs National Cemetery, Nancy, Kentucky.
Sgt. Woods’ citation reads: “… saved the lives of his comrades and citizens of the detachment.”
Medal of Honor Recipient Sgt. Thomas Shaw is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Thomas Shaw was born in 1846, in Covington, Kentucky, and joined the Army from Pike County, Missouri. On August 12, 1881, he was serving as a sergeant in Company K of the 9th United States Cavalry Regiment (Buffalo Soldiers). On that day he participated in an engagement at Carrizo Canyon in New Mexico. For his actions during the engagement, Shaw was awarded the Medal of Honor nine years later, on December 7, 1890.
Shaw died on June 23, 1895, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington County, Virginia.
Sgt. Shaw’s citation reads: “Forced the enemy back after stubbornly holding his ground in an extremely exposed position and prevented the enemy’s superior numbers from surrounding his command.”
Story by Senior Airman Vicky Spesard, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Master Sgt. Bao Huynh of the 123rd Force Support Squadron has been named the Kentucky Air National Guard’s Outstanding Honor Guard Member of the Year for 2013. His duties include presenting the colors at public events and performing military funeral rites such as the presentation of the American flag to fallen service members’ families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Master Sgt. Bao Huynh of the 123rd Force Support Squadron has been named the Kentucky Air National Guard’s Outstanding Honor Guard Member of the Year for 2013.
A 14-year veteran of the Air National Guard, Huynh had always admired the Honor Guard for its commitment to excellence, and he jumped at the opportunity to join the base squad when the opportunity presented itself two years ago.
“When I first saw what the Honor Guard did and how sharp they looked, I knew I wanted to be a part of what they stood for,” said Huynh, unit training manager for the 123rd FSS. “When I learned how much they mean to our veterans and the people we serve, being a part of the team began to mean something more for me.”
Huynh’s duties include presenting the colors at public events and performing military funeral rites such as the presentation of the American flag to fallen service members’ families — a role he takes to heart.
“When I see the pride in the families’ faces that they have for their loved one, it makes me want to do my best for them,” Huynh said. “It is my job and my responsibility to look the best that I can, to be the most professional that I can be and to give as much honor to that family member as I can. They deserve that for the sacrifice that was made.”
Huynh’s attention to detail is one of many things that led to his selection as Outstanding Honor Guard Member of the Year, according to Master Sgt. Jennifer Thiery, services superintendent.
“Every day when he comes in, he has a smile on his face and he is ready to work,” Thiery said. “Not only is he prepared, he ensures that other members of the Honor Guard are ready as well. He is constantly helping them to train for Honor Guard duties because it is that important to him. He understands the value of what the Honor Guard does.”
That understanding is a trait Huynh believes should be passed down to each member of the team.
“It is important for each of them to know that we are the face of the Air Force,” he said. “We are the ones front and center that everyone sees. It is our responsibility to look our best, to perform with precision, and to set a high standard of expectations.”
Story and photos by Capt. Andi Hahn, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Kentucky Guardsmen, Mayor of Frankfort and Canadian dignitaries gather at the Kentucky State War Memorial at Frankfort Cemetery in Frankfort, Ky., for a wreath-laying ceremony honoring fallen Soldiers of the War of 1812.
FRANKFORT, Ky.—The Kentucky National Guard’s eight-month journey commemorating the 200th anniversary of Kentucky’s involvement in the War of 1812 and strong partnership with Canada came to an end during Canada week in Kentucky Feb. 10-14.
The week began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Kentucky State War Memorial where fallen Kentucky Soldiers were honored at the Frankfort Cemetery, Feb. 9. Guest speakers included the Adjutant General of Kentucky Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Consulate General of Canada Dr. Roy Norton and Mayor of Frankfort William May.
“History is something Kentuckians and Canadians share a passion for,” Dr. Norton said. “Canada has been very serious in commemorating the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and I know Kentucky has been too,” he said.
Command Historian John Trowbridge said the Commonwealth of Kentucky made an extraordinarily disproportionate contribution to the American war effort during the War of 1812.
“Over 60 percent of the entire war’s American casualties were Kentuckians,” Trowbridge said. “The sacrifices of those Soldiers paved the way for 200 years of peace and friendship between our two nations,” he said.
Adjutant General of Kentucky Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and Consulate General of Canada Dr. Roy Norton lay a wreath at the Kentucky State War Memorial in honor of fallen Kentucky Soldiers of the War of 1812 as part of commemorating the bicentennial of the war and Canada week in Kentucky, Feb. 9.
Today, the two countries have a great relationship but Canada is also Kentucky’s biggest trading partner. In 2012, the Commonwealth of Kentucky made approximately $7.3 billion in sales to Canada, a record number. Kentucky’s exports in the last decade to Canada have gone up more than 100 percent.
“We are excited about our relationship with Canada,” said Governor Steve L. Beshear at a reception held for Kentucky legislatures by the Consulate General at Capital Plaza in Frankfort, Ky., Feb 12. “Canada’s bourbon sales went up 38 percent last year so they are understanding Kentucky better all the time,” Beshear joked. “But seriously, we truly appreciate our Canadian partners making the effort to be with us this week to celebrate our relationship.”
Governor of Kentucky Steve L. Beshear talks with Consulate General of Canada Dr. Roy Norton during a reception honoring Canada Week in Kentucky at Capital Plaza in Frankfort, Ky., Feb 12.
Dr. Norton said there were a lot of people that made Canada week a success in Kentucky.
“The consulate doesn’t spend a week anywhere very often but the folks in Kentucky are important to us,” Norton said. In a previous visit, Norton said he had the privilege of attending the Kentucky Derby where he bet his money on a Canadian-owned horse. However, his true taste of Kentucky came when he attended a University of Kentucky Wildcats game in Lexington.
“In true political fashion, I will also attend a University of Louisville Cardinal’s game. I cheer for the home team wherever I am, but you folks are just rampant about your basketball! We can’t compete with you there,” he said. “However, I’m confident that there isn’t another country in the world that can claim to have the extensiveness and depth of relationship with Kentucky that we do.”
From the Consulate General of Canada’s office Dennis Moore, public affairs officer, and Dr. Roy Norton receive Kentucky National Guard’s ‘Honorary Guardsmen’ certificates from Adjutant General of Kentucky Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini at a reception honoring Canada Week in Kentucky Feb. 12.
In appreciation of a successful Canada week, bicentennial of the War of 1812 and continued partnership of the two nations, Tonini presented Dr. Norton and his public affairs officer Dennis Moore with the symbolic title of ‘Honorary Guardsmen’.
“I thought of the significance of Kentuckians who fought around the country during the War of 1812,” Tonini said. “And we decided to make our partners in Canada honorary Guardsmen which is the ultimate honor here in Kentucky,” he said.
For more photos of the events please click HERE eh?
Story and photos by Capt. Andi Hahn, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Lt. Col. Fred W. Bates V gets help from his sons, David (left) and Tyler as they pin new lieutenant colonel ranks on their father’s uniform during a promotion ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 13, 1013. Bates serves as the commander of the Kentucky Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Command. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Capt. Andi Hahn)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion Commander Fred W. Bates V, was pinned the rank of lieutenant colonel at a promotion ceremony held in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 12.
Soldiers, family and friends of Bates gathered together at the Kentucky Guard’s Recruiting and Retention office to see Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Adams III promote the newest lieutenant colonel.
Taking part in the traditional ceremony of pinning the rank was Bates’s wife, Beth and his mother Carole and his three sons Andrew, Tyler and David.
“I have to thank my wife and my family for always supporting me and this career path,” said Bates. “It’s kind of funny because when I joined the Army, I didn’t like my recruiter that much, nor did my mother! Now, I work in recruiting and couldn’t be more proud and thankful of my staff and colleagues that I get to work with every day.”
Bates had been in command of recruiting since 2011. He helped orchestrate the Kentucky Guard’s ninth year in a row of successfully meeting the state’s recruiting goals. Bates has called the year hard fought but rewarding, and the Kentucky Guard leadership has taken notice of Bates’ efforts.
New ly promoted Lt. Col. Fred W. Bates V enjoys a moment next to his wife, Beth and son, David during a promotion ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 13, 2013. Bates was joined at the ceremony by his wife, three sons, mother and father. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Capt. Andi Hahn)
“Fred has been performing at this rank for years and has been a tremendous success,” said Adams, “This was a long time coming and I couldn’t be more proud to stand here and promote him to the well-deserve rank of lieutenant colonel.”
A proud father may have summed the ceremony up best for all in attendance.
“I didn’t get the pleasure of serving in the Army but as I stand here today and watch my son be honored and climb the ranks, I see how much he is loved and cared for in this organization,” said Fred W. Bates IV. “I want to thank all of you for allowing me to be here today to witness such an occasion and congratulations again to my son.”
To see more photos from the promotion ceremony, click here.
Story by Pfc. Sarah Anderson, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Staff Sgt. Lasima Packett of the Indiana National Guard’s 120th Public Affairs Detachment speaks with Staff Sgt. Gina Vaile-Nelson and Sgt. Cody Stagner of the Kentucky Guard’s 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment during a training exercise in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 7, 2013. The two units gathered together for a joint training exercise to prepare them for an upcoming deployment to Cuba.(Kentucky National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd MPAD)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — When some think of Indiana and Kentucky getting together, it’s on the hardwood of Rupp Arena or Assembly Hall. That rivalry alone can pit the neighboring states against each other every basketball season. But recently, some of the best Soldiers from Indiana and Kentucky gathered not to compete, but to train for an upcoming joint mission sharing common goals with a beginning of true teamwork.
Soldiers of the Kentucky Guard’s 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment and the Indiana Guard’s 120th Public Affairs Detachment conducted a week-long training exercise in Frankfort, Ky. Feb. 3 - 9. The two units will deploy together in the spring to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for a scheduled nine-month rotation.
“The purpose of the training was to meet with our sister unit and train as a group before we go down range,” said Capt. Desiree L.P. Ewer, the commander of the 133rd.
The units will assist Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s public affairs office with media operations during their stay on the island. In preparation for their deployment three Defense Information School instructors assisted the units in their training.
“The DINFOS instructors brought realistic training and excellent knowledge to our deploying units,” said Ewer. “ We thank them immensely.”
Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard’s 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment and the Indiana National Guard’s 120th Public Affairs Detachment participate in a conference call during a week long training exercise in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 8, 2013. The Soldiers had the opportunity to speak with leadership at the U.S. Army Public Affairs Office at the Pentagon regarding their training and developments in the field. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. David Bolton, 133rd MPAD)
During their training the instructors reviewed basic public affairs skills that the Soldiers will need while in Cuba. Public affairs is primarily made up of print journalists and broadcast journalists, each with their own skill set and roles.
As part of the six-day training period, command staff and the instructors created a simulated media operations center similar to the one at Guantanamo Bay.
“We felt that this training was viable to our mission in Cuba,” said Sgt. Cassandra Monroe, a public affairs specialist with the 120th. “It was great to be able to train on media operations. We feel that the experience was outstanding.”
During the exercise the Soldiers were given realistic scenarios to respond to in order to prepare them for the potentially hectic atmosphere in Cuba.
“The MOC training was very realistic to what we may face on our deployment,” said Monroe. “ It was a great opportunity to train with the 133rd MPAD and learn from each other.”
The simulated MOC was treated as if it was a real media center. And the units seemed to fuse together to form an early bond to succeed in each task presented to them. Soldiers and leadership alike complimented each other on how well they worked as a team, especially as very few of them had met before.
“I was in awe of how well we worked together and the level of professionalism in our products,” said Ewer. “I look forward to seeing our Soldiers develop professionally and compile a body of work to bring back with them.”
Soldiers from both units appreciated the hard work shared and are anxious to continue the new friendships overseas.
“I’m really looking forward to deploying to Cuba with the 133rd,” said Monroe. “I think it will be a great experience for both units and I feel that we will get along great.”
