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Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Capt. Andi Hahn sits with a platoon from Indonesia at the Shanti Prayas-2 peacekeeping exercise opening ceremonies in Panthkhal, Nepal, March 20, 2013. The two-week event combined 22 countries as part of the Global Peace Operations Initiative. (Courtesy photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — When Capt. Andrea Hahn enlisted into the Kentucky National Guard, serving outside the Commonwealth was a small thought in her mind. A chemistry major at Eastern Kentucky University, the idea of serving her country and her new found home in Kentucky (she’s originally from Montana) were strong motivators. And the education benefits didn’t hurt either. But the military and life in general has ways of surprising us all.
In March of 2013, Hahn added to the bewilderment of her career as she agreed to become a public affairs liaison in Nepal for a peace-keeping exercise.
After eight years in uniform, multiple overseas deployments and dedication to a professionally gratifying career in public affairs, Hahn is content in her role in the Kentucky Guard. And she’s still surprised by what the Guard has and continues to do for her.
“I never thought in my wildest dreams it would take me to Iraq twice, Afghanistan, Ecuador, Germany, Nepal and soon Cuba,” said Hahn. “The opportunities this organization has given me has been life-changing and I’m so grateful and proud to call myself a Kentucky guardsman.”
Military representatives from various countries stand in formation during the opening ceremonies of a multi-national training exercise in Kathmandu, Nepal, March 20, 2013. A U.S. public affairs contingent was on hand to document the exercise for the U.S. Military. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Capt. Andi Hahn)
Based on her past experiences in the field, Hahn was asked by U.S. Army Pacific Command to join the public affairs detachment covering a two-week exercise outside the Nepalese capital city of Kathmandu, March 20 - April 9. Named Shanti-Prayas-2, the exercise was part of the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), a U.S. State Department program executed in the region by facilitators from the U.S. Military. The training addressed major gaps in international peacekeeping operations. The program aims to build and maintain capability, capacity, and effectiveness of peacekeepers deploying to United Nations missions.
Click here for more information on Shanti-Prayas-2.
Hahn worked as the public affairs liaison to the U.S. embassy in Nepal, coordinating the production and marketing of stories, photos and videos of the exercise back out to participating countries. She helped manage a mobile public affairs detachment (MPAD) from the Oregon National Guard there providing the coverage.
“I advised and assisted the MPAD team to gather and produce stories, articles and videos on each country represented. It was my job to ensure all product was marketed to the right audience. We were able to produce 30 print stories and 15 videos highlighting the exercise, the countries and the soldiers participating in it. We worked overtime to send the stories back home to their countries, as well as publish them locally for Pacific Command and the host nation of Nepal.”
Capt. Andi Hahn with the Kentucky National Guard photographs an officer of the India Army, also on hand to document a training exercise in Kathmandu, Nepal, March 20, 2013. Hahn assisted in the public affairs coverage of the event for the U.S. Army’s Pacific Command. (Oregon National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis)
The team worked with 22 different countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Paraguay, Philippines, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, South Korea and United Kingdom.
“It was an experience that is hard to put into words unless you have lived it,” she said. ” I was literally exposed to the world and reminded how huge it is. But at the same time, I watched so many different nations, cultures and people come together and work to achieve the same goal of promoting peace around the world. It was incredible.”
Hahn said the fact that five of the six team members were from the National Guard really highlights the qualities and the reach of the Guard. Many believe that Guardsmen serve only their state and occasionally serve in combat zones. But for five Guardsmen a half a world away from home, they are just doing their job. A job they love and one that allows them the opportunity to experience once-in-a-lifetime moments - sometimes more than once.
“I was continually humbled by the people I met and the experiences they had. I have life-long friends literally all around the world now, and I have the Kentucky National Guard to thank for that.”
Hahn will continue her whirlwind duties this year as she deploys to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as the commander of the 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.
Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Wilbanks, 1st Armored Division Public Affairs
Lt. Col. Dallas Kratzer with Kentucky’s Agribusiness Development Team 5 assists with a demonstration for local farmers to show the proper methods of preserving fruit in Kandahar, Afghanistan, March 10, 2013. The project was in cooperation with the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Wilbanks)
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — The Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (KPRT) demonstrated a better fruit drying method for Afghan farmers at Camp Nathan Smith March 10, 2013.
This solar-powered fruit dryer could help the Afghans preserve fruit in a more sanitary fashion that is also faster than the traditional method used by Afghan farmers.
But it’s not just about a faster method for John E. Loyd, an agricultural advisor for the USDA and member of the KPRT.
“This is not only a better method, it also is much more sanitary and effective. It also will produce a marketable product for the Afghans. It’s just a better technique that gives a better yield.”
The traditional method used by Afghans was a single sheet of plastic or metal that the fruit was laid on to dry. The solar-powered boxes built by the KPRT allow for multiple layers to be stacked on top of each other. It reduces the time from five days to about three days. The box also keeps insects out, which makes for a much more sanitary product.
Lt. Col. Dallas Kratzer with Kentucky’s Agribusiness Development Team 5 discusses the operation of a solar dyer for drying fruit during a demonstration for local farmers in Kandahar, Afghanistan, March 10, 2013. Afghan farmers on average lose 40 percent of their crops because of poor methods in preservation. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Wilbanks)
This allows the Afghans to retain more of their harvest and produce a product that can be sold in neighboring countries. Most of the dried fruit produced in Afghanistan currently would not pass inspection to be sold internationally due to the way it is dried. The solar boxes will help remedy that as well as prevent waste.
“About 40 percent of what the Afghans grow is lost to spoilage and this is a way to prevent that,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Dallas F. Kratzer II, the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team Liaison Officer to the KPRT.
This will also help supplement the diet of the people of Afghanistan through the winter
“They don’t have cold or cool storage normally, but by drying the fruit it retains a lot of the nutrients,” said Kratzer. “It’s a way to have sustainable nutrition throughout the year.”
Story by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and State Command Chief Master Sgt. James Smith discuss the plans of a new National Guard mural with artist Nick Accuroso at the Louisville Extreme Park in Louisville, Ky., April 20, 2013. Kentucky was one of five states chosen by the National Guard Bureau to have a mural installed at a location of the state’s choice. (Photo courtesy of J.C. Newton)
LOUISVILLE Ky. — A skate park may be the last place you would expect to see uniformed members of the military, but the Kentucky National Guard has other ideas. As skateboards rolled by on the slope and edges of the park, Soldiers and Airmen gathered around a large mural in its final stages of completion. Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Recruiting and Retention Command were on hand at the Louisville Extreme Park in Louisville, Ky., April 20, 2013 for the painting and installation of the piece, a new National Guard mural.
“The Guard is looking to expand our efforts into the action sports market, as we have realized there are great candidates for military service in the non-traditional X-Game type sports,” said J.C. Newton, Marketing Director for the Kentucky National Guard. “We are working with BMX, skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing, etc. to let those participants know that the Guard could be an option for them. They have the strong individual attitudes and fearlessness that can make great soldiers.”
Kentucky Guardsmen assist the artists of a new National Guard mural hang the finished piece at the Louisville Extreme Park in Louisville, Ky., April 20, 2013. The painting measuring 8 feet high and 12 feet wide will be on display at the park for two months before it is moved to an indoor facility. (Photo courtesy of J.C. Newton)
Kentucky along with four other states were selected to house the Guard murals based on a nationwide competition among the National Guards of the 54 states and territories. Louisville’s Extreme Park was chosen due to the uniqueness of its full pipe and historical significance in the skating world. The date was decided upon to coincide with all the festivities of Thunder Over Louisville.
“The murals are part of a social media campaign,” said Newton. “I submitted a one page paper on why Kentucky deserved a mural and we were selected. The ability to link the painting with Thunder, through the efforts of our marketing office and the Kentucky Derby Festival was too good to pass up.”
To see more photos from the Kentucky Guard’s involvement in Thunder Over Louisville, click here.
New York-based Zoom Media and Marketing worked with the National Guard Bureau to create unique and fitting images for each location around the country. Guard murals will also be installed at locations in Colorado, Iowa, Missouri and Oklahoma.
The patriotic visuals of the mural include the state capitol and a horse image. Tonini contributed to the mural by adding his own finishing touches with the spray paint.
Newton said the murals are a way to reach out to the younger generation and hopes to expand into the X-Games scene with a newer avenue of advertising and branding. The idea fits with New York-based Zoom Media’s concentration in the fitness industry and the artists contracted to make the images a reality.
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini adds his own touches of paint to a National Guard mural at the Louisville Extreme Park in Louisville, Ky., April 20, 2013. The mural’s location and date of completion was set to coincide with the festivities of Thunder Over Louisville to bring more attention to the project in downtown Louisville. (Photo courtesy of J.C. Newton)
“These paintings are a great way to get in touch with our youth,” said mural artist Nick Accuroso. “They are a way to appeal to a great amount of people.”
The mural, measuring 8 feet high and 12 feet wide, will be housed at the outdoor skate park for two months and will be transferred to an indoor skate park in Louisville permanently.
Story by Senior Airman Vicky Spesard, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Maj. Ashley Groves with the 123rd Contingency Response Group was named National Guard Contingency Response Performer of the Year for 2012. Groves has been a member of the Kentucky Air Guard since 2004. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Maj. Ashley Groves of the 123rd Contingency Response Group has been named the National Guard Contingency Response Performer of the Year for 2012.
As director of operations for the 123rd Global Mobility Squadron in Louisville, Ky., Groves is responsible for overseeing every aspect of the group’s operations, including preparation for training exercises and mission readiness.
“Ash is recognized in both the Guard and active-duty CRG community as a proven leader with exceptional expertise in his field,” said Lt. Col. Dave Mounkes, deputy commander of the 123rd CRG. “He has a proven track record of being an innovator and leader in improving and expanding the CRG mission.”
“I have worked with Ash for more than six years,” Mounkes continued. “He is a clear choice for this award, and it is phenomenal to see his efforts acknowledged at the national level.”
Groves’ accomplishments over the past year include his superior performance as CRG operations officer at Eagle Flag, a U.S. Transportation Command exercise that tested the group’s ability to establish and operate a Joint Task Force-Port Opening in an austere environment. A JTF-PO is a deployed logistics hub that combines an Air Force aerial port of debarkation with an Army trucking and distribution unit.
The 123rd CRG set new standards of excellence during Eagle Flag, moving a record 465 pallets of cargo in just 72 hours, Mounkes said.
Groves also was hand-picked to lead a multidisciplinary team that conducted airfield surveys at four Tennessee airports on behalf of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The surveys, conducted in 1/8th the amount of time normally required, provided FEMA with critical information about the airports’ ability to support relief operations after a hurricane.
Maj. Ash Groves with the 123rd Contingency Response Group, monitors air traffic March 28, 2012, at Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station, N.J., while sitting in a Hard-sided Expandable Lightweight Air-Mobile Shelter. The HELAMS served as a Joint Operations Center for Army and Air Force personnel running a Joint Task Force-Port Opening as part of Eagle Flag, an exercise designed to test the ability of U.S. forces to operate in a deployed environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
Groves was equally productive overseas, deploying to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for four months to serve as the liaison to the U.S. Central Command’s Tanker Airlift Control Center director of mobility forces.
During his deployment, Groves “flawlessly enabled” 1,000 C-17 and C-5 missions, Mounkes said, receiving extensive praise from the commander at Kandahar.
Groves’ military career began when he enlisted in the Air Force in 1997 as a hydraulics specialist on the KC-135 tanker before being cross-utilization trained as a crew chief.
He attended Officer Training School in 2000 and became an F-15E maintenance officer in 2001.
Three years later, Groves left active duty and joined the 123rd Airlift Wing as a traditional Guardsman, serving in the 123rd Maintenance Squadron, 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 123rd Maintenance Operations Flight.
In 2006, he was selected as the project officer for a detachment that would eventually become the newly created 123rd Contingency Response Group, beginning his career as an Air Guard Technician before re-joining the active-duty ranks as an Active Guard/Reserve Airman.
“I was completely surprised by the award,” said Groves, who is both Air Assault and Pathfinder qualified. “My focus is always on how to improve what the CRG does and to increase the awareness of our unit’s capabilities.
“It is every other member of our unit who works above and beyond what they are asked to do that makes our mission successful.”
“As long as we keep moving our mission forward, increasing our group’s effectiveness and gaining recognition as a ‘go-to’ unit, that is recognition enough for me.”
Story and photos by Spc. John Rader, 149th VCC Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Soldiers of the 149th Vertical Construction Company gather for a group photo in support of Sgt. Gary Forsyth at FOB Sharana, Afghanistan. Forsyth’s daughter, Norah, was diagnosed with autism when she was 18 months old. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Spc. John Rader)
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, Afghanistan — Deployed Soldiers of the 149th Vertical Construction Company got together to raise awareness for autism by hanging blue lights outside of their living quarters in Afghanistan. The Guardsmen of Kentucky will now join over 60 countries worldwide with the Autism Speaks “Light it up Blue” campaign for Autism Awareness.
The Engineers of the 149th used what little resources they had when it came to making blue lights to hang. Using only a box of blue signal lights, several empty water bottles, and a can of blue spray paint, the engineers were able to fashion enough blue lights together to show their support.
“It makes me feel good to show support and to raise awareness for a disorder that has personally impacted a good friend and fellow Soldier,” said Spc. Shawn Illig.
While autism has been a buzz word for a number of years, efforts to promote autism awareness have helped families of children on the spectrum receive the proper care, resources, and services they need, which Sgt. Gary Forsyth of the 149th VCC, and parent of a child with autism has found out first hand.
On March 26th 2010, Forsyth and wife Gena gave birth to their first child, a baby girl named Norah Rose.
Sgt Gary Forsyth with the 149th Vertical Construction Co. hangs blue lights outside of his living quarters in Afghanistan to show support for daughter Norah, and for the “Light it up Blue” campaign raising awareness for autism. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Spc. John Rader)
“It wasn’t until about 18 months later we discovered Norah wasn’t to par with her communication skills as most children her age. At first we assumed it was a delay in speech or a development delay,” said Forsyth
At an 18 month checkup with the pediatrician, the Forsyth’s addressed their concerns about Norah’s speech development because she had few words, which she would use sparingly. Norah also had a tendency to mouth or eat nonfood items. The doctor suggested a program through Kentucky that helped with childhood development disorders called First Steps.
“We got her in the program and she started speech therapy once a week, occupational therapy every other week, and developmental intervention once a month,” said Gena Forsyth. “There were other things that Norah did, that I was blinded to as her mother, because she didn’t do those things with me, such as not making eye contact, not wanting to be near people, not playing with kids her age and she had severe meltdowns that, at the time, seemed to be for no reason.”
Finally after being on a waiting list for six months, Gena and Gary had an appointment for an intensive level arena evaluation for Norah on Dec. 11, 2012 at New Perceptions, with a developmental pediatrician from Children’s Hospital. There, a team of therapists spent time consulting with the Forsyth’s about their concerns and then took turns playing and observing Norah.
“It was a day that I will never forget,” said Gena. “After just a few hours, we received the diagnosis that Norah was on the autism spectrum. It was a hard thing to hear, even though deep down, it wasn’t a huge shock. Personally, I spent the next couple of days in a fragile state, but then like a switch, I was over being upset and was ready to tackle this head on.”
Afterwards, Gena and Gary added extra therapies to Norah’s schedule and worked a lot more with her at home using the new tools and resources that were taught to them. They were determined to get Norah everything she needed. Through working with Norah more and seeking all the therapies available to them, they had begun to isolate what types of areas Norah needed to be worked on with.
“Norah is considered to be nonverbal and that’s the issue we attempted to face first,” said Gary. “Through therapy Norah is beginning to overcome her nonverbal inhibitions by randomly adding words to her vocabulary and formulating sentences. She even told her therapist that she wanted the TV on, which didn’t happen a year ago. We also learned that Norah has pica, which is a disorder that causes her to eat or chew on nonfood items such as books, paper, toys, and even the walls sometimes. We have learned how to redirect the pica through tools and training.
In addition, another challenge Norah faces is handling her sensory processing disorder. It’s a disorder that refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses.
“In a sense, it was out of her control to have a meltdown over what we consider to be nothing. After finding out things that bother her, we attempted to prevent them (to the best of our ability) from happening. Norah is brilliant and it’s amazing to watch her mind work. At the age of 2, she was putting 54 piece puzzles together, without hesitation,” said Gena. “She’s a lot like her father from an engineer’s aspect; she builds things with blocks and they’re very symmetrical and level.”
Gary and Gena put together a directory of references and contacts that they used to find out all the resources available to them through the state and the Kentucky National Guard for other families with children on the spectrum.
“We put this directory together because we spent a lot of time feeling lost,” Gary said. “We were not sure what resources where available to us. I feel it’s a starting guide for the beginning stages for parents who have a child with autism. I passed it on through my chain of command at the unit, in hopes it will assist someone else in the future.”
“I’ve already passed it on to another Soldier I met in Afghanistan, and I feel blessed to know my all my friends and fellow Soldiers in the unit are there for each other no matter what arises in our lives.”
For more information on autism, click here.
And for information on Team Norah Rose, click here.
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Members of the 41st Civil Support Team work to collect samples of an unknown substance during a mock hazardous material situation as part of the unit’s training proficiency evaluation in Frankfort, Ky., April 11, 2013. The 41st trains to respond to any incident in Kentucky that involves weapons of mass destruction to include chemical, biological and radiological agents. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. -The Kentucky Guard’s 41st Civil Support Team is a 22-member unit with a huge responsibility. The small group stands ready to augment local or regional terrorism response capabilities in events that are suspected to involve weapons of mass destruction. They are trained to provide support to incidents including the use of chemical, biological or radiological agents.
Every 18 months the unit is put through a multi-day exercise, a TPE, or Training Proficiency Evaluation. Soldiers and Airmen of the 41st concluded their newest TPE April9-12, 2013. Observers from U.S. Army North came to Kentucky to gauge the unit’s effectiveness in potentially hazardous and difficult situations. The unit impressed, achieving a passing score from the graders after only one day of training. Team members said they didn’t train to just pass.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Cloutier, a survey team member with the 41st Civil Support Team dons his protective suit during a unit exercise in Frankfort, Ky., April 11, 2013. The 41st is a joint forces unit, made of Soldiers and Airmen. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“The purpose of this validation is to test the unit on its full spectrum of capabilities,” said commanding officer, Maj. John Cline. “It’s all in order to ensure that we are prepared to respond to the Commonwealth’s needs in any required all-hazard event.”
Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Cloutier said the 41st has been his assignment of his career in the military and that he enjoys the unique mission. And with such uncommon skill sets, Cloutier knows the challenges of their jobs and the necessity of the training extensive routines.
“This exercise shows our capabilities, but also our limitations, so it proves what we can and cannot do out there,” he said.
Sgt. Joel Ray Campbell, a survey team member with the 41st Civil Support Team collects a sample of a mock hazardous material during a training exercise in Frankfort, Ky., April 11, 2013. Based in Louisville, Ky., the unit maintains its ability to be en route to an emergency within one hour of notification. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
According to Maj. Kris Morlen, deputy commander of the 41st, the unit is a highly skilled group of well experienced professionals. Several members have been with the unit since its inception more than 12 years ago. Morlen is the newest member, having only been with the 41st for less than two years, but certainly understands the importance of the training event.
“This gives us the opportunity to showcase the skills of our team members,” he said. “It’s a point of pride for us to do well here.”
Morlen also has respect for the quality of work done by the unit. The leadership of the 41st say they get a lot of ‘You guys are good.’
Members of the 41st Civil Support Team practice evacuating an injured team member during a training exercise in Frankfort, Ky., April 11, 2013. The unit trains year-round in various degrees of its operation to prepare for a training proficiency evaluation every 18 months. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
To see more photos from this story, click here.
Story by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Soldiers of the 138th Fires Brigade fire the first of several volleys from their 105mm Howitzers from the Clark Memorial Bridge as part of Thunder Over Louisville, April 20, 2013. With an unique perspective on the event, 23 Soldiers from the unit participated in the cannon firing. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thrilling, exciting, and full of fun are a few of the words Kentucky Army National Guard Sgt. Gary Coffey with the 103rd Brigade Support Battalion used to describe the 23rd Annual Thunder Over Louisville.
Nearly 200 guardsmen worked alongside of more than 1000 Louisville Metro Police Officers for the event, April 20, 2013. An estimated 500 thousand spectators jammed the banks of the Ohio River for the beginning of the two-week long Kentucky Derby Festival.
Coffey had one of the best views in the house, as he worked with Soldiers of the 138th Fires Brigade on the Clark Memorial Bridge over the river. As annual participants, the artillery Soldiers fired their 105mm Howitzers as part of the day’s events and during the fireworks show.
For more photos from Thunder Over Louisville, click here.
Kentucky National Guard Military Police Officers work alongside members of the Louisville Metro Police Department April 20, 2013 during Thunder Over Louisville. More than 1000 Police Officers were augmented with nearly 200 Kentucky Guardsmen to ensure public safety. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
The Kentucky National Guard’s largest presence was seen on the streets of Louisville assisting local law enforcement with traffic and security. Soldiers of the 198th Military Police Battalion were charged with this task, watching over the people of the Commonwealth and building their own experiences in uniform. The Soldiers said they heard spectators say on several occasions how protected they felt at the event.
“Missions like Thunder Over Louisville teach my fellow (Military Police) officers to be aware of our surroundings at all times,” said Pvt. Kayla Dixon with the 223rd Military Police Company. “I think working hand in hand with the LMPD made the public feel safer.”
Military Police Officers weren’t the only Guardsmen among the masses. Members of the Kentucky National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Command were also present at the event with an inflatable tent and vehicle display at Louisville’s Waterfront Park. Soldiers took turns grading and counting push-ups for a contest that was open to the public. The highest record stood at 112 push ups in one minute.
“Large events, such as the Thunder Over Louisville, gives the National Guard an opportunity to inform the public of what being a National Guardsman means while being able to have fun at the same time,” said Cpt. Travis Riley with 2nd Battalion, 75th Recruiting and Retention.
Due to military budget cuts, active military aircrafts were not flown this year as part of the air show. However, the show must go on and a variety of air performances dazzled the skies over the river. And even without the military in the air, the Kentucky Air Guard still had a role in assisting with the coordination of the event.
Kentucky Air National Guardsman Cpt. Josh Ketterer with the 165th Airlift Squadron, has been the director for the military portion of the air show for many years.
“Being able to coordinate the air show has given me the chance to meet plenty of diverse people,” said Ketterer, “Even though the United States military didn’t fly, our German and Canadian counterparts were able to.”
1st Lt. Paul Wilkerson oversees a dress rehearsal by Soldiers of the 138th Fires Brigade prior to firing their 105mm Howitzer cannons as part of Thunder Over Louisville, April 20, 2013. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
As the light started to disappear, the excitement was just beginning. The 23 Soldiers of the 138th took to their cannon as part of the light show over the river. Many of them pulled this unique duty due in fact to the current deployment of the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery to the Horn of Africa. First timers like Pfcs. Jasmine Johnson and David Adams III enjoyed the opportunity and fell into a synchronized rhythm of loading and firing the cannon to the joys of the crowds below.
For more information on Task Force Longrifles in the Horn of Africa, click here.
While the day might have been fun for most of the Guardsman, the mission gave the Airmen and Soldiers the chance to use their knowledge in an real-world environment.
“The discipline that you learn from the military is a very valuable asset to take with you,” said Capt. Carla Getchell, Command and Control Officer in Charge of the 138th. ”Service members working this event will take what they learn today and use it for the rest of their military careers and lives.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Steve Tressler, Task Force Longrifles Public Affairs
Sgt. Bradley Osbourne, a Danville, Ky. native, was the distinguished honor graduate for the Warrior Leader Course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa in March 2013. Soldiers of the deployed unit were offered the chance to complete the course instead of waiting until they retuned home.(KYNG photo by Staff Sgt. Steve Tressler)
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti — Every enlisted Soldier Army-wide who wants to continue being promoted and more importantly, to eventually lead other Soldiers must at some point attend Warrior Leader Course. Some deployed Soldiers have to wait until they return home to attend this mandatory step their career progression. But for members of the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery, WLC came to them in the Horn of Africa.
Task Force Longrifles is proud to announce that 58 out of 62 Soldiers graduated from the intensive, March 2013 edition of WLC, conducted here at Camp Lemmonier. The unit shared more pride in the fact that the distinguished honor graduate of the course, Sgt. Bradley Osbourne is one of their own.
WLC is usually a month-long course that teaches Soldiers the basic skills to lead small groups of Soldiers. It is also a course that is offered at several locations in the U.S., but this is only the second time in 10 years it has been offered here to Soldiers. The Texas National Guard and the Kentucky National Guard were the only states to make the school available to their Soldiers while here at Camp Lemonnier.
Sgt. Alexa Becerra, a Versailles, Ky. native, and one of the six nominees for Distinguished Honor Graduate, prepares to receive her graduation certificate. Following close behind are WLC graduates Spc. Brandon Bell and Sgt. Travis Berthold. (KYNG photo by Capt. Chris Fitzwater)
The instructors said this group was a little easier to instruct and train than normal. “This unit already had great cohesion and it was evident that the working relationships of the Soldiers were already established. This made it easier for us because we didn’t have to manage those relationships the way we normally would in the US with a class full of Soldiers who don’t know one another” said Assistant WLC Commandant Master Sgt. Rick Ewert.
Task Force Longrifles Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Gividen pushed to get WLC brought to Africa for his Soldiers. He said the reason behind bringing the course to the Soldiers here, rather than waiting until they got back to the U.S. was simple, “We [leadership] wanted to get as many young Soldiers through the course as possible.”
WLC is not MOS (military occupational specialty) dependent, every Soldier must attend if they have any desire to be promoted. It’s an intensive school with the primary emphasis on leadership skills. It also prepares Soldiers to advance to the rank of staff sergeant.
The Soldiers of Task Force Longrifles were able to attend this course here in Djibouti thanks to the officers and the NCO corps already in place within their units. The NCOs covered down on the their mission so that the junior Soldiers could attend.
“Our command truly came together and stepped up to the plate to cover down on shifts and work longer hours to be able to make this all possible for us,” said Sgt. Alexa Becerra with Task Force Longrifles.
“Being able to complete this milestone for my career while deployed was a great opportunity for me,” she said. “Going through the Warrior Leader Course here in the Horn of Africa was a very unique experience; one that not many Guard Soldiers will be able to say they had.”
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
The newest officers in the Kentucky National Guard recite their oaths during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. (Left to right) 2nd Lts. James Rimington, Franklin Moore, Christopher Moore and Mark Gardner. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard commissioned four Guardsmen as the newest second lieutenants during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, April 18, 2013.
The four graduated from the winter accelerated officer candidate school course. Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini joined family and friends and a crowd of supporting Guardsmen in congratulating the new officers after the ceremony.
To see more photos from this event, click here.
The newest officers of the Kentucky Guard are applauded by the crowd and adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. The four Soldiers graduated from the officer candidate school’s winter accelerated course. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Each of the officers commented on the long road they have been on as part of the OCS course. 2nd Lt. James Rimington from Bowling Green, Ky., was elated to have made it to this moment and looks forward to his role with the 206th Engineers.
“I’m glad to be done with the OCS part,” he said. “I am extremely excited about starting my new journey as an officer in the Kentucky National Guard. I’m ready to see what the future brings and where it goes from here.”
Rimington thanked his family and friends for all the support they have giving him during his time in OCS. His wife, Ashley is no stranger to the sacrifices of the military, her brother, Spc. Tyler Hudson is deployed overseas with the Kentucky Guard’s 623rd Field Artillery. As an officer’s wife, she knows there’s more responsibilities and that she will be called upon more as well.
“I’m so proud. It’s been a lot of hard work. We’ve been through a lot to get here, I’m glad he stuck with it.” she said. “And I look forward to becoming more involved with the Guard.”
Ashley Rimington places new second lieutenant insignia on the uniform of her husband, 2nd Lt. James Rimington during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. The Rimingtons have been married for three years, with James being in school for most of it, and they believe this is a sign they can settle down into life. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
For 2nd Lt. Franklin Moore, becoming an officer seemed like a natural thing he should do. He said he was always in leadership and mentoring roles in sports and high school, so to carry that into a military career made sense to him. His perspective on OCS will remain with him through his career. His memories and stories are ones he doesn’t think many will or could understand, but he is optimistic of his future role in the Kentucky Guard.
“It’s a difficult road, it’s definitely challenging mentally and physically, but you just have to look forward to that end goal. It’s going to be worth it and you are going to benefit from it, and you’re going to benefit others down the road,” he said.
2nd Lt. Franklin Moore gets some help from his sister, Candace, in the pinning of his new officer insignia during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. The Owensboro, Ky.-native will train as a military police officer with the 617th MP Co. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
2nd Lt. Mark Gardner will be attached to the 206th Engineers and 2nd Lt. Christopher Moore will be assigned to Charlie Co. 1st Battlion, 149th Infantry.
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini speaks with 2nd Lt. Christopher Moore during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. Moore was one of four officer candidates commissioned as second lieutenants and the newest officers in the Kentucky Guard. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
By Senior Airman Vicky Spesard, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Chief Master Sgt. David Fink (right) is presented with his retirement certificate by Brig. Gen. Mark Kraus, Kentucky’s assistant adjutant general for Air, during a ceremony held at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., March 17, 2013. Fink, the chief enlisted manager for force support at Joint Forces Headquarters, served in the active-duty Air Force and Air National Guard for 42 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Joshua Horton)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Chief Master Sergeant David Fink was honorably retired from the Kentucky Air National Guard during a ceremony held March 17 at the 123rd Airlift Wing, closing out a military career spanning 42 years of dedicated service.
Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the Base Annex to pay tribute to Fink, who began his career as an aircraft maintenance machinist in 1971 and concluded his service as the chief enlisted manager for force support at Joint Forces Headquarters—Kentucky.
During the ceremony, Fink was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal and a 40-year service plaque, all of which were presented to him by Brig. Gen. Mark Kraus, Kentucky’s assistant adjutant general for Air.
“You don’t get to see too many of these,” Kraus said of the 40-year plaque. “For those of you who are in this unit today and have been since Sept. 11, 2001, and have known nothing but war, I dare say that not many of you will stay or will want to stay for 40 years like Chief Fink.
“Twenty will be enough by the time you get to that point, and I want to thank you for your service,” he continued. “If you can stay for 40 years, I think the chief would recommend that. So thanks, chief, for all that you’ve done here.”
Fink joined the Kentucky Air National Guard as a traditional Guardsman shortly after graduating from high school. He began his full-time military technician career as a structural repair specialist supporting the RF-4C Phantom II aircraft in 1975.
To see more photos from the ceremony, click here.
Fink became the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the aircraft maintenance machine shop in 1990. He broadened his career in the spring of 1992 when he became the first sergeant for the 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, deploying in support of operations in Germany, Panama and Kenya.
Chief Master Sgt. David Fink (right) is presented with a Meritorious Service Medal by Brig. Gen. Mark Kraus, Kentucky’s assistant adjutant general for Air, during a retirement ceremony held in Fink’s honor at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., on March 17, 2013. Fink, the chief enlisted manager for force support at Joint Forces Headquarters, served in the active-duty Air Force and Air National Guard for 42 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Joshua Horton)
In 2004, Fink was chosen to be the supervisor of the aircraft structural repair shop. He deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in 2007 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the superintendent of operations. Fink’s other deployments included Operations Iraqi Freedom, Restore Hope, Provide Promise and Joint Forge.
After retiring from the technician force in 2008, Fink continued to serve as the traditional maintenance group superintendent. His outstanding leadership played a key role in the 123rd Airlift Wing’s receipt of an “excellent” rating during the nation’s first Homeland Defense Operational Readiness Inspection in 2010, Kraus said.
Certificates of appreciation were presented during the ceremony to Fink’s wife and mother, both of whom he thanked for their support throughout his career.
“Every time I would go on a deployment, my mother would get the map out to see where I was going and ask me if would be safe, and I would always say yes,” the chief said. “I don’t know if she believed me, but it was always good.
“To my wife,” he continued, “thank God I found you and thank you for believing in the Guard as much as I do.”
Fink saved his final remarks for his much-beloved maintenance team members.
“Even though I am retiring out of Joint Forces Headquarters, my heart has always been with maintenance,” he said. “It has been my privilege to work with you, and you will have a special place with me always.”
