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Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
FRANKFORT, Ky. -Do you know someone who is…
- Sixteen to eighteen years of age?
- A high school student failing to progress toward completion?
- Unsure about the future?
Cadets from the Appalachian Academy on a field trip to Portal 31, an exhibition coal mine in Harlan County, Ky. Learning about culture and history is an important part of the Youth ChalleNGe curriculum. (Photo courtesy the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy)
Then now is your chance to make a positive difference in this young person’s life!
The Kentucky National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe is a 22-week program designed to help at-risk youth get a jump start on life. With two academies in Kentucky — the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox and the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan — the curriculum covers extensive academic studies geared toward completing a high school diploma as well as physical fitness, leadership and community awareness projects.
The program is 100% free for qualified applicants. The academies are drug free with a zero tolerance policy. A post-residential mentorship phase is a key part of the program, providing support and guidance to cadet graduates as they pursue additional education and career opportunities.
The Bluegrass ChalleNG Academy takes part in a local community event, which raises civic awareness among its cadets and prepares them for life as roductive and responsible adults. (Photo courtesy the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy)
Both academies are currently recruiting for the next cycle, which is scheduled to begin July 12. Time is growing short and seats are filling up, but the opportunities are real and well within your grasp.
If you’ve ever wanted to be someone’s hero, the time to act is now. Help a young man or woman take that first step toward reclaiming their life and developing the skills, education and discipline necessary to be productive and happy in life.
Click here to read about the top five myths about the Kentucky National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program
For more information:
Click here for Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox, or call 1-877-599-6884 or email dorothy.m.heffelfinger.nfg@mail.mil
Click here for Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan, or call 1-855-596-4927 or email melinda.f.dillman.nfg@mail.mil
The Kentucky National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe is a 22-week program designed to help at-risk youth get a jump start on life. With two academies in Kentucky — the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox and the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan — the curriculum covers extensive academic studies geared toward completing a high school diploma as well as physical fitness, leadership and community awareness projects.
Following is commentary from USMC Tara Ratterree, a graduate of the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy’s inaugural class ….
United States Marine Tara Ratterree is a graduate of the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy’s 2012 inaugural class. (Photo courtesy Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy)
HARLAN, Ky. — Before I heard about the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy, I was at an alternative school. I wasn’t the best student growing up. I had been pushed out of my original high school, for many reasons. I had been told I was a problem child, that I would never amount to anything, and I would end up like my siblings. My grades weren’t the best while in high school. My credits were at the junior level when I was supposed to be a senior. When I was first informed about the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy by my principal, I was all for it.
The only time I ever felt good at anything was in JROTC. I knew it was right for me so I went.While at the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy, I learned self reliance out of everything. I realized you can’t just hope for the best without doing anything.
While at the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy I worked to get noticed. I was put in Color guard, Special DNC Platoon, I was chosen to go to the capital for the congress meeting, I was chose to tour Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and guests around the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy for the first time and received a General Officer Coin, I was in student council, I was awarded the physical fitness award for my platoon, and most likely to go into the military. Best of all I earned the amount of credits needed for me to graduate high school. The Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy can change anyone, but only if they put out effort. If they just let everyone else carry them to the end then they will never change. It’s all what you put into it. I worked hard at the academy and it paid off in the end.
Cadets Tara Ratterree (left) and Laura Huff talk with Kentucky Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini on the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy campus. (Photo courtesy Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy)
The day after graduation I enlisted In the United States Marine Corps. I wanted a running start to my future. I shipped out to boot camp to Parris Island, South Carolina on February 25th, 2013. Boot camp is a lot different than the Ap-palachian ChalleNGe Academy. What I learned from the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy helped me through it. Learning to be a team, core values, physical fitness, dealing with home-sickness and learning to push yourself even when times seem the hardest. I always knew I wanted to join the military even before the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy, but I don’t think I would have ever done it if I never at-tended the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy. They gave me the confidence I needed to go forward.
Like father, like daughter — Tara Ratterree and her father, former Marine Jerry Ratterree. (Photo courtesy Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy)
Not only did I learn a lot from the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy but I also learned from the staff and cadre. They’re some amazing individuals. They let me know I could do anything. Without them the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy is nothing. I just came back from visiting the Acad-emy and it has changed a lot. Upgraded more than anything, it’s a great feeling though knowing I was there where the new cadets are now. It shows anyone can do it. Not just going to the military either, go to college, or get a job. Excel from what you were doing before. It’s possible even from where I was. That’s coming pretty far. I feel I owe the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy for everything they’ve done for me.
There were good times and bad times at the Academy. There were times I just wanted to quit and go home. There are things I wish I could change or could have done better but I’m still glad they happened because I’d prefer to learn from it and not do it again. Through everything that happened at the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
My name is Tara Ratterree and I will always be a 3rd Platoon Gladiator.
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
(Left to right) Sarah Heck, graduate of Bluegrass Challenge Academy, Rome Meade, graduate of Appalachian Challenge Academy, Cole Davis, graduate of Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy, Dallas Voge, cadet at Bluegrass Challenge Academy, Jeremy Suhor, cadet at Louisiana Youth Challenge Program, tour Hendrick Motorsports in Concord, N.C., June 10, 2013. The tour was in conjunction with the company’s support of the National Guard Youth Foundation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
CONCORD, N.C. — Since 2007, Hendrick Motorsports has been a fan of the National Guard Youth Foundation. 2013 marks a new step in the relationship as the National Guard Youth Foundation logo will adorn Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car for the NASCAR Quaker State 400 race at Kentucky Speedway, June 29. The move is also benefitting the cadets of the academies nationwide, as millions of fans will take notice of the new paint scheme, placing the foundation in the spotlight.
For six Challenge Academy cadets, the first benefit was a VIP tour of Hendrick Motorsports in Concord, N.C., June 10. Located just outside Charlotte, N.C., the vast complex is fitting for one of the most successful race teams in NASCAR. And there wasn’t much the cadets didn’t get to see.
“I can’t believe there are so many cars,” said Jeremy Suhor, a cadet at the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program who also said his future plans include anything with wheels and a motor. “The tour was crazy. I saw a lot of machines I’ve never seen before, and I didn’t know what they did.”
To see more photos from the cadets’ tour, click here.
Cadets and faculty of National Guard Youth Challenge programs tour Hendrick Motorsports in Concord, N.C., June 10, 2013. Each cadet said the behind the scenes tour was an interesting look inside the world of NASCAR. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Of the six cadets, three are current and recent graduates of the Kentucky Challenge academies. Rome Meade is from Harlan, Ky., and a graduate of the Appalachian Challenge Academy and a big Kasey Kahne fan. Kahne drives the number 5 car for Hendrick, so Meade was excited to get up and close to the cars of his favorite driver.
“Today was awesome,” said Meade. ” I don’t think I have a favorite part, it was all great, but I really liked the museum of cars.”
Hendrick’s personal collection of old vehicles at the complex is a fine museum for any admirer of cars in general, but the one the cadets are most excited about is the one Earnhardt will drive at Kentucky.
“I can’t wait to see the logo on the car, what he’s representing, for us,” said Meade. “It’s not just something that known by some people now, it’s going to be known by many more people after that.”
Sarah Heck is from Breckinridge County, Ky.,and graduated from Bluegrass Challenge Academy at Fort Knox. She said she is excited for the race in Kentucky and thinks that it will be a lot of fun. Heck is thankful for the program for the opportunities it has given her and is glad to see more kids getting that chance.
“I really enjoyed coming down here, it was nice to get away,” she said. “It’s great to see and meet cadets from other states and share their motivation for the program.”
Rome Meade, a recent graduate of Kentucky’s Appalachian Challenge Academy enjoys his time in the spotlight during an interview with Hendrick Motorsports in Concord, N.C., June 10, 2013. The interviews will be shown during the week leading up to the NASCAR race at Kentucky Speedway, June 29. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The group toured the body shop and frame shop, where the racecars are built. They saw where Hendrick employees fabricate the engines in house. The highlights of the tour then turned to studio lights as each cadet took their turn doing interviews for future commercials. Hendrick Motorsports plans on showcasing each cadet’s segment leading up to the race at Kentucky.
Ashley Saunders, Communications Director for the National Guard Youth Foundation helped organize the trip, but said it was Rick Hendrick’s idea to put the logo on the car, bring the cadets down for the tour and treat them to the race later in the month. She believes more attention should be paid to the high school drop out rates in the country and to the programs that are out there trying to make a difference.
“We are really excited about the chance to have such a monumental opportunity to raise awareness of the Challenge program and the impact it is having on the lives of thousands of young men and women each year,” she said.
“We like to call the Challenge program, the best kept secret in the National Guard. And to have Dale Jr., Mr. Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports team in partnership with us to support our efforts to make sure they continue on the right path to success, it means a lot to us.”
For more information on the National Guard Youth Foundation and the Challenge academies, click here.
Story by Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Chief of Public Affairs
Tech. Sgt. Billy Martin, an inspector from the Air Mobility Command Office of the Inspector General, observes maintenance procedures being performed by Airman 1st Class Trey Morlatt, a vehicle maintenance technician for the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, during an inspection at the 123rd Airlift Wing in Louisville, Ky., May 18, 2013. The wing underwent a multi-disciplinary Consolidated Unit Inspection from May 15 to 22. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Vicky Spesard)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 123rd Airlift Wing successfully completed its first Consolidated Unit Inspection May 22, passing all five evaluations conducted by officials from the National Guard Bureau and Air Mobility Command.
“You are an awesome team,” the wing commander, Col. Warren Hurst, told unit members during an inspection out-brief held in the Base Annex.
“You’ve done an outstanding job, and I want to thank you for all the hard work and the additional hours that you put in preparing for these inspections.
Tech. Sgt. Kristin Kelly, cyber transport technician for the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Communications Flight, examines the 123rd Airlift Wing’s base network infrastructure with Master Sgt. Kyle Bunn, an inspector from Air Mobility Command, as part of a Consolidated Unit Inspection at the Louisville, Ky., wing May 19, 2013. The unit underwent the multi-disciplinary inspection between May 15 and 22. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Vicky Spesard)
“You did this among budget cuts and pending furloughs. We didn’t stop deployments, we didn’t stop going out on exercises, and you had to figure out how to balance all this with a new inspection program.”
More than 100 inspectors descended on the base to examine a broad range of wing functions during the eight-day review, executing five different evaluations: an Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment Management Program, or ESOHCAMP; a Logistics Compliance Assessment Program, or LCAP; an Aircrew Standardization Evaluation Visit, or ASEV; an Airfield Operations Compliance Inspection, or AOCI; and a wing-wide Compliance Inspection that covered 10 additional graded areas.
Those areas were personnel and services; intelligence; operations and plans; logistics and installation/mission support; information dominance; the surgeon general; information protection; contracting; financial management; and public affairs.
Master Sgt. Carlos Smith, an inspector from Air Mobility Command, discusses inventory labeling procedures with Master Sgt. Andrew Bush of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Logistics Readiness Squadron during an evaluation of the 123rd Airlift Wing supply warehouse in Louisville, Ky., May 19, 2013. The wing underwent a multi-disciplinary Consolidated Unit Inspection from May 15 to 22. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Vicky Spesard)
Hurst noted that AMC inspectors recognized dozens of Airmen for exceptional performance and identified several wing programs as benchmarks of excellence.
“I am extremely pleased and proud of your performance all across the board,” he said.
CUIs represent a new approach to inspections by combining what previously would have been multiple self-contained evaluations staged at different times.
Staff Report
For media inquiries and interview opportunities of Maj. General Tonini, contact Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard at 502-607-1556.
Major General Ed Tonini was elected the President of the Adjutants General Association of the United States during the mid-June member conference held in Greenville, South Carolina.
FRANKFORT, KY — Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Major General Ed Tonini, was elected the President of the Adjutants General Association of the United States during the mid-June member conference held in Greenville, South Carolina. The Adjutants General Association of the United States is made up of the 54 Adjutants General of the sovereign states, territories, and the District of Columbia.
The purpose of AGAUS is to ensure that the units within National Guard of the United States are organized, equipped, and postured to fulfill their responsibilities across the full spectrum of operations inherent in the National Military Strategy (NMS) and the constitutions of the United States, states, and territories.
AGAUS holds elections for its top leadership positions every other year during its spring meeting. Elected officers typically serve a single two-year term. Tonini succeeds Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford of Arkansas.
“The AGAUS president is an important voice in matters involving the National Guard in Washington,” said retired Maj. Gen. Gus L. Hargett Jr., the NGAUS president. “General Tonini is a seasoned leader and a gifted communicator. He will be a real asset in the challenging discussion ahead. We look forward to working with him.”
Tonini has been Kentucky adjutant general since December 2007. He has nearly four decades in uniform, much of it as an Air Guard public affairs officer.
“During our 376 years, the National Guard citizen-soldier and airman have answered every call to service as an organized, trained, and equipped force for the dual state and federal mission,” said Tonini. “It is my job as AGAUS president to ensure we continue to empower the outstanding soldiers and airmen who have answered the call to serve their state and nation.”
The adjutants general also selected Maj. Gen. David Baldwin of California as vice president-Army, Maj. Gen. Mike Edwards as vice president-Air, Maj. Gen. Dave Sprynczynatyk of South Dakota as treasurer and Maj. Gen. Scott Rice of Massachusetts as secretary.
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THE NATIONAL GUARD
The National Guard is comprised of more than 458,000 personnel serving in 3,600 communities throughout the country. The Guard represents the 11th largest army in the world, the 5th largest air force and approximately 38% of the total U.S. military force structure.
The National Guard has provided the country’s homeland defense for more than 376 years. The Guard has been a part of every conflict, battle or war the United States has ever fought. The Guard is the lead military force employed during state emergencies and disasters.
National Guard operations consist of land and air units that serve in state, federal, joint, combined, and multinational roles for a variety of missions. Guard missions include state and federal emergencies, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping and peacemaking missions, major theater wars, and conflicts involving the potential use of weapons of mass destruction.
Announcement from the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Foundation
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has teamed up with the National Guard Youth Foundation (NGYF) to propel attention to the nation’s alarming high school dropout rate and to the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program.
Alexandria, Va. – Dale Earnhardt Jr. has teamed up with the National Guard Youth Foundation (NGYF) to propel attention to the nation’s alarming high school dropout rate and to the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program as a proven pathway back to graduation and road to continued success. Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 Chevrolet SS will highlight NGYF at the June 29 Quaker State 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway, where ChalleNGe graduates will be special guests. The graduates also will be featured in a new public service announcement along with Earnhardt Jr.
“We’re honored to be involved with the National Guard Youth Foundation and help raise awareness of the problem of high school dropouts in our country,” said Earnhardt Jr., who drives the No. 88 National Guard Chevrolet SS for Hendrick Motorsports. “These are great kids, but they’ve fallen off the radar for any number of reasons. We have to give them the full attention they need and deserve. I’ve seen how the National Guard Youth Foundation and ChalleNGe do that and get them back on track, which is life-changing and so critical.”
“What Hendrick Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the National Guard Youth Foundation are doing on behalf of these kids is amazing,” stated Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, adjutant general of Kentucky and member of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program General Officer Advisory Council (GOAC) Board. “The Youth ChalleNGe program needs help garnering awareness to ultimately help more of our troubled youth…and events like this are just the ticket.”
Nearly 25 percent of U.S. students drop out of high school. Helping more than 115,000 teens to date turn their lives around, ChalleNGe – a 17-month education and workforce development program that culminates in high school graduation or attainment of a GED – is recognized as among the most cost-effective, highly rated programs of its kind for at-risk youth.
- An independent, multi-year study of the program by MRDC shows that high school diploma/GED attainment increase 29 percent, college attendance by 86 percent and annual earnings by 20 percent.
- An independent cost-benefit analysis by the RAND Corporation shows a 166 percent return on investment in the program – every dollar spent yielding a return of $2.66 in benefits to society.
“The National Guard Youth Foundation believes that every high school youth at risk of being lost or forgotten deserves a second chance,” said Gail Dady, president of the National Guard Youth Foundation Board of Directors. “Dropping out of high school creates a potentially devastating domino effect on the kids themselves, their families, communities and, ultimately, our nation. We are grateful for the support of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports for helping us raise awareness of ChalleNGe and the positive impact the program is having on the lives of youth in need.”
About the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is a 17-month voluntary program serving 16- to 18-year-olds who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of school. The program – which includes a 5.5-month residential phase and 12-month mentoring phase – provides education, skills and guidance to help instill a sense of self-esteem, integrity and character to disadvantaged youth who might otherwise be left behind by society. There are 34 program sites in 27 states and Puerto Rico. Since its inception in 1993, more than 115,000 students have graduated from the program.
Story courtesy of Operation UNITE
Seven cadets from the National Guard’s Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan assisted with Operation UNITE’s Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camp. Pictured with the cadets are former University of Kentucky all-star Jeff Sheppard, left, and Dan Robinett, right, ACA logistics and operations supervisor. (Photo courtesy of Operation UNITE)
HARLAN, Ky. — When cadets from the National Guard’s Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy (ACA) took to the basketball court at Middlesboro High last week their poise and demeanor were easy to spot.
Over the next three hours, the seven Honor Platoon members provided encouragement and mentorship to the 182 participants in Operation UNITE’s Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camp with former University of Kentucky all-star Jeff Sheppard.
“We thought it would be a good idea to show our cadets an opportunity to work with younger kids so they can be a positive influence. It’s a good opportunity for them to open up and to interact,” Dan Robinett, logistics and operations supervisor for the ACA. “They were excited to take part in it.”
An even larger number of cadets is expected at the free Shoot Hoops camp in Leslie County on June 17.
The ACA recently joined with UNITE in support of its youth initiatives. It has proven to be a perfect partnership.
“Operation UNITE believes the ACA program services the needs of many young people in our region,” said Dan Smoot, president/CEO. “We are happy to partner with the National Guard in spreading the word about the many benefits of this alternative educational program.”
And, according to the cadets, opportunities like Shoot Hoops Not Drugs provides a break from their daily routines.
As a senior at the University of Kentucky, Sheppard was named the NCAA’s Final Four Most Valuable Player in the Wildcats’ 1997-98 National Championship season. He would later go on to play one season with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and 3 years in Italy.
The 22-week ACA program is offered free for youth between the ages of 16 and 18 who may be working to overcome problems in their lives. In addition to providing an education alternative, the course is designed to instill the same skills, values and self-discipline necessary to succeed in today’s society
Daily activities are structured around a military concept that includes a focus on discipline, integrity, teamwork, physical fitness and perform at least 40 hours of community service, Robinett said.
In addition to Shoot Hoops, the ACA is involved with the Harlan County Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs monthly events. Cadets have also assisted with PRIDE, local festivals, the Harlan County Little League, Harlan County School System, Southeast Community and Technical College, and the Harlan County Animal Shelter.
The Challenge Program began in 15 states in July 1993, and has operated in Kentucky since July 1999. The ACA began changing the lives of young people in July 2012. The current class has 59 members.
For more information or to obtain an application for the next class, which begins July 14, contact the Academy Admissions Office by calling toll-free 1-855-596-4927 or visit their website at https://www.ngycp.org/site/state/ky2/.
For more information about Operation UNITE visit their website at www.operationunite.org.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Adams III is joined by commanders of Kentucky’s major unit commands in cutting a cake in honor of the Kentucky Guard’s 221st anniversary during a celebration in Frankfort, Ky., June 24, 2013. The Kentucky Militia was formed on this day in 1792 by Gov. Isaac Shelby. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — In a proclamation from Gov. Steve Beshear, the Kentucky National Guard celebrated more than two centuries of service to the Commonwealth and the nation, June 24, 2013 at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky.
“I feel privileged to get to stand here today and help celebrate our organization,” said Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Adams III, Chief of the Joint Staff. “The Kentucky National Guard continues its service to the nation, just has it has for over two hundred and twenty years. Whether to help a neighbor in need down the road or to defend our nation around the world, the Citizen-Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard offer their time, their skills, and dedication.”
For more photos of the celebration, click here.
The Kentucky Militia, the forerunner of the Kentucky National Guard, was formed on June 24th, 1792 by Gov. Isaac Shelby, 221 years ago.
On this Kentucky National Guard Day, a large group of Guardsmen, retirees, family and friends gathered to hear the proclamation and enjoy a piece of a large birthday cake. Adams was assisted by commanders of major unit commands in the state for the ceremonial cutting of the cake. Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes was also on hand to show her support.
The National Guard Association of Kentucky sponsored the celebration on Monday and helped honor the state’s organization and its contribution over the last 221 years.
The proclamation from Gov. Steve Beshear recognizing June 24, 2013 as Kentucky National Guard Day in the Commonwealth. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The Kentucky National Guard, like other state National Guards, has been known under various names such as state militia, state guard. It has the distinction of being one of the oldest military forces in the United States. Its history dates back to 1775, when Kentucky was known as Fincastle County, a part of western Virginia. The fundamental concept of a state or local Military organization has existed since 1636, when the Colony of Massachusetts formed a regiment of “Trained Bands.”Guardsmen of Kentucky have been involved in every major U.S. conflict since its inception with its men and women on the front lines in the War of 1812 through the Global War on Terror.
Throughout the crowd, the old and the young, the feeling of tradition and awe were the same.
“It’s hard to believe that you are a member of an organization that is over 200 years old,” said Sgt. Ben DiPalma, a veteran of Operation New Dawn. “I am very proud to be a part of it.”
Story and photos by Capt. Daniel Van Horn, Task Force Longrifles Public Affairs
Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery and local mechanic gather for a group photo at Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti. The military to military engagement was offered to ensure mechanics understood the maintenance of vehicles assigned to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Daniel VanHorn)
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – Preventative maintenance checks and services are the key to maintaining military vehicles used on a daily basis. The 12 mechanics that make up the Task Force Longrifles maintenance section are some of the most experienced in the Kentucky Army National Guard and collectively can diagnose and fix any problem on any military vehicle.
So it’s no surprise the Joint Forces Land Component Command assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa reached out to Task Force Longrifles to support a recent military-to-military engagement focused on how to conduct a PMCS with Djiboutian military mechanics. The maintenance section accepted the mission and provided two of their best mechanics to lead the class, Sgt. 1st Class David Corbin from Lawrenceburg, Ky., and Staff Sgt. Michael Miers from Vine Grove, Ky.
Corbin has been an Army mechanic for 16 years and was assigned as the mission commander responsible for planning and coordinating the 3-day engagement. Miers served as assistant commander for the task, bringing 11 more years of professional mechanic experience.
Overall, the engagement began with introductions, handshakes, and a tour of the maintenance shop, followed by the group circling around a high mobility multi-wheeled vehicle to begin the first part of the PMCS class.
“About 45 minutes into the class, one of the Djiboutian mechanics began asking questions about transfer case exchange ratios,” Corbin said. “This was an extremely advanced question and took me by surprise. I suddenly realized that our class was way too basic for these guys and we would need to change the focus of our class immediately.”
Corbin and his team decided to ask the Djiboutian mechanics exactly what they wanted to know more about.
The team was surprised to learn that in 2005 the US government had provided three maintenance support devices to the Djiboutian military mechanics to help them troubleshoot and fix engine problems in their own HMMWVs. However, the group never received the proper training on how to effectively use the computers, so they just sat around in their shop collecting dust.
“We use the MSD computers every day, and they are an essential tool when it comes to working on our HMMWVs,” Miers said. “Teaching them (Djiboutian military) how to use these computers would make a lasting impact for their entire maintenance section and tremendously help them identify problems their vehicles are having.”
For their part, the Djiboutian soldiers were thrilled to learn how each computer worked and huddled around the device taking meticulous notes. After each question, Miers or Corbin would coach them through the process of using the MSD to correctly identify the problem.
“By the end of the first day we knew that this mission had already been a huge success,” Corbin said.
Warrant Officer Abdourazak Djibril, the Djiboutian chief mechanic was very glad for the interaction with the US mechanics.
“This mission has been very beneficial,” Djibril said. “I look forward to future partnerships where we can exchange more lessons about vehicle maintenance.”
At the conclusion of the mission, the Djiboutians were presented with graduation certificates and a joint picture of everyone standing together in front of a HMMWV.
For Corbin though, it wasn’t just a picture.
“It symbolized the many lessons we learned from each other and serves as a reminder of what we can do when we all work together.”
Photos by: Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky National Guard.
Kentucky National Guardsmen completed an Extreme Rampage Obstacle course in Clay City, Ky., June 15. The first three guardsman crossed the finish line and ran back to complete the race as a single unit.
CLAY CITY, Ky. - Four Kentucky National Guardsmen, “Live life to the extreme,” during the Extreme Rampage obstacle course challenge held in Clay City, Ky., June 15. The course measured physical and mental ability with rough terrain and various amounts of obstacles. These “Super men” show what hard work and determination are all about.
To see the full story of this event, please click HERE.
Pvt. Grant Mahoney, Chemical Specialist with the 299th Chemical Company climbs over the dirt wall obstacle in the Extreme Rampage Obstacle course in Clay City, Ky., June 15. Mahoney was one of four Kentucky National Guardsman completing the course. (Army photo by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky National Guard.)
Sgt. 1st Class Dillon Blevins, Recruiting and Retention non-commissioned officer, completed an Extreme Rampage Obstacle Course in Clay City, Ky., June 15th. During one of the final obstacles, the competitors swam across an ice cold pool.
Sgt. 1st Class Dillon Blevins, Recruiting and Retention non-commissioned officer, swims through the last obstacle of the Extreme Rampage Obstacle course in Clay City, Ky., June 15. Blevins was one of four Kentucky National Guardsman completing the course. (Army photo by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky National Guard.)
Sgt. 1st Class Dillon Blevins, Recruiting and Retention non-commissioned officer, completed an Extreme Rampage Obstacle Course in Clay City, Ky., June 15th. One of the first obstacles involved swimming or walking through a lake.
Kentucky National Guardsmen completed an Extreme Rampage Obstacle course in Clay City, Ky., June 15. After completing the 5 mile adult course, Staff Sgt. Joe Herrington and Sgt. 1st Class Dillon Blevins, Recruiting and Retention non-commissioned officers, ran a miniature course with children ages eight to twelve.
Kentucky National Guardsmen completed an Extreme Rampage Obstacle course in Clay City, Ky., June 15. The rough terrain in itself was a tough obstacle for those completing the obstacle course.
