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Photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Warrant Officer Victor Blair delivers officer’s sword to complete the change of responsibility ceremony at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., in which Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops succeeded Chief Warrant Officer James Simms as Kentucky’s command chief warrant officer Jan. 31, 2014. The sword symbolizes the authority of commissioned officers, including warrant officers in the ranks of the military. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops became Kentucky’s fifth command chief warrant officer during a change of responsibility ceremony at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 31, 2014.
Stoops takes over for the outgoing command chief warrant officer, Chief Warrant Officer James Simms who is retiring after more than 40 years in uniform.
Check back at kentuckyguard.com on Monday for the full story.
Chief Warrant Officer James Simms is awarded the Legion of Merit by Kentucky Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini following a change of responsibility ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 31, 2014. Simms retired after more than 40 years in uniform for the Kentucky Guard and served three years as the state’s command chief warrant officer. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops shares a moment with his father, retired Army Lt. Col. Dick Stoops and son, Air Force Capt. Brian Stoops after a change of responsibility ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 31, 2014. The three generations of Service members have continued a long tradition of military service in the family Stoops said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Sgt. 1st Class Angela Wilkins with the 202nd Army Band worked as a liaison for the Kentucky National Guard, the Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency during the winter storm of 2009. Wilkins coordinated the deliveries of more than 200 generators across the commonwealth after storm-induced power outages. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — In January 2009, Angela Wilkins was warm and comfortable as a stay-at-home mom with her two children in Frankfort, Ky. They watched as the National Weather Service predicted a winter storm to dump accumulating ice and snow across the region. The forecast was right, but the estimated totals were less than what actually coated several states, knocking out power for hundreds of thousands and pushing state agencies to the brink.
Wilkins was also without power and soon found herself in the middle of the largest activation of the Kentucky National Guard in its history.
“On a state level, it was catastrophic. They even had to call up the band,” said Sgt. 1st Class Wilkins, the readiness NCO for the Kentucky Guard’s 202nd Army Band.
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear would be quoted saying that the storm that blew through Kentucky was the “worst natural disaster” to ever hit the commonwealth. Nearly all of the 120 counties were affected in some way and almost every Kentucky Guardsman would be called up to assist citizens from the Bluegrass to the Mississippi River.
Wilkins was at the time, a traditional Guardsman serving one weekend a month as a musician in the band. After the storm hit she joined more than 4,600 other Soldiers and Airmen in Kentucky and reported for duty. Members of the band filled in wherever needed, assisting with logistical tracking or the delivery of radios and supplies to other Guardsmen across the state.
The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management needed help with the coordination of multiple agencies out of Frankfort. Wilkins had previously worked as a program analyst for the Kentucky Guard’s J6 (Communications and Information Technology), so she was asked to put her expertise to task.
Kentucky Guardsmen load generators for transport during the winter storm, Feb. 3, 2014. Generators were sent to assist local communities with basic needs such as powering hospitals and state offices to keep relief efforts up and running. (File photo)
“It was almost chaos,” Wilkins remembers of the emergency response coming out of Frankfort. “I was a clarinet player directing where generators went.”
Wilkins assisted Emergency Management with the placement of more than 200 generators from the state, the Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Each agency offered the use of the equipment, but someone had to decide where they needed to go.
“Each agency had their own way of sending the generators out,” Wilkins recalled. “They choose me to be the liaison between the groups and get the equipment out to the field in the most efficient way possible. We were able to get them to those who needed them quicker and easier, and we helped a lot of people.”
Wilkins’ children were able to stay with relatives that had power and it took at least five days for the heat and lights to come back on in Frankfort, so many sleepless nights were spent in an armory, making the best of the situation.
For two weeks, thousands of Guardsmen cleared roads, delivered food and water and conducted home to home wellness checks throughout the state. Soldiers from the infantry, the artillery, MPs and of course, the band came to the assistance of hundreds of thousands of citizens. By the time the last generator was turned off and returned, the Soldiers and Airmen were sent home with a big pat on their backs.
“I scheduled the last pick-up, typed up my after action report and left. Those two weeks pushed me to the limits,” she said.
“Sergeant Wilkins’ performance during the 2009 ice storm is typical of the professionalism we’ve come to expect from our troops, particularly in a time of crisis,” said Maj. Gen. Lonnie Culver, a task force commander during the relief mission. “This was absolutely the worst natural disaster in our state’s history and everyone from our combat engineers to the band had a role to play, and they did so with urgency, efficiency and passion. The people of Kentucky owe much to these great Citizen Soldiers and Airmen.”
Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard walk rural roads of McDaniels, Ky. providing “Wellness Checks” to its residents during emergency ice storm relief efforts, Feb. 1, 2009. More than 4,600 Kentucky Guardsmen were activated to support local and federal agencies following the storm. (File photo)
Wilkins said it was the first time the entire band had been called up for State Active-Duty. If there were highlights in such a costly event, she said it was getting to see members of her unit playing a part in the historical call-up.
“It was great to say that the band got to help,” she said.
“They arose to the occasion. Everyone worked for the welfare of the state, everyone had a role, they didn’t complain about it not being their job, they just helped where they could. That’s what sets the National Guard apart.”
Story by Senior Airman Desiree W. Moye, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Col. John Klein Jr., 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, awards an Air Force Achievement Medal to Staff Sgt. Kenneth Soto, 387th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron response force leader, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. Soto, deployed from the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard, was presented the medal for his response while off duty to a domestic violence incident in March 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Desiree W. Moye)
SOUTHWEST ASIA — Staff Sgt. Kenneth Soto, a Kentucky Air National Guardsman who is deployed here as a security response force leader for the 387th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for heroism Jan. 21.
Soto was presented with the medal at an undisclosed air base for intervening during a domestic violence incident while off-duty in March 2013.
“Security forces personnel are trained to respond on and off duty to people in need,” said Soto, whose home unit is the 123rd Airlift Wing in Louisville, Ky.
Soto was in his hotel room during a college band trip to Hartford, Conn., when he heard a disturbing commotion next door. He decided to intervene when he heard a young lady screaming in agony.
“I ran down the hallway to see what was up and when I found the room I knocked on the door again and again until the guy answered,” he said
Being unarmed and off duty wasn’t a deterrence in Soto’s eyes, because gaining entry to the victim’s room and confronting the perpetrator was his only option, Soto said.
“Once I actually saw the victim, it as an abysmal sight,” he said. “She was unconscious and bleeding profusely.”
According to the award citation, Soto forced the attacker to the ground and placed him in a subdued position before assessing the victim’s injuries. He administered first aid, and safeguarded her and the scene until local authorities arrived.
Responding law enforcement noted that Soto performed admirably and potentially saved the victim’s life, the citation said.
“I always mention Kenny Soto as the guy that saved my life that night,” said Hannah Sanders, the victim, and Soto’s good friend. “If he didn’t stop it when he did, one more blow to my skull could have killed me.”
Col. John Klein Jr., 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, lauded Soto’s actions during the medal presentation.
“I am humbled and honored to be given the opportunity to pin a medal on a true hero,” he said.
Lt. Col. Matthew Groves, 386th Expeditionary Operations Group deputy commander, echoed Klein’s sentiment.
“His response is a beacon of courage,” said Groves, who is also deployed from Kentucky’s 123rd Airlift Wing. “It was simply heroic of him, and I’m proud to serve with him here and back home.”
Soto, however, doesn’t agree with their description of him as a hero. He sees the sequence of events as simply a reflection of his security forces training.
“I know for a fact that if any of the defenders I have had the privilege to serve with were there, it would have gone down the same way,” he said.
Staff report
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Responding to a devastating winter storm that shut down most of the state, Governor Steve Beshear directed in January 2009 for Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, to order the unprecedented activation of all Kentucky Army National Guard units, along with selected portions of the Kentucky Air National Guard. This was the largest state call up of Kentucky National Guard forces in the history of the Commonwealth.
Take a look at the following for some behind the scenes moments from that remarkable mission.
Click here for the full story.
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear views winter storm damage in rural Kentucky while en route to Louisville, Ky. to meet with Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson. (Kentucky National Guard photo)
Soldiers from A Co. 103rd Brigade Support Battalion cut down trees overhanging the roadways caused by the damaging ice storm that hit the commonwealth Jan. 29. Approximately 500 Kentucky National Guardsmen were mobilized in response to the storm to assist in clearing roadways, transporting supplies and securing shelters throughout the state of Kentucky. (Kentucky National Guard photo)
Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard walk rural roads of McDaniels, Ky. providing “Wellness Checks” to its residents during emergency ice storm relief efforts. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis Flora / KyANG)
Soldiers of the 307th Component Repair Company prepare to transfer cases of MREs from a C-23 Sherpa aircraft to a 2.5 ton truck for transport to the distribution facility at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. on Monday, February 2, 2009. (Kentucky National Guard photo)
Staff Sgt. Burkman of the Kentucky Air National Guard knocks on the door of a resident of McDaniels, Ky. providing a “Wellness Checks” during emergency ice storm relief efforts. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis Flora / KyANG)
Army Sgt. Joshua White, 206th Engineer Battalion, talks with residents of Leitchfield, Ky. as part of a door-to-door health and welfare visit program conducted by members of the Kentucky National Guard. (Kentucky National Guard photo)
Army Sgt. Joshua White, 206th Engineer Battalion, delivers water to residents of Leitchfield, Ky. who have gone without it since power outages have shut down water treatment facilities in Grayson County, Ky. (Kentucky National Guard photo)
Kentucky Air National Guard member, 2nd Lt. James Campbell, 123rd Maintenance Squadron. Receives a grateful hug from a resident in Banadana, Kentucky during ice storm relief efforts. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis Flora / KyANG)
A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter lifts off on a mission as part of the emergency relief efforts following a massive ice and snow storm that has ravaged Kentucky. (Kentucky National Guard photo)
In a light hearted moment Kentucky Air National Guard Master Sgt. Karen Fulton and her team share a light hearted moment, exchanging high fives with a dog belonging to a victim of the ice storms at the LaCenter, Ky. relief station. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo)
Staff Report
Col. Charlie Jones, Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini and Executive Vice President Brad Patrick examine a new Tempur-Pedic mattress while at the Tempur-Pedic headquarters in Lexington, Ky., Jan. 21st. (photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard).
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini visited the Global Headquarters of Tempur-Pedic to thank the company for its donation to the National Guard Youth Challenge Program in Lexington, Ky, Jan. 24. The 300 donated mattresses from Tempur-Pedic will be used in the Kentucky Youth Challenge academies at Fort Knox and Harlan, along with academies in Indiana and Georgia.
“It’s great to have passionate partners like Tempur-Pedic for the National Guard Youth Challenge program,” said Tonini. “You can tell by this ceremony and by the people here that you all are sincerely giving people.”
The Kentucky National Guard Youth Challenge program is designed to help youth, ages 16-18, get a jump start on life. The 22-week curriculum covers extensive academic studies geared toward completing a high school diploma as well as physical fitness, leadership and community awareness projects.
The program has been around for nearly 20 years and more than 100,000 cadets have graduated from the program nation-wide.
Maj. General Edward Tonini serves as a member of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program General Officer Advisory Council Board, helping to oversee the program.
Tempur-Pedic International Inc., a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of mattresses and pillows worldwide believes everybody deserves a good night’s rest, especially youth.
Brad Patrick, Executive Vice President for Tempur-Pedic, hosted Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, Adjutant General of Kentucky at a ceremony in Lexington, Ky., Jan. 24 where 300 mattresses were donated to the Youth Challenge Program. (photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard).
“We are pleased to partner with the Kentucky National Guard to offer quality mattresses for the teens participating in the Youth Challenge program,” said Brad Patrick, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.
The director of the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan was extremely pleased at the donation from Tempur-Pedic.
“This donation will be certainly put to good use,” said Coldiron. “We work hard to ensure that our cadets have the best care available and that they are prepared to tackle the challenges of the day. Having a safe, comfortable place to sleep is important to their success.”
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Ice-covered branches provide a fitting background as Staff Sgt. Erick Duncan, Company A, 149th Brigade Support Battalion, walks down a street in Mayfield, Ky., Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 during a road clearing mission. The Soldiers used chainsaws to cut up branches lying near the city streets. Fellow Soldiers moved the branches off the street. (Kentucky National Guard photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky — In January 2009 Kentucky experienced what Gov. Steve Beshear described as “the worst natural disaster in Kentucky’s history.” Twenty mph wind gusts drove the wind chill to sub-zero levels and 10 inches of snow fell on top of three inches of ice, a recipe for catastrophe from Pikeville to Paducah. Water lines burst and power lines snapped, leaving nearly 800,000 customers without electricty — and life stustaining heat. More than 100 counties declared states of emergency and FEMA declared the entire state a disaster zone. Experts would later say that the 2009 winter storm surpassed all aspects of Hurriane Ike.
Army Spc. Harold Hoskins (l) and Sgt. Joshua White (r) of the 206th Engineer Battalion talk with residents of Leitchfield, Ky. as part of a door-to-door health and welfare visit program conducted by members of the Kentucky National Guard.
On January 31 Governor Steve Beshear directed Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, to order the unprecedented activation of all Kentucky Army National Guard units, along with selected portions of the Kentucky Air National Guard. This was the largest state call up of Kentucky National Guard forces in the history of the Commonwealth. It represented the strongest possible effort to relieve human suffering and ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens. The order placed 4,600 troops (nearly 3,700 Army Guard Soldiers and 320 Air Guard members) into the effort to address the needs of the people of the Commonwealth during this winter storm.
In comparison, more than 800 Kentucky Guard Soldiers and Airmen were deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. The state activation exceeded troop levels for the 1997 flood (1,600 troops) and Kentucky’s support of recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 (approximately 2,000). The order did not include Guard members who were college students or who had not completed basic training.
Joint Task Force Kentucky was formed to coordinate the massive Army and Air National Guard effort, establishing command and control in five subordinate task forces arrayed across the Commonwealth. Restoration of electric power to water plants, communications facilities, shelters and homes were the top priority across the state. Troops worked with state and local crews in clearing road and creating access to damaged power transmission lines.At one point Kentucky Guard officials announced the delivery of more than 450,000 meals to local communities, along with a schedule to bring in 285,000 meals every day until the crisis was over. In addition to the meals, nearly a million bottles of water were handed out in regions where residents have no access to clean water, with a half million bottles of water coming in on a daily basis.
The bulk of the Guard’s mission eventually moved west of I-75, with an emphasis on Benton, Leitchfield, Greenville, Madisonville, Paducah, and communities in between. Troops focused on the restoration of electric power to water plants, communications facilities and homes. Using chainsaws and elbow grease they cleared routes for emergency response vehicles as well as helped utility crews gain access to damaged power transmission lines.
Staff Sgt. Thomas Moses and Staff Sgt. Jason Scharf identifed the two carbon monoxide poisoning victims today during wellness checks conducted in conjuction with Darren Voyles, a firefighter with the Hardinsburg City Fire Department. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis Flora / KyANG)
Ten deaths were attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning from the use of generators and fire in homes. Guard members assisted local civilian authorities with life-saving wellness checks. Two Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard who, along with local authorities, were credited with saving an elderly couple from carbon monoxide poisoning during the a door-to-door wellness check in Breckenridge County. The couple were treated at a local hospital and released.Click here to read about Guard “wellness check” saves couple from carbon monoxide poisoning
“This is indeed a monumental effort,” declared Maj. Gen. Tonini. “Never before have we mobilized so many troops for such an important cause. From Hazard to Paducah, Kentucky has been dealt a major blow with this winter storm and it caught a lot of people unprepared. Indeed, the very safety and welfare of our fellow Kentuckians is at stake and we will be here until the end.”
Soldiers of the 307th Component Repair Company prepare to transfer MREs from a C-23 Sherpa to a 2.5-ton truck for transport to the distribution facility at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. on Mon., Feb. 2, 2009. The Kentucky National Guard is distributing its stock of MREs to residents who have lost power due to the winter storm that has ravaged the state.
Establishment of shelters and points of distribution for essential supplies were also prime missions for Guard Soldiers and Airmen. The newly constructed Armed Forces Readiness Center in Paducah was transformed into a way-station for equipment and supplies brought in by FEMA.
Other states joined Kentucky in the winter storm relief effort. Members of the West Virginia National Guard sent 50 engineers and their equipment to assist in debris removal. The Florida National Guard contributed a communications unit and several truckloads of equipment to help state and local official bridge communications shortfalls in West Kentucky. The Florida Guard team joined Kentucky Guard communications experts to establish operations in 10 locations throughout western Kentucky. Other out of state resources also include 180 humvees on loan from Guard units in Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. A Kentucky Air National Guard C-130 ferried more than 100 troops to Rickenbacker Air Force Base near Columbus to receive Ohio’s portion of the vehicles.
It is now five years later and the Kentucky National Guard’s relevance lives on at home and abroad. Soldiers and Airmen continue to aid their fellow Kentuckians hit by floods, tornadoes and winter storms. Add to that the more than 16,000 troops have deployed overseas since 9/11. And yet the 2009 winter storm remains the largest single call up of troops in our state’s history.
On a foot note, later that same year the Kentucky Guard adopted the slogan “Unbridled Service.” A fitting tribute to the men and women who worked so hard for their fellow citizens.
Story by Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A U.S. Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet and two aircrew members arrive at Louisville International Airport in Louisville, Ky., on Jan. 23, 2014 for a planning session at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in preparation for the Thunder Over Louisville air show, scheduled for April 12. The Kentucky Air Guard is providing hundreds of hours of support to military aircraft flying in the show. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A U.S. Navy Blue Angels fighter jet streaked across the skies of Louisville on Thursday before landing at Louisville International Airport, giving local residents a taste of things to come at this year’s Thunder Over Louisville air show.
The jet, a Navy F/A-18 Hornet, and two Blue Angels team members were in town as part of a “pre-season visit” to the Kentucky Air National Guard Base, where they will discuss preparations for the 25th anniversary of the show, according to Capt. Josh Ketterer, air show coordinator for the Kentucky Air Guard.
Ketterer said Kentucky Air Guardsmen will again be providing hundreds of hours of support to military aircraft flying in the April 12 event — a crucial factor in securing top acts like the Blue Angels.
“Because of the current budget climate, the Department of Defense has suspended a lot of the participation it historically provides to air shows, so we’re fortunate to be one of just 34 sites that will feature the Blue Angels this year,” Ketterer said.
U.S. Navy Lt. Ryan Chamberlain, a Blue Angels F/A-18 pilot and air show narrator, talks with Capt. Josh Ketterer, air show coordinator for the Kentucky Air National Guard, during a press conference Jan. 23, 2014, at Louisville International Airport in Louisville, Ky., promoting the 2014 Thunder Over Louisville air show. The Blue Angels will be the marquee attraction at this year’s show, while the Kentucky Air Guard will provide hundreds of hours of support to military aircraft. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
Mike Berry, president and chief executive officer of the event’s sponsor, the Kentucky Derby Festival, said he was pleased to be working with the Kentucky Air Guard, which has provided support for military aviation since the Derby festival added military aircraft to Thunder in 1992.
“Our air show wouldn’t be one of the top events in the country without their support,” Berry said. “With the return of the Blue Angels, the 25th Thunder will be one to remember.”
Lt. Ryan Chamberlain, a Blue Angels pilot and air show narrator, promises an exciting display during the team’s hour-long demonstration.
“We’re going to fly the aircraft at minus three to positive seven-and-a-half Gs at airspeeds approaching just under Mach, which is basically about 700 miles per hour, at altitudes down to about 50 feet,” he said. “During the formation flights, the pilots will be flying as close as 18 inches apart.
“You’re going to see precision maneuvers, you’re going to see solo crossing maneuvers at high speed — basically crossing rates at a little over 1,000 miles per hour. And everything’s going to happen right there in front of you.”
A U.S. Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet sits on the flight line at Louisville International Airport in Louisville, Ky., on Jan. 23, 2014. The aircraft and two crew members are in town for a planning session at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in preparation for the Thunder Over Louisville air show, scheduled for April 12. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
Chamberlain expects this year’s show to be “the best (Thunder) yet” because of pent-up demand to see high-performance military aircraft. All but two of the Blue Angels’ events were cancelled last year when sequestration hit in March, grounding all U.S. military aircraft from air show participation.
“I think people are excited for 2014,” he said. “They’ve missed the military, and I think they’re going to be very excited to come out. I think they’re going to see a great demonstration, not just with us, but with all the performers that are going to be here.”
The Kentucky Air Guard’s Ketterer agreed.
“It shouldn’t be lost on anyone that we’re going to have (the Blue Angels) one year after sequestration, during our 25th anniversary show,” he said. “It’s going to be fantastic, and I could not be more excited.”
The air show also is expected to feature Canadian CF-18 fighter jets and a German C-160 transport aircraft. Non-military acts slated for the event include an assortment of historic aircraft like the P-51 Mustang and F-86 Sabre, as well as Lima Lima, a six-aircraft civilian aerobatic team, and the Trojan Horsemen T-28 Demo Team.
Posted by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Photos courtesy of Drew Franklin, Kentucky Sports Radio, and Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky Guard
University of Kentucky coach John Calipari joins Governor Steve Beshear and Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini in greeting deployed Kentucky Guardsmen overseas via Skype from Calipari’s office in Lexington, Ky., Jan. 23, 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LEXINGTON, Ky —University of Kentucky head basketball coach John Calipari, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, and Adjutant General Edward Tonini conducted a Skype call with Kentucky Guard Troops deployed overseas for a third year in a row. Kentucky Troops stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Afghanistan and the Middle East had more than 40 minutes to “Coach” the Coach, while hearing inside-the-locker room strategy from the head coach of the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament victors.
Below are pictures of the Skype session, pictures courtesy of Drew Franklin, Kentucky Sports Radio.
Session memorables:
LUNCH?
Spc Lerone Simmons, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba exclaimed, “Hey Coach, when I get back to the states and after the Wild Cats win the 2014 NCAA championship, I’d like to take you out for lunch to listen to how you strategize a winning game.”
Coach Cal began his discussion on game-strategy, and offered to have this lunch at the Governor’s mansion. The discussion continued with dialogue regarding specific games played by UK thus far.
As the conversation waned, Spc. Simmons stood up and asked, “So, we still on for lunch then, Coach?”
CAMP FATHER-SON.
A Kentucky Troop stationed in the Middle East mentioned how great his experience was during the UK Father/Son basketball camp. Coach Cal talked about how great of a learning experience the camp is for both father and son. The father coaches his son and the son sees his father play basket ball.
Coach Cal extended a special invite to the Fathers deployed overseas.
PRANKS AMONG FRIENDS
A Kentucky Troop stationed in Afghanistan asked UK Basketball player Julius Randle how he was going to retaliate against the pranks of his fellow Wild Cats. Julius explained, “Prior to the U of L game, my mom had to drop off a new pillow ’cause the guys put hot sauce on my pillow.”
So, how Julius was going to ‘get even’ with his fellow teammates? “It’s on a need to know…but it’s gunna be good!”
Links to Coach Cal/Skype Call articles:
KentuckyGuard.com
http://kentuckyguard.com/deployed-kentucky-guardsmen-get-facetime-with-coach-cal/
CoachCal.com
http://www.coachcal.com/26924/2014/01/coach-cal-cats-visits-kentucky-guardsmen-via-skype/
Kentucky Sports Radio
http://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/coach-cal-gov-beshear-poythress-and-randle-talk-to-troops-overseas/
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Left to right, University of Kentucky coach John Calipari, Governor Steve Beshear, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and UK forward Julius Randle speak with Kentucky Guardsmen deployed overseas via Skype from Calipari’s office in lexington, Ky., Jan. 23, 2014. It was the third year in a row that Calipari has been a part of the video conference with the Kentucky Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LEXINGTON, Ky. — For the third year in a row, Kentucky Guardsmen deployed overseas received the unique opportunity to chat with University of Kentucky head basketball coach John Calipari via Skype, Jan. 23, 2014.
Calipari sat down with Governor Steve Beshear and Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general to talk with Soldiers in Afghanistan, the Middle East and at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
“Anytime you can touch home when you are eight or nine thousand miles away or even in Cuba which is very isolated, this is a great thing for them, and when you can do it with something a passionate as Kentucky basketball and Coach Cal, I can tell you these young people look forward to it, maybe more so than anything else,” said Tonini. “This could be as special as a call from home for them.”
To see more photos from this story, click here.
Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general, Governor Steve Beshear and University of Kentucky coach John Calipari speak with deployed units of the Kentucky National Guard via Skype in Lexington, Ky., Jan. 23, 2014. Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan, the Middle East and Cuba had the special opportunity to discuss Kentucky Basketball with Calipari during the conference. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
From his office at the university, Calipari began by thanking the Guardsmen for what they do and how glad he was to see the gatherings of Wildcat fans on the other end again for this special meeting. Soldiers of the 1103rd Military Police Detachment in Afghanistan, 103rd Brigade Support Battalion and Charlie Company of the 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation in the Middle East and the 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment in Cuba shared the video screen and some time to discuss Kentucky Basketball with the coach.
“When General Tonini said we were going to do this again, I said ‘Great, just tell me when!’,” said Calipari.
The Soldiers got an additional treat when UK basketball players, Julius Randall and Alex Poythress also stopped by to say hello and thank the troops for their service.
Spc. Lerone Simmons with the 133rd asked Calipari to share his ideas on successful leadership, to which Calipari responded with his hopes of speaking to the troops in person once they return later this year.
“I’m definitely looking forward to hopefully meeting with Coach Cal, and bouncing ideas off of him to help us with future decision making,” said Simmons, who compared Calipari’s decisions on the court to some important choices we make in life.
“It was great to be able to Skype with Coach Cal and leadership, it meant a lot to us all here.”
Regardless of the meshing of political figures, generals and sports icons, the meeting was about Kentucky and the support at home for the Guardsmen serving around the world.
To see more coverage of this event, click on the following links:
Video from Skype conference:
Kentucky Sports Radio - http://kentuckysportsradio.
and-randle-talk-to-troops-
Story by Staff Sgt. Vicky Spesard, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Lt. Col. Matt Stone (right) receives the guidon of the 123rd Mission Support Group from Col. Barry Gorter, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing, during a change-of-command ceremony held at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 11, 2014. As the group’s newest commander, Stone replaces Col. Jeffrey Peters, who is retiring from military service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Horton)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lt. Col. Matt Stone accepted the 123rd Mission Support Group guidon from Col. Barry Gorter, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing, during a change-of-command ceremony here Jan. 11, becoming the group’s newest leader.
Stone has served as deputy commander of the Mission Support Group since 2006 and replaces Col. Jeffrey Peters, who is retiring.
“Lieutenant Colonel Stone has a varied background that matches the diverse responsibilities of the MSG,” Gorter said. “Colonel Jeff Peters has prepared him well, and Matt is poised for success as he assumes command of the largest group of the Kentucky Air National Guard.”
As mission support group commander, Stone will direct the operations of more than 450 Airmen who provide a host of key services to the wing. Those services include base fire protection, security forces, civil engineering, disaster preparedness, communications and information technology.
Stone has served in numerous leadership roles throughout his career, both at home and overseas.
In 2001, he served as the chief of wing plans and installation deployment officer just before the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Within a year, he had successfully led the 123rd Airlift Wing through its first mobilizations since the Vietnam War era, conducting site surveys and supporting rotations for alert operations throughout the continental United States while deploying personnel in support of Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom.
With little advance notice in 2003, Stone directed the mobilization and deployment of 10 of the unit’s C-130 aircraft to two different locations at the onset of Operation Iraqi Freedom while simultaneously deploying combat and support Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Combat Command personnel to multiple sites around the world.
In the summer of 2006, Stone was selected to serve as the Air National Guard liaison to Arizona and led 54 states and territories in their support of that state’s border patrol operations for two months.
Lt. Col. Matt Stone receives his first salute as the new commander of the 123rd Mission Support Group during a change-of-command ceremony held at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 11, 2014. Stone replaces Col. Jeffrey Peters, who is retiring from military service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Horton)
Since 2006, Stone has served as the deputy commander and support officer for the 123rd Mission Support Group. In 2009, during the largest natural disaster Kentucky had seen in decades, he led the 123rd Airlift Wing Emergency Operations Center and deployed over 300 Airmen across the state, helping save the lives of citizens battling a statewide ice storm that left the Commonwealth largely paralyzed by extreme cold, power outages, and food and water shortages.
Most recently, Stone returned from a six-month deployment to Afghanistan as the deputy commander of the 466th Air Expeditionary Group. In that role, he conducted numerous outside-the-wire missions to exercise administrative and operational control of 3,100 Airmen — one-third of all United States Air Force troops in the country — who were deployed as Joint Expeditionary Tasked Airmen supporting Army and Marine Corps missions at 154 different forward operating bases.
“To the men and women of the MSG, you are the finest group of Airmen that I ever hope to command,” Stone said during the ceremony. “Working with you as the deputy group commander over the past six years has been amazing.”
“Supporting units here and around the world is our mission in the Unites States Air Force,” he continued. “Nobody does it better than you. Let’s keep doing it and I look forward to further challenges with you.”
