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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Amelia Forsyth, daughter of Catherine Forsyth, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, follows good safety protocol, buckling up in the seat of a tactical vehicle during the 2014 Military Child Appreciation Day held at the Healing Fields in Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Photo by Alli Burton, Community Outreach and Marketing Coordinator Kentucky National Guard)
LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. — Nearly 4oo military children and parents were treated to an afternoon of fun and excitement at the annual Military Child Appreciation Day held at the Healing Fields in Lawrenceburg, Ky on Saturday April 26.
Olivia Vance, daughter of Staff Sgt. Roger Vance, gets her pick of the popcorn from Spc. Felicia Harris, Kentucky National Guard Family Support Programs. (Photo by Alli Burton, Community Outreach and Marketing Coordinator Kentucky National Guard)
Under the watchful eye of more than 80 staff and community volunteers, participants were treated to a wide range of fun activities to include face painting, making wax hands, gardening, pony rides and dressing up for family photos. Local vendors donated food and snacks.
Click here for more photos of this event.
According to Cindy Culver, Youth Coordinator for Kentucky National Guard Family Programs, “We sponsor this event every year during to Month of the Military Child to honor military kids for their sacrifices that they make on a daily basis.
“This year’s event really showed the love that everyone shares for our military kids,” said Cindy Culver, an organizer for the event. “The highlight of the event for me was when Jolean O’Connell sang on stage like a superstar.”
Kylie Anders is the granddaughter of John Noe, who retired from the 149th Maneuver Enhanced Brigade. (Photo by Cindy Culver, Kentucky National Guard Youth Coordinator)
The daughter of Anthony Yarborough, Jolene is sight impaired. But that didn’t stop her performance, which captured the attention of the audience.
“Everyone there had cold chills,” she said. “The resilience shown by these kids is something we can all learn from.”
By Staff Sgt. Jerry Saslav, Massachusetts National Guard, with contributions by Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Wearing a race bib with the number 203 on it, Staff Sgt. Jarred Turner, truck driver, 2123rd Transportation Company, Kentucky Army National Guard, walks along the historic Minute Man National Park during a 26.2-mile ruck march to honor fallen service members and raise money to assist their surviving family members, April 19, 2014. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jerry Saslav)
April 21, 2014 — CONCORD, Mass. - Over 300 heads bowed in remembrance as Steve Fiola said, “The primary reason we are here is to pay tribute and to honor our fallen.”
Fiola, a core member of Tough Ruck, stood in front of a large group of service members, veterans, Gold Star Families and other supporters. “So I’m going to ask that we take a moment in silence to honor our fallen brothers and sisters.”
Members of the Kentucky National Guard’s 2123rd Transportation Company participated in the historic Tough Ruck march, coming in at 7hrs, 34 min. Pictured left to right are: Spc. Shawn Miller, Staff Sgt. Jarred Turner, 1st Lt. Carson Gregory, Sgt. Kyle Carroll and Spc. Michael Orr. (Photo courtesy 1st Lt. Carson Gregory, 2123rd Transportation Company)
A diverse group of men and women gathered on a small hill overlooking the North Bridge, where 239 years earlier men of the Massachusetts Militia had turned back the British Army on the opening day of the American Revolution. The people who gathered on April 19, 2014, were Soldiers, Airmen and a U.S. Marine representing the active duty, National Guard and Reserve components as well as military cadets, veterans and citizens.
They had come together from many parts of the country to take part in a charity event, the Tough Ruck to raise money for the Military Friends Foundation, a private organization that assists military families in need. As the historical reenactors kept alive the memory of April 19, 1775, the people on the hill prepared to keep alive the memory of those no longer living in a very military way; they would march 26.2 miles wearing their military uniforms and carrying rucksacks weighing on average 30 to 40 pounds. Many rucksacks were adorned with large streamers bearing the name of a service member no longer living.
Marching with a rucksack is known as rucking and this year’s event almost did not happen.
Click here for more photos of this event.
The ruck march was conducted under the watchful eye of the local militia. The event honors an incident 239 years ago when the Massachusetts Militia turned back the British Army on the opening day of the American Revolution. (Photo courtesy 1st Lt. Carson Gregory, 2123rd Transportation Company)
For many years many of these same individuals had marched along the route of the Boston Marathon, passed by the runners and cheered on by the crowd. The attack on the 2013 Boston Marathon changed that tradition.
Due to security concerns, backpacks and rucksacks were banned from the course. Fiola, one of the core members of Tough Ruck, a private organization, reached out to the National Park Service and the Trustees of Reservations and received permission to start and end the ruck at the historic Old Manse museum and conduct the majority of the march on the trails of the Minute Man National Historic Park.
The 297 ruckers left as a group just after 7 a.m. and began what for many would be a six hour and 26.2 mile journey on the road.
“Marching this event was so worth the trip,” said Spc. Michael Orr, 2123rd Transportation Co. “It was very gratifying for us and everyone around us. It was great seeing everyone in Lexington, Concord and Boston so patriotic. So many were out cheering us on.”
“”We finished together, that was our goal when we left Kentucky,” said Orr. ” This was my first ruck march since basic training, so our training really helped us and kept us together.”
Col. Andrew Lawlor, staff judge advocate, Joint Force Headquarters, Massachusetts National Guard, and his son Jackson stayed together. Jackson is a cadet in the Reserve Officers Training Corps at the University of Notre Dame.
“Toby Keith said “I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was,” said Lawlor, as he and his son headed to the finish line.
CONCORD, Mass. – National Guardsmen from the 2123rd Transportation Company, Kentucky Army National Guard, cross the finish line after walking the historic Minute Man National Park during a 26.2 mile ruck march to honor fallen service members and raise money to assist their surviving family members, April 19, 2014. Many of the participants attached to their rucksacks the names of the fallen service members they are marching to remember. On average, each ruck sack weighs 30 to 40 pounds. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jerry Saslav, Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs/Released)
That was a sentiment shared by many of the ruckers.
“The feet are a little painful; but all the support from the community, especially the Gold Star Families really made it special,” said Staff Sgt. Jarred Turner, truck driver, 2123rd Transportation Company, Kentucky Army National Guard, “they kept us motivated.”
Turner was part of a group of five Kentucky Army National Guardsmen who drove up together to ruck the course; they stayed together throughout the route.
As the ruckers crossed the finish line, they were met by Gold Star Mothers and other volunteers who placed Boston Marathon medals over their heads. The medals were donated by the Boston Athletic Association.
As they removed the rucks that they had carried for so many hours, many of the service members were already looking forward to next year.
“I like this route better, with all the history that’s on this route … it’s very humbling,” said Spc. Adam Ayer, fire support specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment. “You’re passing by grave markers where Soldiers have been buried … it kind of puts everything into perspective. The Boston Marathon … we’ve been doing it for years, but it’s really not our place. When you see the old houses … the grave markers …. the reenactors. You realize how much blood was shed on these grounds. The militia fought on this ground.”
“You feel more at home on grounds like this,” said Ayer. “Soldiers belong on this trail.”
Story and photos by Sgt. Paul Evans, 103rd BSB Unit Public Affairs and Historian Representative
Soldiers of the 103rd Brigade Support Battalion’s Task Force Summit stand in one final formation at their homecoming ceremony in Harrodsburg, Ky. on April 19, 2014. Dozens gathered Saturday to welcome Task Force Summit home from their nine-month deployment in Afghanistan supporting the Special Operations Command’s withdrawal. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Paul Evans)
HARRODSBURG, Ky. — Dozens of families and friends gathered in Harrodsburg on Saturday, April 19, 2014 outside the Armory that is home to the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Headquarters and Headquarters’ Co., 103rd Brigade Support Battalion, 138th Fires Brigade. Miniature American flags waved in the hands of many onlookers while others held up homemade posters to welcome their heroes home from a successful journey abroad.
The 15 Soldiers spent nine months in Afghanistan supporting the Special Operations Command’s withdrawal from the country.
As the three vans carrying the Soldiers and their gear unloaded at the armory, Soldiers were met with tears of joy, gentle greetings among old friends, and loving embraces of those who silently served at home while the Soldiers served overseas.
A returning Soldier embraces his daughter outside the National Guard Armory in Harrodsburg, Ky. on April 19, 2014. Dozens gathered Saturday to welcome home the 103rd Brigade Support Battalion’s Task Force Summit from a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan supporting the Special Operations Command’s withdrawal. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Paul Evans)
Capt. Justin Watts, a 32-year-old Lexington, Ky. resident, served as the Officer-in-Charge of the 103rd’s small Retrograde Assistance Team, officially referred to as ‘Task Force Summit.’ He addressed the large crowd of family and friends anxious to take their Soldiers home after their short period of reconnecting.
“These are Soldiers who bought into the idea of supporting something greater no matter what,” Watts observed. “In a greater sense, what these guys were part of was something much bigger than they could do themselves. We took the equipment in the (Afghanistan) Theatre, and we took it to where the fight was taking place.”
“We, as senior leaders can give our Soldiers the training to be successful in combat, we can give them the equipment needed to complete the mission…but what we can’t give them is something that you as family and friends can do.”
“It’s what you did for us,” Watts recalled. “You provide my Soldiers with morale. A simple letter, email, package, a Facebook post—(all) kept my Soldiers going.”
“I can’t give my Soldiers peace-of-mind, but the spouses and family members, parents, siblings, (they) can step-up and take care of business at home to give the Soldiers the peace-of-mind they need…because a Soldier whose mind is not at war can’t be in the fight.”
For his Soldiers, Watts was happy to highlight their contributions. “Those guys, they did everything I asked for and more,” he explained. “No problem was too complex. They solved it without fail.”
Soldiers with the 103rd Brigade Support Battalion’s Task Force Summit applaud after Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey McCrystal was promoted to Command Sgt. Maj. of the 103rd in Harrodsburg, Ky. on April 19, 2014. Dozens gathered Saturday to welcome Task Force Summit home from a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan supporting the Special Operations Command’s withdrawal. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Paul Evans)
Following the ceremony to welcome Task Force Summit home, Sgt. 1st Class Daniel McSpadden, a 41-year-old Lexington resident, took a few moments to reflect on the 103rd’s accomplishment of the mission before rejoining his family.
“I think we set a great precedent for things to come as far as retrograde throughout the (Afghanistan) theatre,” he said. “Hopefully, the units behind us will meet that or exceed it. But other than that, the mission’s complete…so I’m just ready to go home.”
Staff Report
Col. Michael Ferguson, commander of the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade, informs Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson of a computer system in a LUH-72 Lakota helicopter in Frankfort, Ky., April 24, 2014. Abramson was present for the unveiling of the new state-of-the-art aircraft at a ceremony at the Kentucky Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson joined Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini and members of the Kentucky Army National Guard’s aviation community for the inaugural roll out of the Guard’s newest acquisition, the LUH-72 Lakota helicopter at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., April 24.
The American-made LUH-72A Lakota light utility helicopter was specifically selected and equipped to support the Kentucky National Guard’s homeland security mission. Soldiers of Frankfort-based Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 376th Security and Support will operate the aircraft in their missions to include supporting federal, state and local law enforcement agencies
“I could talk all day about the capabilities of this aircraft, but I will simply say that it increases our ability to respond,” said Col. Michael Ferguson, commander of the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade.
Click here to see more photos from the event.
A LUH-72 Lakota helicopter takes off at the Kentucky National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility in Frankfort, Ky., March 26, 2014. The Kentucky Guard is scheduled to have six Lakota aircraft to replace the OH-58 Kiowa helicopters. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Ferguson said the new aircraft will strengthen the Guard’s capacity to respond to emergencies and natural disasters. The Lakota will replace the aging OH-58 Kiowa helicopter.
“These are exciting new aircraft, not only does it look cool, it is cool,” said Tonini who described several technological advances on the helicopter as unlike anything the Kentucky Guard has had before.
Abramson called the new helicopters a sign of the Kentucky Guard’s commitment to the Commonwealth.
“When the adjutant general told me, ‘this is really special, this will give us great capabilities we didn’t have before, they give us a cutting edge opportunity to be responsive and responsible when people of Kentucky are in need,’ I very much wanted to be here today,” he said.
“Unbridled service, that’s what you all provide each and everyday, and to be able to do the job you do, you need the equipment, and the equipment is here once again with these new Lakota helicopters,” said Abramson.
The first Lakota arrived in Kentucky last October, three more are on the ground now, with the final two expected to be delivered in the coming months.
Click here for an earlier story on the aircraft’s arrival in Kentucky.
Story by 2nd Lt James W. Killen, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Senior Master Sgt. Walt Brewer (left) and Chief Master Sgt. David Fink (right), both retired members of the Kentucky Air National Guard, unveil two granite plaques honoring retirees during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 12, 2014. The plaques list the names of Kentucky Air Guardsmen who retired from military service in 2013. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Horton)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The newest retirees from the Kentucky Air National Guard were honored April 12 when two black-granite plaques inscribed with their names were unveiled during a ceremony here.
The plaques join six others dating back to the first retirement in 1962 and honor those who have devoted much of their lives to the service of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Kentucky Air National Guard.
The annual unveilings started 11 years ago as “a way of permanently enshrining the people who have really been the cornerstone of what the Kentucky Air National Guard is all about and the excellence we have shown through the years,” said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, the adjutant general for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
More than 100 Kentucky Air National Guardsmen, retirees, friends and family members attended a ceremony April 12, 2014, at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., honoring unit members who retired in 2013. The retirees’ names are inscribed on two granite plaques that were unveiled during the ceremony. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Horton)
This year’s ceremony honored the 46 Airmen who retired in 2013.
“We’ve been here since 1947, and the legacy that has been left by the people whose names are on these plaques is incredible,” said Col. Barry Gorter, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing. “We’re out here today to carry forward the legacy of excellence that has been handed down to us by all of you.”
The director of the Air National Guard, Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III, also spoke at the ceremony, addressing an audience comprised of current and former members of the Kentucky Air Guard and their families.
“For the members who are retiring, I want to tell you that this is special because your family is here, your friends are here, and your community is here,” Clarke said.
The plaques, which line the front of the 123rd Airlift Wing’s Lt. Gen. John B. Conaway Headquarters Building, were donated by the non-profit Kentucky Air National Guard Retiree Group.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Sgt. Christopher DeLeon (#14) and Staff Sgt. Nicholas Anglin (#4) begin a six-mile road march as part of the 2014 National Guard Region III Best Warrior Competition at Camp Blanding, Fla., April 15, 2014. The two Guardsmen represented Kentucky amongst Soldiers from nine other states and territories. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
CAMP BLANDING, Fla. — Kentucky’s Soldier and non-commissioned officer of the year competed with the top Guardsmen of the Southeast in the 2014 National Guard Region III Best Warrior Competition at Camp Blanding, Fla., April 14-17.
After winning the state competition last November, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Anglin of the 201st Engineer Battalion and Sgt. Christopher DeLeon from the 2123rd Transportation Company represented the commonwealth at the next level. The Kentuckians were pitted against other Guardsmen from states and territories in Region III of the National Guard (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee and the Virgin Islands) in a four-day, event-filled contest, fitting of the “Best Warrior” title.
Sgt. Christopher DeLeon drags a simulated casualty during an urban operations exercise as part of the 2014 Region III Best Warrior Competition at Camp Blanding, Fla., April 14, 2014. The exercise tested the Soldiers’ skills in room clearing, use of grenades, casualty treatment and radio communication. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“This week has been exciting, it’s been stressful, uplifting, encouraging, just everything you think it would be,” said Anglin. “It pushes you to your limits and how far you can push yourself mentally and physically.”
Click here to see more photos from the competition.
Competitors were met with a grueling schedule of events kicking off before the sun rose to well into the evenings with few rest periods in between. Challenging events such a six-mile ruck march, air assault obstacle course and two-mile stress shoot were unique tasks mixed with the more practical Army physical fitness test and land navigation course. All part of a competition much different than the Soldiers won at the state-level.
Anglin said a highlight for him was running his fastest two-mile run time during the Army Physical Fitness Test, but said his favorite event was the stress shoot which combined endurance, skill and marksmanship, all over a diverse two-mile course.
“My most memorable moment is this feeling right now, that I survived the week,” he said. “I have a sense of pride knowing that I was able to accomplish these tasks and get through everything. I may not have been the best, but I finished and that is a sense of accomplishment for me.”
DeLeon agreed that the week was beneficial to him as a person and future leader of Soldiers. He enjoys more physical training, but said the best feeling was the relaxation of finishing.
“I feel like that was the most stressful week of my life,” he said. “I feel honored to represent the 2123rd and the whole state. I’d do it again, but I think another Soldier should experience this type of competition, and I’ll be back as a sponsor to train and guide them through it.”
Staff Sgt. Nicholas Anglin balances on a rope swing of the air assault obstacle course during the Region III Best Warrior Competition at Camp Blanding, Fla., April 15, 2014. The obstacle course was part of a four-day event that brought the best Soldier and non-commissioned officer from each of the ten states and territories in the Southeast. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Anglin and DeLeon both were accompanied by a sponsor, another Soldier from their unit who acted as a battle buddy who helped them study and prepare for each event. Sgt. 1st Class David Adams and Sgt. James Ford were at Anglin and DeLeon’s side respectively, keeping them motivated throughout the week.
The competitors ruined a couple uniforms, slept little, lost a few pounds and learned a lot of what they are made of. They dusted off the dirt and covered the scratches and bruises with their Army Service Uniform for the culminating board appearances and banquet that wrapped up the week. Each competitor was congratulated by the state command sergeant major of each state and territory in attendance.
Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Chumley, Kentucky’s State Command Sergeant Major travelled with the pair to Florida to help cheer them on.
While the trophies went to the top Soldiers, both from the Mississippi National Guard, Chumley was in awe of the Kentuckians every step of the way.
“These Soldiers have done outstanding, I’m proud of them,” said Chumley. “They went far beyond what I expected, they gave 110 percent.”
“I want them to know that their units, their sergeants major, their first sergeants ought to be proud of them, they represented Kentucky well.”
Story by: Sgt. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Master Sgt. Anthony J Tidei and his sons, Jonathon, Paul, Caleb, and Joshua climb aboard an aircraft during thier drill weekend on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. March 15. Each Tidei is positioned where they would usually be working or operating on the aircraft. (US Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
FRANKFORT Ky. – Hard working, determined, intelligent and responsible are a few of the many words Lindsay would use to describe the last name Tidei. Lindsay holds the name of a unique family in the Kentucky National Guard. The last name Tidei belongs to five members of the same family, which currently serve in the Kentucky National Guard, and one member who recently served.
Not only are the Tideis’ a part of the Kentucky National Guard, but Master Sgt. Anthony J. Tidei, an Aircraft Maintainer with Bravo Co. 351st, and his sons, all chose careers within the Aviation field.
“I have always tried to be a positive role model in my son’s lives,” said Anthony. “I’ve worked hard to give them proper values. Their success is my success and I am proud of each and every one of them.”
Master Sgt. Anthony J Tidei Chief Warrant Officer, Jonathon J. Tidei, Sgt. Paul E. Tidei, Spc. Joshua P. Tidei and Spc. Caleb P. Tidei (US Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
Chief Warrant Officer Jonathon J. Tidei, the oldest son, is a UH-60 pilot with Co. B 2/147th. He attributes a lot of his success to his father.
“Dad has always taught us to do the right thing,” said Jonathon. “I wanted to follow in his footsteps and carry on the Tidei legacy.”
Jonathon’s wife, Lindsay has seen the boys as Soldiers and Civilians. She says they are the same no matter what hat they are wearing.
“I’ve seen them at family picnics, but this is the first time I’ve seen them together in uniform,” she said. “They can be fun at times, but when they have a mission to do, they put their game face on and complete the task at hand.”
Sgt. Paul E. Tidei, Flight Operations Specialist with Operational Support Airlift Command Detachment 11, said that he felt like carrying on the family tradition would be a tough task.
“My dad has set the standard for the Tidei name,” said Paul. “Everyone looks up to him, including us. If you’re one of his kids, you’re expected to act as he does.”
Spc. Caleb P. Tidei and Spc. Joshua P. Tidei chose to be Aircraft Maintainers with Detachment 1, 2/147th Aviation to follow closely behind their father. When quizzed on certain parts of the aircraft by their dad, they passed with flying colors.
Master Sgt. Anthony J Tidei quizes his sons Caleb and Joshua on aircraft parts during thier drill weekend on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. March 15. Anthony and both of his sons are currently Aircraft Maintainers in the 63rd Theatre Aviation Brigade. (US Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
Daniel Tidei, now a civilian IT specialist, once held the rank of sergeant and was a hydraulics specialist.
Master Sgt. Tidei is preparing to finish up his long, influential career. He is well loved by all who have served alongside him, including Lt. Col. Michael Stephens, Deputy Commander of the 63rd Theatre Aviation Brigade.
“Master Sgt. Tidei has had an impact on this organization that is hard to measure,” said Stephens.” The fact that five of his sons have followed in his footsteps is astonishing. It is a testament to the way he leads his family and shows the love he has for the Kentucky National Guard and for the nation. Tony will be greatly missed when he retires, but I know his legacy will live on through his family.”
Story by Maj. David Page, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Col. Steven King places a new unit insignia patch on the uniform of Spc. Anthony House during a change of command ceremony at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., March 23, 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. LuWanda Knuckles)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Guardsmen have been training at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., for years. The consistency and quality of preparedness the site provides has only increased with time. The mission of the center has continued to evolve, to the benefit of the Kentucky Guard.
The newest change came on March 23 as Col. Steven King took charge of the garrison during a change of command ceremony. King brought a new look to Wendell H. Ford as the garrison officially became their own command with the establishment of a distinctive unit insignia and should sleeve insignia.
According to King, the insignia illustrates the training center garrison command’s unique mission and requirements that are different from all other commands. This designation highlights the role Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center plays for the Kentucky Army National Guard.
“The recognition of being awarded new colors and new unit patch is great way of building pride and esprit de corps among the Soldiers assigned to this Training Center,” said King. “It’s a reflection of their dedication to being a Soldier first, while simultaneously training and supporting their fellow warriors.”
“I, along with Command Sergeant Major Rea, am deeply honored to uncase our new colors and to open a new chapter in the history of this magnificent Training Center,” he said.
By Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III, director of the Air National Guard, administers the oath of enlistment to 15 members of the Kentucky Air National Guard on the 2nd Street Bridge in Louisville, Ky., April 12, 2014. The event kicked off Thunder Over Louisville, the city’s annual air show and fireworks display over the Ohio River. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III, director of the Air National Guard, toured the Kentucky Air Guard Base here April 11-13, meeting Airmen from units across the 123rd Airlift Wing and kicking off Thunder Over Louisville, one of the largest air show and fireworks displays in North America.
Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III, director of the Air National Guard, speaks with Staff Sgt. Shelby Basham of the 123rd Airlift Wing’s Fatality Search and Recovery Team during a tour of the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 11, 2014. Clarke visited with Airmen from across the wing and examined mission capabilities ranging from contingency response to special tactics. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Horton)
Clarke also inspected the wing’s unique mission capabilities, including the only fully operational contingency response group in the Air National Guard and a special tactics squadron that combines both combat control and pararescue functions, according to Col. Barry Gorter, commander of the 123rd.
“It’s always good to get out of the office and talk to Airmen in the field,” Clarke said of his visit. “That’s the best part of my job.”
He was especially interested in learning more about the contingency response and special tactics units here.
Click here to see all of the photos from this event.
A contingency response group functions as an “airbase in a box,” Gorter said, providing the ability to rapidly establish an air cargo hub at remote locations worldwide in support of military operations or disaster-response missions. The unit’s Airmen are completely self-sufficient, bringing everything from housing, communications and power generation to all-terrain forklifts, aircraft maintenance and security forces.
Tech. Sgt. Ben Pelster, a combat controller from the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, shows a MK-13 40mm grenade launcher to Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III, director of the Air National Guard, during a tour of the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 11, 2014. Clarke visited with Airmen from across the 123rd Airlift Wing and examined mission capabilities ranging from contingency response to special tactics. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Horton)
Special tactics Airmen are among the most highly trained operators in the U.S. Military. Combat controllers are certified air traffic controllers who deploy undetected into hostile environments to establish assault zones or airfields while simultaneously conducting air traffic control, fire support, command and control, direct action, counter-terrorism, foreign internal defense, humanitarian assistance and special reconnaissance. Pararescuemen are parachute-jump qualified personnel-recovery specialists. They maintain emergency medical technician credentials throughout their careers and provide life-saving trauma care in the world’s most remote areas, including combat environments.
After the tour concluded, Clarke said he was impressed by the Airmen and the capabilities of the 123rd, calling it “an excellent wing.”
“You can tell that the Airmen here are well-led and well-trained,” he said. “It’s an excellent wing, and a lot of the credit goes to the leadership here.”
One of the highlights of Clarke’s visit was the opportunity to kick off the Thunder Over Louisville air show by swearing in 15 members of the Kentucky Air National Guard during live television coverage.
The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels demonstration squadron performs aerobatic maneuvers over the Ohio River and 2nd Street Bridge in Louisville, Ky., April 12, 2014. More than 650,000 spectators turned out for the event, which was part of the annual Thunder Over Louisville air show. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
The annual show, which is staged over the Ohio River and featured performances this year by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team and 15 other acts, drew a crowd of more than 650,000 spectators. Television coverage, broadcast in Louisville from 12:30 to 10:30 p.m., will be edited down for global rebroadcast on Armed Forces Network over the 4th of July weekend.
“It’s pretty exciting to begin my career in the Kentucky Air National Guard by having a three-star general swear me in on live television,” said Samantha Ruzanaka, a new recruit who will be joining the 123rd Security Forces Squadron here as a fire team member.
“This a great unit, and that was a great way to begin serving my state and nation,” she said.
The event also was a great experience for Clarke, whose son-in-law, Jacob Reynolds, was among the Airmen being sworn in. Reynolds is joining the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as a C-130 crew chief.
“This was my first Thunder, and I was just overwhelmed by the support of the local community,” Clarke said. “I was extremely impressed by how engaged people are with the military, how much they love the Guard and, especially, this wing.”
Senior Master Sgt. Shane LaGrone of the 123rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight demonstrates an EOD robot to Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III, director of the Air National Guard, during a tour of the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 11, 2014. Clarke visited with Airmen from across the 123rd Airlift Wing and examined mission capabilities ranging from contingency response to special tactics. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Horton)
Clarke noted that his friend, retired Lt. Gen. John Conaway, a former Kentucky Air Guardsman who served as chief of the National Guard Bureau from 1990 to 1993, had been encouraging him to visit Louisville and the 123rd Airlift Wing for a long time.
“General Conaway’s been telling me for years that this is a great unit,” Clarke said. “Now I can go back and report to him that he is correct.”
The 123rd Airlift Wing is one of the most decorated wings in the United States Air Force, with 15 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, six Distinguished Flying Unit Plaques, three Metcalf Trophies and three Spaatz Trophies. The Metcalf Trophy is awarded annually to the top airlift unit in the Air National Guard, and the Spaatz Trophy is bestowed on the country’s premier Air Guard flying unit each year.
Story by: Sgt. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Crump from the 138th Fires Brigade oversees Soldiers firing a salvo of Howitzer 105mm rounds from the 2nd street bridge in Louisville, Ky., during the 25th annual Thunder Over Louisville fireworks and air show April 12, 2014. Members of the Kentucky Guard highlighted the evening’s entertainment of music and firework displays.(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE Ky., — Nearly 200 Soldiers gathered together as more than 750,000 people packed the streets of Louisville for the annual Thunder Over Louisville as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival held April 12.
Guardsmen from across the Commonwealth along with the Louisville Metro Police Department served and protected the city of Louisville during the event. No officer was left without a civilian counterpart. This year’s event was anticipated to be one of the largest Thunder Over Louisville events ever.
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Staff Sgt. Jeremy Hawkins, from the 223rd Military Police Company, was assigned the duty to control traffic alongside an LMPD officer as the massive crowds began to flood the streets by the waterfront. He was honored to work with his civilian equivalent.
Kentucky National Guard Military Police Officers patrol the grounds Louisville with officers of the Louisville Metro Police Department April 12, during Thunder Over Louisville. (US Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
“It gives us a chance to support our local community as well as having the unique opportunity to work with civilian police officers,” said Hawkins, “When people see both sets of uniforms, I think they will have a better sense of security knowing that we have put forth a huge effort to keep them protected.”
Events like Thunder give Soldiers a yearly a chance to put their training to work and also show what the National Guard is all about, working hand in hand with local authorities to protect our home front.
“This is an event we conduct every year,” said 1st Lt. Jacob Lee, Company Commander with the 223rd MP Company, “Working with local officials is a great experience for our Guardsmen. It gives them the opportunity to work with someone who patrols these streets and protects them every day.”
Spc. Samantha Haynes, Information Technology Specialist with the 138th Signal Company prepares to fire a 105mm Howitzer during Thunder Over Louisville, April 12. Haynes has grown up watching the fireworks and was honored to be able to fire the cannon. (US Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
Whether it’s your first Thunder Over Louisville or your 15th, this event is something you will remember for years to come. Spc. Samantha Haynes, Information Technology Specialist with the 138th Signal Company, has grown up watching the air and fireworks show since she was young and was honored to have the opportunity to shoot the 105mm Howitzer cannon.
“When I was younger, I would always love hearing the cannons,” said Haynes, “It feels great to be able to pull the cord and make other people feel the same excitement I did when I was their age.”
As another Thunder came to an end, the effort put forth by the Kentucky National Guard and the Louisville Metro Police Department to serve and protect the Commonwealth of Kentucky shined almost as bright as the fireworks.
“Without the Kentucky National Guard, we wouldn’t be able to do this,” said Sgt. William Patterson, LMPD officer, second in command over traffic. “The guard has been with us for so long that without them we wouldn’t keep having successful events such as today.”
