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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Pfc. Courtney Gapac, 138th Field Artillery Brigade
Pvt. Eli Reiners, a recruit from Mt. Washington, Ky., participates in corrective action with the entire company at the Kentucky Guard’s Recruit Sustainment Program’s (RSP) monthly drill in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 25, 2015. Kentucky’s RSP provides new recruits the preparation for basic training and advanced individual training prior to being assigned to a unit. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Courtney L. Gapac, 138th Field Artillery Brigade)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard’s Recruit Sustainment Program in Louisville, relocated in August to better accommodate the training needs of new recruits who attend monthly drills here. The RSP recruits were welcomed into the new Bowman Readiness Center which was just opened Oct. 14.
The primary concern of RSP is to reduce training pipeline losses by preparing newly enlisted Soldiers for basic combat training and advanced individual training, said Staff Sgt. Robert H. Foushee, the readiness noncommissioned officer for Detachment 3, Alpha Company, Kentucky Recruiting and Retention Battalion.
State wide, RSP has decreased from eight sites to six, Foushee said. The program has had to evolve due to a tight budget and the constant influx of new recruits.
“We have to figure out how to do more with less,” Foushee said. We’re having to get more creative, and reach back into our toolbox to figure out ways to meet our goals.”
Sgt. Jonathan Brumley, a recruiting and retention non-commisioned officer for the Kentucky Recruiting and Retention Battalion, leads a classroom activity on first aid at the Kentucky Guard’s Recruit Sustainment Program’s monthly drill Oct. 25, 2015. Pvt. Mason Smith, a recruit from Shepherdsville, Ky., and Pvt. Gene Lanham, from Lebanon, Ky., take turns practicing how to properly apply a field dressing. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Courtney L. Gapac, 138th Field Artillery Brigade)
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With more classrooms, more adequate storage space, a fitness room, and a classroom with full computer access for Soldiers to complete online training modules, the new facility will only further improve the successes of the RSP here.
It is also beneficial that the new facility is located in the same building as headquarter elements, said Foushee.
“The nature of the Guard, which forces Soldiers to take a break from civilian life, makes them more susceptible to forces that cause failure,” Foushee said. “RSP is setting Soldiers up for success by preparing them for training, keeping them motivated, relieving fear of the unknown, and keep the flow going by giving them someplace to come back to.”
The curriculum for new enlistees preparing to ship to BCT is designed for three months and is organized into a three-phase system. Once the recruits are in-processed, they are integrated into military culture and given instructions on the Army values, the chain of command and proper wear of the uniform.
Later phases focus on the training community, military history and background and physical readiness.
RSP has a continued curriculum for troops who enlisted in the Split Training Option program and are awaiting advanced individual training (AIT). During this phase, they may serve as student leaders while they receive additional physical readiness and leadership responsibilities.
Once Soldiers have completed AIT, they attend three months of drill at RSP to ensure that they are fit to report to their home units.
Staff Sgt. Rachel Richmond, a recruiting and retention non-commissioned officer-in-charge for the Kentucky Recruiting and Retention Battalion, leads a classroom discussion with new enlistees in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 25, 2015. New recruits in the Louisville area now drill in the Kentucky Guard’s newly renovated Bowman Readiness Center. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Courtney L. Gapac, 138th Field Artillery Brigade)
“The method of teaching has changed,” said Pfc. Christian Cowgill, a recent AIT graduate who spent more than a year with RSP. “It used to be very rigid, but has evolved into a classroom type of environment-almost like AIT - where there is still a physical aspect of training, but the actual education side of it has become more in-depth.”
“It’s a very productive program,” said Bobby Prather Sr., retired master sergeant and recruit sustainment program specialist for Det. 3. “Our ship rate is up, our completion rate is up, and we have very few administrative issues when the Soldiers get to their training sites.”
Many of the recruits who attend RSP value the experience, and are eager about the future of the program.
“It’s a place where you feel safe to develop and learn,” said Pfc. Jalen Manor North, another recent AIT graduate. “It gave me the chance to interact with NCOs and to try my hand out as a leader.”
The Soldiers that have come through RSP have felt fully prepared to face the challenges to come.
“When it comes to the military, you constantly have to adapt and be combat effective,” said Cowgill. “To build the house, you must have a solid foundation. This program helps make sure we are prepared for anything, so if a deployment happened, we won’t be a fish out of water.”
Happy Thanksgiving from around the world
Happy Thanksgiving from Kentucky’s 1163rd Area Support Medical Company currently deployed to Afghanistan. (Photo courtesy of the 1163rd ASMC)
From our family to yours, the Kentucky National Guard wishes everyone a joyous and safe Thanksgiving. We count our blessings everyday and are incredibly thankful for the men and women of our organization and their families.
This year, we are especially thankful for our Soldiers and Airmen that are unable to be home for the holidays, like the 1163rd Area Support Medical Company in Afghanistan, the 441st Survey and Design Team on their way to the Middle East, and Bravo Company, 351st Aviation Support Battalion currently preparing to return home. Keep up the great work Soldiers and Godspeed!
Around your dinner tables this holiday, we ask that you keep these brave Guardsmen in your thoughts and prayers.
By Sgt. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Members of the Kentucky National Guard command staff present Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini a framed collection of memorabilia from Kentucky units during a retirement ceremony in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 21, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini doesn’t officially retire until Dec. 7, 2015. Representatives of the Kentucky Army and Air National Guard, distinguished guests, along with friends and family members gathered to honor Tonini’s legacy during a retirement ceremony in Louisville, Nov. 21.
After nearly 47 years of service, Tonini leaves behind an unprecedented legacy, not only to the service members he’s led and citizens of the commonwealth of Kentucky, but also to those he’s served alongside.
Lt. Gen. Joseph Lengyel, Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau presents a flag to Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini as a token of appreciation from NGB during a retirement ceremony for Tonini in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 21, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
“On behalf of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and the other adjutants general not in attendance, we owe you a great deal of gratitude, we thank you for your distinguished service, both in the state and National level,” said Lt. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
“On behalf of us all, thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do.”
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It was an emotional event for Tonini as countless amounts of awards, gifts, and tokens of gratitude were bestowed. As he stood at the podium in the ballroom, he couldn’t help but to pause before addressing the crowd.
“I am so spectacularly proud of what my units, both Army and Air have been able to accomplish. When you talk about Kentucky, I guarantee you they are at the top of any list. I want to look around this room and look upon every single one of your faces and say…” With tears in his eyes he said, “Thank you all.”
After first retiring in 2003 following a stint as the director of the National Guard’s “Your Defenders of Freedom” program at the Pentagon, Tonini was chosen as the 51st adjutant general of the Kentucky Guard.
Just a year later Tonini provided the decisiveness and effectiveness the commonwealth needed to respond to a catastrophic ice storm in 2009. The storm was the largest call-up of Kentucky Guardsmen in state history and it set the tone for the operational tempo of Kentucky’s Soldiers and Airmen.
Thousands of Kentuckians would deploy overseas and remain fully committed to the needs of the commonwealth. Under Tonini’s watch, a new emergency operations center was built, business was expanded at Bluegrass Station and numerous facilities’ construction projects were completed, all benefiting the Guard and the state.
Tonini took on the responsibility of multiple national-level positions during his tenure including president of the Adjutant General Association of the United States where he testified before government officials as a staunch advocate and defender of the National Guard.
Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini speaks during his retirement ceremony in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 21, 2015. Tonini concluded his 47-year career by stating that he will always be a Guardsman. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
While it’s hard to summarize a such a long military career, the Kentucky Guard ensured Tonini received the gratitude of a state for eight years of dedication.
“Forty seven years is a long time and I can tell you this is incredibly difficult for me,” said Tonini. “I can promise you I will stay engaged in the best interest of the Kentucky National Guard, because I will always be a Guardsman.”
By Olivia Burton, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
November is Military Family Month. This November also included military appreciation days at such venues as Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Ky., where the University of Louisville hosted military families for their football game Nov. 7, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Kentucky National Guard Family Programs)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Each year the President signs a proclamation declaring November Military Family Month. This month, the Kentucky National Guard aimed to honor and celebrate the commitment and sacrifices made by the families of Kentucky Guardsmen.
With the support of local communities joining forces across the commonwealth, Kentucky truly leads the way in providing care for their military families.
Families of the 1163rd Area Medical Support Company, currently deployed to the Middle East, gathered in Louisville Nov. 7, to hear about services offered in their area.
Community leaders, veterans’ organizations, the local armory and the University of Louisville teamed up to recognize family members and even provided free admission to the Louisville Cardinals football game. As spouses and parents of deployed Service members received information on services offered, their children spent the day together decorating cookies and making new friends.
“I believe these events are beneficial not just for learning about the programs available to the military family, but also it helps to interact with others going through the same situations,” said military spouse, Kim Beard. “Our kids can play and maybe feel comforted by knowing they all have a daddy that is working far away.”
Many services presented their benefits and programs, including Active Heroes, Athena Sisters, Military One Source, American Red Cross, and the Enlisted Association National Guard of Kentucky.
“This event gives my family the opportunity to obtain unknown information then spend the evening together at the football game. It is a must for us to stay busy with fun things to keep the kids’ minds busy and full of things to talk about with their daddy when he calls,” Beard said.
Like Beard, many families share the same hardship and cling to their communities and each other for support, especially during the deployment cycle. It is our responsibility to ensure our families are always taken care of across Kentucky.
Please join the Kentucky National Guard this month as we honor their daily sacrifices. Contact your local Family Assistance Center if you know of a family in need or are a family member seeking information on ways your community supports you.
For a special way to give back this holiday season, please check out Operation Military Cheer at this link: http://kentuckyguard.com/family-programs/child-youth-services/
Warrior Ethos runs deep in Best Warrior
By Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson, 133rd mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Kentucky Guardsmen begin the ruck march portion of the 2016 Soldier of the Year Competition at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 7, 2015. Soldiers tested their skills in a variety of Army tasks in the three-day competition. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — In a competition there is one thing that is certain: only one winner will prevail.
The Kentucky National Guard’s 2016 Best Warrior competition is no different. Only one Soldier, NCO and Senior NCO is named with the top honor at the conclusion of the strenuous three-day competition. A gauntlet that puts the NBC-hit American Ninja Warrior TV competition to shame.
But as the leaders who competed and supported the competition learned, one person may come out on top, the Kentucky National Guard is one team.
“I learned that no matter what unit you’re from, at the end of the day we are all Soldiers,” said Sgt. Amanda Marlow, human resources specialist, Joint Force Headquarters NCO of the year.
Sgt. Amanda Marlow reassembles a M249 machine gun as part of the Soldier of the Year competition at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 6, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“Throughout this competition we’ve had competitors continuously cheer for everyone,” she said. “Whether it was cheering on at the end of the run, or coming back to the finish and cheering for those finishing the ruck march. For me that was a neat thing to be a part of.”
It wasn’t just competitors who kept each other going. Marlow said State Command Sgt. Maj. David Munden was instrumental in keeping her and other Soldiers focused on finishing and not giving up.
“Sgt Maj. Munden finished up my last leg of running the IMTG course with me,” she said. “That was pretty awesome to see the state command sergeant major come out and run with his Soldiers. He did that throughout the competition with various events, but that’s something I’ll remember.”
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It is the Warrior Ethos, engrained in each of the 2016 competitors, that makes the Best Warrior challenge different than other competition. Never leaving a Soldier behind may be associated with battle scenarios, but it holds true even in competition. It is knowing that you’re only as strong as your weakest link, and digging deep to help make the weak stronger.
For Sgt. Christopher Jones, infantryman, Delta Company, 1st Battalion 149th Infantry NCO of the Year and the 2016 Kentucky NCO of the year, this year’s ruck march was a poignant reminder of the Ethos.
“I’ve never had that much competition before,” he said.
Spc. Michael Miller with the 149th Brigade Support Battalion, drags a dummy to safety as part of the stress-fire obstacle course developed for the 2016 Best Warrior competition Nov. 6 at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. There were six strenuous tasks, including hitting targets with assigned weapons, that participants had to complete. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson/133 MPAD/KYARNG)
“For the whole five miles, it was three of us, just constant. He was ahead of me, I was ahead of him, it was the worst. But we couldn’t quit. It pushed us harder.
“It was my most memorable moment,” he said. “This weekend, especially on the ruck march, I had a lot of guys supporting me from my unit. They rucked with me on the way and switched out every mile. They stayed with me.”
Spc. Jacob Heath, a medic assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry and the 2016 Kentucky Soldier of the Year, said this experience was fun and value-driven.
“Even though we were in competition, I respect the hell out of these guys,” he said.
For 1st Sgt. Josh Baker, first sergeant of 299th Chemical Company, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, as a senior leader and Kentucky’s NCO of the year for 2016, he said hopes that this experience makes the competitors stronger leaders and in turn, that trickles through the ranks.
“I think that sometimes we get caught up in our day-to-day with the Guard and we forget what a privilege it is to serve with other Soldiers,” Baker said. “This weekend, the caliber of Soldiers who have been here has reminded me, again, what a privilege it is to stand in front of them.
Baker said he hopes to take his experience from this competition and create unit-level competitions that will not only prepare his Soldiers for future Best Warrior events, but also build the esprit de corps among his ranks.
“Pride in service is one of the most important aspects that can get lost on that M-Day Soldier on a drill weekend, so I really want to remind them of the caliber of Soldiers who are in the Kentucky National Guard,” he said. “And show them where they can go if they put their minds to it.”
The 2016 Kentucky National Guard’s Best Warrior competition was held Nov. 5-7 at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Kentucky. Fifteen Guardsmen competed for Kentucky’s top enlisted honor.
By Walt Leaumont, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Sgt. Josh Kemp with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Recruiting and Retention Command was honored by the National Guard Bureau for his graphic design work in support of the Department of Defense’s Safe Helpline number. Kemp was presented the 2015 Sexual Assault Prevention Innovation Award for his contribution. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Sgt. Joshua Kemp with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Recruiting and Retention Command received the 2015 Sexual Assault Prevention Innovation Award Oct. 23.
The award recognizes Service members and Department of Defense (DoD) civilians whose work in support of the military community has been particularly noteworthy. DoD created the award to spark creativity and incentivize efforts to address not only sexual assault prevention, but also ideas that enhance overall command climate. Kemp was recognized for proactively participated in peer-to-peer mentorship on topics of healthy relationships, responsible drinking, and bystander intervention in social settings.
Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general presented the award during a presentation that was held in conjunction with a video teleconference with Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau.
“This was a collaborative effort with the Sexual Assault Response Center, this award is for all who helped with this project,” said Kemp. “And I have to thank my command staff for creating a climate that allows for developing and implementing creative solutions.”
Sgt. Josh Kemp with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Recruiting and Retention is presented the 2015 Sexual Assault Prevention Innovation Award by Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 23, 2015. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Scott Thomas)
One of the creative solutions Kemp developed was a mobile marketing campaign centered on wrapping General Services Administration (GSA) vehicles with the DoD Safe Helpline logo and contact information. The campaign is also an example to the Soldiers and Airmen of the Kentucky Guard that the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program has the support of senior leadership and sexual misconduct will have severe consequences.
“We have a zero tolerance in Kentucky for such actions, and we’re not afraid to spread the word of our program,” said Maj. John Harvey, the state’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Officer.
“Without Sergeant Kemp’s enthusiasm and ingenuity, the car wrap idea never would have culminated into a finished product, for so many people to see as this car drives by.”
According to Harvey Kemp has played an integral role in raising awareness of sexual assault since arriving at Joint Force Headquarters in 2009. Not to be deterred by rank restrictions inhibiting his ability to serve as a Victim Advocate, Kemp has found creative ways to make an impact in other areas by leveraging his passion, talent, and dedication for sexual assault prevention.
He constantly mentors his peers on attitudes, behaviors, and personal responsibility when in social settings and informs fellow Service members of sexual assault prevention and response information and resources. He leads hip-pocket training on responsible drinking and bystander intervention methods so Soldiers can be better prepared in the event a sexual assault occurs. Kemp also indirectly supports families of Kentucky Guard Soldiers by providing context to his wife, Rebecca, a Family Readiness Support Assistant, on the regulations and policies pertaining to dependent members of the military affected by sexual assault.
“Regardless of the message, the Kentucky Guard is a family and we must make sure everyone knows what we stand for and how we can help when the time comes,” he said.
“This is about getting the word out and this is just one more way we can do just that.”
Louisville honors Veterans with downtown parade
By Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Earning the title “Best Warrior”
By Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
The Kentucky National Guard winners of the Best Warrior Competition were named during a ceremony Nov. 8, at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Kentucky. Winners are: Spc. Jacob Heath, Soldier of the Year; Sgt. Christopher Jones, NCO of the Year; and 1st Sgt. Josh Baker, Senior NCO of the Year. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard has named the 2016 Soldier, Noncommissioned Officer and Senior NCO of the year for the Commonwealth:
Soldier of the Year: Spc. Jacob Heath, a medic assigned to Detachment 2, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry
NCO of the Year: Sgt. Christopher Jones, an infantryman assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry
Senior NCO of the Year: 1st Sgt. Josh Baker, first sergeant with the 299th Chemical Company
The three Guardsmen received ribbons and trophies in a brief awards ceremony Nov. 8, at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Kentucky, following the competition.
“So many times we get caught up in the day-to-day, conducting the Guard business, all the mandatory training, that it is easy to lose sight, sometimes, of what a privilege it is to stand shoulder to shoulder with these guys,” said Baker. “The caliber of Soldiers who were here, I’m just speechless of the caliber of competition.”
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Warriors were tested on their military knowledge and military history; completed an Army Physical Fitness Test; conducted weapons qualification on the M4 rifle and 9 mm pistol; were physically and mentally strained on a stress-shoot obstacle course; ran land navigation and 5-mile ruck march and completed numerous Warrior Task skills before appearing before boards.
“I’ve had a 17-year career in the Guard, I’ve seen a lot of what right looks like,” Baker said. “Now I want to do that for my Soldiers. I want to impart everything I’ve learned here on my Soldiers.”
Kentucky National Guard 1st Sgt. Josh Baker, 299th Chemical Company first sergeant, strains to flip a tire as part of the stress-fire obstacle course developed for the 2016 Best Warrior competition Nov. 6. Baker was one of four senior noncommissioned officers who competed for the title of Kentucky Guard’s Senior NCO of the Year at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson)
Kentucky’s six brigades sent their best and brightest representatives for the annual Best Warrior competition held Nov. 5-7. The three-day competition pushed each of the 15 competitors to their mental and physical limits. The competition is designed to prepare the three winners to represent the Commonwealth at the regional and national level competitions.
For Jones, he’s well aware of how difficult the regionals can be. In 2015, he represented Kentucky as the Soldier of the Year at regionals. After learning from his experience there and competing as a NCO for 2016, Jones said he has one goal.
“Hopefully to win it all this year and take the national,” he said.
Jones said one of his downfalls in 2015 was tackling the state and regional competition as if it was meant for infantrymen, and not encompassing the whole Soldier concept.
“This isn’t infantry of the year, this is Soldier of the Year,” he said.
That same sentiment is what Heath said kept him going through the competition.
“I serve in a platoon of medics; it goes to show that there’s no limits, nothing there to stop you,” said Heath.
Heath said that his preconceived idea that the Best Warrior competition was only for an infantryman is something he wants to ensure other Soldiers don’t think.
“I’ve got motivation to make my peers better Soldiers and better competitors,” he said.
Kentucky State Command Sgt. Maj. David Munden said he was not only proud of the winners, but also of the spirit and resiliency the other competitors exuded.
“These (15) are the best and the brightest of what the Kentucky National Guard has to offer,” he said.
He also thanked the competitors for staying motivated and pushing each other through the stress.
Spc. Jacob Heath, a medic with the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry crawls through an obstacle course during the 2016 Soldier of the Year Competition at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 7, 2015. Heath was named Soldier of the Year following the competition and will represent Kentucky in the regional best warrior competition in the spring. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“When you came in on Thursday night, I asked you one thing,” he said. “While you’re driving home, can you look within yourself and say I left it all out there. I did everything I could do, to do as well as I can. And I hope that you did.
“I hope you go home with a satisfied mind and a satisfied soul,” he said.
Kentucky’s Soldier and NCO of the Year will continue to train with senior leadership to compete in the regional competition in Spring 2016. This years runners up included:
Soldier of the Year Runner Up: Spc. Michael Miller, a paralegal assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 149th Brigade Support Battalion
NCO of the Year Runner Up: Sgt. Justin Gottke, an engineer assigned to the Western Kentucky Training Center
Senior NCO of the Year Runner Up: Sgt. 1st Class Lance Warmath, automated logistics specialist, Joint Force Headquarters
By Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Pubic Affairs
The director of the Air National Guard, Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke (third from left) presents Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini (fourth from left), adjutant general of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, with the 2105 Airlift/Tanker Association’s Major General Stanley F.H. Newman Outstanding Unit Award during the annual A/TA Convention in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 30, 2015. The award was bestowed this year on the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing, based in Louisville, for exceptional performance from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. Also pictured (left to eight) are Gen. Arthur Lichte (retired), chairman of the A/TA; Gen. Carlton Everhart II, commander of Air Mobility Command; Brig. Gen. Warren Hurst, Kentucky’s assistant adjutant general for Air; Col. Barry Gorter, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing; Col. Robert Hamm, commander of the 123rd Operations Group; Chief Master Sgt. Ray Dawson, command chief of the 123rd Airlift Wing; Gen. Mark Welsh III, chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force; Chief Master Sgt. Victoria Gamble, command chief of Air Mobility Command; and Lt. Gen. Christopher Kelly (retired), former vice commander of Air Mobility Command. (U.S. Air Force photo).
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing has been named the top airlift or tanker unit in the Air National Guard by the Airlift/Tanker Association, a group of aviation professionals dedicated to the support of military airlift.
Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke III, director of the Air National Guard, presented the 2015 Major General Stanley F.H. Newman Award to Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, during the A/TA’s annual convention in Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 30.
“Once again, the Airmen of the Kentucky Air National Guard have demonstrated that the 123rd Airlift Wing is truly a world-class organization,” Tonini said. “From providing combat airlift in support of wartime taskings in Southwest Asia to helping stop the spread of Ebola in West Africa, the 123rd always answers the call to duty with unsurpassed excellence.”
The 123rd Airlift Wing won the award for exceptional service from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. During that time, the unit mobilized more than 250 Airmen for wartime and humanitarian deployments to the U.S. Central Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility, supporting Operations Enduring Freedom, Freedom’s Sentinel and United Assistance.
In Southwest Asia, the wing’s 123rd Operations Group flew 403 combat and 625 combat-support sorties, airlifting 4,000 troops, more than 3,500 tons cargo and hundreds of wounded service members.
In Africa, the wing’s 123rd Contingency Response Group established an airlift hub to process and forward troops, cargo and medical supplies into Liberia as part of Operation United Assistance, the multi-agency effort to stop the largest Ebola outbreak in history.
Additionally, Airmen from the wing’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron were deployed overseas for more than 2,000 days, supporting 270 combat missions and 50 Combat Search and Rescue sorties in U.S. Central Command.
The wing also deployed aircraft and crews to the Netherlands, Norway and Germany, interoperating with multiple NATO partners; and supported information exchange programs with Burkina Faso, Chile, Columbia, Djibouti, Jordan and Thailand.
The 123rd Airlift Wing, based in Louisville, Ky., is one of the most decorated units in Air Force history with 16 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. Last year, the wing won its sixth Distinguished Flying Unit Plaque and its fourth Curtis N. “Rusty” Metcalf Trophy from the National Guard Bureau as the top airlift wing in the Air National Guard.
The wing’s primary mission is tactical military airlift. It is equipped with eight C-130 Hercules aircraft and has been heavily engaged in airlift missions in dozens of countries around the world for more than 25 years, including multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
The wing is unique in that also supports two other major operational missions. It is home to the only contingency response group in the Air National Guard, and the ANG’s only special tactics unit with both combat controllers and pararesecuemen.
The wing also provides explosive ordnance disposal, fatality search and recovery, two Critical Care Air Transport Teams, a CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package, civil engineering, and security and support forces to combatant commanders in support of national security objectives, and to civilian leaders during homeland crises.
Kentucky Guard supports sixth annual Survivors Day at Races
By Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James (second from right) presents the winning trophy for a race held in honor of fallen U.S. Service members to the winning owner and jockey in the winner’s circle of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 1, 2015. The race was a highlight of the Survivors Day at the Races, and event organized by Survivors Outreach Services. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Kentucky Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini and senior military officials joined the families of fallen Service members at Churchill Downs for the sixth annual Survivors Day at the Races Nov. 1 in Louisville.
The day was designed to recognize the surviving family members of military service members who have given their lives in defense of our nation since September 11, 2001. More than 850 family members and guests from Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia attended the event.
“Days like today help all of us move forward,” said James. “I have been inspired today as I’ve met family members today and what you’re doing in the aftermath, you are all moving forward, you’re doing it together. Together with your friends, family and in some cases, with people you’ve never met.”
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Organized by Survivors Outreach Services, the event is one of the largest of its kind in the country recognizing families of each Service branch. Those attendance were treated to a buffet lunch in the historic track’s Millionaires’ Row, live music, activities for children and the best view of the races on the track below.
Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James speaks with family members at Survivors Day at the Races at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 1, 2015. The event brought more than 850 surviving family members and friends together as part of the Survivors Outreach Services program. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Highlighting the day was a race named in honor of the Survivors of Fallen Military Heroes. Family members joined the winning jockey and horse in the winner’s circle to present the race trophy.
Lt. Gen. Joseph Lengyel, Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau paid his second consecutive visit to the event and was thrilled with its growth.
“It’s great to be back here, see a bigger program and see these families getting so much out it,” said Lengyel. “The most important thing we do is make our units strong, make our families strong and our communities strong and our commitment to these survivors is something we hold dear and will never give up on.”
Humana Government Business Services also helped sponsor the event and joined forces with U.S. Bank and Military Warriors Support Foundation to give away a mortgage-free home to a wounded Soldier.
Orie Mullen, president of Humana Government Business and Dave Lieske with Military Warriors presented Jason McAlister and his wife Lendie with a key to their brand new home in LaGrange, Kentucky.
McAlister served eight years and two deployments with the 10th Mountain Division and was wounded in an IED attack in Afghanistan in 2004. He and Lendie both agreed this has and will change their lives and the future of their family.
Family members of fallen U.S. Service members watch a race named in their honor at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 1, 2015. The race was a highlight of the Survivors Day at the Races, which brought surviving family members from eight states to the historic racetrack. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
“This just leaves me speechless,” she said. “The outpouring of support is simply overwhelming. We are so blessed and fortunate that he’s still here, that he survived all that he went through.”
“And to be here with all these families and their heartache, it’s just an amazing honor. It’s taken our breath away.”
Military Warriors is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that supports wounded Service members and surviving family members. Lieske said they plan to return to next year’s event and give another home away.
Mullen echoed that sentiment by indicating that Humana would like to return as a sponsor next year as well.
“Humana is so humbled to be a part of such an honorable and emotional event,” said Mullen. “A day like this deserves our utmost support, which is why we aim to be here in 2016.”
More than 600 Kentucky military service members have given their lives in the defense of the nation since 9/11. Eighteen Kentucky Guard Soldiers have died in a theater of war in that time, fourteen in Iraq, four in Afghanistan.
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