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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Staff Report
Governor Matt Bevin congratulates Brig. Gen. Stephen R. Hogan following Hogan’s swearing in at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 8, 2015. Bevin selected Hogan as the 52nd adjutant general, commanding the Kentucky National Guard. (Photo by Marvin Young)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Retired Brig. Gen. Stephen Hogan, who served more than 30 years in the Kentucky National Guard and active duty Army is the state’s next adjutant general, Governor-elect Matt Bevin announced Dec. 7.
Hogan was sworn into office shortly after midnight, Dec. 8, succeeding Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini who has served in the role since 2007.
Hogan said he will be taking charge of a National Guard organization that is among the best in the nation. Hogan was officially introduced to members of the Kentucky Guard during a welcome ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center following the inauguration.
“This is a wonderful feeling to be before you today,” said Hogan to those in attendance. “I am very honored and humbled to be back in uniform for an organization that I have a great deal of confidence in.”
Brig. Gen. Stephen R. Hogan, Kentucky’s adjutant general walks in the Inaugural parade in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 8, 2015. Hogan was selected by newly-elected Governor Matt Bevin to lead the Kentucky National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
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As Kentucky’s 52nd adjutant general, Hogan will command the nearly 8,000 military members of the Kentucky Army and Air National Guard. He will also oversee the statewide Department of Military Affairs, Kentucky Emergency Management, the Appalachian and Bluegrass Challenge Academies and Bluegrass Station in Avon, Kentucky.
The cabinet-level post administers an annual budget of approximately $170 million to support operations at 56 armories, three major training sites and the Air National Guard base at Louisville International Airport.
Hogan brings a wealth of experience to the job, formerly serving as assistant adjutant general for the Kentucky Army National Guard. In that role, he was responsible for balancing the requirements of readiness, modernization, force structure and sustainment of the National Guard for mobilization and domestic missions. He oversaw specified units that provided wide ranging support to the National Guard’s federal and state mission sets, as well as those units that provided specialized support to civil authorities.
Hogan was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Morehead State University in 1985. He earned a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2008. In 2010 and 2013 he completed the U.S. Northern Command Joint Task Force Command Course and U.S. Northern Command Joint Dual Status Commander’s Course.
Hogan’s significant active duty assignments included tours with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky; 6th Infantry Division Light, Fort Richardson, Alaska; The Army Operations Center at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., and Multi-National Corps Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq. When not serving on federal active duty, Hogan served in the Kentucky Army National Guard as an active duty Guardsman with the State’s Counter-Drug Unit, from June 1993 to February 2011.
Command Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops congratulates Brig. Gen. Stephen R. Hogan on becoming Kentucky’s newest adjutant general during an introduction ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 8, 2015. Hogan was officially introduced to members of the Kentucky Guard following the gubernatorial inauguration. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Hogan rode in the Inaugural parade through downtown Frankfort to the Capitol to attend Bevin’s public swearing in. Bevin praised Hogan’s service and expressed his trust in Hogan’s future as the leader of the Kentucky Guard.
“It is my pleasure to name Brigadier General Stephen R. Hogan as adjutant general for the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Bevin. “We owe our freedom and safety to the men and women of our military. General Hogan has served our country and our commonwealth with honor and distinction and understands first hand, the critical importance of the Citizen-Soldier. I have absolute confidence that he will be an excellent Commanding General.”
By Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs, with contributions by Kentucky State Police Public Affairs
The Kentucky State Police Academy presented diplomas to 45 new troopers at ceremonies held in Frankfort on Oct. 29. Among the new Troopers were three Kentucky Guardsmen. (Photo courtesy of Kentucky State Police)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky State Police Academy presented diplomas to 45 new troopers at ceremonies held in Frankfort, Oct.29. Their addition to the force brings the agency’s strength to a total of 880 troopers serving the citizens of the Commonwealth.
Of those 45 new troopers three are all too familiar with wearing a common uniform and standing for something bigger than themselves. They are also Kentucky National Guardsmen.
Staff Sgt. Jordan Carter with the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery graduated from the Kentucky State Police Academy Oct. 29, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Kentucky State Police)
Staff Sgt. Jordan Carter with the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery, 1st Lt. Jacobe Farmer with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry and Sgt. Michael Jacobs from the 2123rd Transportation Company each accepted a new role and responsibility to the commonwealth.
“The National Guard had taught me numerous skills and values that helped me as a soldier,” said Jacobs. “However, I wanted a new challenge with similar interests that would help me adapt to a civilian career that I would enjoy.”
“I always wanted to be a Trooper. I figured that joining the Guard would help me obtain that goal,” said Carter. “Plus I like helping people so it provided a great opportunity.”
The new troopers are part of the agency’s 93rd cadet class. They reported for duty on May 24, 2015 in a class that consisted of 70 cadets.
The training included more than 1,000 hours of classroom and field study in subjects such as constitutional law, juvenile and traffic law, use of force, weapons training, defensive tactics, first aid, high speed vehicle pursuit, criminal investigation, computer literacy, hostage negotiations, evidence collection, radio procedures, search and seizure, crash investigation, drug identification, traffic control, crowd control, armed robbery response, land navigation, electronic crimes, sex crimes, hate crimes, domestic violence, bomb threats and hazardous materials.
1st Lt. Jacobe Farmer with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry graduated from the Kentucky State Police Academy Oct. 29, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Kentucky State Police)
Each Guardsman expressed a true desire to help others, the same thought that inspired them to join the military.
All three also are grateful for the training they have received in the Guard, which helped them through the Kentucky State Police Academy.
“Joining the guard prepared me in numerous ways and instilled in me the seven Army values which should be something that everyone lives by,” said Carter. “Being a Trooper involves so much and the seven Army values aren’t just “valued” by the Army. They are incorporated in the daily life of a Trooper as well.”
“Multi-tasking and attention to detail go hand and hand with what I have picked up from being in the Guard and my military training towards my career field in law enforcement,” said Farmer. “As a Trooper I will deal with a variety of events and at times they will be one after another and/or all together and for me to be able to handle many tasks at once while not leaving out important details is essential in my field.”
Lt. Col. L. Allen Joiner, commander of the 1/623rd said the unit is proud of Carter and their decisions of selfless service in multiple uniforms, a benefit he has seen first hand.
“Serving both on the State Police force and in the Kentucky National Guard, these individuals are able to acquire knowledge and experience that saves lives during Kentucky natural disasters and emergencies when these organizations are working side by side,” said Joiner. “An example is during the 2009 ice storm, one of our Soldiers, who was also a State Police officer was able to use his civilian position resources to provide current road conditions to our military units across Western Kentucky.”
Sgt. Michael Jacobs from the 2123rd Transportation Company graduated from the Kentucky State Police Academy Oct. 29, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Kentucky State Police)
Carter will be assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green and Jacobs Post 16 in Henderson. Farmer joins Post 4 in Elizabethtown alongside Indiana National Guardsman Brad Holloman.
“Joining the KSP is not for the weak-hearted or weak-minded and it takes a special person to be a Kentucky State Trooper,” said Farmer “The training academy to many people would be the most physically enduring thing they have done, but in the end you are a part of the KSP family and the honor, respect, and tradition that it has and upholds.”
“Being a Trooper will benefit my military career in regards to maintaining discipline, staying vigilant, and performing at a higher standard,” said Jacobs. “I look forward to learning in both roles as a Soldier and Trooper to be the best I can be for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
By Rachael Tolliver, The Gold Standard
Janna Jesson, an AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps member, reads over a writing assignment from Tori Burton of Somerset, Kentucky at the Bluegrass Challenge Academy in Fort Knox, Ky. With her background in English and communication, Jesson helps tutor students in writing and grammar. (Photo by Rachael Tolliver)
FORT KNOX, Ky. — Once in a while we all find ourselves adrift, in need of a helping hand, a leg up and a push onward.
For at-risk teens who live in Kentucky that help comes in the form of a second chance with the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy. But before you get the impression that “academy” means fancy, privileged boarding school, think again.
The teens admitted to this school are here as an alternative to dropping out of school and the academy is set up with a quasi-military format. Most of the kids who attend the academy need structure and discipline, a value system and an understanding adult.
They also receive tutoring in educational studies, working in groups, sharing, and learning leadership-all skills they don’t usually have when they enter the academy.
And the BGCA is run by an organization who knows structure, discipline, values and hard work-the Kentucky National Guard. But this year, for the first time, the KYNG joined forces with AmeriCorps-a partnership that has shown untold advantages.
Thomas Ventura, who was a “challenge kid”, discuss an assignment about which two cadets have asked questions at the Bluegrass Challenge Academy at Fort Knox, Ky. (Photo by Rachael Tolliver)
“This is a great partnership and a uniquely wonderful opportunity for our cadets to be mentored by AmeriCorps volunteers,” said Kentucky National Guard Maj. Jake McKinney, the program’s director. “The young adults with AmeriCorps are from all over the country. As such, they can bring different experiences and regional culture to the table which helps expose the cadets, who are all from Kentucky, to different ways of doing things, people and backgrounds. Also, our cadets are more comfortable talking to them as mentors because the age gap isn’t very large between the two groups.”
McKinney explained that because the AmeriCorps staff is considered cadre, but is not part of the discipline process and since most of them are in their late teens and early 20s, the cadets at BGCA find it comfortable to discuss things with them. This has led to, what he said he feels, is a great learning tool.
“We’ve seen a great deal of success because AmeriCorps is fully integrated with the cadets-for example, they are doing life skills training, tutoring the cadets in academics and daily PT,” he noted.
“They do everything from helping with classwork to tutoring remedial reading and math. This integration helps with the bond AmeriCorps staff needs to develop trust as mentors.”
Janna Jesson, an AmeriCorps-National Civilian Community Corps member, was one of the volunteers to work at the BGCA this fall. And she had a unique perspective from which to draw.
“I was in foster care at several points in my childhood,” she explained. “I had an abusive father and struggled with homelessness as well. Because of my personal history, I feel like I can relate to the kids and understand their apprehensions with authority.”
Jesson, who is starting graduate school for English and communication, added that from her personal experiences she understands how important it is for the kids to know that there are boundaries, limits, and rules in life that are often enforced for their own safety.
Ashley McCane, a nurse who is participating in the AmeriCorps Program, answers questions from cadet 1st Sgt. Lily Bowman of Elizabethtown, and Vianey Valle of Lexington at the Bluegrass Challenge Academy at Fort Knox, Ky. McCane said she joined AmeriCorps because she was interested in the Peace Corps and thought she would try projects in the U.S. first. (Photo by Rachael Tolliver)
She added that it’s important to have discipline, receive encouragement and the kids can get it here when there is an absence of it in the home. And this knowledge was helpful in her mentoring of the cadets.
“One girl asked me why they all have to wear the same clothes and walk the same way and do the same things the same way.” Jesson recounted. “I told her it’s about how they (cadets) act and behave, and it’s about character. That’s what will set them aside and ‘all the same’ makes them equal. And society wants people of character-it’s not about what you wear or what you own.”
All the AmeriCorps NCCC volunteers bring something different and unique to the table-and each is a skill that helps the BGCA and the cadets it serves. For example, Ashley McCane is a nurse who used the program as a refresher for basic nursing skills. Because of her job, and her love of teaching and education people on health issues, she was the perfect person to pull together a presentation for the BGCA nurse on sexually transmitted disease prevention and education for a presentation to the cadets. She was also hoping to teach a substance abuse class before she leaves.
And for Seatra Hudson, an AmeriCorps volunteer from the Bronx in New York, who studied early childhood education, and works with infant, toddlers and mentally disable adults, BGCA was a place to share the knowledge and experience she has gained from her job. It also let her learn some new skills.
McKinney said that BGCA is an amazing resource for children across the state who are struggling with life at home or in school and that the two programs in Kentucky-the other is in Harlan-are a unique alternative for the kids.
The program is of military structure with hybrid education structure and offered at no cost to the participants. But having a partnership with AmeriCorps has only helped the cadets and the program as a whole. And, to make the experience more complete, where most of the students are in “credit recovery,” they will soon only have to transfer credits from the school they leave when they come to BGCA.
“We are in the process of getting certified as an alternative accredited school,” McKinney, a former principal turned teen-program manager, said. “Jefferson County public school would be the district in which we would be assigned as an alternative accredited school. It’s a work in progress for us. Harlan Appalachian Academy is the process of working with Harlan County Schools for its certification.”
But the success of any program is sometimes best judged looking at those who have already successfully completed it.
Thomas Ventura is originally from Aberdeen, Maryland, and was a “challenge kid” in Maryland’s version of the BGCA. He said that thanks to the program he now has a will to do something, has a purpose and is more disciplined and more hard-charging. But it didn’t start out that way.
“I used to be defiant and rebellious but being in a challenge academy for five months makes you see where you could be with hard work,” he explained. “You really have to work to get to different places and earn privileges. And I wasn’t in trouble all the time and that helped.”
He added that the academy teaches thought process and how to make good decisions which shows the students how to look ahead and makes them think about their choices and what they can gain or lose.
Ventura said he joined AmeriCorps to get his GED, and because he wanted to travel, to network, to experience diversity and he really wanted to work on leadership skills. But he said that, overall, his main purpose was to serve.
“Anyone who goes through challenge has a story and has a voice,” he explained. “If I can change that and if I can show people the difference that can be made in one year- that’ a good motivator. They can see themselves through me.
“I see myself in them in so many ways and I can see the good things they can do. The challenge academy proves that if I can do it, anyone can.”
Kentucky training school setting bar for medic recertification
Kentucky National Guard Staff Report
Flight Medic Staff Sgt. Jeremy Lowe with the 2nd Battalion, 238 Aviation Regiment consults with a medic team as they prepare to load a simulated casualty aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk MEDEVAC helicopter for transportation to a field hospital located at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 14. This exercise was a special addition to combat medic sustainment training that provided medics with real world experience working with flight medics and MEDEVAC flight crews that would only be available when deployed overseas. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hiler)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — When things go wrong in the field, Soldiers turn to the so-called “Angels of the Battlefield.” These highly-trained combat medics are there for when the worst case scenario unfolds, whether on the field of battle or during training exercises, whenever Soldiers are injured or wounded.
In order to stay up-to-date on the best trauma practices, medics receive refresher training every two years. Luckily for medics of the Kentucky National Guard, the refresher training is offered at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville.
“This class provides the medics with all of the continuing education units required to re-certify,” said Staff Sgt. Donald King, a combat medic instructor for the 238th Regional Training Institute.
“This course also gives them additional training that they cannot get in their units or elsewhere.”
A flight medic with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation guides combat medics from a UH-60 Black Hawk during the medics’ recertification training at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 14, 2015. As part of the training the medics were given scenarios loading and unloading patients from the aircraft to familiarize them with the dangers of doing their job around aircraft. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hiler)
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Following the completion of the course, Soldiers received familiarization training on medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) flight operations . The RTI coordinated with aviation assets from Kentucky’s 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment to provide MEDEVAC helicopter support as a culminating event to the course.
“The purpose of this exercise is to give these medics experience with aviation flight medics and MEDEVAC aircrews so they are better prepared to evacuate patients to the next level of medical care,” said Sgt. Daniel Diehl, combat medic instructor. “This is training that they would otherwise only receive when deploying overseas.”
The medics performed triage on simulated casualties at a field aid station and called in nine-line MEDEVAC requests. From that point a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter arrived to transport their patients to a field hospital.
Soldiers and trainers at Kentucky’s RTI are used to thinking outside the box and developing methods to improve training and bring attention to the possibilities at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center. Training coordinator, Sgt. 1st Class John Riggi said this medic course was just one example of that type of thinking.
“It’s rare to have a portion of this kind of training include actual medical evacuation by aircraft. Thankfully we were able to coordinate with our aviation assets in the state to make it happen,” said Riggi. “And I believe it was certainly a highlight of the course and a critical piece of training that will make these medics better.”
Sgt. Orlando Gonzalez reviews a simulated casualty’s status with a doctor at a field hospital during a practical exercise conducted as part of Combat Medic Sustainment training at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 14, 2015. According to the sustainment training staff this practical exercise and the use of UH-60 Black Hawk MEDEVAC helicopters is unique to the Kentucky National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hiler)
“This is the best medic training I’ve ever received,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kirby Jones. Jones, a recruiter for the Kentucky Recruiting & Retention Battalion, took the course to re-certify his combat medic status.
“I’ve been to four previous medic refresher courses at Fort Knox and Fort Campbell and other locations,” he said. “This class has been better by far because of the level of interaction with the instructors and the shared experiences of the other medics. No ‘death by PowerPoint’ here.”
The training also benefited the aviation Soldiers of Detachment 1, Charlie Company, 2/238th. Staff Sgt. Lowe, Flight Medic Standardization NCO for the unit said the training opportunity provided the crew a chance to test their own response and how they work with ground medics in such situations.
“This assists our mission by saving precious time correcting mistakes in patient packaging during an actual lifesaving mission,” said Lowe. “The medics that were involved in this training performed admirably, they were given difficult scenarios in very different environments than they were used to working in. I was very impressed by their hard work.”
A variety of courses are taught at the training site which has become not only a convenience for Kentucky Soldiers but a very cost-effective benefit for the state. With the addition of a realistic MEDEVAC exercise with aircraft, the course garnered the attention of Fort Sam Houston, home of the U.S. Army’s combat medic school.
“A representative from the Army’s Emergency Medical Service program was here to see how we do things in Kentucky, and I believe he was impressed,” said Riggi. “The more unique and high-quality training we can conduct here, the more people will notice what the RTI can do. And that could lead to even more training opportunities and benefits for the Kentucky Guard.”
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.”
