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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs with contributions from Kyle Hilbrecht
Former Kentucky Warrant Officer of the Year are recognized during the 97th anniversary of the Warrant Officer Corps ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., July 9, 2015. Each winner since 2007 was presented with the commendation which became an official award in 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard gathered to celebrate the 97th anniversary of the Warrant Officer Cohort at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, July 9. State Command Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops was joined by Brig. Gen. Charles Jones, Deputy Adjutant General and hundreds of warrant officers and Soldiers to recognize nearly 100 years of the “quiet professional.” “The modern U.S. Warrant officer Cohort is nearly a century old, and I’m sure the original forty warrant officers of the 1918 Mine Planter Service had no idea the significance their appointment would have on the United States Army,” said Stoops. “We now see a highly professional cohort that is indispensable to the United States Army and the Kentucky National Guard.”
State Command Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops promotes Ricky Skelton to the rank of chief warrant officer four during the 97th anniversary celebration of the Warrant Officer Corps in Frankfort, Ky., July 9, 2015. In addition to celebrating 97 years, several warrant officers were honored for their achievements and service to the Kentucky Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
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Stoops commended Kentucky’s warrant officers for their recent gains in National Guard categories of education and readiness. There are less than 175 warrant officers in the Kentucky Guard, while nearly 30,000 warrant officers serve worldwide in the Army components.
Known as technical experts in their fields, warrant officers are also referred to as the “quiet professional” for their behind the scenes stance in numerous occupational specialities.
In addition to the celebration of 97 years, Kentucky Guard leadership also recognized the previous eight Warrant Officers of the Year, ensuring each received the commendation which became official just last year. Stoops said the award is the only award among the three Army components dedicated to the recognition of warrant officers for their outstanding service and achievements.
“The creation of this official state award is the culmination of a seven year effort to create an award that was equal to the Outstanding Airman and Soldier of the Year Award,” said Stoops. “I am very pleased and proud that we could go back and present it to all of the previous seven recipients. It just seemed to be the right thing to do.”
Stoops said he has already been contacted by other states looking to adopt the award and he fully expects it to take off and potentially become a national standard.
Retired Chief Warrant Officer Larry Moore receives the 2008 Kentucky Warrant Officer of the Year commendation during a birthday celebration of the warrant officer corps in Frankfort, Ky., July 9, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Following that award presentation, Chief Warrant Officer Ricky Skelton was promoted to the rank of chief warrant officer four and Warrant Officer Jonathan Dukes was promoted to chief warrant officer two.
Chief Warrant Officer Jacob Lewis was also recognized for being named the 2014 Most Outstanding Engineer Warrant Officer in the National Guard. He was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for his accomplishment.
Jones said the warrant officer used be an untapped resource for the Army and National Guard, but that has changed thanks to education, leadership and support from senior warrant officers. He called them an integral part of the Guard’s daily operations.
“The Army takes the cream of the NCO Corps off the top, makes it warrant officers and gives it special, graduate level training,” said Jones. “Warrant officers are an incredible resource of commanders and soldiers alike. They are world renowned for being the Army’s technical and tactical experts and are valuable leaders as well.”
Story by Capt. Desiree Dillehay, 206th Engineer Battalion
Capt. Robert McWhorter, former commander of the 1123rd Engineer Company, compliments Soldiers of the unit during their annual training at Camp Atterbury, Ind. June 25, 2015. The unit was named the best engineer company in the Army National Guard for 2014, earning them the Itschner Award. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by SGt. Sandra Fariss)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard’s 1123rd Sapper Company was named Most Outstanding Engineer Company of the Year for 2014.
The Itschner Plaque is an award given to the most outstanding engineer company each year. First awarded in 1960, the award is named in honor of Army Lt. Gen. Emerson C. Itschner. In 1974, the competition for the Itschner Award was broadened to include the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve.
With hard work and dedication to the mission, to the 206th Engineer Battalion, the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and to the Kentucky Army National Guard, the 1123rd received the Itschner Award for the fiscal training year 2014.
Soldiers of the 112rd Engineer Company gather for a group photo at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., Aug. 21, 2014. The three-week rotation at NTC was the culminating event of a hard year of training for the unit. (Photo courtesy of the 1123rd Engineer Co.)
The level of proficiency that this company achieved during the evaluated period has inspired the unit’s leadership, who said the award serves as a testament to the Soldiers’ unwavering motivation, dedication to their unit, and their ability to learn, adapt and overcome any obstacle. Given the many hurdles National Guard units inherently face with training continuity between drill weekends, this unit’s Non Commissioned Officers and Officers are exceptionally outstanding.
“Winning the Itschner Award speaks of the caliber of Soldiers within the 1123rd Sapper,” said Lt. Col. James Richmond, commander of the 206th Engineer Battalion. “The unit is only eight years old and to have achieved superior achievements in strength, training, and performance in such a short time and against such a complex mission set is simply incredible.”
Richmond also added that few know what Sappers are in the military. “He is the Swiss Army Knife of Soldiers, in essence an infantryman who specializes in laying or clearing minefields,
demolitions, field defenses and general construction, as well as road and airfield construction and repair.”
Click here for more photos of the 1123rd.
Engineers with the 1123rd Sapper Company change a tire on an armored vehicle during a training exercise at Fort Irwin, Calif., Aug. 15, 2014. The unit’s hard work at NTC earned them respect from a variety of training supervisors and Reserve and active duty units. (Photo courtesy of 1123rd Engineer Co.)
For the 1123rd, a 20 day rotation at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California was the culmination of a rigorous six month journey. Originally, the 1123rd was considered to serve as a component of the Opposing Force (OPFOR), but the focus shifted and the Sappers had an opportunity to serve as a Brigade Special Troops Battalion (BSTB) enabler in order to perform route clearance missions. This assignment required a dramatic change in the unit’s task organization, moving from three Sapper platoons and a headquarters platoon to two Route Clearance Packages, one Company Intelligence Support Team and a headquarters platoon. The 1123rd had 14 training days from March to July to prepare for NTC. The pace of training became very intense and success hinged on detailed planning, commitment to excellence and, most importantly, leveraging the knowledge of experienced route clearance personnel to increase training efficiencies without compromising quality.
The Sappers executed their strenuous training plan and completed the NTC rotation with remarkable results. Competence, adaptability and readiness for any mission was proudly displayed throughout the exercise. The 1123rd received accolades from a variety of training supervisors and both reserve and active duty counterparts. The predominant theme conveyed during the course of training was the unit’s willingness and desire to learn and better themselves. A high level of motivation and a productive and professional culture was demonstrated to every Soldier in the company.
The 1123rd was given professional development and networking opportunities that would not have been available without a rotation at NTC. These opportunities allowed the 1123rd leadership to collaborate with their active duty counterparts and higher headquarters in order to establish the unit’s relevance and credibility. This paid dividends as the 1123rd maintained an active voice in their utilization and had the opportunity to contribute to missions for the battalion in addition to route clearance.
The 1123rd has gained an incredible amount of experience this year and is fully prepared to carry out its engineer mission, only now with the title of “the best.”
A Soldier with the 1123rd Engineer Company takes up a defensive position during a training exercise at Camp Atterbury, Ind., June 21, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brooklynd Decker)
“The Soldiers are truly honored to receive this award,” said Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Elmore, readiness NCO for the 1123rd. “This unit went from standing up the 1123rd in 2009 to the best National Guard engineer unit in the country in 2014. Don’t know how else to put it except they are proud to be the BEST.”
However, the 1123rd Sapper Company is not just an operational machine. In addition to their rigorous training schedules, they incorporated time to give back to their community. The 1123rd is broken into two armories located in Leitchfield and Marion, Kentucky. Both locations have long been and continue to be involved with their respective communities. During the 2014 training year the two armories actively contributed to several community events, either during scheduled drill or by Soldiers volunteering outside of normal duty periods. The 1123rd participated by marching in the Christmas and Labor Day parades, provided speakers and representatives to three Veterans’ Day events and a Memorial Day ceremony. Additionally, they collaborated with the local American Legion for military funeral honors for veterans upon their family’s request.
“The level of proficiency that this company has achieved during the evaluated period is truly remarkable and serves as a testament to their unwavering motivation, dedication to their unit and their ability to learn, adapt and overcome any obstacle through Unbridled Service,” said Elmore.
The Soldiers of the 1123rd are revered throughout the 206th Engineer Battalion for always maintaining a high level of motivation in any training environment and with every mission; this training year they have raised the bar. Engrained into this company is a true sense of ownership and pride, where each Soldier maintains a stake in its success and proactively works to improve the unit.
Story by Master Sgt. Phil Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Capt. Trevor Sutherland, a pilot in the 165th Airlift Squadron, embraces his family during a homecoming ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 8, 2015. Sutherland and 29 other Kentucky Air Guardsmen returned from a deployment to the Persian Gulf Region, where they’ve been supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel since February. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thirty Airmen from the 123rd Airlift Wing returned to the Kentucky Air National Guard base July 8, 2015, concluding the unit’s most recent overseas deployment to the Persian Gulf region. More than 100 friends and family were on hand to welcome them, waving flags and homemade signs as the Airmen’s C-130 aircraft taxied to its parking spot on the base flight line.
Lt. Col. Scott Ledford, a pilot in the 165th Airlift Squadron, embraces a family member during a homecoming ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 8, 2015. Ledford and 29 other Kentucky Air Guardsmen returned from a deployment to the Persian Gulf Region, where they’ve been supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel since February. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
The wing began deploying aircraft and personnel to Southwest Asia in February, flying airlift missions in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, the follow-on mission to Operation Enduring Freedom.Since that time, more than 100 Kentucky Air Guardsmen have deployed, serving on tours ranging from two to four months. While overseas, they joined forces with Airmen from the Missouri Air National Guard to fly C-130 airlift missions across the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility, which includes Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Africa.
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In total, the Missouri-Kentucky Team flew more than 1,000 combat sorties that delivered over 3,500 short tons of cargo and nearly 4,000 personnel to destinations across the AOR.
The deployment marks the sixth time in the past 12 years that the Kentucky Air Guard has sent its aircraft, aircrews and maintenance personnel to support U.S. military operations in U.S. Central Command. The wing deployed aviation assets there in 2003, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012, operating from multiple undisclosed locations and Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.
The wing’s non-aviation personnel also have been heavily engaged around the world since Sept. 11, 2001, logging thousands of deployments to dozens of overseas locations, including Iraq and Afghanistan. In October, more than 70 of the wing’s Airmen deployed to Africa to support Operation United Assistance, the international effort to fight the worst Ebola outbreak in history.
Story by Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Capt. Ross Farling, a C-130 pilot in the 123rd Airlift Wing, hugs his daughters during an emotional homecoming ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 4, 2015. Farling was among 39 Kentucky Air Guardsmen who were returning from a deployment to the Persian Gulf region, where they’ve been supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel since February. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — This 4th of July was a special one for 39 members of the 123rd Airlift Wing, who received a hero’s welcome from more than 200 flag-waving friends and family when they returned to the Kentucky Air National Guard Base here today following a deployment to the Persian Gulf region.
Several of those family members, like 3-year-old Declan Gilreath and 2-year-old Max Gordon, carried signs with phrases like “Welcome Home Daddy!” and “Move It or Lose It: I’m here to get my DADDY!”
Many in the crowd found it impossible to contain their emotions. The daughters of one C-130 pilot burst into tears as soon as they began to hug their father, while others jumped for joy when they saw their loved ones walking toward them across the airfield tarmac.
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Tech. Sgt. Mike Johnson, a C-130 crew chief in the 123rd Airlift Wing, proposes to his girlfriend, Vanna Jones, on the flight line of the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 4, 2015, after returning from a deployment to the Persian Gulf region. Jones said yes. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
For Vanna Jones, the day was especially significant. Her boyfriend, Tech. Sgt. Mike Johnson, dropped to one knee, presented her with a diamond engagement ring and asked her to marry him moments after he stepped off the C-130 aircraft that carried him home.
“I fell in love with you the first time I saw your smile, ” Johnson told Jones. “Will you marry me?”
A trembling Jones, clearly surprised, answered yes.
Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, who was on hand to greet the returning Airmen, said scenes like Johnson’s proposal are one the highlights of his job.
“I’ve been the adjutant general now for seven and a half years,” Tonini said. “I’ve welcomed thousands upon thousands of Airmen and Soldiers home from combat, and every single time, it brings a tear to my eye to see the families as happy as they are when their loved ones come back from being in harm’s way. These 39 Kentucky Air National Guardsmen got to come home to their families on the 4th of July. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
The returning Airmen are among more than 100 Kentucky Air National Guardsmen who have been supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel since February, serving on tours ranging from two to four months.
The son of a Kentucky Air National Guardsman waits for his father to step off a C-130 Hercules aircraft at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 4, 2105. The father was one of 39 Kentucky Airmen who returned to the United States following a deployment in the Persian Gulf region, where they’ve been supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel since February. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
Freedom’s Sentinel is the follow-on mission to Operation Enduring Freedom. It focuses on training, advising and assisting Afghan security forces; and on counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan.
During their deployment, the Kentucky troops joined forces with Airmen from the Missouri Air National Guard to fly C-130 airlift missions across the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility, which includes Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Africa.
In the past four months, the Missouri-Kentucky Team flew more than 1,000 combat sorties that delivered over 3,500 short tons of cargo and nearly 4,000 personnel to destinations across the AOR.
The deployment marks the sixth time in the past 12 years that the Kentucky Air Guard has sent its aircraft, aircrews and maintenance personnel to support U.S. military operations in U.S. Central Command. The wing deployed aviation assets there in 2003, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012, operating from multiple undisclosed locations and Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.
The wing’s non-aviation personnel also have been heavily engaged around the world since Sept. 11, 2001, logging thousands of deployments to dozens of overseas locations, including Iraq and Afghanistan. In October, more than 70 of the wing’s Airmen deployed to Africa to support Operation United Assistance, the international effort to fight the worst Ebola outbreak in history
Story by Capt. Ryan Hubbs, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry
Soldiers from Bravo Company 1-149th Infantry participated in one of the largest regional, multi-agency exercise in the history of the Kentucky Guard at Camp Sherman, Ohio, June 16-18, 2015. Acting as the Quick Reaction Force for a Special Focus Event known as Operation Guard Shield, members of Bravo Co. quickly assembled at their home station, loaded their equipment, and deployed to the exercise site in less than 7 hours. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Ryan Hubbs)
Camp Sherman, Ohio — “GAS, GAS, GAS!” What would you do if you had to respond to a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, or Nuclear (CBRN) threat? For members of Bravo Company 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry, they were about to find out…
With the focus of the National Guard’s efforts over the last 14 years, centered on the War on Terror, it is important as Soldiers in the National Guard to be able to respond domestic events as well.
Soldiers from Bravo Co. participated in one of the largest regional, multi-agency exercise in the history of the Kentucky Guard June 16-18. Acting as the Quick Reaction Force for a Special Focus Event known as Operation Guardian Shield, the infantrymen quickly assembled at their home station, loaded their equipment, and deployed to the exercise site in less than 7 hours.
Soldiers from Bravo Company 1-149th Infantry escort a simulated casualty during a training exercise at Camp Sherman, Ohio, June 17, 2015. Acting as the Quick Reaction Force for Operation Guard Shield, members of Bravo Co. quickly assembled at their home station, loaded their equipment, and deployed to the exercise site in less than 7 hours. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Ryan Hubbs)
In conducting this full scale exercise event, the 40 participants flew from London, Kentucky to Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio in a C-130 provided by the Ohio National Guard. The soldiers then conducted a quick Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (JRSOI) briefing describing the situation on the ground. From there the Bravo Co. participants loaded up onto four UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters and departed for Camp Sherman, Ohio were they would begin their exercise.
The scene at the incident site was a train derailment caused by a domestic terrorist organization (for exercise purposes only). The train was carrying hazardous materials which were in theory released into the air. Bravo Co.’s job worked with the incident manger, local law enforcement, local fire departments, and the CBRN Enhanced Response Force (CERF) to provide security to the site, help evacuate casualties, and prevent decontaminated personnel from entering into the contaminated zone and vice versa.
Staff Sgt. David Olszewski, Platoon Sergeant for 2nd Platoon, Bravo Co. discussed the benefits of training for the mission prior to executing. “Luckily, we have trained with our protective masks so it was not a complete shock to the system; however, it was still difficult to communicate while wearing them. Having trained with masks previously allowed us as Soldiers to not only have confidence in our equipment, but also provided us the stress inoculation necessary to remain calm and collected while wearing the mask.”
Rubble and debris from the derailment site could be seen everywhere. Role players were hired to act as casualties, on lookers, family members searching for loved ones, and members of the media to make the scenario more realistic.
Soldiers from Bravo Company 1-149th Infantry man a tactical control point during a training exercise at Camp Sherman, Ohio, June 17, 2015. The exercise, Operation Guard Shield, brought National Guardsmen from at least eight states together with a variety of civilian organizations to respond to a simulated domestic incident. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Ryan Hubbs)
Throughout the day Bravo Co. established and manned a tactical control point, provided litter assistance for casualties who had undergone the decontamination process, conducted a wide area search for survivors, and treated multiple simulated casualties for a variety of injuries all while wearing their protective gas masks and equipment.
With such a large-scale event involving a variety of organizations, interagency communication was difficult but vital to the exercise.
“The most challenging aspect of the operation was coordinating across multiple agencies including military, law enforcement, and emergency management,” explained Olszewski. “Agencies use different communication systems, pro-words, acronyms, and command structures so it can be a challenge to determine the most effective and efficient means of sending and receiving information.”
Along with Soldiers from the Kentucky Guard, Operation Guardian Shield included Soldiers and Airmen from Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Georgia, West Virginia, Ohio, and National Guard Bureau. Also, representatives and agents from the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, FEMA, Civil Air Patrol, Red Cross, and Ohio Emergency Management were all on the scene. This made the need for coordinated communications extremely important.
At the conclusion of the exercise, all 40 Bravo Company participants loaded up onto to the UH-60s, returned to the air base, loaded onto a C-130 and returned to London where they officially ended their mission.
“We hope to continue to participate in high profile exercises such as this,” said Capt. Ryan Hubbs commander of Bravo Co. “This event allowed us to complete a full spectrum of mission essential tasks and practice our most important mission which is to protect the citizens of our nation. It was great to be able to shift the focus onto a domestic response event, and give us broader perspective of what our duties as members of the National Guard entails.”
By Master Sgt. Phil Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A combat controller from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in a ceremony here March 14 for meritorious service while deployed to Afghanistan.
Senior Airman Robert Willging served with a combined joint special operations task force in Afghanistan from June 1 to Nov. 1, 2014 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During that deployment, Willging assisted in the planning and execution of more than 100 combat patrols and served with lead maneuver elements while coordinating aerial weapons teams, close air support and medical evacuation operations.
Willging personally controlled more than 120 aircraft during multiple day operations, to include combined operations with Afghan National Army Commandos in which he controlled, de-conflicted and engaged with 24 aircraft to ensure the safety of all ground elements, according to the award citation.
“Airman Willging’s utilization and control of aerial weapons teams, close air support, and medical evacuation platforms was second to none, and aided in the timely extraction of multiple wounded Afghan National Security Forces and (U.S. Special Operations Forces),” the citation said.
The Bronze Star Medal was authorized by executive order on Feb. 4, 1944, and is awarded to service members who have distinguished themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.
Story by Sgt. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Capt. Sean Higgs, commander of the 2061st Multi-Role Bridge Company listens to a briefing during the Warfighter Exercise 15-5, May 29- June 14, at Fort Hood Mission Command Training Center, Texas. Higgs acted as a 36th Engineer Brigade’s liaison officer. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
FORT HOOD, Texas – If there is one thing that the Kentucky National Guard’s 201st Engineer Battalion knows, it’s how to build – whether it is a road, a bridge or a career. Although the Kentucky Guardsmen didn’t get dirty for their annual training, the battalion’s expertise was crucial to the Warfighter Exercise 15-5, May 29- June 14, at Fort Hood Mission Command Training Center, Texas.
“We are the main experts in bridging the gap,” said 1st Sgt. Aaron Lester, 2061st Multi-Role Bridge Company first sergeant.
“In this scenario, other countries depend on our troops and our Multi Role Bridge Company in order to properly maneuver across a wet gap crossing,” he said. “After the exercise, we will be able to take back what we learn and utilize the training in preparation for our company. It will be a very important contributor to our development. ”
Second Lt. Bryan Sager II, intelligence officer with the 201st Engineer follows along during a briefing during the Warfighter Exercise 15-5, May 29- June 14, at Fort Hood Mission Command Training Center, Texas. During the exercise, Sager also acted as the Unit Public Affairs historian representative. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
The 2061st MRBC, is one of Kentucky’s newest units, so Lester said the WFX 15-5 was an opportunity for the Soldiers to understand their new role. The exercise joined together the 201st and other units from Kentucky’s 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and gave the Soldiers a first look at how the MRBC could be utilized in future contingency operations.
Warfighter exercises simulate realistic, complex scenarios that Army units must be prepared for. Like real world combat operations, they combine an array of forces from U.S. active duty, Reserve, National Guard and allied forces – in WFX 15-5, the Canadian Forces also played a role.
“The overall cooperation with the adjacent units that we’re dealing with both active, reserve, air force, multi-national components and civilian contractors, have all been a benefit to our Soldiers and our leaders moving forward,” said Lt. Col. Douglas Clay, battalion commander.
“What that is going to bring, is depth to our organization,” he said.
Clay said the restructuring of the 201st is a force multiplier not only for the National Guard in contingency operations, but also at home for disaster response. Exercises such as the WFX 15-5, test the battalion’s ability to quickly react to numerous scenarios, including building bridges to move troops and equipment from one area to another, something that would be of benefit to the Kentucky Guard during flooding seasons. Clay said he was proud of his Soldier’s success during this training exercise, even though it is the first major exercise for the battalion after its restructure.
“[Our Soldiers] may be uncomfortable operating at this level but they are going to take these skills and what they’ve learned here back to Kentucky and be able take that future operation and be able to plan and execute that to a higher extent,” he said.
The professionalism and ability to conduct a new mission to standard caught the eye of Maj. Gen. Lester Simpson, the 36th Infantry Division commander.
Maj. Gen. Lester Simpson, 36th Infantry Division Commander, discusses operating procedures during the Warfighter Exercise 15-5, May 29- June 14, at Fort Hood Mission Command Training Center, Texas. Simpson was very pleased with the Kentucky National Guard’s involvement with the exercise. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
Simpson said he was pleased with Clay and his troops’ abilities, and thanked Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky, for allowing the division to “utilize the 201st in such an important role.”
“The river crossing is a very key operation,” he said, “and without engineers to establish bridges we would not be able to have success and meet our training objectives.”
Simpson said the WFX is an important training tool both collectively and at the individual unit level.
“You have to work hard towards the training objectives and what you are going to get out of it,” he said. “Because if something happens and you are called up, this type of scenario helps you to work on the coordination efforts you need to be proficient at when you get there.”
Video by Spc. Cody Copper, 133rd MPAD
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Kentucky Army National Guard 1st Lt. William Bland (center) performs during the 2015 U.S. Army Soldier Show’s opening weekend at the Fort Sam Houston Theatre in San Antonio. The musically-inclined Louisville-native serves as the personnel officer with the 198th Military Police Battalion. (U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps, IMCOM Public Affairs)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Since 1983 talented Soldiers have had the opportunity to share their artistry with the Nation as part of the U.S. Army Soldier Show. This year the Kentucky National Guard’s 1st Lt. William Bland earned a spot in the nationally-touring production.
A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Bland serves as the personnel officer for the 198th Military Police Battalion. When he’s not in uniform Bland likes to perform at clubs, festivals, benefits and wherever he can to gain exposure and experience.
Kentucky National Guard 1st Lt. William Bland’s promotional photo for the 2015 U.S. Army Soldier Show. The tour opened in San Antonio, Texas, in April and runs through October. (Image courtesy of IMCOM)
“It is truly a once in a life time opportunity,” he said. “Being a part of the U.S. Army Soldier Show and seeing all that goes into a big production and being a part of all of it has definitely opened my eyes to a world of opportunities after this.”
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Bland is one of three Guardsmen performing in the tour. He is joined by Louisiana Army National Guard Sgt. Neasha Powell of Shreveport and Idaho Army National Guard Sgt. Andrew Enriquez of Coeur d’Alene.
Bland’s journey to the show began like that of hundreds of other Soldiers around the country in the form of an audition tape and packet submitted to Army Entertainment, a program of Morale, Welfare and Recreation that runs the Soldier Show. He called the audition process a long and stressful one, but made the cut to try out in person and flew to Fort Sam Houston, Texas where the hard work began.
“Audition week culminated with a live performance of the choreography and the vocal number that we learned throughout the week, and a piece we each prepared on our own. On February 16, 2015 the cast was selected and narrowed down to a total of 18 members, and that was the day the dream became reality.”
Kentucky Army National Guard 1st Lt. William Bland of Louisville performs during the 2015 U.S. Army Soldier Show’s opening weekend at the Fort Sam Houston Theatre in San Antonio. (U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps, IMCOM Public Affairs)
As one of 18 performers, Bland will travel the country for shows in a scheduled 40-stop tour. An experience he said “couldn’t be a better way to use my passion to impact the lives of others in a positive way.”
Music entered Bland’s life at an early age. He said he still remembers when his older brother taught him about freestyling and how he was finally able to step out of his shell and attend open mic nights as a student at Union College. Influenced by Eminem and Michael Jackson, Bland keeps an open mind musically and pulls inspiration from as many other musicians as possible.
He first saw the Soldier Show while he was in basic training and left with a great motivation and pride in being a Soldier. As he got more serious with his own music and more into his Guard career, the idea of combining the two became a perfect fit.
“I thought it would be amazing to share what I love to do and to give Soldiers that same motivation and purpose that was given to me when I saw the show.”
Initially enlisting to help pay for college, Bland quickly realized a “greater purpose” in uniform and commissioned as an officer through ROTC. Rising through the ranks, he has earned the respect of his unit and leadership, who are proud to be his cheerleaders during the tour.
“While we will miss his services in 198th MP Battalion, we couldn’t be more excited and proud to have one of our own representing the battalion, the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and the Kentucky National Guard in this very prestigious program,” said Maj. Timothy Starke, commander of the 198th. “We hope to have a large turn out to support 1st Lt. Bland when the show comes to Kentucky this year.”
Kentucky Army National Guard 1st Lt. William Bland of Louisville presents Sgt. Darius Riggins of Fort Gordon, Georgia, a U.S. flag during the Gold Star segment of the 2015 U.S. Army Soldier Show’s opening weekend at the Fort Sam Houston Theatre in San Antonio. (U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps, IMCOM Public Affairs)
According to the U.S. Army, “entertainment for the Soldier, by the Soldier” has been a part of the U.S. Army’s heritage since 1774. Building on the tradition of Civil War camp shows, and more known military shows “Yip Yip Yaphank” during World War I and “This Is The Army” during World War II written and directed by then Sgt. Irving Berlin, Army Entertainment was formalized to inspire, support and coordinate theatrical and musical programs at Army installations worldwide.
Bland said his routine with the show has included a lot of hard work, many 16 plus hour days and has been physically and mentally exhausting, but he wouldn’t change a thing,
“A dream can only come true if you are willing to do the work necessary to make it come true. But success is worth the sacrifice. When you are faced with a challenge just tell yourself, ‘Easy’s never worked for me!'”
The Soldier Show is a 90-minute high-energy top ‘40s and classics show, and it’s free!. It makes two stops in Kentucky during the 2015 tour: July 29-30 at Fort Knox, and Aug. 2-3 at Fort Campbell.
Stories by Senior Airman Joshua Horton, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs and Master Sgt. Phil Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
Col. David Mounkes (left), commander of the 123rd Contingency Response Group, presents Chief Master Sgt. Scott A. Wanner, the group’s chief enlisted manager, with a certificate of retirement during a ceremony held at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 26, 2015. Wanner served in the active-duty Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard for more than 30 years. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Vicky Spesard)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After more than three decades of service to the active-duty Air Force and Air National Guard, Chief Master Sgt. Scott A. Wanner was officially retired in a ceremony here April 25.
As the chief enlisted manager for the 123rd Contingency Response Group, Wanner’s responsibilities included advising the commander on enlisted force morale, welfare, training and utilization; and overseeing the needs of the group’s enlisted force.
“From day one, your military bearing and calm spirit have been an outstanding benefit to our group,” said Col. David J. Mounkes, the commander of the 123rd Contingency Response Group. “I want to personally thank you for the numerous meetings where we had to discuss the way ahead for the CRG, dealing with the day-to-day leadership challenges for which you always had wise and mature advice. It wasn’t always easy in a group with such a unique contingency airfield-opening mission, but you were always up for it.”
Wanner enlisted in the active-duty Air Force in July 1983 as an inventory management specialist. His first assignment with the 305th Supply Squadron provided exposure to contingency operations during the invasion of Grenada. His second assignment with the 10th Supply Squadron, Royal Air Force Alconbury Air Base, England, further enhanced his desire for emergency and contingency operations.
During this period, Wanner played a supporting role in multiple operations, including a bombing raid in Libya and numerous deployments augmenting both Civil Engineering Red Horse and Prime Beef squadrons. His next assignment brought him back to the United States with the 445th Supply and CE Squadrons at Altus Air Force Base, Okla. He was then deployed to Bateen Air Base, United Arab Emirates, in support of Operations Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. After returning home, Wanner was approved for a voluntary separation incentive and enlisted as an air transportation specialist with the Air Force Reserve’s 87th Aerial Port Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, in September 1992.
During the next six years, Wanner applied for and trained in every aspect of his new career field. In September 1998, he left the 87th and enlisted with the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Aerial Port Squadron. By April of 2008, Wanner was promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant and assumed the position of squadron superintendent. Two years later, he accepted the position of chief enlisted manager with the newly formed 123rd Contingency Response Group.
During his time with the Kentucky Air Guard, Wanner has deployed to support both domestic and international missions, including Operations Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom, Southern Watch, and Deep Freeze; and relief efforts for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Col. Jeff Wilkinson, vice commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing, presents a certificate of recognition to Staff Sgt. Windy Wagner, chief of information protection, at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Jan 8, 2015. Wagner was recognized for providing outstanding support to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in its execution of security clearance investigations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Staff Sgt. Windy Wagner has been recognized by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for the outstanding support she provides to the Federal Investigative Services in the execution of security clearance background interviews.
Wagner is the Kentucky Air National Guard’s Chief of Information Protection. Her job is to ensure the security of information and monitor the implementation of Air Force information policies and programs for the 123rd Airlift Wing. As part of that work, she manages security background investigations for members of the wing.
To help OPM, Wagner assisted field agents in reserving locations on base that were private and comfortable in which to conduct national security background interviews, according to Col. Jeff Wilkinson, the wing’s vice commander. With more than 50 interviews being conducted each year, Wagner is constantly helping field agents complete their investigations, he added.
Wilkinson noted that Wagner often provides this assistance on her own time, above and beyond the requirements of her job description.
“These efforts directly enhance our overall national security posture by allowing these security interviews to be conducted in an expedient and professional manner,” said Scott Benson, special agent-in-charge of the OPM’s St. Louis Investigative Field Office.
Some of the interviews Wagner facilitated weren’t even for members of the Air Guard, but for personnel from other government agencies. To assist with those cases, Wagner conducted preliminary background checks so the personnel were cleared to enter the installation.
Wagner also has been key in ensuring that members whose open clearance investigations are about to expire get fast-tracked, saving OPM weeks of work that would otherwise need to be re-accomplished.
Story by Capt. Curtis Persinger, Training Center Garrison Command, Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center
1st Sgt. Scott Carrier and Capt. Curtis Persinger show off their “hardware” after winning first place at the 20th annual Air National Guard bass tournament held in Lake Martin, Ala. This is the third year in a row the two Army Guard Soldiers have taken the event. (Photo courtesy Capt. Curtis Persinger)
Editor’s note: Capt. Curtis Persinger is a professional Soldier and a consummate officer in the Kentucky National Guard. His enthusiasm for training the troops second only to his passion for catching largemouth bass. In his own words he describes the events that led up to a third year in a row win for the Kentucky Army National Guard at the 20th annual Air National Guard bass tournament held in Lake Martin, Ala.
ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. — First, I want to thank the Alabama Air National Guard for putting on such a great event. My partner 1st Sgt. Scott Carrier and I started fishing these tournaments back when the Army National Guard received the invitation back in 2012 on Kentucky Lake. We haven’t seen a poorly executed event yet. Like anything there is a lot of “behind the scenes work” that must be completed for these things to run smoothly. We are both grateful for being associated with this group of people and the tradition that continues to move from state to state. Scott and I are humbled to win against this group of Fishing Fanatics.
Click here for more information on the tournament.
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Capt. Curtis Persinger shows off one of the prize winning largemouth bass that helped his team get first place at the 20th annual Air National Guard bass tournament held in Lake Martin, Ala. This is the third year in a row the two Army Guard Soldiers have taken the event. (Photo courtesy Capt. Curtis Persinger)
We were discussing the tournament decisions and results after the tournament; it is something we do routinely after any time we fish together. Most anglers can relate to this. It’s a simple check and balance to receive some type of clarity/closure. Honestly though we never saw this one coming! The last few years we definitely fished to our strengths and or gave us some confidence. We were both very comfortable on Lake Guntersville that we go to routinely throughout the year. Last year’s event on Patoka was my home lake and June is a very tough month to fish but I understand what the fish are doing and how to catch them.
However, at Lake Martin we were just happy to defend. No pressure and no expectations. A local FLW BFL result clued me in on the size and type of fish we should be chasing! I initially thought it would take four decent spotted bass (man those Tallapoosa River spots can fight) and one kicker largemouth to win. I commented to Scott and a few other teams from various states who were staying at the Super 8 Motel that I thought it would take 24lbs to win. At the time we were well off that mark. It took every practice day to figure Lake Martin out.
1st Sgt. Scott Carrier is half of the team that one first place at the 20th annual Air National Guard bass tournament held in Lake Martin, Ala. This is the third year in a row the two Army Guard Soldiers have taken the event. (Photo courtesy Capt. Curtis Persinger)
There are a lot of fish are in that lake. Well, I went five hours on the first day of practice while Scott was en-route without a bite. I completely abandoned my “kicker largemouth” search in the first day and in the next several hours I figured out a very deep spotted bass pattern. It was your typical assortment of baits and techniques for structure fishing. A pattern that held up under blue bird sunny skies and dark cloudy rainy conditions.
Our day one and day two bags were almost identical except for the two largemouth that happened to be lost out in about 25 feet of water. They were the only two largemouth that we touched all week! We never thought we would enjoy chasing Lake Martin Magnum spotted bass like we did! We are actually excited to return to Lake Martin in 2017 to chase down those elusive MAG spots (four plus pounders) giants that I know live in the lake!
Now off to Lake St. Clair in 2016. Man, are we excited to go up there and chase some toads and defend our title! We know this will be one tall order. Neither one of us have ever fished above the state of Indiana. We assume those Michigan anglers have a little something for us. We guess those brown fish will throw us a curve ball or two. They are known for that!
With that said, I can guarantee one thing: Scott and I will be working our tails off from daylight to dark giving everything we have.
Good luck to all the anglers and safe travels!
