Pages
Stay In Touch
More
© 2013 KentuckyGuard
Story by Senior Airman Joshua Horton, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Retired Tech. Sgt. Earl J. Hartlage Jr. (right) finds his name on a plaque honoring retirees at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 18, 2015. The plaque was unveiled during a ceremony held for more than 50 members of the 123rd Airlift Wing who retired in 2014 after serving for 20 or more years. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Joshua Horton)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — More than 50 former members of the Kentucky Air National Guard were honored here April 18 when a plaque bearing their names was unveiled in front of the 123rd Airlift Wing’s Lt. Gen. John B. Conaway Headquarters Building.
The black granite plaque is the newest addition to a monument that honors Airmen who have completed 20 or more years of service and retired from the Kentucky Air National Guard, dating all the way back to the unit’s inception in 1947.
This year’s ceremony celebrated 52 retirees for the year 2014, along with one from 2013 and one from 2005.
Retired Senior Master Sgt. Gary Dunlap and Retired Chief Master Sgt. Lori F. Zinsmeister unveil a plaque bearing the names of more than 50 Airmen who retired from the 123rd Airlift Wing last year during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 18, 2015. The annual unveiling celebrates Airmen who served for 20 or more years. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Joshua Horton)
“I’ve been doing this a number of years, and it’s a grand event,” said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general. “Your names engraved upon these plaques bear testament to the fact that you’re part of our family. Welcome home.”
Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau, also spoke at the ceremony, addressing a crowd of dozens of retirees, family members and Airmen wishing to pay their respects.
“I want to say thank you to the retirees here today for your service,” Grass said. “Less than one percent of our population serves in uniform, but it’s you all who have served 20-plus years and who have grown the leaders behind you. You’ve got to be extremely proud of that.”
These annual plaque unveilings are made possible through donations from the non-profit Kentucky Air National Guard Retiree Group Inc.
Story by 2nd Lt. James Killen, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Nine-year-old Dawson Barr and his family visit the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing to view aircraft that will be flown in the annual Thunder Over Louisville Air Show, in Louisville, Ky., April 18, 2015. Dawson has been battling cancer his entire life and currently has an inoperable brain tumor, making him legally blind in both eyes. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. James W. Killen)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard welcomed a 9-year-old boy with cancer to the base Saturday as aircraft from around the world prepared to perform in the Thunder Over Louisville air show.
Dawson Barr, accompanied by his sister, mother and father, toured the flight line with Chief Master Sgt. Joe Dawson, superintendent of the 123rd Operations Group here.
“Dawson had an absolute blast!” Chief Dawson said. “We visited every aircraft on the flight line, met and talked with several people along the way, and we also got to watch a C-17 Globemaster taxi out and take off.”
Nine-year-old Dawson Barr and his family visit the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing to view aircraft that will be flown in the annual Thunder Over Louisville Air Show, in Louisville, Ky., April 18, 2015. Dawson has been battling cancer his entire life and currently has an inoperable brain tumor, making him legally blind in both eyes. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. James W. Killen)
Dawson toured the Operations Building, ate lunch supplied by the 123rd Security Forces Squadron, and watched several aircraft take off while observing from the 165th Airlift Squadron Heritage Room, which offers one of the best views on base.
Dawson was diagnosed with cancer at just 6 months of age. Doctors were cautious about his life expectancy, primarily because of the number of tumors he has — seven on the brain and three on the spine — and their severity.
He has defied the odds, though, and according to his mother, Aimee Barr, “He’s an amazing little kid with a magnetic personality; he’s a fighter, too.”
Dawson endured five years of chemotherapy, ending his treatments in February 2012. He currently has one inoperable tumor that severely impacts his vision, making him legally blind in both eyes. The chemotherapy and other treatments have left Dawson with a number of challenges, from hormone imbalances to osteoporosis.
Aimee says that doesn’t stop him, though.
“He’s a normal 9-year-old boy. He wants to play soccer, he wants to be a professional football player, and if that doesn’t work, he’s going to be a professional baseball player.”
Dawson made an impact on several of the people he met at the Kentucky Air Guard, with many noting how positive and upbeat he was, and how he asked so many great questions.
Two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team perform in the Thunder Over Louisville air show April 18, 2015, in Louisville, Ky. More than 650,000 people lined the banks of the Ohio River for the show. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and spending time with Dawson, his sister, Lauren, and their parents, Aimee and Shane Barr,” Chief Dawson said. “That young man is a fighter in the true sense of the word, with the most positive attitude and the most uplifting spirit that you will ever see in a little boy.”
Dawson has a message for those who may be struggling with challenges or illness. In a calm and steady voice he said, “If you’re going through something, just keep going. Eventually something good will happen, and it will be okay.”
By Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Maj. Jenn Helton, a C-130 navigator in the 123rd Airlift Wing, kisses her husband at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 24, 2015, prior to departing for a deployment to the Persian Gulf. Helton was among more than 40 Kentucky Air National Guardsmen who deployed to an undisclosed air base in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The third rotation of more than 40 Kentucky Air National Guardsmen departed here today for deployment to an undisclosed air base in the Persian Gulf, where they will fly airlift missions in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
Click here for more photos.
Loadmasters and cargo specialists from the 123rd Airlift Wing load cargo onto a C-130 Hercules aircraft at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 24, 2015, prior to the aircraft’s departure for deployment to an undisclosed air base in the Persian Gulf region. More than 40 Kentucky Air National Guardsmen boarded the plane. They will join other Airmen already in theater to fly airlift missions in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. (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.
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, thanked the deploying Airmen for their continued commitment to military operations all over the world.
“The 123rd Airlift Wing has been engaged in the Global War on Terror from the beginning, and I know you will be a part of this fight until the very end,” Tonini told the Airmen in a briefing just before their departure. “When our nation, our Air Force and our Commonwealth needs the best, they call on you. I have the utmost trust and confidence in your abilities to conduct your mission while overseas, and I thank you for stepping up once again to answer our nation’s call.”
The director of the state Board of Elections, Matt Selph, also was on hand to wish the Airmen farewell as a representative of Alison Lundergan Grimes, Kentucky’s secretary of state.
Maj. Johnny Cantu, a C-130 pilot in the 123rd Airlift Wing, attends a briefing at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 24, 2015, prior to his deployment to an undisclosed air base in the Persian Gulf region. Cantu and more than 40 other Kentucky Air Guardsmen comprise the third rotation of 123rd Airmen to deploy to the base since February. They will be flying airlift missions throughout the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, which provides military training and counterterrorism capabilities in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
“As a former Army first sergeant in the reconnaissance field who spent time in Iraq and Afghanistan being transported on C-130s by men and women just like you, I’d like to relay on behalf of Secretary Grimes how thankful we are for the jobs that you do and the sacrifies that your families make,” Selph said. “I know I was thankful that men and women like you were able to get me and my troops deployed and redeployed safely.”
The Airmen, who departed aboard a Kentucky Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft, will replace earlier rotations of Kentucky Airmen that deployed in February. While overseas, the Airmen are expected to transport troops and cargo supporting a range of coalition military operations in the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility, which includes Afghanistan, Northern Africa and the Persian Gulf. Deploying Airmen include aircrew members, aircraft maintenance personnel and support staff.
The mission is expected to conclude by early July.
Maj. Jenn Helton, a C-130 navigator in the 123rd Airlift Wing, and her son, Kaiden Helton, attend a briefing at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 24, 2015, prior to Helton’s deployment to an undisclosed air base in the Persian Gulf region. Helton and more than 40 other Kentucky Air Guardsmen comprise the third rotation of 123rd Airmen to deploy to the base since February. They will fly airlift missions throughout the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, which provides military training and counterterrorism capabilities in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
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 the U.S. Central Command AOR. 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
Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau, swears in 20 Soldiers and Airmen from the Kentucky National Guard during a re-enlistment ceremony on the Clark Memorial Bridge in downtown Louisville, Ky., April 18, 2015. The event, televised live, kicked off the 2015 Thunder Over Louisville air show. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 2015 Thunder Over Louisville air show began Saturday with a barrage of canon fire executed by the Kentucky National Guard’s 138th Field Artillery Brigade and a mass re-enlistment ceremony for 20 Kentucky Guardsmen led by Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Senior Airman Lindsey Horton, a recruiting assistant in the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Force Support Squadron, said it was a great honor to be sworn in by the nation’s top National Guard officer on live television.
Senior Airman Lindsey Horton, a recruiting assistant in the Kentucky Air National Guard, takes the oath of enlistment during a mass swearing-in ceremony on the Clark Memorial Bridge in downtown Louisville, Ky., April 18, 2015. The ceremony, which kicked off the Thunder Over Louisville air show, was led by Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
“Serving in the Air National Guard is something that I take a lot of pride in,” Horton said. “I’ve really taken the Air Force Core Values of service, integrity and excellence to heart, so being able to reaffirm my commitment to them with Gen. Grass was a great experience.”
Grass, who also serves on the Joint Chiefs of Staff as one of seven military advisors to the president of the United States, thanked Horton and the other troops for their continued service, calling their dedication to duty a “phenomenal act.”
Earlier in the day, Grass toured the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville to learn more about the missions of the 123rd Airlift Wing, which include tactical airlift, contingency response, and special tactics capabilities like combat control and pararescue.
One of the highlights of the air show was a tribute to Col. Gail Halvorsen, a retired C-54 pilot who became famous when he originated the idea of air-dropping small bundles of chocolate to the children of West Berlin during the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49. What began with Halvorsen’s small act of kindness eventually grew to include hundreds of American Airmen and more than 21 tons of candy.
Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau, speaks to Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Fulkerson from the Kentucky Army National Guard after a mass swearing-in ceremony on the Clark Memorial Bridge in downtown Louisville, Ky., April 18, 2015. Grass administered the oath of enlistment during the ceremony, which kicked off the Thunder Over Louisville air show. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
In honor of Halvorsen, who became known as the Berlin Candy Bomber and was guest of honor at this year’s show, a Kentucky Air Guard C-130 Hercules air-dropped two simulated bundles of candy over the Ohio River before a crowd of more than 650,000 spectators.
Other highlights of the air show included performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration squadron, the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team and the U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Demonstration Team.
Story by Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
President Barack Obama transits through the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., aboard Air Force One April 2, 2105. Obama was in town to discus job training and economic growth during a visit to Indatus, a Louisville-based technology company that focuses on cloud-based applications. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — President Barack Obama arrived here April 2 aboard Air Force One as part of a visit to Louisville to discuss job creation in the technology sector.
After stepping off Air Force One, Obama traveled downtown to address a gathering of employees and guests at Indatus, a Louisville company that specializes in cloud-based applications. During his speech, Obama praised Indatus as a model for “innovation and job creation here in the 21st century.”
President Barack Obama transits through the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., aboard Air Force One April 2, 2105. Obama was in town to discus job training and economic growth during a visit to Indatus, a Louisville-based technology company that focuses on cloud-based applications. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
See all photos on our flickr page.
The president also used the occasion to promote a new initiative called TechHire that’s designed to train employees for high-tech jobs.
“It brings employers and local governments together to support innovative job-training programs like online classes, coding boot camps and community college courses designed by local employers,” Obama explained.
The president returned to the Kentucky Air Guard Base for departure, where he was greeted by Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general, and Col. Barry Gorter, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing.
Shutsy Reynolds flew aircraft over the United States to support the war effort
Women Airforce Service Pilots helped pave the way for female pilots today
By Staff Sgt. Vicky Spesard, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Capt. Danielle Parton, a pilot in the 123rd Airlift Wing, shares flying stories with Florence Shutsy Reynolds on the flight deck of a C-130 aircraft at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., March 22, 2014. Reynolds, a former pilot in the Women Airforce Service Pilots corps during World War II, was visiting the base as part of National Women’s History Month. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Vicky Spesard)
Wrapping up March, Women’s History month, here is a final story in our series celebrating women and the roles they play in our military history.
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Sitting in the pilot’s seat of a C-130 cockpit here, Florence Shutsy Reynolds, 91, looked right at home as she beamed a smile at the airstrip in front of her.
Reynolds, a former member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots corps during World War II, was visiting the 123rd Airlift Wing March 22 in celebration of Women’s History Month.
“It truly is my honor and pleasure to have you here at our base to represent women pilots,” said Col. Barry Gorter, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing, after presenting Reynolds with a certificate declaring her Honorary Wing Commander for the day. “You are one of many of the brave women who performed a dangerous mission and did a job that many people felt, at the time, women shouldn’t be doing. You have helped pave the way for women in our services today.”
Florence Shutsy Reynolds, 91, a former member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots corps during World War II, attends the Kentucky National Guard’s Airman and Soldier of the year Banquet in Louisville, Ky., March 22, 2014. The WASP program’s primary focus was to reassign responsibility for flight operations over the United States from male to female pilots, freeing men to go to war. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Vicky Spesard)
Indeed, not much is written or spoken about the WASP program. Its primary focus was to reassign the responsibility for flight operations over the United States from male to female pilots, freeing the men to go to war. Because some military leaders believed that women pilots would damage the reputation of the male-dominated military, however, the program was quickly disbanded and brushed aside when the war ended, Reynolds said.
“It was a time when women were not even encouraged to go to work, let alone fly airplanes,” she explained. “We trained hard, flew dangerous assignments and we lost pilots in our group. All of which the military tried to cover up and put away when the war ended.”
Trying to get the word out about the WASP program and the contributions that she and her fellow WASP veterans made is one of the reasons Reynolds accepted the invitation to celebrate National Women’s History Month with the Kentucky Air Guard.
“I was very excited to be invited to the base to share my story of the WASP program,” said the aviator, dressed in a replica WASP uniform that she wears when touring to promote her fellow flyers. (Her original uniform is in a museum.) “It is always wonderful to meet other pilots and, most of all, other women who have the opportunity to fly.”
During her honorary day as wing commander, Reynolds toured the base, got an extensive look inside a C-130, ate lunch with wing members and gave a lecture about the WASP program.
After posing for pictures with many Air Guard members and swapping pilot stories, the Pennsylvania native traveled to the Kentucky State Fairgrounds to serve as the keynote speaker for the annual Kentucky Airman and Soldier of the Year Banquet.
“She truly is an inspiration to all of us,” said Staff Sgt. Shelby Basham, a member of the Kentucky Air Guard’s Fatality Search and Recovery Team. “Her determination in traveling the country, telling her story of the WASP program and doing what she did at a time where many didn’t believe in her is truly amazing.”
Equally amazed was Reynolds herself.
“To see the women here who are trained and who fly as equals is very gratifying,” Reynolds said, wiping tears from her eyes. “My message to them is to keep dreaming. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something, and always fly as high as you can.”
Story by 2nd Lt. James Killen, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Col. Michael Cooper (left), commander of the 123rd Medical Group, presents Chief Master Sgt. Johnie Cherry with a Meritorious Service Medal during Cherry’s retirement ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 7, 2015. Cherry retired after more than 34 years of service to the active-duty Air Force and Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by 2nd. Lt. James Killen)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After more than 34 years of service to the active-duty Air Force and Air National Guard, Chief Master Sgt. Johnie L. Cherry officially retired during a ceremony held at the Base Annex here Feb. 7.
Cherry, superintendent of the 123rd Medical Group, was responsible for managing health services and medical administrative functions.
The commander of the 123rd Medical Group, Col. Michael Cooper, said he had a deep respect for Cherry’s values and dedication to serve others.
“In our military service we’ve all had someone who was our chief, and I know that for many of you and countless others who could not be here today, Chief Cherry has been, and will always be, your chief,” Cooper told the audience.
Cherry served as a medical service specialist in the active-duty Air Force before joining the Kentucky Air National Guard. He would later cross-train as a public health technician and health services manager before taking responsibility as superintendent.
His decorations include three Air Force Achievement Medals, four Air Force Commendation Medals and three Meritorious Service Medals, in addition to other distinguished awards.
Cherry took the podium to thank the people he said made his career possible. He choked up as he addressed his wife, Sherry, saying, “Without you, this day could not be possible. You are my rock, my inspiration, and I love you with all my heart.”
“To the 123rd Airlift Wing,” Cherry concluded, “as reflected by the many devices on my uniform, you really are an outstanding unit, and the number one airlift wing in the United States Air Force. Thank you.”
Story by Senior Airman Joshua Horton, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The Kentucky Air National Guard’s Airman of the year, Senior Airman Robert William Willging (center), combat controller, 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, is honored with the Kentucky’s Enlsited Exceptional Performance Award (K.E.E.P.), during the awards presentation March 14, in Louisville, Kentucky. The annual Outstanding Airman and Soldier of the Year awards dinner honors Kentucky’s finest Airmen and Soldiers who are recognized by their peers for dedicating themselves to the welfare and security of our nation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Senior Airman Robert W. Willging, Tech Sgt. Don A. Yeats and Master Sgt. Zakiya A. Taylor were honored at a banquet March 14 as the Kentucky Air National Guard’s Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2014.
The three Airmen, chosen from of pool of 18 nominees, were selected because of their leadership and performance in their primary duties, dedication to self-improvement, and community involvement, according to Chief Master Sgt. Ray Dawson of the Kentucky Air National Guard Chiefs’ Council, which selects the winners.
Willging, winner of the Airman category, is a combat control specialist in the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron. In the past year, he has displayed judgment beyond his pay grade in flawlessly controlling more than 30 surgically precise air strikes to kill enemies while protecting civilians, according to his supervisor, Master Sgt. Russ Lemay. Willging voluntarily deployed for 138 days to Afghanistan as the sole Airman directing air power for an Army Special Forces team, killing 110 terrorists and destroying 16 enemy fighting positions and vehicles.
The Kentucky Air National Guard’s Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, Tech. Sgt. Don Yeats (center), radio maintenance craftsman, 123d Special Tactics Squadron, is honored with the Kentucky’s Enlsited Exceptional Performance Award (K.E.E.P.), during the awards presentation March 14, in Louisville, Kentucky. The annual Outstanding Airman and Soldier of the Year awards dinner honors Kentucky’s finest Airmen and Soldiers who are recognized by their peers for dedicating themselves to the welfare and security of our nation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson)
“I could not think of a more deserving award for Senior Airman Willging than Airman of the Year,” Lemay said. “Rob’s accomplishments in 2014 were truly remarkable. In the Special Tactics community, our operators are already working alongside a highly motivated and carefully selected force. To stand out amongst such elite company is a testament to Rob’s talent, dedication and hard work.”
Yeats, winner of the Non-Commissioned Officer category, is a radio transmission systems specialist for the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron. He led the development of a maritime communication system and repurposed communications suite that allows mission commanders to track and direct surface forces from airborne platforms. He accomplished this while utilizing existing hardware and software solutions, saving more than $500,000 in the process, according to his supervisor, Master Sgt. Frank Tallman. Yeats also designed and implemented a mobile command-and-control suite that is now the standard for all deployed Special Tactics operations centers.
“Tech Sergeant Yeats is the most technical- and tactical-minded person I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” Tallman said. “He is an absolutely vital part of the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron.”
The Kentucky Air National Guard’s Master Sgt. Zakiya Taylor, services unit training manager, Force Support Squadron, 123d Airlift Wing, is honored with the Kentucky’s Enlsited Exceptional Performance Award (K.E.E.P.), during the awards presentation March 14, in Louisville, Kentucky. The annual Outstanding Airman and Soldier of the Year awards dinner honors Kentucky’s finest Airmen and Soldiers who are recognized by their peers for dedicating themselves to the welfare and security of our nation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson)
Taylor, winner of the Senior NCO category, is a food service manager in the 123rd Force Support Squadron. She is a Bronze Star recipient, having earned the award for service in Afghanistan as part of Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team V, a multi-disciplinary task force charged with helping the nation develop a sustainable farming economy. In addition, Taylor served as an Army ROTC cadre leader in Burkina Faso, Africa, mentoring eight U.S. Army cadets while also teaching English and sharing cultural practices with Burkina Faso students at Namoano Georges Military Academy.
“Master Sergeant Taylor is an exceptional Airman,” said her supervisor, Master Sgt. Karen D. Parrish. “She is passionate about her family, friends and co-workers, and puts her heart into everything she does. Her positive attitude and ever-present military bearing make her a role-model for the younger Airmen.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Vicky Spesard, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Col. Matthew Davidson (left), commander of the 24th Special Operations Wing, presents Staff Sgt. Nicholas P. Jewell, a combat controller in the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, with the Bronze Star Medal during a ceremony Feb. 7, 2015, at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky. Jewell earned the award for meritorious achievement while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2014. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Vicky Spesard)
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 here Feb. 7 for meritorious service while deployed to Afghanistan, where he engaged enemy forces and deterred their advances.
Staff Sgt. Nicholas P. Jewell served as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller assigned to an Army Special Forces team from Aug. 12, 2014, to Nov. 10, 2014, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Jewell was tasked to provide tactical advice and assistance to Afghan Army Commando teams performing combat operations in northeastern Afghanistan when he and his team came under small-arms fire.
As rounds impacted within feet of his position, Jewell ran to cover behind a ridgeline and immediately returned fire while simultaneously relaying enemy locations to aircraft overhead, according to the award citation. He then controlled an immediate air-to-ground engagement with high explosives from an AH-64 attack helicopter, resulting in multiple enemies killed in action.
“So obviously he found himself in a bad spot,” said Col. Matthew Davidson, commander of the 24th Special Operations Wing, who officiated the award ceremony and presented the medal to Jewell. “He went out and saved his teammates and saved the mission. It’s folks like him that we want to emulate.”
Jewell also was recognized for his actions during a clearing operation when his element came under direct small-arms fire. He immediately coordinated efforts between ground signals intelligence forces and overhead aircraft to locate and engage the enemy fighting location with devastating effects.
“What we have asked Nick to do, and his teammates to do — in fact what we ask a lot of Americans out there to do for us sometimes — they have extraordinary responses to that,” Davidson said. “Like (Jewell) did on numerous occasions.”
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 Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Master Sgt. Carl Shaffer, a C-130 crew chief in the 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, works to disconnect a tow bar from a C-130 Hercules aircraft on the flight line of the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 21, 2015. The aircraft, which subsequently departed for the Persian Gulf along with 37 deploying Kentucky Air Guardsmen, was being housed in a hangar because of severe weather conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The first 37 of more than 110 Kentucky Air National Guardsmen departed Louisville, Feb. 21 for deployment to an undisclosed air base in the Persian Gulf region.
The Airmen left aboard a Kentucky Air Guard C-130 Hercules for a four-month mission supporting coalition military operations in the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility, which includes the Persian Gulf, Northern Africa and Afghanistan.
The Airmen, who include aircrew members, aircraft maintenance personnel and support staff, will fly troops and cargo as needed across the region in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, said Lt. Col. Matt Quenichet, a Kentucky Air Guard navigator and mission commander.
More than 35 members of the 123rd Airlift Wing board a C-130 Hercules aircraft at Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 21, 2015, for a four-month deployment to the Persian Gulf region in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. The Airmen will fly troops and cargo across the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility, which includes the Persian Gulf, Northern Africa and Afghanistan. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
Col. Barry Gorter, commander of the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing, thanked the deploying Airmen for their commitment to the mission.
“I know that you’re leaving here today ready to perform this mission because of the unsurpassed level of professionalism and excellence you display every day,” Gorter told the Airmen. “I’m proud of you, and I’m humbled to be you wing commander.”
He also praised family members and community partners for their continued support over the next four months.
“Our Airmen are leaving family and friends behind while they deploy overseas for this important mission, and many are taking leave from full-time civilian jobs,” Gorter noted. “Those family members and civilian employers will have to take on extra responsibilities while their citizen-Airmen are deployed, and we deeply appreciate that.
“Our Airmen simply could not perform this mission without the full support of their families, employers and coworkers, all of whom are our full partners in the defense of America.”
A second group of Kentucky Airmen is scheduled to depart from the Kentucky Air National Guard Base next week aboard a 123rd Airlift Wing C-130, while a third rotation will deploy in late April. The mission is expected to be complete in early July.
Visit our flickr page for more photos.
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 the U.S. Central Command AOR. 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.
