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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Staff Sgt. Vicky Spesard, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Master Sgt. Zakiya Taylor stands with her parents after receiving the award for 2014 Kentucky Air National Guard Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year during a ceremony held at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds March 14, 2015. Taylor, who a services manager for the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Force Support Squadron, credits her parents’ encouragement for her successful military career. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Vicky Spesard)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As the nation honors the accomplishments of women in the military during National Women’s History month, the 123rd Airlift Wing reflects on one of its own, Master Sgt. Zakiya Taylor, a mentor to young people, an acknowledged leader among her peers and a decorated Airman answering the call to duty around the world.
An 18-year veteran of the Kentucky Air National Guard, Taylor joined the wing just after finishing high school, with the encouragement of her parents to help pay for college. She never intended to make it a career.
“I got the love of travel from my musician father, who took me with him when he performed around the world,” Taylor explained. “I knew that the Guard would allow me to travel as well and help me further my education.”
After completing her bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology at Western Kentucky University, Taylor decided to continue her career in the Guard, where she got her opportunity to see the world. Taylor’s career has taken her to deployments in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Europe, Afghanistan and Africa.
“I have had the opportunity to learn all these different cultures and fellowship with all these different people,” Taylor said. “In that process I have learned that we are not very much different. We all want the same things: good health, wealth and security for our families.”
Fellowship through mentoring is a passion for Taylor, who worked throughout her high school summers as a camp counselor for youth at the Metro Parks summer camp in Louisville. While in college, she became a dance instructor for a local youth arts program.
She continued her desire to mentor in her Guard career when she accompanied a group of young Army ROTC cadets to Burkina Faso, Africa.
Air Force Master Sgt. Zakiya Taylor of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing greets a Burkinabe boy while serving as a cadre leader for U.S. Army Cadets participating in the U.S. Army Cadet Command’s Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency Program in Burkina Faso in June 2014. The program strengthens cultural awareness and foreign language skills among the Army’s future leaders. (Courtesy photo)
“This was a great leadership opportunity for me,” she said. “I was solely responsible for these cadets, getting them to their mission location and taking care of them from start to finish. It has made me a better leader. I know the cadets’ experiences will make them better leaders, too.”
Leading by example is just one of the many characteristics that has brought Taylor to this point in her career. In March, she was honored as the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 2014 Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.
“As a leader and as a woman, it is exciting to be honored alongside all of the men,” Taylor said. “It shows that we can do this. We have come so far and had so many challenges. I think when an award like this happens, it shows that women are breaking down barriers, moving forward and making progress.”
Accepting challenges is something Taylor is no stranger to. As well as performing her duties as unit training manager for the 123rd Services Flight here, she has been appointed by Chief Master Sgt. Ray Dawson, 123rd Airlift Wing command chief master sergeant, to assist with a new education initiative designed to bring college classes on base.
“She is one of the most professional, dynamic senior NCOs I have ever worked with,” Dawson said about Taylor, who is the Force Development Education Services Technician for his education program. “Her commitment to excellence is second to none. When she is in charge of a detail, the outcome is set from the start.”
And right from the start in her career, Taylor has had a vision of what her own outcome should be.
“It is very important to me to display my leadership and exemplify what it means to me to be here and set an example for other Airmen,” she explained. “I may not always say the right thing, but if I’m doing the right thing at the right time for the right reasons, someone is going to pick up on that. Hopefully, I am making a difference for someone.”
By Senior Airman Vicky Spesard, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Senior Airman Vincenzo Lafronza has been named the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 2013 Airman of the Year in the Airman category. Lafronza is a C-130 crew chief for the 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, KY — Strong leadership, a commitment to self-improvement and a passion for community service are just a few of the reasons why Senior Airman Vincenzo Lafronza, Tech Sgt. Harley Bobay and Master Sgt. Sharon Foster have been named the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 2013 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.
“I am extremely proud to announce the selections for this year’s Airmen of the Year,” said Chief Master Sgt. James Smith, state command chief for Joint Forces Headquarters—Kentucky. “As with every year, the competition was keen, and the winners of each category were selected by the slimmest of margins. Each nominee is amazing, both in their respective duties here at the Guard and within their communities.”
Lafronza, the winner of the Airman category, is a C-130 crew chief for the 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. He was selected, in part, because of his exemplary knowledge of the Hercules aircraft, according to Senior Master Sgt. Tim Nash, Lafronza’s supervisor and a flight chief in the 123rd AMS.
“When I first met him, he was coming to us from a different unit working on different aircraft,” Nash said. “I thought he might have difficulty learning a different aircraft, but he didn’t. He hit the ground running and hasn’t stopped to look back.”
A Quality Assurance Honor Roll recipient for logging zero defects on 100 percent of assessment inspections, Lafronza had no idea he had even been nominated for the award.
“I thought I was just coming in every day and doing my job,” he said. “I just wanted to do the best I could, and someone took notice. I was very surprised and excited to be chosen.”
Lafronza is currently a student at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a volunteer for the New York Cares organization, which provides assistance to victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Tech Sgt. Harley Bobay has been named the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 2013 Airman of the Year in the non-commissioned officer category. Bobay is a combat controller for the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
“I was checking on him during his leave after he returned home from a recent deployment,” Nash said, “and there he was, at a clothing distribution center, handing out clothes to people affected by the hurricane. He has a big heart, always ready to learn something new and the first to volunteer to help.”
Bobay, the winner in the Non-Commissioned Officer category, is a combat controller for the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron and a recipient of both the Bronze Star Medal and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
Deployed for 175 days in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Bobay sacrificed personal safety to save the lives of coalition forces while under constant enemy small-arms and mortar fire, according to Chief Master Sgt. Tom DeSchane, chief enlisted manager for the 123rd STS. Bobay helped neutralize every insurgent attack in his area and protect a local village from Taliban insurgency.
Aside from his tactical duties, Bobay is a mentor to younger, less-experienced members of the squadron.
“He is constantly passing down his knowledge to the younger guys,” DeSchane said. “He is always on the go, always training, always moving forward and looking for the next challenge. He is a hard worker who encourages those around him to work harder.”
Along with his mission responsibilities, Bobay balances family life with community volunteering. He is a wrestling coach for a local elementary and middle school and a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project.
“I was very surprised when I was chosen for the award,” Bobay said. “There are so many other people that I work with every day that do the same job as me, and do it better. It is very humbling to be chosen from among such a hardworking and dedicated group like these guys.”
Master Sgt. Sharon Foster has been named the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 2013 Airman of the Year in the senior non-commissioned officer category. Foster is the non-commissioned officer in charge of force management for the 123rd Force Support Squadron. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
Foster, who was selected as senior NCO of the year, is the non-commissioned officer in charge of force management for the 123rd Force Support Squadron, a customer-based organization.
“I have always had the utmost trust and confidence in Sergeant Foster’s ability to assist our customers,” said Chief Master Sgt. Lori Zinsmeister, chief enlisted manager for the 123rd FSS. “She takes the time to counsel each of them to give them the best information that she can.”
Some of Foster’s responsibilities include ensuring retirement, promotion and re-enlistment packets are put together correctly and accurately.
“I know that when I give her an assignment, or if one of our patrons asks for her assistance, the job will get done,” Zinsmeister said. “She is always doing work at a chief’s level: accurately and timely. I can trust her to get the job done.”
For Foster, who also won Airmen of the Year at the NCO level in 2005, the newest honor is confirmation of a continuing job well done.
“I was very surprised to have been nominated in the senior category,” she said. “It was a great feeling to be recognized the first time, but to have been nominated and selected a second time at a higher level is even better. It lets me know that the job I am doing does make a difference.”
The 2013 Outstanding Airmen of the Year will be honored, along with the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Outstanding Soldiers of the Year, during a banquet to be held March 16 at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center. Tickets are for $25 per person and may be purchased from any chief master sergeant or sergeant major.
Story by Senior Airman Vicky Spesard, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Master Sgt. Bao Huynh of the 123rd Force Support Squadron has been named the Kentucky Air National Guard’s Outstanding Honor Guard Member of the Year for 2013. His duties include presenting the colors at public events and performing military funeral rites such as the presentation of the American flag to fallen service members’ families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Master Sgt. Bao Huynh of the 123rd Force Support Squadron has been named the Kentucky Air National Guard’s Outstanding Honor Guard Member of the Year for 2013.
A 14-year veteran of the Air National Guard, Huynh had always admired the Honor Guard for its commitment to excellence, and he jumped at the opportunity to join the base squad when the opportunity presented itself two years ago.
“When I first saw what the Honor Guard did and how sharp they looked, I knew I wanted to be a part of what they stood for,” said Huynh, unit training manager for the 123rd FSS. “When I learned how much they mean to our veterans and the people we serve, being a part of the team began to mean something more for me.”
Huynh’s duties include presenting the colors at public events and performing military funeral rites such as the presentation of the American flag to fallen service members’ families — a role he takes to heart.
“When I see the pride in the families’ faces that they have for their loved one, it makes me want to do my best for them,” Huynh said. “It is my job and my responsibility to look the best that I can, to be the most professional that I can be and to give as much honor to that family member as I can. They deserve that for the sacrifice that was made.”
Huynh’s attention to detail is one of many things that led to his selection as Outstanding Honor Guard Member of the Year, according to Master Sgt. Jennifer Thiery, services superintendent.
“Every day when he comes in, he has a smile on his face and he is ready to work,” Thiery said. “Not only is he prepared, he ensures that other members of the Honor Guard are ready as well. He is constantly helping them to train for Honor Guard duties because it is that important to him. He understands the value of what the Honor Guard does.”
That understanding is a trait Huynh believes should be passed down to each member of the team.
“It is important for each of them to know that we are the face of the Air Force,” he said. “We are the ones front and center that everyone sees. It is our responsibility to look our best, to perform with precision, and to set a high standard of expectations.”
123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Kentucky Air National Guard Maj. Sean McLane, director of operations for the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, shows General Paul J. Selva, commander of Air Mobility Command, some special operations equipment used at austere landing zones during a visit to the Air Guard base on Feb. 5, 2012 in Louisville, Ky. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The new commander of Air Mobility Command visited the Kentucky Air National Guard here Feb. 5 to learn more about the mission of the 123rd Airlift Wing.
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Gen. Paul J. Selva, who assumed command of AMC Nov. 30, attended a mission briefing and visited with Airmen from multiple Kentucky units, including the 165th Airlift Squadron, the 123rd Contingency Response Group, the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron and the 123rd Force Support Squadron.
Accompanied by Brig. Gen. Roy Uptegraff, Air National Guard assistant to the commander of AMC, and Chief Master Sgt. Andy Kaiser, AMC command chief master sergeant, Selva also viewed demonstrations of the wing’s new Mobile Emergency Operations Center, a new Disaster Relief Mobile Kitchen Trailer and a C-130 Hercules aircraft configured for disaster-response operations.
Kentucky Air National Guard Maj. Sean McLane, director of operations for the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, shows a variety of special operations equipment to General Paul J. Selva, commander of Air Mobility Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Richard A. Kaiser, the command chief master sergeant of Air Mobility Command, during a tour of the 123rd Airlift Wing in Louisville, Ky., on Feb. 5, 2012. The gear is used to establish operations at austere landing zones. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
Kentucky Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Carol Davis, emergency manager for the 123rd Civil Engineer Squadron, shows the Mobile Emergency Operations Center to General Paul J. Selva, commander of Air Mobility Command, during a visit to the Air Guard base on Feb. 5, 2012 in Louisville, Ky. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
By Master Sgt. Philip Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Fatality Search and Recovery Teams search for simulated human remains at Patriot 12, a disaster-response exercise held at Volk Field, Wis., from July 13-20, 2012. The Kentucky Air Guard joined with FSTRs from Arizona and Minnesota to train the newly formed Indiana FSRT during the exercise. (Courtesy Photo)
VOLK FIELD, Wis. — Members of a Fatality Search and Recovery Team from the Kentucky Air National Guard helped train other disaster-response officials during a national exercise held July 13-20 at Volk Field, Wis.
More than 1,100 military and civilian emergency responders participated in the exercise, known as Patriot 12, a National Guard scenario designed to simulate the damage from a major earthquake.
The primary mission of Kentucky’s FSRT was to train a Fatality Search and Recovery Team from the Indiana National Guard, according to 2nd Lt. Jonathan Fairbanks, the officer in charge of the Kentucky unit. The Indiana team, which has just been stood up, had never fielded its equipment before.
Kentucky Air National Guard 2nd Lt. Jonathan Fairbanks (right), 123rd Force Support Squadron Fatality Search and Recovery Team officer in charge, talks with Arizona FSRT officer in charge Capt. Paul W. Jefferson during the Patriot 12 disaster-response exercise held at Volk Field, Wis., from July 13-20, 2012. Fairbanks’ team joined with FSRTs from Arizona and Minnesota to train a newly established Indiana FSRT during the exercise. (Courtesy Photo)
“We showed them everything, from the initial setup and the initial brief from the on-site commander, all the way through the end of the exercise and cleaning everything up afterwards,” Fairbanks said.
The Kentucky team was hand-selected for the task by Brad Whitlinger, lead exercise planner for the National Guard Bureau, because he knew the unit was experienced, fully capable and integrated well with other teams, Fairbanks said. FSRT teams from Arizona and Minnesota also provided training to the Indiana group.
Fatality Search and Recovery Teams are charged with locating and recovering the remains of victims killed in hostile action or natural disasters. Team members have special training and equipment that allow them to operate in a broad spectrum of dangerous environments, including those contaminated by nuclear, biological or chemical agents.
During Patriot 12, all four FSRTs conducted training on the proper donning and doffing of personal protective equipment and the use of gear like litters and tents. They also trained on proper procedures for handling remains in contaminated and uncontaminated areas.
Actors added a dose of reality to the rubble-strewn environment, requiring FSTR members to interact with simulated victims, injured survivors and distraught family members who were frantically searching for loved ones.
Fairbanks said he was extremely pleased with the performance of his members, who had to balance the challenges of responding to exercise inputs in a dynamic environment with the need to train the Indiana unit while integrating with FSTRs from two other states.
Kentucky Air National Guard Senior Airman Shelby Basham (center), a Fatality Search and Recovery Team member, talks to other FSRT members and the on-scene coroner during Patriot 12, a disaster-response exercise held at Volk Field, Wis., from July 13-20, 2012. The Kentucky Air Guard joined with the Arizona and Minnesota Air Guard FSRTs to train a newly established Indiana team during the exercise. (Courtesy Photo)
“What I thought was going to be our biggest challenge — integrating with the other teams — actually was our biggest strength,” he said. “When you bring in four teams with four different ways of doing things, sometimes you run into issues. But we didn’t really have that.”
Master Sgt. Krista Lindsey, non-commissioned officer in charge of Kentucky’s FSRT, said the exercise helped prepare the team for real-world deployments in which members will be required to work with a broad range of disaster-response officials.
“This was a great training experience since it is very likely we’ll be working with other units and augmentees in a mass-casualty environment,” Lindsey said.
Lindsey and Fairbanks both noted the crucial nature of the FSRT mission, which ensures that the remains of deceased citizens are recovered with dignity.
“I tell my team there aren’t very many jobs more important than ours,” Fairbanks said. “We ensure they get to bring their loved ones home, to get a proper resting place.”
Lindsey agreed.
“Our job as the Fatality Search and Recovery Team is essential because we are there to maintain the dignity of the family’s loved one with respect at the scene of a mass casualty, in both a chemical and non-chemical environment,” she said.
“Our team is prepared to operate knowing that we support the local authorities and we can bring our capabilities, processes, procedures and lessons learned from our training to effectively support each mission.”
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Story by Tech. Sgt. Jason Ketterer, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Tech. Sgt. Ashlee Richards, 123rd Force Support Squadron Training Manager (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
FRANKFORT, Ky. - No more than a week after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Louisville and the Kentucky National Guard, Tech Sgt. Ashlee Richards, 123rd Force Support Squadron Training Manager, began VetStart at the university’s College of Business. The Kentucky Veterans Program Trust Fund helps pays for a ten week class where veterans learn how to hone ideas, develop a business and strategic plan, and establish a network of others who can help as they move to start-up.
“We’re only about one week into it, but they’ve been more than helpful and I think it’s so great that programs like these are finally being established for veterans,” said Richards. “Some of the guys who are in the class with me are veterans that were active duty, and when you come home, you don’t know exactly how to translate the skills that you’ve acquired over the years to the civilian marketplace. The programs that are being established are vital to their success on the civilian side.”
Richards, a Kentucky Guardsman with fifteen years of experience in the food service industry, plans to open a wine-tasting restaurant and bar in Louisville, Ky. “I happened to visit a couple different wine-tasting bars over the past year and I think Louisville could really benefit from one. It would be a welcomed addition to our food and beverage scene here in the city,” added Richards.
Participants in the VetStart will receive up to $2,500 reimbursement toward valid start-up expenses and will have access to seasoned professionals for advice.
While the 123rd Airlift Wing starts its self-proclaimed “Year of Improvement,” the Force Support Squadron leadership knows that it starts with the individual. “There is a strong emphasis in Force Support in personal development. Not just on the military side but personally, physically and professionally. They’ve been very adamant about pushing ourselves,” added Richards.
Richards explains the other ways she has benefited from her enlistment with the Kentucky Air National Guard.
“They did pay for my college education first of all, [laughing] which is awesome. They’ve trained us on food services in Force Support, but on top of that, being a training manager I’ve learned the importance of communication skills, being detail-oriented and following through on everything. It’s given me the tenacity that is required to be an entrepreneur.”
By Master Sgt. Phil Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Master Sgt. Tommy Caruso, recruiting office supervisor for the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Force Support Squadron in Louisville, Ky., goes over enlistment paperwork Jan. 10, 2012, with new recruit Joseph R. Duke, who is joining the Kentucky Air Guard as a medical technician for the CERFP. The CERFFP unit — also known as the Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive Enhanced Response Force Package — is designed to respond to attacks on the U.S. homeland. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Current and retired members of the Air National Guard can now refer potential recruits to the Guard and collect rewards if those individuals decide to join.
The new Air National Guard Referral Rewards Program offers incentives ranging from backpacks to high-definition televisions, said Master Sgt. Tommy Caruso, Base Recruiting Office Supervisor.
“The program was created to reward current and retired Air Guard members who are helping bring new Airmen into the unit,” Caruso said. “It’s based on a tiered system of rewards, so that the incentives increase in value as you make more successful referrals. Special incentives also are offered for critical career fields.”
To participate in the program, current members and retirees must visit www.Refer2ANG.com and sign up. Each participant will receive a Referral Rewards Welcome Kit with everything the participant needs to get started, including his or her Referral Reward Program Code.
“The RRP code is what the referred lead will need to give to their recruiter while starting the accession process,” Caruso explained. “This code is unique and will be the key to getting participants their credit for the referral.”
The welcome kit also includes tips on finding qualified candidates, personalized business cards with contact information and the participant’s RRP code, and a Referral Rewards Membership Card that lists the RRP Code and The Airman’s Creed.
Participants can start referring leads by handing out their personalized business cards, Caruso said.
Rewards are redeemed via a tiered system. After a participant’s first recruit joins, the participant can choose a reward from the first tier. When the second recruit joins, he or she can pick a reward from the second tier, and so on.
The more new Airmen a participant finds, the more valuable the rewards.
The first tier offers a choice of a backpack, duffel bag, tool or executive leather kit. All the items are customized with the Air National Guard logo. The second tier offers such items as a custom fitness kit or a tailgate package. Third-tier rewards include custom luggage or a stainless kitchen set, while fourth-tier incentives include a grill or golfing set.
Fifth-tier rewards, offered to participants who bring in five recruits, include a 3D, 40-inch Blue-Ray home theater system or two different gaming kits that include a game system and 40-inch high-definition television.
Certain hard-to-fill jobs are designated as critical AFSCs, Caruso noted. “If you find a recruit to fill one of these positions, you would be eligible for premium rewards.
“But no matter what positions you fill, you can receive some pretty amazing items.”
By Tech. Sgt. Jason Ketterer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Lt. Col. George Imorde III, incoming commander of the 123rd Force Support Squadron, receives the unit colors from Col. Jeffrey Peters, 123rd Support Group Commander, during a change-of-command ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 22, 2011. Outgoing commander Lt. Col. Kathryn Pfeifer (left) has been named staff support officer for Joint Forces Headquarters-Kentucky. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maxwell Rechel)
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KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lt. Col. George Imorde III took command of the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Force Support Squadron during a change-of-command ceremony here Oct. 22.
Imorde, who most recently served as executive staff officer for Headquarters, 123rd Airlift Wing, replaces Lt. Col. Kathryn Pfeifer, who has been named staff support officer at Joint Forces Headquarters — Kentucky. Pfeifer served as FSS commander since the unit was stood up two years ago following a merger of the mission support and services flights.
Imorde brings experience from 10 years of active duty in the U.S. Army and a previous assignment as Military Personnel Management Officer for the Kentucky Air Guard. He recently returned from a deployment to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, where he served as assistant chief of staff for a joint special operations task force.
As commander of the FSS, he will supervise personnel programs, customer service, community and family support, and quality of life programs for his fellow Airmen.
“I’ve been a staff officer for quite some time and haven’t commanded since a company command in the Army in August 2003,” Imorde said. “I’ve thirsted for the opportunity to lead again and am enthusiastic about this opportunity.”
Members of the 123rd Force Support Squadron stand at attention during their unit’s change-of-command ceremony, held Oct. 22, 2011, at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky. Lt. Col. George Imorde III is replacing Lt. Col. Kathryn Pfeifer, who has been named staff support officer for Joint Forces Headquarters-Kentucky. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maxwell Rechel)
A Louisville, Ky., native, Imorde received his commission from the United States Army in 1997. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom whose decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.
The 123rd Force Support Squadron is comprised of four units: the 123rd Military Personnel Flight, 123rd Services Flight, 123rd Base Education and Training Flight, and Family Services. Those units cover a broad range of functions, from personnel, family support and recruiting to the base dining facility, lodging and honor guard.
“We are largely a customer-service organization, and that will be my emphasis,” Imorde said. We will continue to take care of people and will always do the right thing for the Airmen of the 123rd Airlift Wing.”
Story by Master Sgt. Phil Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Chief Master Sgt. Veronica J. Holliman was recognized for more than 24 years of dedicated service to the Air National Guard recently.
Brig. Gen. Michael Dornbush, chief of joint staff for Joint Forces Headquarters-Kentucky presents Chief Master Sgt. Veronica J. Holliman with a Meritorious Service Medal during her retirement ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., on Aug 13. Chief Holliman served the Air National Guard with distinction for more than 24 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis Flora)
Holliman, who was presented with a Meritorious Service Medal for career accomplishments during her retirement ceremony here Aug. 13, most recently served as superintendent of base services for the 123rd Force Support Squadron.
She joined the Alabama Air National Guard in 1987 and spent her first nine years working with finance. In 1996 she moved over the Alabama Guard’s 187th Services Flight as services technician. In 2003 she accepted the position as services superintendent for the Kentucky Air National Guard.
Holliman served for many years at the national level in the services career field as the Secretary of both the Air National Guard Services Association and the Services Field Advisory Council. She was later elected and served as the vice president of both organizations.
Holliman was an evaluator for the Air National Guard Staff Assistance Visit Team and numerous exercise evaluation teams, and augmented both the Air Combat Command and Air Mobility Command Inspector General teams during Operational Readiness Inspections. She also became a certified instructor and assisted with re-writing several courses for the Air Guard services career field, including readiness in base service, food management and mortuary affairs.
Holliman’s supervisor, Lt. Col Kathryn Pfeifer, praised the senior NCO for her dedication and leadership.
“She will be sorely missed because she contributed so much, had a wealth of knowledge and many years of experience in the services career field,” said Pfeifer, former commander of the 123rd Force Support Squadron. “ She’ll not only be missed by the Kentucky Air National Guard, but the Air National Guard in general, because she contributed a lot to other units by helping out as an evaluator and providing guidance on how to get through inspections with outstanding marks.”
“Chief Holliman was a great leader for the troops in the Services Flight. She set a professional example and encouraged younger troops to do their best, honoring and acknowledging them when they had exceptional work performance.”
Chief Holliman’s awards and decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal and the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal.
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Story by Master Sgt. Philip Speck
123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Kentucky Air National Guard Master Sgt. Cynthia Rogers and Tech. Sgt. Anthony Walker were honored for their work in recuiting and retention. (Photo by Maj. Dale Greer, Chief of Public Affairs, 123d Airlift Wing)
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 5, 2011) – Two members of the Kentucky Air Guard have been recognized by the National Guard Bureau for their outstanding job performance.
Master Sgt. Cynthia Rogers was named Air National Guard Retention Office Manager of the Year for Region 4, a geographic area that includes nine states and the District of Columbia, while Tech. Sgt. Anthony Walker was named ANG Production Recruiter of the Year for Region 4.
“Both of these individuals are exceptional Airmen who perform their crucial duties with dedication and excellence, day-in and day-out,” said Senior Master Sgt. Scott Crimm, recruiting and retention superintendent for the Kentucky Air Guard. “Their outstanding commitment is one of the reasons why the Kentucky Air Guard consistently meets its recruiting and retention goals, keeping the unit strong and well-positioned to answer a wide range of mission needs all around the world.”
Walker earned his honor with a long list of accomplishments, including targeted recruiting efforts designed to fill chronically understaffed positions in the special operations career field. During fiscal year 2010, those efforts resulted in a 100 percent staffing rate for pararescue and support positions, and a 90 percent staffing rate for combat control positions. Walker also led the organization in overall recruits, enlisting 29 Airmen in the Kentucky Air National Guard during fiscal year 2010 to boost unit-wide staffing levels to 103 percent of the authorized troop count.
Lt. Col. Kathryn Pfeifer, commander of the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Force Support Squadron, called Walker a “truly outstanding recruiter who continually focuses his recruiting efforts, enabling us to find candidates to fill specific needs.”
“He has an exceptional way of interacting with candidates, cementing their interest in the Kentucky Air National Guard while engaging with unit commanders about their vacancy needs,” she added.
A strong supporter of diversity, Walker worked with human resources during fiscal year 2010 to develop recruiting strategies intended to attract a broader range of young men and women to the unit.
“He’s continually working on plans and strategies to bring new Airmen into the Kentucky Air Guard,” Sergeant Crimm said. “He also gives back to the community by donating off-duty time to a local youth ministry and to a mentorship program.”
Rogers earned her award with an equally long list of accomplishments, including a 94 percent reenlistment rate for fiscal year 2010. During those 12 months, only six Airmen elected not to re-enlist in the Kentucky Air Guard.
Rogers also is a Post 9-11 Montgomery G.I. Bill guru, Sergeant Crimm said.
“She is recognized within the Air Guard recruiting and retention community as a expert on those benefits, and she briefed the entire Kentucky Air Guard on the program to ensure maximum awareness,” he said.
“Sergeant Rogers always has the best interests of our Airmen in mind,” Colonel Pfeifer said. “She goes above and beyond to ensure unit members get the information they need on items such as the Yellow Ribbon Integration Program, tuition assistance, the Post 9-11 G.I. Bill or re-enlistment bonuses. She is a fair and honest individual who clearly outlines the benefits and programs available to our members, and who also keeps commanders informed on how they can further assist in areas where their Airmen are concerned.”
In her off-duty time, Rogers serves the local homeless population by volunteering at Louisville’s Christian Wayside Mission complex. She also champions diversity recruiting efforts by attending minority events in the community.
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