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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
Story by Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Lyddane
1st Lt. Holdun Reed with the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery and his girlfriend, Jasmine at the 2015 St. Barbara’s Dining Out in Bowling Green, Ky., Dec. 5, 2015. Reed is an award-winning body builder competing in regional events. (Courtesy photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — According to the TRADOC Standardized Physical Training Guide, physical fitness is defined as having “the ability to effectively function in work, training and other activities while maintaining optimal health and well-being.” Many of our Kentucky Guardsman know and understand this notion, but 1st Lt. Holdun Reed embraces it.
Throughout the past year his mental fortitude, determination, and hard work has afforded him the opportunity to compete as a natural body builder. Reed recently competed in the Kentucky Derby Championships, Natural Kentucky Championships, and Kentucky Muscle Championships. He represented both himself and the National Guard well by dominating the competition, taking first place in Physique Novice Class B, third place in Physique Open Class B, and won Overall Physique Novice Champion, respectively.
“Body building gives me something to work towards,” Reed said. “I feel that I am an athlete at heart and have found my sport.”
Competent leaders lead by example, overcome adversity, and are able to persevere through the toughest challenges. Reed has proven that he possesses those traits. Reed serves as a platoon leader for Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery located in Bardstown, Kentucky.
He deployed with the unit to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom from October of 2006 to February 2008. Not long after returning home, Reed was severely burned in an automobile fire.
“There were more challenges than I can remember, I woke up in pain for nearly eight months,” he said.
He endured a major surgery to repair the burned areas and skin was grafted from his legs to replace the skin that had been burned away on his arms. He attributes the love and support of his friends and family and especially his girlfriend who stuck beside him every step of the way. For some, this may have negatively impacted their motivation. For Reed, this was a driving force that created a more intense desire to achieve his goals.
1st Lt. Holdun Reed and his girlfriend Jasmine both place in their respective categories at the 2015 Kentucky Muscle Championships in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 14, 2015. (Courtesy photo)
“My parents raised me with the attitude to let nothing stop me from achieving my goals. They told me to never make excuses but instead create solutions.”
After a full recovery, Reed felt there was more he could do in uniform. With years of honing his leadership skills as a Non-Commissioned Officer under his belt, and completing his degree in Business Management and Administration at Western Kentucky University, he decided to challenge himself by attending Officer Candidate School in 2012.
As an artillery officer, Reed is an expert in fire support, observed firing tactics, fire direction procedures, and well versed in platoon leadership. He is a firm believer that great leaders can transform people and encourage the best out of a unit; he has known that type of leader and wanted to follow in their footsteps.
Reed said that as an officer, the challenge is greater because of the requirement to not only provide guidance to subordinates but juggle that responsibility with being a role model and mentor. If you ask Reed’s chain of command, you’ll hear similar comments.
“Lt. Reed has faced many challenges in his life, but continues to demonstrate a true resiliency to persevere,” said Col. Rob Larkin, commander of the 138th Field Artillery Brigade. “His work ethic in and out of uniform has helped him become a well-rounded officer who sets a fine example for others to follow.”
1st Lt. Holdun Reed takes 1st place in his category at the NPC Kentucky Derby Festival in Louisville, Ky., April 25, 2015. (courtesy photo)
Now with five body building awards under his belt, Reed plans to continue competing and challenging himself. Body building has similar requirements to that of being a Soldier, it involves a tremendous amount of focus and commitment - Reed knows this all too well. Leading up to competitions takes hours of time in a gym, knowledge of the human anatomy, and strict adherence to a diet regimen. Similar to the way he uses his position to influence, mentor, and encourage other service members in his unit.
Story by Sgt. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau fires a 105mm Howitzer cannon loaded by Spc. Natasha Bean, supply specialist for the 138th Field Artillery Brigade during the 2015 Thunder Over Louisville, April 18. Bean and Spc. Tiffany Dirolf were two of the Soldiers from the 138th providing artillery salutes from the 2nd Street bridge during the event. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — At Thunder Over Louisville, there are a lot of certainties. If the weather is good, crowds will be big. The air show is cool and during the breaks, people look up to the Second Street Bridge and eyeball the cannons and Soldiers who man them. But it isn’t always a man.
Spc. Natasha Bean and Spc. Tiffany Dirolf, supply specialists assigned to the 138th Field Artillery Brigade, were chosen by brigade leadership to support the cannon salute. The pair loaded the cannons for chief of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Frank J. Grass, and Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, adjutant general for the Kentucky National Guard, before the air show kicked off.
“It was an absolute honor to load the sound for Gen. Grass,” Bean said. “He is one of the top officers in the military and not a lot of people get to meet him, let alone prepare him to fire a cannon.”
Spc. Tiffany Dirolf, supply specialist for the 138th Field Artillery Brigade, loads a practice round in a 105mm Howitzer cannon during the 2015 Thunder Over Louisville, April 18. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
Before the Thunder mission, the entire cannon salute team received training on how to properly load the 105mm Howitzers. The field artillery is a combat arms branch, and females typically aren’t assigned to fire crews.
While their presence on the team was a significant honor for the battle buddies, Sgt. 1st Class James Marcum, chief of smoke of the firing battery, said they were tactical and professional while teaching the generals how to fire them.
“I think the Soldiers did an outstanding job,” said Marcum. “They only had about 30 minutes to prep the generals and they did fantastic. They should be very proud of what they have accomplished today.”
Best friends outside the uniform, Bean and Dirolf went to basic combat training together, were in the same company for advanced individual training, and deployed to the Horn of Africa together in 2012. They both took pride in their selection to fire the Thunder cannons, and hope it encourages other females to consider opportunities in the guard - even better if it is with their best friend.
“Always having my best friend with me and sharing the same dream helps,” said Bean. “I don’t know where I would be without her.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau speaks with Soldiers with the 138th Field Artillery Brigade at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., April 17, 2015. During his three-day visit, Grass met with Soldiers and Airmen across the state, attended Thunder Over Louisville and Military Appreciation Day at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Military challenge coins are handed out everyday for excellence, but it’s not everyday that a Soldier’s first coin is from a four-star general. That was the case for Pfc. Lauren Walker, a combat medic with the 1163rd Area Support Medical Company.
“That was my first coin, my first big recognition as a Soldier that I’m doing the right thing,” said Walker. “It’s a pretty big deal to me.”
Pfc. Lauren Walker with the 1163rd Area Support Medical Company speaks with Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., April 17, 2015. The 1163rd was finishing up the unit’s pre-mobilization training prior to a scheduled deployment to Afghanistan this spring. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“It means a lot to us that he came down here from D.C. to see the little 1163rd. It was a great reminder for us to stay motivated to keep up the hard work and keep driving on.”
Visit our flickr page for more photos of Gen. Grass’ visit to Kentucky.
For Soldiers with the 1163rd, pre-mobilization training was going according to schedule April 18 at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. Then in the middle of a field training class, everything came to a brief halt as Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau rolled up on their location.
Escorted by Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general, Grass visited as part of his initiative to travel to every state and territory to personally thank Guardsmen around the Nation.
“Every time I travel, one of the things I find is I learn something about the National Guard that I didn’t know,” said Grass. “Getting to visit Soldiers and Airmen here and learn about the missions that you all are doing is phenomenal.”
Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau speaks with Kentucky Guardsmen of the 1163rd Area Support Medical Company during a visit to the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., April 17, 2015. Grass thanked the Soldiers for their service and answered questions from them on the state of the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“You think about the number of people that serve in uniform, this is an all volunteer force, and you’ve got to thank them,” he said.
Grass observed part of the training class then spoke with the unit about their upcoming deployment and their thoughts on being a part of the Guard.
“What I find interesting everywhere I go is how young the force is, how talented and how astute they are to what is happening in the world, and they know exactly why they’re joining.”
Sgt. Duncan Wooster’s story also inspired Grass. Wooster enlisted late in life and has a stable career as an airline pilot, but is also determined to be a true non-commissioned officer to the 1163rd. Grass complimented Wooster on helping young Soldiers of the 1163rd to devise plans to be smarter with the extra money they will make during the deployment.
“I’m excited and very honored to go work with such a great group of people and just want to try to influence them to make better decisions,” said Wooster. “I took everything Gen. Grass said to heart and was very impressed that he took time to come out in the field to see us. It was an honor to meet him and speak with him one-on-one.”
The National Guard chief’s visit left a positive buzz with the unit. A drive that their leadership hopes carries them into and through their deployment to Afghanistan.
“The time Gen. Grass spent with the Soldiers indicates to me that we stood out and made a positive impression on him,” said 1st Lt. Anna Mataspha, officer in charge of the 1163rd’s training. “How many other units in the Guard have come across the Chief of the National Guard, that’s pretty special and it elevates us to be even better than what we already are. It’s a great boost right before they deploy.”
During his three-day visit to Kentucky, Grass also met with Soldiers of the 138th Field Artillery Brigade in Greenville and Soldiers with Charlie Co., 1st Battalion, 376th Security and Support Aviation upon his return to Louisville. Grass was also an impressed spectator at Thunder Over Louisville, April 18 and a special guest at Military Appreciation Day at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, April 19.
Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau and Chief Master Sgt. Mitch Brush speak with Spc. Kyle Shenk with the 138th Field Artillery Brigade during Thunder Over Louisville, April 18, 2015. Grass visited with Kentucky Guardsmen on duty for the event throughout downtown Louisville. (U.S. Army national Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“Thunder Over Louisville was just phenomenal and to see how much the military was involved, the salute to Veterans, the salute the Kentucky Army and Air National Guard, there was a half-million people there and you couldn’t move without bumping into a Guardsmen or their family member somewhere.”
In awe of the events and the participation of the Kentucky Guard, Grass departed Kentucky with final thoughts to the Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the bluegrass.
“I would tell them thank you for serving your nation and look at the opportunities you’re getting as a member of the Guard, and thanks to their families and employers. It all becomes a family and the Guard is more family than anything I’ve seen.”
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 Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Soldiers assigned to the 223rd Military Police Company and Louisville Metro Police officers man a safety point at Sixth Street and River Road April 18, in support of Thunder security operations. More than 1,200 Law Enforcement Officers and 140 military policemen patrolled the Riverfront to ensure crowd safety. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - It literally takes an Army, specifically the Kentucky Army National Guard, to ensure the two-week party in Louisville, aka the Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF), goes off without a hitch.
Whether its traffic enforcement, security patrols, entertaining the crowd with give-aways and obstacles, or starting events with a cannon, the Kentucky Guard plays a huge role in Thunder Over Louisville, the kick-off to Derby Festival. The Soldiers and Airmen operate right alongside the KDF as well as local, state and federal agencies to ensure festival patrons have an explosive time, without incident.
The Kentucky National Guard’s 223rd Military Police and Louisville Metro Police officers coordinated patrols to keep Thunder-goers safe April 18, in Louisville. More than 1,200 Law Enforcement Officers and 140 military policemen patrolled the Riverfront to ensure crowd safety. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson)
“We are very grateful for what the National Guard provides us,” said Sgt. Phil Russell, Louisville Metro Police commander of media, public relations.
Approximately 250 Kentucky Guardsmen supported the 25th Thunder. The Guard has participated in the annual event in some capacity since its conception in 1990.
“When you are here, and in the uniform, you are an ambassador for the United States military; but especially the Kentucky Guard,” said 1st Sgt. Mike Ochs, 223rd Military Police Company first sergeant.
“It’s good for the crowd to see us, and the public is always wonderful to us,” he said.
Sgt. 1st Class Nick Vinson, a Guard recruiter, has helped coordinate the Kentucky Recruiting and Retention Battalion’s partnership with the KDF since 2008, and has worked everything from the Guard’s rock wall to the command center.
“Thunder emphasizes what the Guard does for Kentucky,” Vinson said. “It’s not only the largest event within this area of the state, but for our recruiters and our community relations personnel; this is the largest single-day event of the year. We impact as many people at Thunder as we do in a week at the State Fair.”
On the bridge, Soldiers assigned to the 138th Field Artillery Brigade know their cannons are not just a staple of Thunder, but something that many viewers look forward to hearing, and feeling. But their own experience is something they said they don’t take for granted.
“It was exciting to be part of Thunder Over Louisville,” said Spc. Tiffany Dirolf, supply specialist, 138th Field Artillery Brigade. “I am normally in a room all the time and today I had one of the best seats in the house.”
Whether patrolling the busy streets or loading the cannons, the Kentucky Army National Guard is always ready to make each Thunder better than the last.
Helped develop Kentucky’s first Warrant Officer Candidate School
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
State Command Chief Warrant Officer James “Jimmy” Simms retired after 42 years of service with the Kentucky National Guard. Among his accomplishments, he helped develop Kentucky’s first Warrant Officer Candidate School. (Official Kentucky National Guard photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Retired State Command Chief Warrant Officer Jimmy Simms has had a long row to hoe, as we say here in the Bluegrass State. The fourth person to hold that prestigious position, Simms retired last month after 42 years in the Kentucky Army National Guard and leaving behind a legacy that will affect generations to come.
Born in Versailles, Simms enlisted in the Kentucky Guard in February of 1972 as a wheel vehicle mechanic. His first assignment was with the old 203rd General Support Company in Danville, Kentucky until transferring to the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery in 1984.
“I joined the Kentucky Guard when the country was still committed to Viet Nam and a lot of protest against that war was ever present,” he said. “At the age of eighteen I wasn’t sure what direction was right for me. I had friends that were in the National Guard and I liked how they could be part of the military and still go to college or have a career here at home, so I decided that was for me.”
A brand new Jimmy Simms 42 years ago. Little did he know where his career would take him. (Photo courtesy retired CW5 Jimmy Simms)
In 1985 Simms was appointed as a warrant officer in field artillery as the battalion maintenance technician. He would later transition to the same position for the 138th Field Artillery Brigade where he helped with the transition to the new fires brigade concept.
“After being in the Guard a while I began to see how all the different ranks and MOS’s supported each other and the unique qualities of each,” he said. “I thought about that and decided that my experience and knowledge could open the door to become a warrant officer.”
While assigned to the 138th Fires Brigade Simms was mobilized twice and deployed once to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also completed a six month tour with the Joint Task Force in support of the Alaskan Road project on Annette Island Alaska.
“I have known Chief Simms since for over 30 years,” said Maj. Gen. Lonnie Culver, who commanded Simms during his time in the artillery. “He is a great Soldier, warrant officer, father, husband and friend. It has been an honor and pleasure serving with him, and it was always good to know that I had an expert who took pride in his work and took care of his Soldiers. He represents the warrant officer corps so well.”
CW5 Jimmy Simms and his son, Bradley. Both father and son flew on the same flight that brought the senior Simms home from Iraq. (Photo courtesy retired CW5 Jimmy Simms)
In October 2009 Simms was transferred to the state headquarters and assigned the position of senior maintenance officer. He was promoted to the rank of CW5 in January 2010.
Simms’ career also included a variety of positions in the federal technician program, starting out as a wheeled vehicle mechanic and moving up to shop chief. He retired as a technician in in 2009 with 31 years of service. Upon his retirement he was selected to run the operational equipment reset program at the maneuver and training equipment site at Fort Knox until his selection as the fourth state command chief on February 24, 2011.
Simms had many highlights in his warrant officer career, but two stand out above all the rest: his appointment to CW5 and being part of the planning and establishing of the Kentucky National Guard’s Warrant Officer Candidate School. In July 2011 Kentucky graduated its first warrant officers and Simms was there to witness it.
“I was so proud of those eight new warrant officers,” he said. “That was a great day for Kentucky and a great day for the warrant officer program.”
Newly appointed State Command Warrant Officer Dean Stoops had high praise for his predecessor.
State Command Chief Warrant Officer Jimmy Simms receiving the Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal from Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini on January 14, 2014. Simms relinquished his responsibility to newly appointed State Command Chief Dean Stoops and retired after 42 years of service. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“There are several things to admire about Chief Simms, but in particular is his commitment to know about each and every Warrant Officer in the Kentucky National Guard,” said Stoops. “It’s not easy to remember the details about each Soldier, but Chief Simms has the ability to know where each of his Warrant Officers are assigned, where they work, what their civilian and military jobs are, and even the personal things he has learned over the years.
“This is the characteristic of a great leader and I hope I can do half as well as Chief Simms.”
What would Simms advise someone looking to become a warrant officer? “I would tell a young soldier considering being a warrant office to plan their career to be an outstanding NCO by attending all their professional military education and be a leader regardless of their current rank. Then when the opportunity for warrant officer becomes available they will have the background and experience to meet the requirements to apply.”
He has similar advice for senior NCOs, but he tempers it by saying, “As a senior NCO you have a vital role in your command and you must weigh the benefits to both yourself and the Guard.”
After retiring from the Guard Simms plans to spend more time with Patricia, his wife of forty years, and his three children Autumn, Bradley and Benjamin and grandchildren Preston, Brayden and Eva.
But the Guard is still in his blood. He recently accepted an appointment as the executive director of the National Guard Association of Kentucky, the professional organization for the Kentucky Guard’s officer and warrant officer corps. His passion for that organization is in sync with his continuing dedication for the Guard.
“I’d love to see all NCOs and officers become active members in either the NGAKY or the Enlisted Association National Guard of Kentucky. With a joint effort we can send a strong message from all members of the Kentucky Guard to leaders in Frankfort and Washington to support legislation that protects our military and the individual Soldier and Airmen.”
DJIBOUTI – State Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Armstrong, 138th Fires Brigade Commander Col. Brian Wertzler and Soldiers from Task Force Longrifles received a tour of the USNS Joshua Humphreys on Feb. 5, 2013. (Photo by Sgt. Alexa Becerra, 2-138th FAR PAO)
staff report
DJIBOUTI — Kentucky National Guard leadership spent the last couple of weeks with more than 500 Soldiers currently stationed in Djibouti, Africa on a one-year overseas tour.
Task force Longrifles, made up of Soldiers from 2nd battalion, 138th Field Artillery out of Lexington, Ky., escorted several key leaders from the Kentucky Guard to include Col. Brian Wertzler and State Command Sgt. Major Gregory Armstrong among others, giving them hands-on experience into what the 2/138th Soldiers are experiencing during their deployment.
These two were given the opportunity to tour the US Naval Ship, the Joshua Humphreys which is currently supporting operations in Djibouti.
