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Story by Sgt. 1st Class Rebecca Wood, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
First Lt. Samuel Boulet, a battle captain in the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade main tactical operations center, monitors reports and email during a 72-hour Command Post Exercise June 21-23 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. First Class Rebecca Wood)
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. — Soldiers of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade conducted a 72-hour Command Post Exercise (CPX) from June 21-23 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. The units participating in the CPX were the Headquarters Company, 206th Engineer Battalion, 198th Military Police Battalion, 149th Battle Support Brigade and the 129th Signal Company. The main portion of the brigade started training on June 11 for the actual exercise.
The 198th MP Battalion’s operation officer, Maj. Brandon McNeese, was in charge of the battalion’s tactical operation center. He said the 198th also conducted main supply route patrols and convoy security for other elements in the brigade; but the main takeaway was to get back to the field craft training the Army was skilled at before 9/11.
“The overall mission was to come into a theater to set up operations in an austere environment,” said McNeese. “Years ago, before 9/11, we had training like this, but with a lot less assets. It was supposed to be like the beginning of a war, where there is nothing set up and we are initially moving in. We have gotten used to rolling into a forward operations base with established command posts and living areas, and cover down on equipment from other units.”
McNeese said this training was very helpful, especially to his soldiers who weren’t around before the War on Terror.
“For some of the newer soldiers, this is a very new experience because they never trained like this,” said McNeese, “but they have adapted very well. We had several shortfalls, but their morale and motivation kept them going and we pushed through and accomplished the mission.
“That’s not me,” said 1st Lt. Samuel Boulet, a current operations battle captain for the CPX, while looking around the TOC for the source of the ringing he heard. “Where is that phone?” Boulet barely had a moment to himself, while reports were populating on the Command Post of the Future (CPOF) and phones were ringing off the hook.
As a battle captain, Boulet’s job was to direct the flow of information and resources from the ground and the different sections in the brigade. He said this exercise was to test the brigade’s staff functions and prepare the Soldiers for a warfighter training exercise scheduled in 2016.
“It’s very energizing,” said Boulet. “You feel very plugged into everything that is going on around you.”
On a deployment to Iraq in 2010, Boulet actually worked as a battle captain on a company and battalion level, but he said he learned a lot from this CPX training.
“We did a large bridge gap of knowledge as a team, executing battle drills, tracking info and reports, communicating through missions, and mitigating crises when they happened,” said Boulet. “I wish I had this training before that deployment.”
One administrative specialist, Spc. Brooklynd Decker has been in the 206th Engineer Battalion for five years and was the sole human resources rep for the battalion’s operations center during the CPX. She said she was nervous to be in charge of her section, but felt honored to take on such an important role.
“It meant a lot to me and it was really good for morale, because everyone was important to the operation and had a serious job to do. Sometimes it was difficult to make quick decisions when the pressure was on and I had to communicate with my battle captain on a lot of things,” said Decker. “But overall I felt comfortable in my position, and I knew it was meant to be a learning experience -and I learned a lot.”
Decker and her peers were also enthusiastic about learning battle-tracking systems like CPOF and Joint Combat and Tactical Simulation, because of how they streamline communication between the battalion and the brigade.
“The battalion was so involved in brigade operations, more then we have ever experienced in the past and it gave us all a view of the bigger picture,” said Decker.
“The quality of this training could not have been captured in a short drill weekend. The timing for this type of exercise was perfect and I feel like we should do more exercises like this in the future.”
Story by Maj. David page, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Lt. Col. Jerry Morrison (left) presents Col. John Edwards framed guidons during a change of command ceremony in Richmond, Ky., Feb. 2, 2014. The two guidons represent Edwards’ service as the commander of both the 75th Troop Command and the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
RICHMOND, Ky. — To command at a brigade-level unit is an honor for which most officers can only dream, but for Col. John H. Edwards, he has now lived that opportunity twice.
In 2011, Edwards was placed in command of the 75th Troop Command in Richmond, where he served with distinction. Then in August 2013, he was tapped again to help with the reorganization and move of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.
“My staff and I helped conduct a re-stationing initiative for the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade,” said Edwards. “It was an honor and privilege to do it. And, if given the chance, I would do it all over again.”
Col. John H. Edwards Jr. unfurls the colors of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade during an uncasing ceremony in Richmond, Ky., Nov. 1, 2013. Edwards played a pivotal role in the major realignment of the brigades leading up to the transition. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Not only did he and his team move the headquarters from Louisville to Richmond, they also reorganized units, which meant losing units like the 751st Troop Command but gaining units like the 198th Military Police Battalion.
“I am proud that we took the brigade from less than 100 percent strength to now 103 percent. And, we moved from 80 percent MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) qualified personnel to now over 91 percent,” he said.
It should not be of any surprise that Edwards has had the honor of commanding two separate brigades. His prior leadership positions, which ranged through platoon leader through battalion command, as well as awards such as the Bronze Star Medal awarded during his deployment to Kuwait in 2005-2006 as the Camp Victory commander, are testament to his ability and the faith the Kentucky National Guard leadership has bestowed on him.
“I have been successful because of the influence of my mother,” said Edwards. As a single parent, his mother instilled in him the drive to achieve and study hard. Her influence is evident in his education. He holds an Associates in Science in Engineering from Georgia Military College, a Bachelor of Science in Occupation Training and Development from the University of Louisville, a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, and he is working on a second master’s degree in clinical psychology from Capella University.
But Edwards also recognizes the importance his military mentors have played in his life and ultimately his military career. “I have had numerous military mentors along the way who helped me learn and grow as an officer,” he said. “I encourage every young Soldier to seek out strong mentors.”
Col. John Edwards Jr. speaks to the Soldiers of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade during an uncasing ceremony in Richmond, Ky., Nov. 1, 2013. In both brigades Edwards has commanded, he has always asked his Soldiers to give nothing less than 110 percent both in uniform and out. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
On Feb. 2, Edwards relinquished command of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade to Lt. Col. Jerry Morrison. With this change of command, Edwards now becomes the director of the J-7, in charge of joint doctrine, joint operations and joint training concepts.
When asked what enduring mark he hoped he left with his Soldiers at the 149th MEB , Edwards said, “I hope I left my Soldiers with two things: one, every Soldier in the Brigade plays an important role in the success of the unit. Be proud of what you do in the military and represent you and your unit with distinction and honor, both in and out of uniform. Two, education is key, whether military or civilian. Every day you can learn something new so always strive to grow yourself.”
As February is Black History Month, Edwards was asked what advice he would you give to young minority Soldiers in today’s National Guard.
“Regardless of what anybody tells you, you can be whatever you desire to be,” he said. “Don’t let anyone persuade you or tell you what you can or cannot do. You do what is in your heart. If you give it 110 percent, you will accomplish your desires, aspirations and dreams.”
Story by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Col. John Edwards Jr., outgoing commander of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, receives the brigade colors to begin the symbolic passing of the flag in a Change of Command Ceremony held in Richmond, Ky., Feb. 2. (US Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
RICHMOND, Ky. — Kentucky’s largest National Guard Brigade embraced more changes as Col. John Edwards Jr. passed the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade colors to Lt. Col. Jerry L. Morrison during a change of command ceremony held at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Richmond Ky. Feb. 2.
Edwards relinquished command after serving as commander of the 75th Troop Command and the 149th MEB. He has high hopes for Morrison and knows that he will continue to go forward and continue to command the 149th with honor. He also touched on what was next for him.
“This is not the last you’ve seen of me,” said Edwards, “I will continue to do spectacular things for the state of Kentucky.”
To see more photos for the change of command, click here.
Morrison accepts command after serving as the brigade executive officer. As he takes command he is focused on two things, training to gear up for future missions at home and overseas, and leadership development.
“We must maintain and share the lessons we’ve learned,” said Morrison, “And make sure our junior leaders carry on what we’ve taught them. I am focusing on values that they will use within the next couple years and beyond.”
Morrison as the new commander the newest change in the recent evolution of the brigade. The 149th recently moved its headquarters from Louisville, Ky., to Richmond and is adapting to a realignment of units within the brigade. The 149th also welcomed a new brigade command sergeant major as Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Withers accepted the position earlier this year. Along with Morrison, he hopes to train the junior enlisted and new non-commissioned officers to highlight theses changes and benefit the brigade and the Kentucky Guard.
Col. John Edwards Jr., outgoing commander of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, receives the Legion of Merit award from Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky, during a Change of Command Ceremony held in Richmond, Ky., Feb. 2. (US Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
“Reorganizations come and go,” said Withers. “What we need to focus on is future leadership. It is not the leaders, it is the individual Soldier willing and wanting to do their job that makes a strong unit. Our goal is to instill the right values and skills for those Soldiers.”
Keynote speaker for the event, Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, also focused on the development of the lower enlisted Soldiers as a vital priority for the newly refreshed unit.
“I want to salute the new 149th MEB,” said Tonini. “You are all part of a great organization. I know you will carry on the legacy of those before you. “Overall, the success of our junior leaders should be our focus. What we do today reflects the standards set by those who came before us.”
The 149th plans to gear up for two major trainings in the next two years. Morrison says that if it weren’t for the help of his non-commissioned officers, he feels that he wouldn’t be in the position that he is today.
Morrison and Withers look forward to seeing what the unit will accomplish within the upcoming months to exemplify the brigade motto, “Strength and Honor.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Sidney Hoffmann, 149th MEB Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Command Sgt. Maj. Nathan Tolliver presents the noncommissioned officer sword to Col. John Edwards during a change of responsibility ceremony for the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Richmond, Ky., Jan. 12, 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sidney Hoffmann)
RICHMOND, Ky. — One element of life in the military that is always constant is change. As change comes, Service members must be fluid. As for the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, there have been many changes since last year. If you have never been in an MEB unit before, you come to realize a few things. The longer you have been in, the more likely you are to know a majority of the officers and NCOs among your ranks, and the abundance of knowledge and experience walking around the drill hall floor.
The brigade’s command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Sgt. Maj. Nathan Tolliver has worn the uniform for 28 years and is preparing to retire. For the sake of beginning new traditions, the brigade conducted a “Change of Responsibility” ceremony in Richmond, Ky., Sunday, Jan 12, 2014. Command Sgt. Major Jesse Withers assumed the role as the senior enlisted Soldier of the brigade.
The ceremony is optional for units but has nearly as much significance as the Change of Command ceremony. Instead of the colors, there is a sword which symbolizes the authority of the Non-commissioned Officer being passed from one command sergeant major to the other.
“This might not be the typical practice, but it is important for the NCO’s to see what an honor it is to serve in such an elite position and that their service to the country and the team is very important and respected,” said Tolliver.
“There is nothing that compares to wearing the uniform and becoming the sergeant major of one of the largest brigades in the state,” he said to the entire brigade. “It is a tremendous achievement, and I have been fortunate to have worked with so many great people.”
Within the last few months, the Soldiers of 149th MEB have been getting to know one another’s skills, who needs what training, and what place they have within such a large brigade.
Soldiers of the Color guard for the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade prepare the flags for a change of responsibility ceremony in Richmond, Ky., Jan. 12, 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sidney Hoffmann)
“We could not be luckier,” Lt. Col. Douglas Clay stated. “We have a great team already and with the new command coming in means we are going to have it made. With new command means we are also losing leadership that have contributed to shaping this brigade thus far.”
1st Sgt. Daniel Truex has taken the position as the senior NCO and embraces it as a huge opportunity for him to experience a brigade life style. As a prior service Marine, Truex had met a captain in the National Guard that got him interested and eventually enlisted. His career began in 223rd Military Police Company and has climbed the ranks through the 617th MP Co.
“Being in a line company is certainly my comfort zone, but I already have an immense amount of respect for the Service members here and can tell there is an extreme amount of experience that walks around me,” Truex said. “My hope is we can all learn from each other and share our knowledge to make this the most effective brigade in the state.”
The drill weekend was long and challenging with many moving parts for the brigade. As most Soldiers know, sensitive items inventories and service checks on equipment are extremely tedious. However, what makes time go by quickly is the help of your team members. People were welcoming and were genuinely interested in their new unit members as well as reuniting with old comrades and sharing stories from previous deployments. Overall, the positive vibe throughout the troops is already ringing with promise of a successful year.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Col. John H. Edwards Jr. (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Tolliver unfurl the colors of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade during an uncasing ceremony in Richmond, Ky., Nov. 1, 2013. The briagde colors are uncased to signify a brigade headquarters’ activation or relocation, in this case, from Louisville to Richmond. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
RICHMOND, Ky. — The largest unit of the Kentucky National Guard now calls Richmond, Ky., home.
The 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, the largest of the state’s five Major Support Commands moved its brigade headquarters from Louisville, Ky. to Richmond, during an uncasing ceremony, Nov. 1, 2013.
Brig. Gen. Scott Campbell joined Madison County Judge Executive Kent Clark and Richmond Mayor Jim Barnes in overseeing the uncasing of the 149th MEB colors at the Armed Forces Reserve Center just outside the city.
Campbell, who commanded the 149th on their last deployment to Iraq in 2011 said the ceremony was the beginning of a long and productive relationship between the brigade and the city and county.
Col. John H. Edwards Jr. speaks during the uncasing ceremony for the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Richmond, Ky., Nov. 1, 2013. The brigade commander, Edwards spoke of the unit’s long tradition and his goal to build upon it in Richmond. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“We are Citizen-Soldiers and with that title, we enjoy a special relationship with our communities, and I expect that to be no different now,” said Campbell. “Madison County and Richmond have long been strong supporters of the National Guard and the military at large. You are now getting one of the most powerful brigade headquarters in the Army inventory.”
Col. John H. Edwards Jr., brigade commander, spoke of the uncasing as the pinnacle of a long road of preparation for the movement of the brigade. He expressed his pride in the lineage of the 149th and its role it has played in U.S. military history and reminded the Soldiers that the brigade colors are about more than just them.
“The uncasing ceremony is about recognizing the name and what we stand for as a unit, together,” Edwards said. “We uncase those colors not just for us in this room, but those who fought before us. And my challenge to you as you walk out those doors is to remember you represent the 149th and its traditions, you will do it 110 percent.”
“Uncasing of the colors,” or unfurling of the flag, symbolizes the activation or, in this case, the relocation of a military unit.
The move takes place to improve the unit’s readiness as an organization as well as to better provide support to the Commonwealth in response to disasters such as tornadoes and flooding.
Lt. Col. Jerry Morrison, deputy commander of the 149th said it is an extremely positive move in the right direction with many benefits to the Kentucky Guard. The relocation is also part of a larger realignment of units in the commonwealth. Placing military police, engineers and chemical capabilities under the appropriate command allows the unit to function as a true maneuver enhancement brigade as designed by the Army.
Soldiers of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade present the colors during an uncasing ceremony in Richmond, Ky., Nov. 1, 2013. The realignment of the 149th MEB brought together logistic Soldiers, military police, engineers and chemical Soldiers under one command to function as a complete maneuver enhancement brigade. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“The units here today provide a complete maneuver enhancement brigade, over 2,600 Soldiers strong, fully capable of meeting its federal and state mission,” Morrison said. “The City of Richmond and Madison County are now the proud owners of the largest Kentucky National Guard brigade headquarters.”
Mayor Jim Barnes welcomed the Soldiers to Richmond with appreciation, calling their service to the country the greatest honor for an individual.
“On behalf of the City of Richmond, I cannot begin to tell you how excited we are for you all to become part of our community,” he said. “It’s quite an honor when we as a growing community can say that we got the 149th Brigade.”
The 149th traces its roots back to the Kentucky Militia in 1839. In its 174-year history, the Soldiers of the brigade have served in battles of nearly every war the United States has been involved in. Today, it is made up of battalions from across the state, in towns such as Owensboro, Bowling Green, Louisville and Ashland with company-level units in many more locations, all centered, now, on Richmond.
“The 149th Brigade has a storied history, but we must continue to feel that the best days are ahead,” Campbell added. “With the successful transition from Louisville to Richmond, a hundred mile move with a large headquarters with a significant number of troops and equipment, the future is definitely bright for the 149th MEB and Richmond and Madison County.”
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Col. Scott Campbell is promoted to the rank of brigadier general with the help of his wife, Linda, and Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini during a pinning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., June 14, 2013. The native of Marion, Ky., has served the Kentucky Guard for 34 years, including three overseas deployments. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Col. Scott Campbell became the newest general in the Kentucky National Guard during a promotion ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., June 14, 2013.
A large gathering of Soldiers, Airmen, family, friends and associates of Campbell gathered together to watch the pinning of the stars to the 32-year-veteran’s uniform.
Lt. Col. John Truefeldt, who served under Campbell as part of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Iraq in 2011, said Kentucky couldn’t get a better general.
“General Campbell is an outstanding officer and an all-around wonderful person,” he said. “He’s done great in all command positions he’s had so far, and he will excel as our newest general officer.”
Brig. Gen. Scott Campbell hugs his wife Linda following his promotion during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky. Campbell was joined at the ceremony by his mother and numerous family members making the trip from Crittenden County, Ky. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini presided over the ceremony and assisted Campbell’s wife Linda in placing the stars on the new general’s shoulders.
Tonini said the native of Marion, Ky., has earned the respect of the Kentucky National Guard though his years of service, which he called a godsend.
“I know that our organization, and most important, the men and women of the Kentucky National Guard are in good hands with his wisdom and guidance,” said Tonini.
Campbell enlisted in the Kentucky Guard in 1981, commissioning as an officer in 1st Battalion, 123rd Armor in 1984. He has commanded at the company, battalion and brigade level and served in senior staff officer positions within the 149th Brigade and at the state headquarters level. He has three overseas deployments, including to Bosnia and two to Iraq.
It was the second tour in Iraq, in which Campbell commanded the 149th MEB, overseeing a large portion of the transition of U.S. bases in the country to Iraqi hands. He said that deployment has helped define his career in uniform.
Col. Michael Abell presents a general’s flag to newly promoted Brig. Gen. Scott Campbell during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., June 14, 2013. Each military general is authorized a flag with stars of their rank, which is why they are referred to as flag officers. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Campbell thanked many Soldiers for their influence and leadership guidance in his career. From former platoon sergeants to current generals, he said he has tried to include many aspects of their quality leadership into his roles.
He also thanked his family and friends in attendance, especially his mother who “started it all” by dropping him off at the bus station in Marion, Ky., as he shipped off to boot camp.
“I couldn’t imagine 32 years ago, I couldn’t ever envision this day,” he said. “It has been a life changing experience. And in hindsight, I would still get on that bus.”
“I look forward to the challenge of assisting Major General Tonini with making this great organization even better,” said Campbell. “I only hope I can give back as much as this organization has given me.”
NOTE: As often as we can, kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by Kentucky National Guard unit public affairs historian representatives, also known as UPAHRs. This is an additional duty taken on by a Soldier or Airmen with the intent of telling their unit’s story. This is one such story ….
Story by Spc. Vincent Willingham, 149th BSB Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Command Sgt. Maj. David Owens renders a hand salute to Lt. Col. Ruth Graves, signifying the end of the Change of Responsibility ceremony April 14, 2013 at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. Owens officially began his tenure as 149th Brigade Support Battalion’s command sergeant major. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Vincent Willingham)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — Members of the 149th Brigade Support Battalion and distinguished guests, including Col. Michael Abell and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Johnson, witnessed the Change of Responsibility Ceremony occur between outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Southard and incoming Command Sgt. Maj. David Owens, April 14, 2013. The ceremony was held at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky.
“It is a great privilege to again fill the role of a CSM. The 149th BSB has had a long line of outstanding leaders and history. I relish the opportunity.” said Owens, a 31-year veteran of the Kentucky Guard who served as the command sergeant major for an embedded training team in Afghanistan in 2008.
Lt. Col. Ruth Graves receives the Non-Commissioned Officer Sword from Command Sgt. Maj. Southard during the Change of Responsibility ceremony April 14, 2013 at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, KY. The commander then passed it to Command Sgt. Maj. David Owens, completing the traditional and symbolic transition. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Charles Miller)
During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Ruth Graves, commander of the 149th BSB, passed the non-commissioned officer sword from Southard to Owens, signifying the passing of the trust, responsibility, and authority of the unit’s outgoing top non-commissioned officer to the incoming senior NCO.
Capt. William Rice, acting as narrator, explained the significance and history of the non-commissioned officer’s sword as it relates to the ceremony. The sword was adopted by the War Department in 1840 and it remained in the Army’s inventory for over 70 years, seeing action through the Spanish-American War. Though strictly ceremonial now, the sword –a completely functional weapon- holds its symbolism. Much like the Non-commissioned officer corps, the sword remains razor sharp.
Southard returned to the 238th Regiment, where he will act as Command Sergeant Major for the schoolhouse in Greenville. Owens is also the G1 Sergeant Major, working full time in Frankfort, Ky.
Story and photos by Capt. Andi Hahn, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
FRANKFORT, Ky.—Approximately 40 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers from the 149th Signal Co. and Joint Forces Headquarters participated in a communications exercise testing tactical networks with civilian networks at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 15-17.
1st Lt. Paige Young, 149th Signal Co., Kentucky National Guard, observes a 106-ft mobile radio tower during a communications exercise in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 15. The tower would be used during emergencies in Kentucky where it could be placed atop a mountain in remote areas to expand mobile and portable communication capabilities.
“For the first time ever, we are testing our tactical communications systems with civilian systems to see if we can get them to talk,” said Chief Warrant Officer Dave Barker, Wireless Communications Manager for the Kentucky National Guard.
Barker said this is important because when there is a natural disaster in Kentucky, the state has limited deployable communication assets.
“If everything goes down, say during an earthquake, all we have is satellite,” said Barker. “We end up using primarily civilian communication networks, but we have all this tactical communications not being utilized at all.”
Soldiers from the 149th Signal Company, Kentucky National Guard, set up a satellite dish during a joint communications exercise in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 15-17.
The communication specialists spent the entire weekend testing both networks, civilian and tactical, to be able to intercommunicate with each other by making phone calls, doing video teleconferences, sending emails and ultimately, sharing all data with each other.
“We have a tactical command post set up, a civilian satellite truck, the emergency management truck and we are seeing how well we can send data between all three systems,” said Barker.
One of the biggest systems the Soldiers were testing over the weekend was a 106-ft mobile radio tower that can be set up on a mountaintop in remote locations that would extend the range of portable and low power radios, a huge capability in certain areas of Kentucky.
“This is such a unique exercise, expanding our capabilities and testing civilian and military networks,” said Sgt. Caleb Riggs, a communications specialist with Joint Forces Headquarters and full-time Visual Information Manager at Boone Center. “I love this kind of work and for our state it’s new territory,” he said.
Sgt. Caleb Riggs, Visual Information Manager and communications specialist, participates in a joint exercise testing civilian and tactical communication systems at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Feb 15.
“Not only are we (full-time staff) training with the signal company, but they are training with us,” said Barker. “We are short personnel on the full-time staff so the signal company can help us out come any emergency.”
“It was excellent training; a lot of high-tech equipment went into this and we were able to troubleshoot issues or detect a lot of problems during this exercise,” said Barker. “That’s why we do this, so during a real-world disaster, we will know exactly what to do.”
By Capt. Andi Hahn, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Kentucky Guardsmen Col. Scott Campbell, former 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Commander, speaks to Soldiers after being presented the Legion of Merit award for meritorious service while serving as commander deployed in support of Operation New Dawn at a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Jan 11.
FRANKFORT, Ky.-Col. Scott Campbell, former commander of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade headquartered out of Louisville, Ky., was presented the Legion of Merit during an award ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 11.
The award was presented by Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Adjutant General of Kentucky, for Campbell’s meritorious service as commander while deployed in support of Operation New Dawn in 2011. The award highlighted Campbell’s leadership, dedication and devotion to his Soldiers across the 2,500 strong brigade. His hard work in planning, resourcing and executing aggressive training opportunities enabled the success of the largest deployment of Kentucky Soldiers since WWII.
Kentucky National Guardsmen Col. Scott Campbell, former 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Commander, receives the Legion of Merit award from Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini as Campbell’s wife, Linda looks on proudly, during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 11.
The 149th MEB served in Iraq from August 2011 to December 2011 and was responsible for closing down the largest camp, Victory Base Complex, of the Iraq war. The unit was some of the last Soldiers to leave Iraq. Campbell, who served two tours in Iraq, credited the members of his team for the award.
“The Army awards Soldiers for achievement or for service,” Campbell said. “The achievement is for an individual accomplishment, the service is for a team effort. This award represents that.”
Campbell said he had the best team anyone could have put together for such a historic mission.
“This is a reflection of our organization,” he said. “We can plug and play any number of members of our organization and create a ‘winning’ team.”
For more pictures from Campbell’s ceremony, visit our flickr page!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kyngpao/
Story by Sgt. Brandon Tagarook, 202nd Army Band Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Staff Sgt. Alexander Vinogradov, 75th Troop Command, prepares to throw a simulated grenade on the Individual Maneuver and Tactics Course at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 17, 2012. Vinogradov was the winner in the NCO category for the 2012 Soldier of the Year competition. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Spc. Brian Ewalt)
GREENVILLE, Ky -Kentucky’s Best. That is what the State Soldier of the Year represents. It epitomizes what all Kentucky Army National Guard enlisted Soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and senior non-commissioned officers strive to be. This includes leadership abilities, general knowledge of Army Warrior Tasks, weapons training, land navigation, personal appearance, and physical fitness. These tasks are designed to stress the individual not only physically but mentally.
“A lot of studying, a lot of preparation, a lot of time went into it,” said Sgt. Nicholas Anglin from 138th Fires Brigade Signal Co., when asked about how he prepared for the event. “Preparation is a year round training. You never stop learning, never put the books down.”
Annually, the best of the best gather to test and push themselves in a variety of Army training tasks. They met at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 16-18.
The Soldier of the Year is not only a competition but a tool to learn about what it takes to be successful. Spc. Christopher Deleon with the 2123rd in Richmond, Ky., plans on going to Officer Candidate School and possibly switching to active duty. When asked how this experience will train him to be a good officer he replied, “It’s very knowledge based. It’s got me to study all the Army Regulations, Field Manuals, and Army Warrior Tasks, so when I become an officer I can teach my Soldiers how to peform and how to better navigate through situations as such.”
Non-commissioned officers participating in the 2012 Soldier of the Year competition speak with members of the board at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 17, 2012. Soldiers said going in front of the board was the most stressful part of the event.(Kentucky National Guard photo by Spc. Brian Ewalt)
One of the most stressful events of the weekend definitely seemed to be going in front of the board. The board is made up some of the Kentucky Guard’s senior leaders. Not only were competitors asked certain questions about basic Soldier knowledge, but they were also judged based on how well their uniform appeared. Several Soldiers said the questions asked were among the most important in doing well.
“It really comes down to the questions,” said Deleon. “You can know your battle drills, you can know land navigation, but if you go to the board and you just don’t know the questions…it’s pretty much the biggest thing. Make sure your uniform looks clean and pretty and study the book.”
Soldiers said the whole event felt like everyone wasn’t there to compete but to help each other out. Fellow competitors cheered others during the Army Physical Fitness Test. If there were any questions on how to use a map and compass everyone was more than willing to help out.
“I am awe-inspired, I’m humbled, and I am proud of everyone who participated,” said State Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Armstrong about this year’s group. “What a great group of Soldiers. If you’d all been down and witnessed what I saw on the PT track, a lot of heart and soul. A lot of heart and soul out on the compass course, and it hasn’t stopped all through the competition. I am very humbled to be one of the senior leaders of the Kentucky Guard.”
The event was broken up into three different categories. Enlisted, NCO, and Senior Enlisted. Here are the results for each category.
Enlisted : Winner - Spc. Nicholas Ray, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
1st Runner up - Spc. Christopher Deleon, 75th Troop Command
NCO: Winner - Sgt. Alexander Vinogradov, 75th Troop Command
1st Runner up - Sgt. Cody Ashcraft, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Senior Enlisted: Winner - Master Sgt. John Hazlett, 238th Regiment
1st Runner up: 1st Sgt. Mathew Roberge, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
