Story by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 1/623rd Field Artillery Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery share a group photo while deployed to Southwest Asia. The Soldiers are the 11 of the unit that are currently deployed with another close relative. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe)
SOUTHWEST ASIA — Often times we use the phrase military family due to all of the members of a unit being a close knit group and looking out for each other. Deployed Soldiers have said that the bond of sharing experiences, in particular on foreign soil, are bonds that are often unspoken and often some that people can not relate too unless experienced firsthand.
This couldn’t be more applicable for several members of the 1st Battalion, 623d Field Artillery that are experiencing a deployment to the Middle East together. Although they are all Brothers in Arms, for 11 Citizen-Soldiers, it hits a little closer to home. And only mothers know how having their children in the military overseas puts strains on the family at home.
The 623d is not your average Battalion. Several of these Soldiers have had a family tradition of service in this Battalion that cover several decades. There are uncles, cousins, nephews and brother-in-laws, you name it.
But, for the following Soldiers, its immediate blood that counts. 1st Sgt. Bobby D. Boyles and Sgt. 1st Class Billy J. Boyles, Spcs. Phillip Lowery and Matthew Lowery, Staff Sgt. Joshua Hancock and Sgt. Seth Hancock, Staff Sgts. Aaron Tucker and Elliot Tucker and to wrap up the brotherhood we have a trifecta - 2nd Lt. Justin Cossel, Sgts. 1st Class Jedediah Cossel and Jeremy Cossel.
”Our family has a sense of pride as well as apprehension, but, supportive would be the key word as to how our family is,” said Jeremy Cossel. “My brother Jed and I served together in Iraq in 2005 and to have this opportunity again plus to add another brother is remarkable. This is something we will talk about on porches, in rocking chairs one day.”

Kim Lester shares a smile with her sons, Sgt. Seth Hancock (left) and Staff Sgt. Joshua Hancock prior to the Soldiers deployment to Southwest Asia. The brothers deployed together as part of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery. (Photo courtesy of Kim Lester)
Back in Kentucky, the mothers of these Soldiers may have other words than remarkable for having so many sons away from home, and after 10 years of war, its no wonder why.
“This is not the first time I’ve been through this,” said Suette Boyles. “In January 2005 I had two sons and a daughter-in-law in Iraq and my oldest son in Afghanistan at the same time. That was truly a hard time for me. But with a lot of prayer and being able to talk to them often on the computer, I made it and so did my soldiers.”
“We are a close family and visit and share good times and meals on a regular basis. So I really miss them not being available for those times,” she said However, I know they are doing the work they chose to do and I am very proud of the choices they made. They are helping others while leaving loved ones far behind.”
“They are in my prayers every night and that is what keeps me going day after day. I also know that when they are deployed, they are sending some other soldiers back home to their moms. I know how she will feel when they return.”
For Kim Lester, mother of Joshua and Seth Hancock, the experience of a deployed child has reoccurred several times since 2005. She said deployments don’t get easier for her like others have said, but hearing from them and knowing each day is a day closer to their return is reassuring.
“I have to say this deployment has been the hardest one having them both deployed at the same time but I do find some comfort in them being deployed together,” she said. “I am always thankful each time they come home safe, it’s the best feeling in the world as a mom.”
“I honestly can’t describe how proud I am of my sons, of the sacrifices they make to serve our country to keep us free and safe, this is one proud momma. Staff Sergeant Hancock and Sergeant Hancock are my heroes!”
Story and photos by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative

Sgt. Maj. Robert Neathery and Lt. Col. Timothy Fanter case the 623d Battalion colors during a ceremony at Camp Shelby, Miss., Jan. 28, 2013. The unit finished their pre-mobilization training at the site and prepared for deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe)
CAMP SHELBY, Miss. — On a sloping grassy area in Camp Shelby, Miss. the nearly 200 deploying members of the 1st Battalion, 623d Field Artillery gathered in formation, broken down by their perspective firing battery with the 623d battalion colors leading the front of the formation. The battalion commander, Lt. Col. Timothy Fanter, and Sgt. Maj. Robert Neathery, took to the front of the formation and began the official ceremony.
The casing of the colors is an Army tradition that symbolizes the movement of a unit to a new theater of operation. At a ceremony at Camp Shelby Miss. the tradition and legacy of the 1/623d was carried out once again as Morgan’s Men prepare to move to Jordan. Once the battalion officially replaces the unit that is there now, the colors will be uncovered to represent their area of operation.
“This casing ceremony is as symbolic as it is historic,” said Col. Brian Wertzler, Brigade Commander of the 138th Fires Brigade. “The Colors of the 1/623rd Battalion have been home in Kentucky for more than 20 years since their last deployment, always standing ready to protect the Nation that it proudly serves.”
“As the Colors are furled and covered, the professionalism and high morale of the Soldiers is indicative of the successes that 1/623rd FA Battalion will attain when the Colors are unfurled and fly proudly in Jordan.”

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery stand in formation during a color casing ceremony at Camp Shelby, Miss., Jan. 28, 2013. The colors of the battalion were cased until the unit arrives overseas for their scheduled nine-month deployment. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe)
As the colors began to become encased, each firing battery that was represented followed suit simultaneously. After all colors had were encased, Fanter and Neathery spoke a little about the history of the battalion as well as hit upon the expectations of the Soldiers for this mission they were about to embark upon.
“To the best of our recent memory, this is only the third time that the battalion colors have gone forward to fly on foreign soil,” said Neathery. “They include the Korean War, Desert Storm and now with Operation Enduring Freedom. Some of these Soldiers don’t realize it now, but they are making an impact of this battalion’s history because of this fact.”
To carry the battalion colors to foreign soil is a history making event. Although the firing battery guidons have gone forward in support many other times, for example in 2003 when the Unit mobilized and then again in 2005 when they deployed, this is only the third time for the battalion colors.
Story by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 1/623rd Public Affairs

Soldiers of the 1/623rd gather for an evening briefing during an exercise at Camp Shelby, Miss., Jan. 17, 2013. The unit is in the middle of their pre-deployment training prior to mobilization to Jordan this year. (KYNG photo by 1st Lt. Adam Jaggers)
CAMP SHELBY, Miss. — January 5 marked another milestone for the Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 623d Field Artillery, in their long lineage of supporting missions stateside and around the world.
As Morgan’s Men assembled and roll call was conducted, family members stood close by with tear filled eyes. The family members were about to see their Soldiers load buses and depart for the journey to Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Mississippi. The Soldiers will conduct training to prepare for mobilization to Jordan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
For many Soldiers this is their first deployment, but there is also a lot of experience going as well. This was very evident as the veterans comforted and reassured those “first timers.” Spc. Eli Dennis is one of those first timers. He said deploying overseas is a part of the job he enlisted to do to serve his country. Dennis is proud to serve with the 1/623rd family and said his own family back at home has helped him along the way.
“My family really supported me through the pre-mobilization process and with a strong network of friends and family, it has really enhanced my desire to serve,” said Dennis.

Members of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery conduct medical evacuations during training while at Camp Shelby Miss., Jan. 12, 2013. The Soldiers trained in a wide variety of tasks in preparation for deployment to Jordan.(KYNG photo by Capt. John Allen)
Once the Soldiers reached Camp Shelby, they hit the ground running. First they had to go through and verify that all of their administrative papers were correct, from powers of attorneys to their life insurance to verifying that their pay was correct. Once the SRP (Soldier Readiness Program) was complete it was time to become medically qualified to deploy. Soldiers were checked from head to toe and shots were given to protect the Soldiers from possible viruses and illnesses that some foreign countries harbor.
Now that the “hurry up and wait” is over, the Soldiers are ready to take the field to complete their field training exercises. The first is a three-day window, that will cover a variety of tasks that pertain to forward operating base operations that the Soldiers will be conducting while in Jordan.
“Although the weather has been cold and rainy…the levels of motivation, and morale are unmatched in any other deployment I have been a part of previously,” said Sgt. Patrick Hammer from Alpha Battery in Tompkinsville, Ky.
When asked about how things were going from a Commanders point of view, Lt. Col. Timothy Fanter said, “These Soldiers have all displayed a level of enthusiasm and drive that a person in my position rarely gets see many times in their career. I am fortunate to be a part of this unique organization and the history of it.”
“Although, the 1/623 is a field artillery unit, their last deployment as a field artillery unit was during Desert Storm in 1990-91. Our soldiers are experts at fitting to the needs of the Army including artillery, convoy operations, detainee operations and now military to military training,” said Capt. Kevin Massengill of Headquarters, Headquarters Battery in Glasgow, Ky. “The Soldiers are looking forward to the mission and the experiences it may include.”

Members of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery prepare to load buses in Glasgow, Ky., Jan. 5, 2013. The unit traveled to Camp Shelby, Miss., to conduct pre-mob training for their upcoming mission to Jordan.(KYNG photo by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe)
Maj. Larry Gearlds, administrative officer said, “The administrative and medical support planning and the training that was conducted, prior to the unit reaching Mississippi, played an important part in the flow and success, once we arrived here. The cadre and mobilization support staff have been a pleasure to deal with, and they display a level of care for our Soldiers that is unmatched at any mobilization site.”
Story and photos by Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office

Brig. Gen. Mike Richie speaks to Soldiers and their families and friends during a departure ceremony for the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery in Glasgow, Ky., Dec. 16, 2012. Soldiers sat with their families during the ceremony, part of the unit’s “family is first” philosophy. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
GLASGOW, Ky. — Nearly 200 Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery were honored during a departure ceremony in Glasgow, Ky., Dec. 16, 2012. Hundreds of supporters attended the event at Barren County High School to send off their loved ones. The unit is scheduled to deploy to Jordan and Africa in January.
Soldiers of the 1/623rd will assume an advise and assist role in the training of Jordanian troops as part of a partner nation alliance in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Known as “Morgan’s Men” due to their military lineage to Gen. John Hunt Morgan from the Civil War, the 1/623rd will be the first Kentucky Guard unit to add the country of Jordan to their deployment history.
To see more photos from the ceremony, click here.
Brig Gen. Mike Richie, deputy commander for Kentucky was on hand to speak to the Soldiers and their families and friends. Richie applauded the unit for “exceeding the standard” in their train-up for this deployment. He also reminded them of their past and current achievements of representing Kentucky overseas, regardless of their mission, “reflecting what American Soldiers should look like and act like.”
“This deployment will send you to three different countries with a variety of missions, and those aren’t artillery missions,” said Richie. “To me, that is an outstanding indicator of what kind of Soldiers you are, the capability you have and the way you go about conducting business.”

Spc. David Collins of the 1/623rd holds his daughter, Karsyn, during a departure ceremony for his unit in Glasgow, Ky., Dec. 16, 2012. Collins’ brother, Daniel is currently deployed to Africa with the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
According to Soldiers and citizens alike, the 1/623rd is a proud example in Kentucky of a Guard unit conducting themselves as a family, both internally as well as in their community. Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Timothy Fanter has always recognized this, insisting that the Soldiers sit with their families during the ceremony. He described it as “the way we conduct business around here - family is first.”
For Spc. David Collins, the intimate atmosphere was appropriate as numerous members of his “large” family were on hand. He said it was a great feeling to be able to be among his family at a time like this. He praised the unit’s leadership for “their understanding” in the importance of family within the 1/623rd.
Collins oldest brother Stephen said their family has carried on a military tradition for several generations. He said the Collinses proudly continue it today, not only with David, but with another brother, Daniel who deployed earlier this year to the Horn of Africa with Kentucky’s Task Force Longrifles.
“I know this is something both boys have always wanted to do, so we are behind them one hundred percent,”said Stephen. “Just like every other family member, we worry while they’re gone, but glad they’re doing something they both enjoy and that has a lot of meaning behind it.”
While Pfc. Collins won’t be home for the holidays, David, Stephen and many other family members plan to gather for a Skype call with him around Christmas. David said it’s important to make the most of time at home before the unit departs for Camp Shelby, Miss., then on to Jordan.
“I going to spend this time with my family, as close as I can and make many good memories, and keep a positive attitude before these two weeks come to an end,” said David.
The unit is scheduled to return home in the Fall of 2013.
Story by Nicky Hughes, Curator, Frankfort Historical Sites

Soldiers of Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery post the colors during a War of 1812 bicentennial event, as a period era re-enactor looks on in Frankfort, Ky., June 22, 2012. The ceremony marked the beginning of the Kentucky National Guard’s recognition of Kentucky’s service in the War of 1812.(Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — What if the United States went to war, and at the conclusion of the fighting it was discovered that 64% of the casualties had been suffered by citizens of just one state? That would make headlines. Well, in fact, that has already happened, and just about everybody has forgotten about it. It happened in the War of 1812, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky made this extraordinarily disproportional contribution to that war effort.
To see more photos from this story, click here
The Kentucky National Guard and the City of Frankfort’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites teamed up to put on a two-day commemorative event to bring Kentucky’s part in the War of 1812 back into the eyes of the public, June 22-23.
An opening ceremony of Muster on the Kentucky was held at the State War Memorial in the Frankfort Cemetery and included a speech by Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, a proclamation from the Governor’s office and was attended by Dennis Moore, Public Affairs Officer for the Consulate General of Canada in Detroit.

Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s Adjutant General, speaks with members of the 2nd Kentucky Militia, a War of 1812 re-enactor group and Soldiers of Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 623rd Artillery, during a bicentennial commemoration event in Frankfort, Ky., June 22, 2012. (Kentucky National guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“The citizens of Kentucky and the Kentucky Militia in particular played a very significant role in the War of 1812,” said Tonini. “The war in the Old Northwest Territory was fought largely by Kentucky Militiamen, the predecessors of today’s Kentucky National Guard, and they deserve to have their service and sacrifice remembered.”
State and Canadian officials laid a wreath in memory of Kentucky’s War of 1812 veterans at the memorial. The modern-day Kentucky National Guard’s ceremonial artillery battery of Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery fired a salute, along with re-enactors of the 2nd Kentucky Militia armed with Kentucky Rifles, which got their name as the result of the use of these deadly weapons in the War of 1812.
A living history camp depicting Kentuckians on campaign during the War of 1812 was set up at Kentucky River View Park. Frankfort was where several units organized before marching northward to take part in the war’s campaigns along the Canadian border. The event also included a historical lecture session and dinner in the capital.

Nicky Hughes, left, portraying Kentucky’s first adjutant general, Percival Pierce Butler, presents Bill Sheets with an Honorary Kentucky Guardsmen certificate, June 23, 2012 in Frankfort, Ky. Members of the 2nd Kentucky Militia, a War of 1812 re-enactor group, were also honored during a bicentennial commemoration event held in Frankfort, Ky., June 22-23.(Photo courtesy of John Trowbridge)
One purpose of the Muster on the Kentucky event was to highlight the critical role of Kentucky troops in the War of 1812, which established proud military traditions still honored by the modern-day Kentucky National Guard.
“Overall, the weekend was a great success,” said John Trowbridge, Kentucky National Guard Command Historian. “I had numerous guests come up to and say how enjoyable and informative the events were. We would like to thank our participants and certainly our Canadian neighbors who travelled here and helped make this such a memorable event.”
Internationally, a three-year commemoration began in June to honor the participation of the United States, Canada and Great Britain in the conflict. Future events for the Kentucky National Guard include several ceremonies to recognize the bicentennial dates of battles and events in both the U.S. and Canada.
“We are not celebrating war during this period,” said Trowbridge. “We are here to commemorate and honor the service and sacrifice of the Soldiers from both sides of the conflict. We are celebrating the bicentennial of a war, but more importantly the 200 years of peace since, between the U.S., Canada and Great Britain.”
Story by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 1st Battalion, 623d Field Artillery Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative

Lt. Col. Timothy Fanter, the 1/623rd Battalion Commander, presents an award plaque to Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Campbell, a firing battery platoon sergeant, during a formation at Fort Knox, Ky., May 20, 2012. Bravo Battery, 1/623rd was awarded the annual Alexander Hamilton Award, recognizing the unit as the most outstanding field artillery unit in the National Guard. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 1st Battalion, 623d Field Artillery Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative/Released)
FORT KNOX, Ky. — The Alexander Hamilton Award annually recognizes an outstanding Kentucky Army National Guard Field Artillery Battery for superb mission accomplishment and overall unit excellence. This year the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery achieved a remarkable feat by capturing this award for the second straight year. The award was presented to Bravo Battery, which is located in Campbellsville, Ky.
“We were first notified about this in December of 2011, and it seemed somewhat surreal,” said Sgt. 1st Class James Rogers. “For our battalion to receive this award for two consecutive years is remarkable. This is truly a reflection of the quality Soldiers that we have in this battalion and this great Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
Lt. Col. Timothy Fanter, 1/623rd commander said bringing the award back to Kentucky could be a historical event.
”This is a tremendous accomplishment for not only Bravo Battery, the 2011 Alexander Hamilton Award winner which recognizes them as the best National Guard Field Artillery Battery, but for also for the battalion as the 2010 Alexander Hamilton Award winner was Alpha Battery,” said Fanter. “When the award was presented to Capt. Carlson at Fort Sill, Okla., during the 2012 Fires Conference, many of the active and National Guard field artillerymen commented that this was the first time they could recall the same battalion winning the award two years in a row. Congratulations to Bravo for this tremendous recognition.”
To be considered for this award, units are required to submit their statistics in such areas as physical readiness, command inspections, safety, Soldier care, weapons qualification and unit strength, just to name a few. When these categories are submitted and evaluated with other units, it is then determined, as to which unit will become the recipient of the annual award.
“Bravo Battery, 1/623rd field artillery is a solid unit and continues to perform in a professional manner,” said Col. Brian Wertzler, the 138th Fires Brigade Commander. “I am grateful that they have been recognized for the prestigious Alexander Hamilton award, honoring their achievements and further complimenting their efforts.”
Bravo battery had one of the most challenging years in recent history. Not only do these Soldiers have to focus on their duties as described by their job responsibilities, but they are also very active in their communities as well as state. The “Stallion Warriors” conducted 16 state active-duty missions of various types in support of the following counties, Taylor, Marion, Green and Adair. The missions that they accomplished ranged anywhere from community support at fairs to disaster relief in flooded areas.
MJO
Story by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 1/623d FA
Sgt. 1st Class Chad Jones, 1/623rd FA, shoots pop up targets at a qualification range on Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky.
GREENVILLE, Ky. – Through the rain, wind and dropping temperatures, Soldiers assigned to the 623rd Field Artillery pushed their bodies and weapons to the limits March 5-6 at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky.
Though she gave her best effort, Mother Nature couldn’t deter the Kentucky National Guardsmen from taking their positions, loading their weapons and sending rounds down range for the annual weapons qualification. “We will talk about this day again,” said battalion commander Lt. Col. Jeffery Hughes.
“The leaking rubber boots and the MRE heaters that wouldn’t warm the meals properly,” he said.“Each of our Soldiers dealt with difficult conditions, but the morale of our troops remained high.”
The Soldiers arrived at WHFRTC at 7: 30 a.m. when the high temperature for the day had already been reached. Temperatures quickly dropped into the 30s with 15-to-20 mph winds.
The first iteration of Soldiers just completed zeroing weapons when the rain picked up. Through the downpours and sideways stinging rain, more nearly 300 Soldiers qualified for the yearly weapons requirement.
“This weather was horrible, but, everybody fired pretty well,” said Spc. Wesley Harrison, fire direction specialist. “I think we were motivated to get off the range quickly.
Kentucky Guardsmen uses the virtual weapons Engagement Skills Trainer at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville Ky.
“We have to be out here once a year to stay proficient with our individual weapons, so we can deal with this for one day,” he said.
In addition to qualifying with the M16, a team of 50 Soldiers also trained and qualified with the M240B Squad Automatic Weapon.
Utilized since the Gulf War, the SAW is capable of firing 750-to-1000 rounds per minute with an effective range of 1800 meters.
“This weapon is awesome. The rate of fire and the accuracy that this weapon offers is something to get excited about,” said Spc. Jesse Mascoe, a fire direction specialist.
Hughes said the ability that each qualified Soldier displayed was professional and proof that the 623rd is ready for any mission in the future.
Particularly rainy ones.
“This weekend was a great display of the intestinal fortitude of our Soldiers to qualify in austere conditions without complaint,” he said. “The 623rd is filled with professional and capable Soldiers.”
MJO
Story and photos by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, UPAHR 1/623rd FA

Graduates of Area 6, Recruit Sustainment Program team up with Glasgow Recreation Department and community leaders at Beaver Trail Complex in Glasgow, Ky., for the inaugural Guard the Environment day. The Soldiers teamed up with the local community for a service to beautify Beaver Trail Complex – an area jointly used by the represented organizations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe/ Kentucky Army National Guard)
GLASGOW, Ky. (November 04, 2010)- As the recently graduated recruits of Area 6 Recruit Sustainment Program assembled in formation Oct. 23, they were presented with their next immediate mission: support the local community in an environmental project.
The young Soldiers faced and conquered the task, just like their completion of Basic Advanced Individual Training.
The Soldiers teamed up with the Glasgow Recreational Department, Civic and Community leaders, to strengthen an already strong bond between the local units and the communities in which they are a part of.
The Citizen-Soldiers and community representatives worked together as a single unit, to help make the community better by cleaning up Beaver Trail Complex, a local park.

Kentucky National Guard Spc. Devon Wood and Pvt. Justin Lindsey pick up trash alongside a fence at the Beaver Trail Complex in Glasgow, Ky., Oct. 23. The new Kentucky Guard Soldiers participated in the inaugural Guard the Environment, where Guardsmen nation-wide helped clean up local community areas. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe/ Kentucky Army National Guard)
With trash bags in hand and the appropriate hand protection on, the Soldiers infiltrated the park, clearing it of all foreign debris and objects. The crew picked up eight 55-gallon trash bags of litter on a mere 40-acre complex. Barren County Judge Executive Davie Greer said she really respects and admires what the young Guardsmen did for the community.
“The relationship that the National Guard and the local community has is one that is deep rooted and genuine,” she said.
“Most of these Soldiers come from families that we see at the grocery store and the ball parks on a regular basis, they truly represent Hometown Heroes,” she said. “This is just one more display of the unity that we have.”
Glasgow Mayor Darrell Pickett, a former member of the 1st Battalion, 623d Field Artillery in Glasgow, Ky., expressed his deep gratitude and respect for what the RSP unit accomplished.
“This unit has always been good to the community and has never hesitated to support any request that we have made to them, when in time of need,” he said.
“This event today is a fine representation of the cohesion that we have with each other,” he said. “By demonstrating to these fine, young Soldiers that this is the type of relationship that we have, it secures our prosperous future together. This is truly a win-win for all involved.”