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Story by Sgt. 1st Class Dennis Anderson, 238th Regiment Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Staff Sgt. John Riggi, Training NCO for the Kentucky National Guard’s Officer Candidates’ School speaks to candidates and cadets from Army ROTC programs at Western Kentucky and Murray State Universities during a field training exercise at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., April 11, 2014. The collaborative training was a first in Kentucky to combine the multiple programs. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Dennis Anderson)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — In a unique combination of the future Army leaders, Soldiers with the Kentucky National Guard’s Officer Candidate School trained alongside cadets from ROTC programs in the commonwealth during a field exercise at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Kentucky, April 10-13, 2014.
Cadets from Western Kentucky and Murray State Universities gathered at the training site for an annual weekend in the field. The Kentucky Guard’s 238th Regiment took the opportunity to invite the ROTC programs to Greenville and mingle their own officer candidates with the cadets for some enhanced combined training.
Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Black (right), a military science instructor at Western Kentucky University gives guidance to a ROTC cadet during a field training exercise at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., April 11, 2014. According to WKU staff members, training with Kentucky National Guard officer candidates was beneficial for both military learning and as a cost-saving plan for the ROTC programs. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Dennis Anderson)
“The weekend is a consolidation of ROTC Students and our OCS candidates to refine and help develop skills that are relevant to today’s battlefield with regards to student taught lanes training,” said Lt. Col. Todd Neal, commander of the 2nd Modular Training Battalion, 238th. “Hopefully it will also develop other skills for them to become better future officers.”
Neal said while the two programs are different, the end goal is still the same. And the combination was well received by the cadets and candidates in the training. Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Black, Military Science Instructor at WKU said working with unfamiliar faces would serve them well in their careers and would remind them that they are not alone in their chosen path.
“Ultimately, the exercise allows them to come together as a team, rely on the person to their left and right…know that it is not just them going through these hard times, hard training, difficult training by themselves, this isn’t something they can gain from a classroom,” said Black.
According to Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Kennedy, Operations NCO for the 238th, the blending of the Soldiers was a first in Kentucky and that it was not only a benefit for the training environment, but also as a cost-saving method for the ROTC programs.
“The ROTC programs had been looking for a closer, more economical way to conduct their field training exercise, they immediately accepted the invitation,” said Kennedy. “We are very optimistic that we can develop this into a reoccurring annual event.”
The Soldiers spent the two days in the field moving through the land navigation course and a variety of platoon and squad level operations such as maintaining security of their area. Cadets and candidates agreed the hands on exercise would be very beneficial for them and their careers.
Lt. Col. Scott Walker, Professor of Military Science and Battalion Commander for the ROTC programs at both Western Kentucky and Murray State Universities speaks to cadets and Kentucky National Guard officer candidates following a field training exercise in Greenville, Ky., April 13, 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Dennis Anderson)
Capt. Lincoln Ward, Assistant Professor of Military Science at WKU also echoed the mutual benefits of the collaboration, both for the Soldiers and the costs. Ward said WKU was thankful the Kentucky Guard provided them the opportunity and called the Guard’s support outstanding.
“The groups of future officers will, without a doubt become better lieutenants because of this training exercise,” he said. “The partnership we have established here between the programs is one we look to sustain and expand in the coming years.”
By Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Lt Col. Todd Neal receives the battalion guidon from Col. Hal Lamberton during a change of command ceremony at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 15, 2013. Neal assumed command of the 2nd Modular Training Battalion of the 238th Regiment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — Lt. Col. Todd Neal assumed command of the 2nd Modular Training Battalion, 238th Regiment during a change of command ceremony at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 15, 2013.
Lt. Col. David Roche relinquished command, a position he has held for the past two years. Col. Hal Lamberton, the regimental commander said Roche was a pivotal part of the 238th Regional Training Institute being named an Institution of Excellence for 2012. Lamberton also awarded Roche the Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership of the 2/238th.
Soldiers of the 238th Regiment stand in formation during a change of command ceremony at the Wendell H. Ford Regional training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 15, 2013. The regiment is is made up of the 1st Field Artillery Battalion, the 2nd Modular Training Battalion and the Regimental Headquarters. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Neal comes to the unit from the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade where he spent several years in the brigade’s plans and operations section. Neal said taking command of a battalion should be on every officer’s list of goals in their careers. He thanked several Soldiers and mentors who have helped him along the way to this highlight of his time in uniform.
“As a young officer, there are two or three things you look to do. You want to be a successful platoon leader and get a company command, but most guys look at the pinnacle of their careers being a brigade or battalion commander,” said Neal. ” This is a step I fortunately been able to take and I look forward to the challenge and doing a good job for the organization and the leadership and improve on what is already in place.”
Lt. Col. Daivd Roche receives the battalion guidon from Master Sgt. Benzie Timberlake during a change of command ceremony at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 15, 2013. Roche relinquished command of the 2nd Modular Training Battalion to Lt. Col. Todd Neal (left). (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Col. Hal Lamberton, commander of the 238th Regiment pins the Meritorious Service Medal to the uniform of Lt. Col. David Roche following a change of command ceremony in Greenville, Ky. Lamberton cited Roche as a key figure in the 238th receiving the distinction of becoming an institution of excellence in 2012. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
The newest graduates of the Kentucky National Guard’s Warrant Officer Candidate School stand at attention during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 23, 2013. The new warrant officers recently completed the school and were commissioned Sept. 21 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The small family that is the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Warrant Officer Corp got a little bigger with the commissioning of 12 new warrant officers, Sept. 21, 2013.
The Soldiers had just completed the final two-week phase of Warrant Officer Candidate School at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in Edinburgh, Ind. Following the graduation there, the new warrant officers returned home for a recognition ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 23.
“On Saturday (Sept. 21), their military careers took on a whole new look, and a whole new responsibility,” said Kentucky’s State Command Chief Warrant Officer James Simms. ” This class represents the largest we’ve had, so the future is looking good for the warrant officer in Kentucky.”
Col. Hal Lamberton, commander of the 238th Regiment congratulates each graduate of the Kentucky National Guard’s newest Warrant Officer Candidate School class during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 23, 2013. The 12-member class represented the largest graduating class for the 238th and their WOCS. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The candidates started down the commissioning road around the beginning of the year, spending the majority of their time in training one weekend a month with the 238th Regimental Training Institute (RTI) in Greenville, Ky.
Warrant Officer Candidate School is made up of four phases: an on-line phase for preparatory course work, two phases of training with the 238th at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center followed by the final phase at Camp Atterbury.
Kentucky’s RTI was recently named an Institute of Excellence by the U.S. Army and has been expanding it’s role as the state’s premier training facility, taking on new courses and more students. The unit has also impressed other states and other components with its availability and course offerings.
For two of the new warrant officers in the class, that’s just what they were looking for, because neither one are from the Kentucky Guard. Warrant Officer Arthur Stevens is an Army Reservist from the 378th Military Police Detachment in Louisville, Ky., but he lives in Clarksville, Tenn. Stevens said he had issues scheduling his school around his job and had never heard of the RTI. He said the decision worked perfectly with his work schedule and Reserve drill weekends.
“The only way I could have done this is with the RTI,” said the 13-year Veteran. “When I go back, I’m going to tell everyone I know that this is the way to go.”
“It was a great all-around experience,” Stevens said of the training. “It was great that the Guard took me in and made me part of the team.”
Simms said the Kentucky National Guard will help anyone become a warrant officer, regardless of their state or component. Warrant officers across the country work hand in hand with advanced courses and problem-solving and Simms believes they should work together to create new warrant officers as well.
“Thanks to skilled recruiters, quality leadership in the units and a fine training element we have in the 238th, we can make that happen here,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Stephen Hogan, assistant adjutant general for training recognizes Warrant Officer Amy Meadows as the honor graduate of the newest Warrant Officer Candidate School class during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 23, 2013. Meadows, a Soldier with the Tennessee National Guard, chose Kentucky’s course because it allowed her to juggle work, college and becoming a warrant officer. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Warrant Officer Amy Meadows is with the Tennessee National Guard and also didn’t know how to deal with her full schedule of work and school. She knew the school would be longer than going through the traditional course at Fort Rucker, Ala., but had heard great things about the training provided by the 238th.
“I chose to go to Kentucky’s RTI because I needed another option,” she said. “I’m a full-time student and I work full-time at my civilian job, so I needed an option that allowed me to do all three, and the RTI was the best fit for my life.”
Meadows, from Mt. Juliet, Tenn., also graduated as the honor graduate of the class and said she has had always had respect for warrant officers, who always the ones who had the right answers.
“I’m a big believer in continuing knowledge and self-development,” she said. “And warrant officers are the pulse, the continuity of the Army, and I just wanted to be a part of it.”
Meadows will now be the Soldier everyone looks to for answers at the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Knoxville, Tenn.
Each of the new warrant officers will now schedule and attend their job specific warrant officer basic course. But the training doesn’t stop there. To be the experts in their fields, warrant officers continually educate themselves for the benefit of themselves and their units. And from the regimental commander to each training, advising and counseling (TAC) officer, the 238th is glad to be instrumental in furthering the careers of the Army’s future leaders.
“We’re focused on building a stronger and more capable Warrant Officer Corps, the new leaders in the field,” said Chief Warrant officer Rick Skelton, TAC Officer with the 238th. “And I believe we are making good strides in doing our part here in Kentucky at the 238th.”
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Brig. Gen. Stephen Hogan passes the flag of the 238th Regiment to Col. Haldane Lamberton, the new commander of the unit during a change of command ceremony at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Sept. 7, 2013. Lamberton took over from outgoing commander Col. William A. Denny. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — Col. Haldane Lamberton assumed command of the 238th Regimental Training Institute from the outgoing commander, Col. William A. Denny at a change-of-command ceremony at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Sept. 7, 2013.
Brig. Gen. Stephen Hogan, Assistant Adjutant General for Training, oversaw the ceremony, as family members and friends and Soldiers of the 238th said a final goodbye to the outgoing commander.
Under Denny’s command the 238th RTI was accredited as an institute of excellence, taking full advantage of the growing and award-winning Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center. Denny said he set goals for his time in charge of the regiment and believes major progress was made toward the future success of the 238th and the Kentucky Guard.
“What we did together here the last 21 months will continue to affect the Kentucky National Guard a generation from now,” said Denny.
“I know the 238th is up to the challenge of continuing it’s excellence. And no matter what capacity I continue to serve the Kentucky National Guard, I pledge that I will do all I can to help you continue that mission.”
To see more photos from the ceremony, click here.
Lamberton assumed this command in addition to his full-time position as Director of Human Resources for the Kentucky Guard.
“I very much appreciate the opportunity of being a part of the 238th,” said Lamberton. “From my perspective, the 238th really is the lifeline, or bloodline of the Kentucky National Guard.”
Col. Haldane Lamberton speaks during a change of command ceremony in Greenville, Ky., Sept. 7, 2013. Lamberton assumed command of the 238th Regiment which overseas training for the Kentucky National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The new commander spoke of the regiment’s important role as the place to help leaders grow and how it addresses the needs of officers, warrant officers and noncommissioned officers. Lamberton called 238th an exchange program of sorts, bringing in quality Soldiers with years of experience from various units in Kentucky to train the new Soldiers of those units and then return with instructor knowledge. A revolving door of training, experience and leadership.
“The real dynamic of this unit is the ability to help shape the future of our Guard,” he said. “If you are part of the unit today, you grooming the future leadership, leadership that will be in place twenty or thirty years from now.”
“It’s not about Hal Lamberton,” he said. “It’s the effort of the cadre here, and its because of their efforts you see the future of the Kentucky Guard. Colonel Denny has built the unit up to a level where it previously was not, and we aim to take it from where it is and build upon it.”
The 238th Regiment is made up of the 1st Field Artillery Battalion, the 2nd Modular Training Battalion and the Regimental Headquarters, all based out of the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky.
To read more about the 238th Regimental Training Institute, click here.
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
The newest officers in the Kentucky National Guard recite their oaths during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. (Left to right) 2nd Lts. James Rimington, Franklin Moore, Christopher Moore and Mark Gardner. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard commissioned four Guardsmen as the newest second lieutenants during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, April 18, 2013.
The four graduated from the winter accelerated officer candidate school course. Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini joined family and friends and a crowd of supporting Guardsmen in congratulating the new officers after the ceremony.
To see more photos from this event, click here.
The newest officers of the Kentucky Guard are applauded by the crowd and adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. The four Soldiers graduated from the officer candidate school’s winter accelerated course. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Each of the officers commented on the long road they have been on as part of the OCS course. 2nd Lt. James Rimington from Bowling Green, Ky., was elated to have made it to this moment and looks forward to his role with the 206th Engineers.
“I’m glad to be done with the OCS part,” he said. “I am extremely excited about starting my new journey as an officer in the Kentucky National Guard. I’m ready to see what the future brings and where it goes from here.”
Rimington thanked his family and friends for all the support they have giving him during his time in OCS. His wife, Ashley is no stranger to the sacrifices of the military, her brother, Spc. Tyler Hudson is deployed overseas with the Kentucky Guard’s 623rd Field Artillery. As an officer’s wife, she knows there’s more responsibilities and that she will be called upon more as well.
“I’m so proud. It’s been a lot of hard work. We’ve been through a lot to get here, I’m glad he stuck with it.” she said. “And I look forward to becoming more involved with the Guard.”
Ashley Rimington places new second lieutenant insignia on the uniform of her husband, 2nd Lt. James Rimington during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. The Rimingtons have been married for three years, with James being in school for most of it, and they believe this is a sign they can settle down into life. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
For 2nd Lt. Franklin Moore, becoming an officer seemed like a natural thing he should do. He said he was always in leadership and mentoring roles in sports and high school, so to carry that into a military career made sense to him. His perspective on OCS will remain with him through his career. His memories and stories are ones he doesn’t think many will or could understand, but he is optimistic of his future role in the Kentucky Guard.
“It’s a difficult road, it’s definitely challenging mentally and physically, but you just have to look forward to that end goal. It’s going to be worth it and you are going to benefit from it, and you’re going to benefit others down the road,” he said.
2nd Lt. Franklin Moore gets some help from his sister, Candace, in the pinning of his new officer insignia during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. The Owensboro, Ky.-native will train as a military police officer with the 617th MP Co. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
2nd Lt. Mark Gardner will be attached to the 206th Engineers and 2nd Lt. Christopher Moore will be assigned to Charlie Co. 1st Battlion, 149th Infantry.
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini speaks with 2nd Lt. Christopher Moore during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. Moore was one of four officer candidates commissioned as second lieutenants and the newest officers in the Kentucky Guard. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Story and photos by Sgt. Datarra Ignacio-Hooper, 238th Regiment
NOTE: Often, kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by or about Kentucky National Guard unit public affairs historian representatives, also known as UPAHRs. This is an additional duty taken on by a Soldier or Airman with the intent of telling their unit’s story. This is one such story ….
Spc. Aaron Lunn (left) performs a mechanical advantage control hold with a baton on Sgt. Joseph Zaragoza during military police training at Wendell H. Ford Regional training Center in Greenville, Ky., March 4, 2013. (KYNG photo by Sgt. Datarra Ignacio-Hooper)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — There was plenty of hands on training taking place at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center involving military police instructors and their students. The 31B Military Police Reclassification Course is designed to prepare the Soldier to perform duties at Skill Level 1 in MOS 31B. According to course instructors, the course contains the critical tasks for duty performance at this level and presents them using sound training methodologies.
“A military police officer does an array of duties” said Sgt. 1st Class Donald Green, an instructor at the 238th Regiment. “Military police are responsible for providing support to the battlefield by conducting area security, internment/resettlement, maneuver and mobility support, law and order, and police intelligence operations.”
Staff Sgt. Cutris Stalcup, a Military Police Instructor briefs students on Search Technique Training and Restraint Techniques during a MP course at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., March 4, 2013. (KYNG photo by Sgt. Datarra Ignacio-Hooper)
Once re-classed, a military police officer will be able to protect lives and property on Army installations by enforcing military laws and regulations, as well as controlling traffic, preventing crime, and responding to emergencies.
Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Montgomery, a student in the course said there was a wealth of information in the training, including responsibilities while off military installations..
Spc. Billie Jacobs (left) removes handcuffs from an acting suspect Sgt. 1st Class Michelle Owen during a military police training course at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center March 4, 2013. (KYNG photo by Sgt. Datarra Ignacio-Hooper)
“I enjoyed learning about the new information that was being shared,” he said. And overall, I’m impressed about how much the MPs are involved in the community.”
Story and Photos by: Staff Sgt. Fredrick P. Varney, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Col. William A. Denny, Commander for the 238th Regiment, administers the oath of office to OCS class 54-12 during the Officer Commissioning Ceremony at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Aug 25. The 238th Regiment graduated 11 new officers to serve in the Kentucky National Guard. (photo by Staff Sgt. Fredrick Varney, Kentucky National Guard 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
FRANKFORT, Ky.— Eleven second lieutenants raised their right hands and swore an oath of office to become the Kentucky National Guard’s newest officers at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky. Aug. 25 , 2012.
Officer Candidate Class 54-12 endured a rigorous 18-month training program on their way to becoming the next leaders in the Kentucky National Guard. Officer candidates were tested in key areas such as physical fitness, leadership abilities, land navigational skills and operational orders.
“The hardest part of the OCS program is definitely the mental aspect,” said distinguished honor graduate 2nd Lt. Martin A. Goldey.
Goldey was presented with the Erickson Trophy for attaining the highest overall standing in leadership, academics and the Commandant’s evaluation in the class. The Erickson Trophy is awarded in honor of retired Maj. Gen. Edgar C. Erickson, former Chief of the National Guard Bureau. Each state officer candidate school grants the trophy annually.
To see more photos from this story, click here
Staff Sgt. John Riggi shakes hands with newly promoted 2nd. Lt. Joshua Whitfield during the 238th Regiment’s OCS Commissioning Ceremony at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Aug 25. Class 54-12 graduated 11 new lieutenants to serve in the Kentucky Army National Guard. (photo by Staff Sgt. Fredrick Varney, Kentucky National Guard 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Other awards included the Physical Fitness Award, which was given to 2nd Lt. Donald Prysi for attaining the highest overall score on the Army Physical Fitness test. 2nd Lt. Carson Gregory was presented the National Guard Association of Kentucky Award for earning the highest academic average in the class. 2nd Lt. Christopher Cook was presented the Association of the U.S. Army Plaque for demonstrating the highest standards of leadership throughout the course.Class 54-12 president 2nd Lt. Scott A. Hill said finishing the OCS program meant a great deal for him because he had previously held leadership roles as both a teacher and volleyball coach, but nothing compared to having the opportunity to lead his fellow Soldiers in the Kentucky National Guard.
“I can’t think of anything more honorable than serving one’s country as an officer in the United States Army, especially the Kentucky National Guard,” said Hill.
The traditional custom of having friends and Family pin their newly promoted officers was observed and each Soldier designated one non-commissioned officer to render their first salute.
Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s Adjutant General, served as the keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony, while the 202nd Army Band participated by playing both the National Anthem and “My Old Kentucky Home”.
Story and photos by Sgt. Datarra Ignacio-Hooper, Headquarters 238th Regiment Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
NOTE: Each week 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 ….
The 238th Regiment presented a token of appreciation to outgoing commander, Col. Stephen Robinson for his contributions to the unit during his time in command during the change of command ceremony on Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. ( photo by Sgt. Datarra Ignacio-Hooper, Headquarters 238th Regiment)
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The newest commander of the Kentucky National Guard's 238th Regiment, Col. William Denny returns the unit’s guideon to Command Sgt. Major Timothy Goad at a change of command ceremony on Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. ( photo by Sgt. Datarra Ignacio-Hooper, Headquarters 238th Regiment)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Army National Guard’s 238th Regiment conducted a change of command ceremony at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Dec. 3.
“I’m truly sad to be leaving because of the bonds I have with this unit,” said Col. Stephen A. Robinson, outgoing commander. “But I know that I’m leaving the regiment in good hands.”
The 238th welcomed Col. William A. Denny as their newest commander.
“I’m looking forward to working and building on Col. Robinson success,” said Denny.
Denny has been a member of the Kentucky National Guard for more than 30 years, enlisting as a private in 1980.
The 238th Training Regiment is made up of the 1st Field Artillery Battalion, the 2nd Modular Training Battalion and the Regimental Headquarters, all based out of Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky.
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Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Click here for more photos
The Kentucky Army National Guard newest second lieutenants and warrant officers graduate together during a ceremony at the state capitol in Frankfort, Ky. Aug. 20. (photo by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Last Saturday was an historic day for the Kentucky Army National Guard with its first combined officer and warrant officer candidate school graduation at the state capitol building in Frankfort.
Twenty-four new second lieutenants and eight new warrant officers were presented to a crowd of family and friends on the same steps where the state’s governors are inaugurated.
Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini presided over the event.
“These graduates here today are on a first step of an extraordinary career and an extraordinary life,” said Tonini. “They will expect to lead, communicate, advice and set the example where ever they go and whatever they do.”
The graduating OCS class includes:
Denis Babiyev, Paul Bland, Keith Broughton, John Furse, Jacob Garfinkel, Rachel Hamrick, Michael Hart, Charles Hilpp, Marlon Jones, Sean Jones, Daniel Keaton, Daniel Kimball, Brian Ladd, Geoffrey Lawson, Ryan Leamon, Don Lewis III, Steven Morgan, Adela Ortiz, Nicholas Prouse, Doyle Stephens, Derek Suhre, Joseph Thompson, Paul Wilkerson and Bryson Yarbrough.
The graduating WOCS class includes:
Howard Barcus, Robert Boatman, Morgan Howell, Brandon Layne, Brian Piatt, Christopher Ralston, Matthew Sterwerf and LeRoy Wolpert.
The candidates began the process more than a year ago through the traditional program while a few candidates took the accelerated route several weeks ago. They took on intense training that tested their mental and physical capabilities.
Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, state adjutant general, presents Adela Ortiz, 103rd Brigade Support Battalion, her officer candidate graduation certificate at a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 20. (photo by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
“OCS is like basic training on steroids. You had to maintain physical fitness throughout course,” says 2nd Lt. Adela Ortiz, 103rd Brigade Support Battalion.
Highlighting the morning was the pinning ceremony. Each candidate received their shiny gold bars from various family members. A new look for the officers and their families.
“Amplified the pride I already have in the Kentucky National Guard and in my husband,” says Isabel Jones, wife of 2ndLt. Marlon Jones. “It’s a great day for our family.”
Kentucky Army National Guardsman Marlon Jones, 2/138th Field Artillery Battalion, stands at attention while his wife Isabel and daughter Karmyn pins on his second lieutenant rank at a graduation ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 20. (photo by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The 238th Regiment 53rd officer candidate class and the first warrant officer class start their careers together with something in common — being a part of history with the first combined graduation class in the Kentucky National Guard.
Click here for more photos
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By Spc. Will Bolton, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
