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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
Story by Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Capt. Ross Farling, a C-130 pilot in the 123rd Airlift Wing, hugs his daughters during an emotional homecoming ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 4, 2015. Farling was among 39 Kentucky Air Guardsmen who were returning from a deployment to the Persian Gulf region, where they’ve been supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel since February. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — This 4th of July was a special one for 39 members of the 123rd Airlift Wing, who received a hero’s welcome from more than 200 flag-waving friends and family when they returned to the Kentucky Air National Guard Base here today following a deployment to the Persian Gulf region.
Several of those family members, like 3-year-old Declan Gilreath and 2-year-old Max Gordon, carried signs with phrases like “Welcome Home Daddy!” and “Move It or Lose It: I’m here to get my DADDY!”
Many in the crowd found it impossible to contain their emotions. The daughters of one C-130 pilot burst into tears as soon as they began to hug their father, while others jumped for joy when they saw their loved ones walking toward them across the airfield tarmac.
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Tech. Sgt. Mike Johnson, a C-130 crew chief in the 123rd Airlift Wing, proposes to his girlfriend, Vanna Jones, on the flight line of the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 4, 2015, after returning from a deployment to the Persian Gulf region. Jones said yes. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
For Vanna Jones, the day was especially significant. Her boyfriend, Tech. Sgt. Mike Johnson, dropped to one knee, presented her with a diamond engagement ring and asked her to marry him moments after he stepped off the C-130 aircraft that carried him home.
“I fell in love with you the first time I saw your smile, ” Johnson told Jones. “Will you marry me?”
A trembling Jones, clearly surprised, answered yes.
Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, who was on hand to greet the returning Airmen, said scenes like Johnson’s proposal are one the highlights of his job.
“I’ve been the adjutant general now for seven and a half years,” Tonini said. “I’ve welcomed thousands upon thousands of Airmen and Soldiers home from combat, and every single time, it brings a tear to my eye to see the families as happy as they are when their loved ones come back from being in harm’s way. These 39 Kentucky Air National Guardsmen got to come home to their families on the 4th of July. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
The returning Airmen are among more than 100 Kentucky Air National Guardsmen who have been supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel since February, serving on tours ranging from two to four months.
The son of a Kentucky Air National Guardsman waits for his father to step off a C-130 Hercules aircraft at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 4, 2105. The father was one of 39 Kentucky Airmen who returned to the United States following a deployment in the Persian Gulf region, where they’ve been supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel since February. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
Freedom’s Sentinel is the follow-on mission to Operation Enduring Freedom. It focuses on training, advising and assisting Afghan security forces; and on counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan.
During their deployment, the Kentucky troops joined forces with Airmen from the Missouri Air National Guard to fly C-130 airlift missions across the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility, which includes Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Africa.
In the past four months, the Missouri-Kentucky Team flew more than 1,000 combat sorties that delivered over 3,500 short tons of cargo and nearly 4,000 personnel to destinations across the AOR.
The deployment marks the sixth time in the past 12 years that the Kentucky Air Guard has sent its aircraft, aircrews and maintenance personnel to support U.S. military operations in U.S. Central Command. The wing deployed aviation assets there in 2003, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012, operating from multiple undisclosed locations and Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.
The wing’s non-aviation personnel also have been heavily engaged around the world since Sept. 11, 2001, logging thousands of deployments to dozens of overseas locations, including Iraq and Afghanistan. In October, more than 70 of the wing’s Airmen deployed to Africa to support Operation United Assistance, the international effort to fight the worst Ebola outbreak in history
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Steve Baker, 202nd Army Band Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Members of the 202nd Army Band perform for spectators in Georgetown, Ky., July 9, 2014. The unit performed for more than 35,000 fans on 17 missions for the unit’s annual training. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. 1st Class Steve Baker)
NEWPORT, Ky. — The 202nd Army Band of the Kentucky National Guard, “The Army Band of the Bluegrass” toured Northern Kentucky for their annual training, June 28 - July 12.
The unit’s “home station” for the period was Northern Kentucky University which provided a wonderful auditorium for concert band rehearsals along with separate areas for Musical Performance Team (MPT) rehearsals. Along with polishing the musical proficiency of the MPTs, the band performed for an estimated 35,000 people on 17 missions at locations from the banks of the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky to the streets of Lexington during the two weeks.
On June 29th the Woodwind Quintet performed a pre-concert followed by the concert band performed for a very appreciative audience at Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington, Kentucky. The patriotic concert presentation was very well received by those in attendance and many compliments were relayed to band members.
Chief Warrant Officer Gregory Stepp, commander of the 202nd Army Band leads musicians during a performance in Covington, Ky., June 29, 2014. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. 1st Class Steve Baker)
The next day the band traveled to Lexington for the first rehearsal with the University of Kentucky Singers. The UK Singers consisted of approximately 28 student-voices. The band and singers combined to participate in the Lexington Fourth of July Celebration “Salute to Heroes” event July 3. Transylvania University was kind enough to host the event on the grounds of Old Morrison and Gratz Park area. The rehearsal was exciting “under the big top” and all the performers spontaneously cheered when soloists as well as other special musical moments happened.
The gathered audience of approximately 12,000 was treated to a fantastic patriotic concert which consisted of a variety of American fanfare. Many compliments were conveyed to members of the band and the overwhelming message was “please come back next year”.
On to July 4 the band found themselves back in Lexington for the Fourth of July Parade. For city block after block there was little more than standing room for those in attendance. Band members said they really enjoyed themselves and created memories during this past week working with great people and performing for enthusiastic patrons will remain lasting impressions.
“The commitment to excellence in mission performance from all members of the 202nd was evident during Annual Training 2014,” said Chief Warrant Officer Gregory Stepp, commander of the 202nd. “Performing patriotic music on our nations birthday for 12,000 Kentuckians was a tremendous experience.”
“Serving our country through patriotic music performances and acknowledging those men and women who have served before us is a great honor for us”.
Musicians with the 202nd Army Band perform at Newport on the Levy in Newport, Ky., July 9, 2014. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. 1st Class Steve Baker)
The band in its entirety consists of 40 members but is not limited to just the concert band ensemble but also has several MPTs. Current MPTs consist of the Jazz Combo, Rock Band “Fallout”, Brass Quartet, Marching Band, Dixieland Band, Woodwind Quintet and the newest addition, “Swamp Brass.” The Woodwind Quintet had several performances in the Covington area. These locations were the Ft. Thomas and Covington branches of the Campbell and Kenton County Libraries, the Lexington Public Library and Ft. Thomas Veterans Administration. Several of these performances were during the “children’s’ hour” and were themed to include puppet making and dancing.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to allow our community to experience talented musicians of the 202nd,” said Beth Eifler, Adult and Teen Services Librarian at Ft. Thomas Public Library. “They did a wonderful job tailoring the musical presentation to the children in attendance.”
One unplanned mission during the annual training was the opportunity to provide a vital and humbling service to our Veterans. Sgt. 1st Class Mike Embury recalls the story.
“Upon returning to the hotel from our first Woodwind Quintet performance I was approached by a hotel worker who had been speaking with a gentleman. The gentleman was introduced to me and he stated that he was a retired master sergeant. He then told me that he was here to bury his father the next day.”
The man stated “My Father was a World War II veteran and they couldn’t find a bugler to play Taps. We are going to have to use a tape if we don’t find someone, and that just isn’t the same”, he said as his eyes began to tear. “Is there any way at all your could play Taps?”
“I took his contact information and relayed to the unit’s leadership who then made arrangements for Pvt. Michael May to attend the ceremony and provide the honor of performing Taps.”
“When you consider our mission of providing musical support for our troop, there is no greater function of those missions than providing Taps. As part of the final ceremony for so many Veterans, it is followed by the presentation of the flag to the family of the deceased.” Embury adds, “As military musicians, being a part of this service is truly an honor because there is no substitute for the final call to rest that only can be provided by military musicians.”
Members of the 202nd Army Band perform in Fort Thomas, Ky., June 30, 2014 as part of the unit’s annual training. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. 1st Class Steve Baker)
The band traveled to Newport, Kentucky July 9, where three MPTs performed at Newport on the Levy. This lunchtime performance of the concert band was preceded by a warm-up “mini” concert by the Woodwind Quintet. The day also included the debut of the newest MPT, “Swamp Brass” which is a street stomping style group. This group used the concept of a “flash mob” which started with the bass drum and snare drum. Slowly other members who had been “hiding” in stores and alley ways joined to form a very entertaining performance.
Included on this day was an evening concert by Rock Band MPT, “Fallout” in Georgetown, Kentucky. This street dance venue was well attended, and the Soldiers performed a very entertaining and spirited show. Those in attendance danced and sang with the popular group and were treated to a great enthusiastic night of music and fun.
July 11 brought the final concert of the summer tour. The Maysville Community and Technical College located in Maysville, Kentucky hosted the band members. The audience was enthusiastic and expressed their appreciating for all that the Soldiers in the unit do.
“My first annual training exceeded every expectation I could have had, it was very rewarding” said Spc. Cody Williams. “The days were incredibly long but we made sure we filled each hour with useful and meaningful rehearsals. I would like to thank every member of our unit for being so helpful and welcoming. From day one I always felt like I had been in the unit for years. I look forward to making some incredible music for years to come.”
