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Kentucky infantrymen conduct largest air assault exercise in six years
By Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Spc. Robert Satterfield with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry exits a landing zone during an air assault exercise at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville, Ind., July 26, 2015. Three companies of infantrymen participated in one of the largest training exercises for the battalion in six years. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
BUTLERVILLE, Ind. — In terms of basic Soldier skills, the infantry is arguably the hardest training unit in the Kentucky Guard. But it’s not everyday Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry get to put all that training into a full-spectrum exercise. As a culminating event to this year’s two-week annual training for the unit, the Mountain Warriors conducted a multi-day air assault mission at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center near Butlerville, Ind., July 24-27.
“Stuff like this is phenomenal, it’s great training,” said Spc. David Woodford with Alpha Company, 1/149th. “This kind of training will keep me in uniform.”
Soldiers with Alpha and Bravo Co., 1/149th loaded their gear and flew by UH-60 Blackhawks to the landing zone at Muscatatuck, compliments of the U.S. Army Reserves’ 11th Theater Aviation Command out of Fort Knox, Ky. Each Soldier carried their weapon and everything they needed for the three-day mission on their backs. Many of the Guardsmen flew on their first helicopter ride. And at the end of it, they had to get themselves, their gear and their fellow Soldiers out of the aircraft as quickly and as organized as possible.
Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry conduct an air assault exercise at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville, Ind., July 26, 2015. Aviators from the 11th Theater Aviation Command at Fort Knox, Ky., provided eight UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters to transport the infantrymen to the training site. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Click here for more photos.
From the landing zone, the 1/149th was tasked with assaulting and securing a building complex occupied by members of Charlie Company, simulating an opposition forces. The three companies of infantrymen then had to hold their position and establish relations with locals.
In advance of the air assault, a small platoon of scouts paved the way for the main body attack. For those scouts, the mission was a couple days longer as they infiltrated the area two days prior to the battalion’s arrival. They were the eyes and ears of the attack. A job they said they wouldn’t trade for any other in the battalion.
“This is as high as you can get as far as training value,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Combs with Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 1/149th. “No one here would want any other job during this training. When this mission is all said and done, only good stories will come out of it.”
From boarding and egressing a helicopter, moving as a fire team and even kicking in doors, the Mountain Warriors checked off a number of mission essential tasks they must train for each year. Lt. Col. Joseph Lear, commander of the 1/149th said the AT provided an excellent chance for each section of the battalion to not only train, but to put their job specialities to the test.
Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry stack on a wall during a training exercise at the Muscatatuck Urban training Center in Butlerville, Ind., July 26, 2015. The unit conducted an air assault mission to seize a building complex and hold their position against a simulated enemy force. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“Conducting an air assault is one of our primary tasks,” said Lear. “This enabled us to do something we haven’t done since 2009 as a battalion. It’s a tremendous training multiplier for us, to be able to do that kind of mission at that scale, we are grateful to have the opportunity.”
Members of Delta Company provided the ground assault and convoyed by Humvees to the site. In reserve was the 1149th Forward Support Company, whose job is to ensure the infantry can do their job. Chief Warrant Officer Melissa Propes with the 1149th said the annual training was also an invaluable training opportunity for her Soldiers as well.
“I love seeing these Soldiers get experience in what they do, and they got to do that here. Not only did they get good training, it made a difference to the infantry. And that is absolutely what the 1149th FSC is supposed to do,” she said. “Everybody from the infantryman to the mess section, to distro to maintenance, everybody has an essential piece of the puzzle, or they wouldn’t be here. And we’re just happy to contribute.”
Leading up to the assault mission, Soldiers of the unit trained in a variety of squad and platoon-sized drills at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, to hone their skills and prepare for the final mission.
Pvt. Scottie Pace is a cook with the 1149th FSC and attended his first annual training.
“When I first enlisted, I had no idea what to expect on an AT,” he said. “Now, I feel like knowing that I can do my job and help the unit is a great thing to prepare me for future training and makes me a better Soldier.”
Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry advance across a road during a training exercise at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville, Ind., July 26, 2015. The exercise was the culminating event of the unit’s two-week annual training period. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
More than 550 Soldiers of the battalion were on hand for the training period. Platoon leaders and company commanders agreed their Soldiers greatly benefitted from the unique training and the boost in morale.
“There’s nothing like training in the field,” said Spc. Joseph Hill from Alpha Co. “You’re really able to do your job and refresh your skills. It’s hard to find a bad part of this AT.”
Battalion leadership were pleased with the effort put forth by their Soldiers and the chance to put them in the field and participants and witnesses to the unique energy of the infantry.
“This type of training is also why people enlist,” said Lear. “They don’t join to stand a drill hall and get briefs. These troops will talk about this air assault for years.”
“That’s how this type of training leads to retention, which leads to strength, which leads to funding, which leads to more quality training. That’s the impact this has on this battalion.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Pvt. Oliver Douthitt with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry received an appointment to the United States Military Academy during a ceremony at Fort Knox, Ky., April 26, 2015. A member of the Kentucky Guard for only 14 months, Douthitt said the training he has received will help him be successful in his new Army career. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FORT KNOX, Ky. — A Kentucky Guardsman is taking the next step in his military career to the United States Military Academy. Pvt. Oliver Douthitt, an infantryman with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry accepted an appointment to West Point at a small ceremony on Brooks Field in Fort Knox, April 26.
Surrounded by family and fellow infantrymen, Douhitt was presented an official certificate by Brig. Gen. (Retired) Charles B. Skaggs.
“It means a lot to get the opportunity to go to West Point, not a whole lot of people get to do that,” said Douthitt. “My unit has been very supportive the whole time and I really appreciate everything they have done so far.”
Brig. Gen. (Retired) Charles Skaggs congratulates Pvt. Oliver Douthitt on his acceptance into the United States Military Academy following a ceremony at Fort Knox, Ky., April 26, 2015. Douthitt, a member of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry, will report to West Point in June. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The Paducah, Kentucky native is currently a geology major at the University of Kentucky, but decided to push re-start on his future and attend West Point. Enlisting in the Guard in 2014 for the education benefits, Douthitt gives credit to the Kentucky Guard for helping him lay the groundwork for his future.
“The Guard has given me the opportunity to go to school and get plenty of military training, so I was able to do two things at once to prepare me for what is ahead.”
“I’ve only been in 14 months, but I feel like my enlisted service will be very beneficial when I get up there.”
Click here for more photos.
Skaggs, a 1975 West Point graduate and Hopkinsville, Kentucky native said the history of the military academy is like the history of our country. He noted that more than 12,000 apply each year and roughly 1,200 are accepted, a fact he knows Douthitt is proud to be a part of.
“Admission to West Point is equivalent to a college scholarship valued at approximately $280,000,” said Skaggs. “It give me great pleasure to present this appointment to the West Point class of 2019 to Private Douthitt.”
Douthitt’s parents beamed with excitement and joy for their son. Mother and father both were happy he enlisted in the Guard, which has helped prepare them as well.
“We’re proud first that he’s a Soldier, then we will be even more proud when he’s an officer,” said Oliver’s father, Jeff Douthitt. “Joining the Guard has made it easy for us to know what to expect with a son in the military.”
According to Douthitt’s battalion commander, Lt. Col. Joseph Lear, it’s been at least seven years since the last Kentucky Guardsman accepted an appointment to West Point. He remembers because it one of his Soldiers then too.
“It’s really a testament to the mettle of the Soldier we have in the battalion and the Kentucky Guard attracts,” said Lear. “The process shows the fortitude, his drive and his character that he will enhance as he grows as a leader.”
“I look forward to getting all the opportunities presented to me for going to a place like West Point,” said Douthitt. “I would consider coming back to the Guard though, I have loved my time serving here.”
With a final handshake and battalion coin, Lear congratulated Douthitt one last time, with a simple reminder, “Don’t forget where you came from.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Lt. Col. Bryan Howay receives the brigade colors from Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini during a change of command ceremony for the 75th Troop Command in Louisville, Ky., May 17, 2014. Howay took charge of the unit from Col. Mike Abell, who had led the 75th since 2012. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In a sign of things to come, Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard’s 75th Troop Command gathered for a change of command ceremony May 17 at the future home of the brigade, the Butler Reserve Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
Lt. Col. Bryan Howay assumed command of the 75th from Col. Mike Abell on the grounds of the new location for the Kentucky Guard near Louisville’s Bowman Field. The 75th has undergone a major realignment over the past year and now finds itself the tenant of what Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini called, “A magnificent facility, perfectly suited for the needs of the newly christened 75th Troop Command.”
Tonini also called the acquisition of the building a career-long endeavor and said the Guard will soon begin remodeling to accommodate the brigade headquarters and two battalions of the 75th.
Col. Mike Abell speaks to Soldiers of the 75th Troop Command during a change of command ceremony in Louisville, Ky., May 17, 2014. The ceremony was the first event the Kentucky Guard held at its newest facility, the former Butler Reserve Center in Louisville. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“As we plan the future of this unit and its headquarters, we will continue to show our Guard’s interchangeability and adaptability to new missions, technologies and challenges,” he said.
Tonini praised both Abell and Howay as “models of professionalism and sterling examples of the Kentucky Guard’s ethos of ‘Unbridled Service’.”
Howay has been a member of the Kentucky Guard since 1987 and served as the 75th’s executive officer since 2012. He has led Kentucky Guardsmen in a variety of missions in support of both the commonwealth at home and the country overseas. Even with all the changes the unit has had, he said the unit will be ready for its next assignment.
“A Soldier doesn’t get to go from a private in 1987 to the level of brigade commander without the support of a lot of people along the way,” said Howay. “It’s been a long road, but now it’s just time to get ready for the next mission, whatever that may be. That is now the focus of the 75th Troop Command.”
Click here to see more photos from the ceremony.
Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Johnson, 75th’s command sergeant major has served with both the incoming and outgoing commanders and said they have always kept the Soldiers of their commands at the center of their attention. A fact Johnson said is key to the success of any unit.
Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Johnson (right) presents Col. Mike Abell, outgoing commander of the 75th Troop Command with a token of appreciation from the brigade. The gift included both guidons of the 75th and the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. (U.S. Army national Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“Today’s event signified that Kentucky leaders have proven that being a competent and effective leader is still at the forefront, especially with the military drawdown,” he said. “Both of these men have earned it.”
“They have proven and demonstrated the high standards they set are successful, but it has always been in support of the command and most importantly the Soldiers and their families.”
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 Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Staff Sgt. Nicholas Anglin with the 201st Engineer Battalion appears before the board during the 2014 Kentucky National Guard Soldier of the Year competition in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 17, 2013. In addition to the board, Anglin and 13 fellow Guardsmen competed in such events as weapons qualification and land navigation over the three-day weekend. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — Many basic Soldier skills are not always your everyday tasks; fieldstripping an M-16, searching a detainee, details of drill and ceremony. This knowledge is part of what should be in every Soldier’s toolbox and to a select few each year, these tasks become a competition. All combined, the proficiency of such tasks, along with marksmanship and physical fitness, push some to become the best of the best.
On the track, at the range and in the fields of the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, 14 Kentucky National Guardsmen put their skills to the test in the 2014 Soldier of the Year competition, Nov. 15-17.
To see more photos from the event, click here.
Spc. Benjamin Joynt prepares to begin his push-ups during an Army Physical Fitness Test as part of the 2014 Kentucky National Guard Soldier of the Year competition in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 16, 2013. The APFT began an event-filled day for the competitors that took them from the gym to the range to the fields to the classrooms of the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“Getting back to the basics of soldiering, that’s what the Soldier of the Year Competition is all about,” said State Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Chumley Jr., who oversaw his first competition as the State Command Sergeant Major.
“I wanted to challenge them, I wanted to challenge them mentally, physically and spiritually. When they leave here, I wanted them to feel like they’ve earned something,” he added.
From the moment competitors arrived, the pressure was on. Soldiers, NCOs and Senior NCOs alike were forced to rely on their training and experience as the weekend tested their abilities as an American Soldier.
The Guardsmen first sat down for the written tests and essay questions to start the weekend out quietly on Friday evening. But before the sun rose on Saturday, the quiet was gone as each Soldier completed the Army Physical Fitness Test, then were off to the range for individual weapon qualifications. When the last round was fired, they traded their rifles for compasses and maps and negotiated the Muhlenburg County terrain in a challenging land navigation exercise.
While in the field, a variety of Army Warrior Tasks awaited each Soldier to test other skills.
Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Gray with the 238th Regiment loads a magazine into his M-16 during the 2014 Kentucky National Guard Soldier of the Year competition in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 16, 2013. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“The weekend was jammed packed for sure,” said Owenton, Ky., native, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Anglin with the 201st Engineer Battalion who was named NCO of the Year for the competition.
Spc. Christopher DeLeon with the 2123rd Transportation Company from Richmond, Ky., was the runner-up in 2012. After a year of working hard, studying and increasing his PT, DeLeon returned to capture the Soldier of the Year title this year.
“I feel accomplished, like I didn’t let anyone down,” he said. “I made them proud and I’m proud of myself. This feels great, it’s an awesome feeling.”
“I will take everything I have learned from Soldier of the Year and apply it to my 2123rd Soldiers and maybe be a sponsor for another Soldier to come here next year and train him to keep the reign of the 2123rd,” he added.
Chumley said he has been involved with similar competitions at various levels in his career and that the Soldiers inspire him each time. This year’s Soldier of the Year competition was just another reason why he loves doing his job.
“This weekend has been outstanding,” said Chumley. “The Soldiers here inspire me with their life stories and how the Kentucky National Guard has set them up with a good foundation and solid leadership skills. I’m just amazed every time we have one of these.”
2014 Soldier of the Year winners:
Soldier of the Year – Spc. Christopher DeLeon, 2123rd Transportation Co. from Richmond, Ky.
NCO of the Year – Staff Sgt. Nicholas Anglin, HSC 201st Engineers from Owenton, Ky.
Senior NCO of the Year – 1st Sgt. Matthew Roberge, 1/149th Infantry from Nicholasville, Ky.
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Kentucky National Guard Blackhawk helicopters fly Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, the state adjutant general, and emergency management officials to survey flood damage sites in Smithland, Ky., April 28. (photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
For more flood relief photos and videos visit our Flickr site.
Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, is the point of contact for this message. He can be reached at 502-385-8008.
FRANKFORT, Ky (April 29, 2011) – The Kentucky National Guard currently has approximately 128 Guardsmen equipped with tactical vehicles providing civic support to Western Kentucky in response to the flooding along the Ohio River. These Soldiers continue to conduct water barrier and sandbagging operations in Ballard and Livingston Counties as well as law enforcement support in Henderson, Fulton and McCracken Counties.
Kentucky Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini supervises Pfc. Justin Ballard and Sgt. Aron Nesler while stacking sandbags for flood relief mission in Smithland, Ky., April 28. (photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Current Operations are as follows:
Ongoing Missions – All ground missions are being manned by elements of the 75th Troop Command. The 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade is providing aviation support. Ground Soldiers are deployed to Ballard, Livingston, Fulton, Henderson and McCracken Counties as follows:
a. Ballard County – Twenty-four Soldiers from 2113th Transportation Company continue performing sand bagging operations to protect home sites, conducting around the clock operations in three 8-hour shifts.
b. Henderson County – Fifteen Soldiers from 75th Troop Command are in Henderson, Kentucky to conduct presence patrols in support of local law enforcement. They will conduct operations 1800-0600 daily in support of the Henderson County Sheriff. These unarmed presence patrols are equipped with Sheriff Dept radios. Their mission is to deter looting by their presence and to report any activity to Henderson County Law Enforcement agencies, who will then respond.
c. Fulton County – Twelve Soldiers are conducting roving patrols with humvees in support of local law enforcement to assist in controlling access to flooded roadways leading to the levee system.
Kentucky Guardsman Sgt. Aron Nesler, 2113th Transportation Company, briefs Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, state adjutant general, on sandbag operations in Smithland, Ky., April 28. (photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
d. McCracken County – Eight Soldiers are conducting roving patrols with humvees in support of the McCracken County Sheriff to deter looting and to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement agencies.
e. Fourteen Soldiers 103rd Chemical Battalion have deployed to Owensboro with cargo trucks in order to provide logistics support and transportation support.
f. Livingston County – MISSION COMPLETE. The twenty-four Soldiers from 2113th TC have completed their mission of assisting in the construction of water barriers to protect the city of Smithland. They conducted around the clock operations in three 8-hour shifts.
g. Daviess County- MISSION COMPLETE. The thirty Soldiers from the 206th Engineer Battalion and a sandbagging machine from the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center completed sand bagging operations to protect a KEWS facility.
Next 24 hours:
1. Operations in Ballard, Henderson, Fulton and McCracken Counties are expected to continue at or near current levels for the next several days.
2. US Army Corps of Engineers has requested aviation support to engineers assessing the status of USACE dams on 29 Apr 11. 63d Theatre Aviation Brigade has been tasked this mission.
3. The Commonwealth Emergency Operation Center is staffed at Level 3 0600-2400. The KYNG Joint Operations Center is staffed at Level 2, with augmented staffing and extended hours based on mission requirements. The EOC provides overnight phone coverage and response.
A Kentucky National Guard humvee from the 206th Engineer Battalion negotiates a water hazard while on flood relief duty in Henderson, Ky. (Photo by Spc. David Bolton, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky National Guard)
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Contact: Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, 502-352-8008
Frankfort, Ky. (April 26, 2011) - The Kentucky National Guard is currently deploying troops in support of flood relief efforts in Western Kentucky.
“At the request of Governor Steve Beshear, I’ve directed the mobilization of more than 80 Soldiers in support of the current flood situation,” said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky. “We are fully prepared to change these numbers as the mission requires.”
“The National Guard is Kentucky’s hometown defense force and as such we have a personal stake in this fight,” said Tonini. “We have the experience and expertise to see this crisis through.”
Fifty-one members of the 2113th Transportation Company out of Paducah are servicing Western Kentucky as follows:
- Team one: 27 members of the 2113th are erecting water barriers outside of Smithland, in Livingston County.
- Team two: 24 members of the 2113th are sandbagging areas throughout Ballard County.
Flooding in these areas is due to the cresting Ohio River. Both teams are working in full coordination and cooperation with local county judge executives and emergency management officials in the respective counties.
In addition, approximately 31 members of the 206th Engineers out of Owensboro are erecting water barriers and placing sandbags around the Kentucky Education Television building on the Henderson and Daviess County border. A sandbagging machine from the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center has been provided to the 206th to use for this mission.
Water in this area is due to the oversaturation of the ground and the flat terrain of this area.
Updates of the Kentucky National Guard supporting Kentucky’s flood relief will be posted on this news site as well as the Kentucky National Guard’s Facebook page and Twitter feeds.
MJO
Article by Sgt. 1st Class Brian D. Hovis, 201st Engineer Battalion Photos by 1st Lt. Michael Vaughan
1st Lt. Dustin Pack, 577th Sapper Company, treads water during the unit's combat water survival test at the YMCA in Ashland, Ky., Feb. 5.
The National Guard Bureau has announced Kentucky National Guard 1st Lt. Dustin Pack, 577th Sapper Company, will receive one of the Army’s top engineer awards for 2011.
Pack was will receive the 2011 Engineer Platoon Leader of the Year award during an annual Engineer Regiment awards ceremony April 9.
Each year, the regiment honors the top engineers of each Army component, and presents the award at the Engineer Regimental Ball at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
“I’m so proud of 1st Lt. Pack,” said Maj. James B. Richmond, 201st Engineer Battalion executive officer. “He is an outstanding young officer who brings pride to the 201st and the Kentucky National Guard.
“He embodies the versatility and technical expertise that the Engineer Corps is known for,” Richmond said.
Pack served as the detachment commander and platoon leader for 3rd Platoon, Detachment 1, 207th Horizontal Engineer Company based in Jackson, Ky., from May 2009 to October 2010. Under his leadership, 3rd Platoon improved the Hidden Valley Training Site, responded to the 2010 floods in Eastern Kentucky and constructed roads and training areas at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany.
1st Lt. Justin Pack, 577th Sapper Company, shoots his weapon while Capt. Derrick Frodge, 201st Engineer Company, watches his technique at Northeast Fish and Game Club in Ashland, Ky.
“His dedication to his mission, the troops he leads and to the Engineer Corps is deep,” said Richmond.
That same drive and determination will be evident when Pack represents the Kentucky National Guard in the 2011 Best Sapper competition the first week in April. The three-day event at Fort Leonard Wood challenges Service members’ knowledge, physical abilities and mental fortitude.
“There is no doubt 1st Lt. Pack will go far,” Richmond said.
He ranked in the top three of Kentucky’s Best Sapper competition so it is possible he is a contender to place in the national competition.
After showing the Engineer Corps what Kentucky engineers are made of, Pack will transfer to the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 198th Military Police Company for a deployment with the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.
MJO
Story by Sgt. A. Dale Elliott, Unit Public Affairs Representative, 75th Troop Command
Col. John Edwards, Jr., 75th Troop Command commander, receives the brigade guidon from Kentucky Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, during a change of command ceremony in Richmond, Ky.
RICHMOND, Ky. – The Kentucky National Guard welcomed Col. John Edwards as commander of the 75th Troop Command during a ceremony Feb.6 at the Joint Operations Center in Richmond, Ky.
“I have learned a lot from my past commanders,” Edwards said. “Each person who I have served under has given me advice and guidance that brought me here today.”
A highly decorated Veteran with a 23-year career, Edwards will bring his experience as an engineer and chemical officer to the 75th with pride. He’s worked with junior leaders as a TAC officer at the 238th Regiment and commanded the 103rd Chemical Battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005.
“I challenge him to elevate the 75th Troop Command to another level,” said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general.
With his experience as a TAC Officer, Tonini urged Edwards to mentor and push young officers toward success.
“Think outside the box and develop our junior leaders,” he said. “Our junior leaders across Kentucky are the key to our future and I want you to personally focus on their development, assign mentors and push them with realistic and tough training.”
John Edwards Jr., receives the rank of colonel from Kentucky Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, during a promotion ceremony Feb. 6 at the Joint Readiness Center in Richmond, Ky. Edwards accepted command of the 75th Troop Command immediately following the promotion ceremony during a change of command ceremony.
Edwards will attend the U.S. Army War College this summer. He assumed command from Col. Wayne Burd who is assigned as special projects officer for the Kentucky National Guard
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Story and photo by Sgt. Paul Evans, Headquarters Headquarters Company 103rd
Competitors for 2011 Soldier of the Year line up alongside their respective brigade sergeant majorsduring the Soldier of the Year competition’s closing ceremony at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 21.
GREENVILLE, Ky. (Nov.17, 2010)—“Whatever you do…do it as well as you possibly can,” said Command Sgt. Maj. David Munden to the competitors of the 2011 Kentucky National Guard Soldier of the Year competition Nov. 19.
Eleven of Kentucky’s finest did just that in an attempt to win the top-honor for Kentucky’s enlisted at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center Nov. 19-21.
After three days of competition, the winners are:
• Soldier of the Year: Spc. Kelly Burch,1123rd Sapper Company
• Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Staff Sgt. Jess Willard, Alpha Company, 149th Brigade Support Battalion
• Senior NCO of the Year: 1st Sgt. Christopher Morgan, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry
The Soldiers represented the best of their brigades. Soldiers completed basic Army Warrior Tasks, an Army Physical Fitness Test, weapons qualifications and essay writing. The weekend concluded with an interview and inspection by a board of three sergeant majors.
2011 Senior NCO of the Year 1st Sgt. Christopher Morgan, NCO of the Year Staff Sgt. Jess Willard, and Soldier of the Year Spc. Kelly Burch display their trophies at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 21 during the competition awards ceremony.
“Many late nights looking in my study guide, doing some PT and weapons training,” Willard said lead him to a successful victory.
The winning Soldiers will be recognized at the annual Outstanding Soldier and Airman the Year banquet in March.
