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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Sgt. Lerone Simmons, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Retired Chief Warrant Officer William H. Canon, former shop foreman assigned to the 2113th Transportation Aircraft Maintenance Company, poses with a new UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter after a ribbon cutting ceremony for Kentucky’s new Army Aviation Support Facility and introduction of a new fleet of UH-60M’s, Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 14, 2015. Canon gave thirty five years of his life to providing maintenance to Kentucky’s aircraft. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lerone Simmons)
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Sitting in a new multi-million dollar facility, retired Chief Warrant Officer William Canon Jr., reminisced about providing maintenance to the Kentucky National Guard’s aircraft in high winds, pouring rain, freezing cold and summer heat.
“When I first joined, our pilots had recently flown in World War II,” he said. “Our equipment was old and we didn’t have adequate places to work.
“We had to park trucks around the helicopters to make sure the wind didn’t hit them directly,” said Canon. “The elements are one of the worst things when it comes to properly maintaining aircraft.”
Capt. Yancey York confers with SPEC5 William H. Canon as he prepares for a flight in a OH-13E, circa 1960. (Photo courtesy Chief Warrant Officer(R) Harold Canon)
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Canon enlisted in the Army in 1950 and retired in 1990. He would join a fledgling aviation program in 1955.
In 1959, the Kentucky aviation assets found a new home in Frankfort, Kentucky, at the Capital City Airport. Then, 18-or-so-years later in 1971, Canon witnessed a state-of-the-art facility erected at Boone National Guard Center – the Army Aviation Support Facility. A hangar for the helicopters assigned to Kentucky. During his tenure, Canon rose to the level of shop foreman, assigned to the 2113th Transportation Aircraft Maintenance Company, and retired out of the old AASF.
But on Oct. 14, he joined hundreds of other current and former Kentucky National Guardsmen as the ribbon was cut, ceremoniously showing off the Kentucky National Guard’s newest AASF at Boone National Guard Center. He also got to view, sit in, and touch the new UH-60M, the Army’s newest in the Blackhawk fleet.
The new AASF is 126,000 square feet and uses geo-thermal heating and cooling, solar power, 80 kilowatts photovoltaic solar power, high efficiency lighting, daylight harvesting technology, and radiant floor heating. It holds several offices for staff, classrooms, a gym and plenty of space.
“We come from a time where we didn’t always have a climate controlled area or lots of space,” said Canon’s old company commander, retired Lt. Col. Willoughby S. Goin III, a former pilot with 12,000 flying hours.
“This will help allow the Guard to be able to deploy troops to any affected areas in a timely manner,” he said, “at times when ice storms, tornados and floods can destroy roads, the Guard can then utilize the air from this facility.”
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky and other special guests honored Canon in their remarks during the building’s dedication. The Kentucky Guard’s aviation safety record was also bragged upon during the remarks.
Sitting from left to right, retired Army Chief Warrant Officer William H. Canon, former shop foreman who was assigned to the 2113th Transportation Aircraft Maintenance Company, retired Army Lt. Col. Jere Roche, former commander of the 441st Medical Detachment, and retired Army Lt. Col. Willoughby S. Goin III, former commander of the 2113th Transportation Aircraft Maintenance Company, carry on a conversation after a ribbon cutting ceremony for Kentucky’s new Army Aviation Support Facility in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 14, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lerone Simmons)
Kentucky hasn’t had any major accidents or loss of life for the span of the last 250,000 flying hours, which Tonini said boils down to a huge feat of great maintenance and outstanding flying. He added that the Kentucky Guard has flown at least 15 missions over the Commonwealth during times of disaster, also while supporting the Joint Support Operations counterdrug efforts and overseas contingency operations.
For the many aviation retirees and current Guardsmen who maintain the Commonwealth’s air assets, the day was a reunion and a celebration of moving forward.
“What I’ve seen is outstanding,” said Canon. “I’m proud the progress we’ve made.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Col. Charles Jones traces the etching of his son’s name on the Kentucky National Guard Memorial in Frankfort, Ky., May 25, 2015. The newly-dedicated monument honors the memory of more than 230 Kentucky Guardsmen who have lost their lives on duty since 1912, including Jones’ son, Sgt. 1st Class Charles Jason Jones who died in Iraq in 2006. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Flags were raised, the ribbon was cut, names were read and the tears fell. Kentucky now has a permanent shrine to fallen Guardsmen.
Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen and Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini joined hundreds of current and former Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, friends and family members in a dedication ceremony for the Kentucky National Guard Memorial on Memorial Day, May 25 at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky.
“With a beautiful stone map of Kentucky and that incredible statue of Daniel Boone standing guard … there’s nothing quite like it in our city,” said Lt. Gov. Luallen. “I don’t think there’s anything quite like it anywhere in the state of Kentucky. It is a fitting tribute to your fallen loved ones, and serve as a reminder to all of us that freedom isn’t free.”
Lynn Romans (center) and other family members trace the names of their fallen loved ones on the Kentucky National Guard Memorial in Frankfort, Ky., May 25, 2015. More than 230 names of fallen Guardsmen are etched on the new memorial at the Boone National Guard Center. (U. S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
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Nearly ten years in the making, the memorial honors more than 230 Guardsmen who have given their lives in the line of duty since 1912, in defense of the nation overseas and here at home.
One of those is Lynn Romans’ son, Sgt. Darrin Potter who was killed in Iraq in 2003. Romans is happy the memorial is finished and so close to the road for people to see.
“Recognizing everyone on that wall will ensure that they are never forgotten,” she said. “This recognizes the real heroes among us and we all should take a moment and relish our freedoms we have because of them.”
Tonini thanked the crowd and everyone who contributed to the memorial including local Future Farmers of America members who added the final touches of landscaping just days before. He stated that a part of the memorial is a part of everyone who helped along the way.
“I am truly awe-struck by this beautiful, polished granite rendition of the Bluegrass State, listing the names of our fallen troops … protected by the larger than life figure of the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone,” stated Tonini. “And as we stand together, I want to remind you that we didn’t just do this for our fallen Guardsmen and women.”
(Left to right) Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Adams III cut the ribbon officially dedicating the Kentucky National Guard Memorial in Frankfort, Ky., May 25, 2015. The memorial was ten years in the making and was built for roughly $1.3 million. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“We also did it for their families and loved ones,” he said. “We did this for future generations of Guard Soldiers and Airmen. Now those who fall in step after us can better appreciate what it means to be a member of the Kentucky National Guard.”
The ceremony also featured a fly-over by a Kentucky Air Guard C-130 and two Blackhawk helicopters, and a 21-gun salute from Howitzer cannons of the 138th Field Artillery Brigade.
Soil from all 120 Kentucky counties was planted at the site in recognition of the Kentucky National Guard being the commonwealth’s “hometown defense force.”
The memorial was built with private funds.
Story by Sgt. Cody Stagner, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Wyatt Gragg guides a newly bronzed statue of Daniel Boone into position at the Kentucky National Guard Memorial site in Frankfort, Ky., Nov. 18, 2014. Gragg was commissioned to create the sculpture as the centerpiece of the memorial which is expected to be dedicated in the Spring of 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Construction on the Kentucky National Guard’s Memorial continues at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Kentucky. The project remains on schedule for its Memorial Day dedication ceremony.
Visitors of BNGC and local passersby of the site will notice big changes from the past few months.
John Trowbridge, chairman for the Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund, stands by the bronze statue of Daniel Boone at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ken., Dec. 5, 2014. Boone was chosen by the committee as a prominent feature for a memorial being dedicated to fallen Kentucky’s service members. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Cody Stagner)
“Work will continue to the holiday,” said John Trowbridge, chairman for the memorial. “We expect to break for Christmas and, weather permitting, we plan to finish it this spring.”
Trowbridge is also the original visionary of this project.
“I thought of this memorial in 2004,” said Trowbridge, former command historian for the Kentucky Guard. “It was right after our first casualty that year and I wanted to come up with a way to help our state remember those killed or captured.”
Trowbridge’s early passion for our Soldiers inspired teams of individuals. Finally, after a solid decade of planning and fundraising, his dream has become a reality.
A bronze statue of Daniel Boone, sculpted by Wyatt Gragg of Prospect, Kentucky, now acts as a centerpiece, in front of the Kentucky-shaped, granite memorial, recently shipped in from South Africa.
The concrete stairs leading up to the memorial are the most recent ongoing addition, while the granite tile flooring surrounding the two centerpieces is on the agenda for this spring.
Click here to read why Daniel Boone gained prominence as a key feature for the Kentucky National Guard Memorial.
As a reminder, Kentucky National Guard Memorial is still planning its dedication ceremony for 2 p.m. Memorial Day at Boone National Guard Center. Members of the public and family and friends of our fallen heroes are invited. For information, visit www.kyngmemorial.com.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Members of the Boone National Guard Security Force train on entering and securing a room during an active shooter scenario in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 30, 2014. Officers with the Frankfort Police Department facilitated the training to maximize multi-agency cohesion. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard’s hub of operations at the Boone National Guard Center (BNGC) took a positive step toward safety as the Security Force, conducted their mandatory annual training, Oct. 29-30 in Frankfort, Ky. Local agencies and organizations from all around the state provided presentations, demonstrations, and exercises in all fields relating to security services.
“To combat or possibly prevent tragedies from happening here, our security force trains and trains hard with certified school instructors on all areas of expertise on the subject matter to be the very best force possible for the mission we serve,” said Larry McCord, chief of security.
Larry McCord, chief of security oversees members of the Boone National Guard Center Security Force qualifying with their pistols in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 30, 2014. The qualification culminated two days of multi-agency security training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
McCord said his team received a wealth of knowledge, training and input from security experts. The two-day schedule of instruction included visits from the Kentucky Intelligence Fusion Center, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, the Frankfort Police Department (FPD) and the Kentucky Guard’s Antiterrorism office.
After the first day of information, the team put it all into action in various areas of active shooter training techniques on day two. Frankfort Police officers trained to teach various swat tactics and techniques in active shooter responses facilitated the exercises.
Capt. Walter Martin with the FPD commended BNGC’s security team, calling the interaction an advantage of multi-agency cohesion.
“This is a great group of folks, fast learners and very enthusiastic,” said Martin. “The more trainees we get for these techniques, the better interoperability we will have throughout the state.”
Members of the Boone National Guard Center Security Force move to enter a building during a training exercise in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 30, 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
McCord admits his team doesn’t get the opportunity to train as much as he may like, but the quality training, positive response from his officers and gratifying comments from his peers is testament of a job well done.
“To earn the respect of other agencies through training and field trials is the highest compliment this force can receive for the time, dedication, and service put into accomplishing our daily mission.”
Larry McCord, chief of security forces at the Boone National Guard Center guides a team member through pistol qualifying in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 30, 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Story by Maj. David Page, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Aerial view of the new Army Aviation Support Facility on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. The new facility will more than quadruple its predecessor in space and will allow all aircraft to be stored indoors. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — In mid January, Kentucky Army Aviators will open a new 126,000 square foot, $25 million Army Aviation Support Facility on the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort.
The facility will have 18 aircraft bays that will feature the latest in aviation support to include in-ground vaults in the hangars to house data hubs as well as lubricants, air and water ports to assist in maintenance of the rotary-wing aircraft.
“The new facility will be four times the size of the current AASF,” said Chief Warrant Officer Ryan S. Thompson, Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, Joint Forces Headquarters. “Plus, it will have bays to house our aircraft, which will keep them out of the elements, therefore helping us reduce corrosion by as much as 80 percent and reduce the risk of lightning strikes on the flight line.”
Workers making progress on the new Army Aviation Support Facility during a July visit from Kentucky’s adjutant general, July 16, 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. David Page)
Click here to see more photos from this story.
Besides the increased size, the new AASF is registered as a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Silver certified facility by the US Green Building Council. Silver is the second of four levels in LEED, and it is based on points for positive environmental aspects of a project. This certification recognizes the Kentucky National Guard for its environmental stewardship in the selection of building materials, methods, and energy savings initiatives.
“Our approach to savings on this facility is multi-faceted,” said Col Steven T. King, Construction and Facilities Management Officer. “Firstly, we are constructing a building that is tightly sealed, well insulated, and durable to minimize energy demand.
“Secondly, through sustainable design building principles, we are using the site orientation to take advantage of natural day-lighting, high-efficiency artificial lighting, active and passive solar strategies, geothermal heating and cooling, occupancy sensors and programmed thermostats to schedule HVAC shut down during periods of non-occupancy, such as nighttime and non-IDT (inactive duty training) weekends. This effort enables us to focus on minimizing our energy operating costs. ”
Another contributing factor to helping with the LEED certification is the solar panels that will be installed on the facility. These panels will help provide up to 80 kilowatts of energy, which will provide approximately 20% of the energy requirements for the building.
“Although we have 80kW of photovoltaic energy that we will produce, our goal is to add additional panels in the future to make this facility a truly Net-Zero energy building,” said King. “This means that we will generate an amount equal to or greater than the amount of energy we consume.”
The new Army Aviation Support Facility will have 18 aircraft bays featuring the latest in aviation support to include in-ground vaults in the hangars to house data hubs as well as lubricants, air and water ports to assist in maintenance of the rotary-wing aircraft. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. David Page)
Beyond the positive environmental impact, the facility was designed with the “user” in mind.
To that end, Col. King and his staff reached out to Col. Abney and his aviation team to talk about what they needed in a facility. The group then toured three other Aviation Facilities around the U.S. to gather lessons learned from those projects.
“During the tours, we looked at how each facility flowed and how we could make ours more efficient,” said Thompson. “We then worked with Chief Warrant Officer Four Larry Goode (a member of Col. King’s team) on the elements we wanted and he helped us get everything under one footprint.”
What resulted from the tours and the collaboration was a design that was not only functional for all units to be housed there, but some small touches to help the Soldiers be more efficient. For example, the component support shops that provide maintenance functions are located immediately adjacent to the hangar floor, which enhances the overall logistical flow of the entire operation.
Another critical feature of the new building will be the fire suppression system in the hangars. In case of a fire, the system will fill the hangar up to 8’ of foam within 10 minutes to dowse a fire.
“We are looking forward to moving into the new facility,” said Thompson. “This has been a long-time in the making so it will be a great day when we cut the ribbon.”
As for the existing AASF, it will be receiving a new tenant as well. The Combined Support Maintenance Shop, also located on Boone Center, will move to help provide more space on the post.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Dr. Sharon Upchurch works as the full-time dentist on staff with the Kentucky National Guard’s Health Servcies in Frankfort, Ky. The Hazard, Ky. native has enjoyed a long and successful career in the dental field with more than 20 years in practice in Kentucky. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Dr. Sharon Upchurch spent more than 20 years ‘in the teeth’ of patients in Kentucky. And after a seven-year absence, working out of state she’s returned to the Commonwealth as the dentist on staff with the Kentucky National Guard’s Health Services.
“I’ve spent the past six years at Camp Atterbury in Indiana and I was ready to come home,” she said.
Raised in Hazard, Ky., Upchurch started college late and with an interest in biology, pursued the field of dentistry. Through private practice in her hometown and a long run in her own office in Lexington, Upchurch became restless with the administration of running an office. The decision was made to sell her practice, a bittersweet time she said, but a moment of relief.
With the wars raging in Iraq and Afghanistan, Upchurch accepted a position at the dental clinic at Camp Atterbury, assisting with the care of deploying and returning Service members. Married to a Vietnam Veteran and former Kentucky Guardsman, Upchurch had her own understanding of the military and its needs during wartime.
“As a military spouse, this was a great opportunity for me to do my part,” she said. “And it all became fun again at Atterbury. It was just dentistry.”
Always looking to return to Kentucky, Upchurch jumped at the chance to apply for the job in Frankfort.
Capt. Stephanie Fields, Deputy State Surgeon for the Kentucky Guard said Upchurch fills a void the state had for a full-time dentist, and the Health Services team couldn’t be more happier.
“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Upchurch here on staff,” said Fields. “She is very familiar with this sort of environment and brings a wealth of knowledge to the benefit of the Kentucky National Guard.”
Dr. Sharon Upchurch conducts a dental exam at the Kentucky National Guard’s Medical Readiness Center in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 17, 2013. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
As she makes herself at home in the new Medical Readiness Center in Frankfort, Upchurch sees several Soldiers a day as they check in for their Personal Health Assessment. She knows there will be busier days and weekends as more unit arrive for the annual check-up. Upchurch will also sometimes pack up her things and travel to armories around the state to provide more localized service as well.
Upchurch called her new job a transition, as she winds down her long career in dentistry. She said she is gradually and slowly working toward retirement, but enjoys her work too much to just leave it all behind. She is now able to provide Soldiers and Airmen of the Kentucky Guard some of the medical treatment they require. And all the while, finding enjoyment and fulfillment in each day’s work.
“I am here to support and advise Soldiers to help educate them to take better care of their teeth,” she said. “And I am happy to be doing it here.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Governor Steve Beshear joins Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, and state and local elected officials in cutting the ribbon on the new Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 21, 2013. The facility will act as the hub of operations for future emergency response throughout the state. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear joined Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, the adjutant general for the Kentucky National Guard and emergency management officials from across the state for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Oct. 21, 2013.
The two-story, 26,150 square-foot facility replaces the former CEOC, built in the 1970s. The new building is constructed to withstand a variety of threats and weather conditions, including winds of up to 250 miles per hour. It is also outfitted with complete state-of-the-art communications technology to ensure rapid and efficient response during natural disasters and emergencies.
Governor Steve Beshear speaks to a crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting for the new Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 21, 2013. Gov. Beshear called the facility a lifeline to all 120 counties in the state in their time of need. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Stephen Martin)
“This facility is a huge step toward bringing Kentucky’s emergency operations where it needs to be in the 21st century,” said Gov. Beshear. “As nice as it is, this is more than a building, it’s the lifeline to all of Kentucky’s 120 counties in times of trouble.”
To see more photos from the ribbon cutting, click here.
Tonini called the CEOC a symbol of the commitment made to the people of the Commonwealth. He recalled stories from past floods and tornadoes that wreaked havoc across the state, with the emergency response coming from cramped rooms in an out-dated building.
Beshear and Tonini both complimented the emergency operations staff and first responders in attendance, calling them the reason why Kentucky is a national model for emergency management.
“I am very enthusiastic about this new Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center and the effect it will have on Kentucky’s ability to respond in the future,” said Tonini. “This state-of-the-art, nearly $12 million facility, with all of the latest gear and systems, with its media room and conference rooms and planning rooms, it’s not worth a nickel without our people.”
“Our emergency managers are among the best in the nation, and they have proven their worth time and time again,” said Gov. Beshear.
Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini explains to Governor Steve Beshear, features of the new Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 21, 2013. The tour followed the official ribbon cutting of the $11.8 million facility which took less than two years to complete. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The new center is capable of supporting more than 200 personnel during a disaster response, including Kentucky Emergency Management, the Kentucky Guard, state and federal agencies and private partners.
A large crowd gathered in front of the new building for the ribbon cutting including state and local elected officials. One in attendance has first hand knowledge of the abilities of those who will work in the facility. Pendleton County Judge Executive Henry Bertram spoke of the day he awoke to a completely flooded city in 1997. The rising waters of the Licking River devastated his county and surrounding areas. He contributed the resilience of the people affected to the work of Gov. Beshear and the agencies that will call the CEOC home.
“This place is a tool to give people the opportunity to put their community back together after a natural disaster,” he said. “The only reason we got back to our lives, was the people with emergency management.”
The new CEOC, funded at $11.8 million, was completed on time and at approximately $400,000 under budget. Nearly $10 million of the funding came from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program. The Kentucky Department of Military Affairs and Office of Homeland Security provided the remainder.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Mark Klaas, Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program Manager for the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management directs personnel on the floor of the Emergency Operation Center in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 18, 2013. KYEM participated in an annual exercise with a variety of state agencies in a simulated chemical explosion at the Bluegrass Army Depot in Richmond, Ky. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) is in the final stages of completing the new Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. As one of the final tests of the new building, a variety of agencies from across the Commonwealth also assessed their skills with a large-scale exercise, Sept. 18, 2013.
Utilizing emergency managers from each region of the state, the agency simulated an accident involving chemical agents at the Bluegrass Army Depot in Richmond, Ky. The Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) exercise is an annual event for the CEOC and demonstrates one of the many potential natural and man-made disasters that KYEM trains for.
“The annual CSEPP exercise provides the Commonwealth the opportunity to test our response capabilities in the unlikely accident of a chemical release from the Bluegrass Army Depot,” said Mark Klaas, program manager for the exercise and CEOC operations manger during activations.
Representatives from various Kentucky agencies collaborate during the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program exercise in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 18, 2013. More than 2000 personnel took part in the annual exercise state-wide. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“This year’s exercise allowed us to test the new systems and procedures with our cabinet and private sector partners in the new Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center,” he said. “We are very proud to have this new state of the art facility in which we can assist the Commonwealth in times of emergencies.”
More than 80 personnel from different agencies operated in the CEOC during the exercise and nearly 2000 were working their end in regional offices around the state. Representatives from other agencies such as the Red Cross, Department of Transportation, Public Health, Homeland Security, Kentucky Community Crisis Response Board, Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services and the Kentucky National Guard, all participated in the scenario.
Evaluators from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) observed each step of the event to present a synopsis of how the exercise went.
“I am glad they took it all seriously,” said Charles Williams, an evaluator from Alabama’s Emergency Management. “The teamwork was great and the effort was certainly there.”
The new building received rave reviews in its state-of-the-art design and technologies. But as with anything brand new, there were a few bugs that presented themselves to be improved as KYEM gets used to its new home.
“My my observation, there were so many more good things that went right as opposed to what didn’t,” said Lt. Col. John Cline, commander of the Kentucky Guard’s 41st Civil Support Team.
“If they are using this exercise as a validation for the new building, I would say that it was certainly successful,” said Cline.
For more information on KYEM and CSEPP can be found at http://www.kyem.ky.gov.
Story by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Kentucky Guardsmen and local officials ceremonially move the first bits of earth during a ground breaking ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., July 12, 2013. A new Army Aviation Support Facility will be built on an area adjacent to Capital City Airport. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The legacy of aviation in the Kentucky Army National Guard took another step forward as ground was broke for a new center for operations in Frankfort, Ky., July 12.
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini and local officials of Frankfort planted the first shovels to begin construction for a new Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF) at Boone National Guard Center.
Click here for more photos of the ceremony.
The $25 million facility will provide training and standardization for all aviation personnel, maintaining strict adherence to the aviation safety program, and perform maintenance on assigned aircraft. The new hangars and office space will replace the aging facility, which was built in 1958.
Kentucky Guardsmen examine diagrams of new flight plans to be created by the construction of a new aviation facility in Frankfort, Ky., July 12, 2013. The new building will replace the current aging hangars on the base. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“The new building will help ensure that we are ready, reliable and successful in completing missions in the future,” said Tonini.
Hon. William May, Mayor of Frankfort, was in attendance for the groundbreaking and looks forward to the ribbon cutting ceremony of the completed facility.
“The AASF will be a critical building,” said May. “It will not only help our Service members, it is also going to help the commonwealth of Kentucky in case of emergencies.”
With more than 92,000 square feet of combined space, the new complex will provide protection for the Kentucky Guard’s UH-60 Blackhawk and OH-58 helicopter fleet, along with maintenance and training space for the crews that fly and work on them. Kentucky Guard leadership said it will help ensure personnel and equipment are ready to respond to incidents and emergencies throughout the Commonwealth and in support of National Defense at home and abroad.
Franklin County Judge Executive Ted Collins was also on hand and said the facility was a great thing for the city and county and applauded Tonini and the Guard for the project’s design and location.
Retired Chief Warrant Officer William H. Canon Jr., who worked in both of the original facilities was thrilled to see the next step for Kentucky’s Army aviators and aircraft.
A UH-60 Blackhawk sits on part of the land where the Kentucky National Guard will build a new aviation support facility in Frankfort, Ky., July 12, 2013. The 92,000 square feet complex will house offices and hangers for all the Kentucky Guard’s helicopters. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht)
“I think this new building will be outstanding,” said Canon. “Having this new building will protect the aircraft from being damaged.”
Col. Brian Abney, Director of Aviation for Joint Force Headquarters thinks the new building will provide a more successful way to guard the aircraft and prepare for missions and believes each aviation unit is excited to make the move to a more modern facility.
“The new AASF will be a building that Soldiers and Airmen of the Kentucky National Guard will be proud of,” said Abney.
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Col. Scott Campbell is promoted to the rank of brigadier general with the help of his wife, Linda, and Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini during a pinning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., June 14, 2013. The native of Marion, Ky., has served the Kentucky Guard for 34 years, including three overseas deployments. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Col. Scott Campbell became the newest general in the Kentucky National Guard during a promotion ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., June 14, 2013.
A large gathering of Soldiers, Airmen, family, friends and associates of Campbell gathered together to watch the pinning of the stars to the 32-year-veteran’s uniform.
Lt. Col. John Truefeldt, who served under Campbell as part of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Iraq in 2011, said Kentucky couldn’t get a better general.
“General Campbell is an outstanding officer and an all-around wonderful person,” he said. “He’s done great in all command positions he’s had so far, and he will excel as our newest general officer.”
Brig. Gen. Scott Campbell hugs his wife Linda following his promotion during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky. Campbell was joined at the ceremony by his mother and numerous family members making the trip from Crittenden County, Ky. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini presided over the ceremony and assisted Campbell’s wife Linda in placing the stars on the new general’s shoulders.
Tonini said the native of Marion, Ky., has earned the respect of the Kentucky National Guard though his years of service, which he called a godsend.
“I know that our organization, and most important, the men and women of the Kentucky National Guard are in good hands with his wisdom and guidance,” said Tonini.
Campbell enlisted in the Kentucky Guard in 1981, commissioning as an officer in 1st Battalion, 123rd Armor in 1984. He has commanded at the company, battalion and brigade level and served in senior staff officer positions within the 149th Brigade and at the state headquarters level. He has three overseas deployments, including to Bosnia and two to Iraq.
It was the second tour in Iraq, in which Campbell commanded the 149th MEB, overseeing a large portion of the transition of U.S. bases in the country to Iraqi hands. He said that deployment has helped define his career in uniform.
Col. Michael Abell presents a general’s flag to newly promoted Brig. Gen. Scott Campbell during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., June 14, 2013. Each military general is authorized a flag with stars of their rank, which is why they are referred to as flag officers. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Campbell thanked many Soldiers for their influence and leadership guidance in his career. From former platoon sergeants to current generals, he said he has tried to include many aspects of their quality leadership into his roles.
He also thanked his family and friends in attendance, especially his mother who “started it all” by dropping him off at the bus station in Marion, Ky., as he shipped off to boot camp.
“I couldn’t imagine 32 years ago, I couldn’t ever envision this day,” he said. “It has been a life changing experience. And in hindsight, I would still get on that bus.”
“I look forward to the challenge of assisting Major General Tonini with making this great organization even better,” said Campbell. “I only hope I can give back as much as this organization has given me.”
