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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Brig. Gen. David Graetz, assistance chief of chaplains for the National Guard, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general, Chaplain (Col.) Yong Cho, state chaplain and retired Col. James Dill, former state chaplain, cut a cake celebrating 240 years of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., July 29, 2015. There are more than 1,200 chaplains serving today in the National Guard and Army Reserves. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps is one of the oldest and smallest branches of the Army and their impact on Soldiers is immeasurable. On the 240th birthday of the Chaplain Corps, the Kentucky National Guard family gathered to pay tribute to those whose faith is their mightiest weapon.
Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general joined Brig. Gen. David Graetz, the assistant chief of chaplains for the Army National Guard, Guardsmen, and friends and family for a birthday celebration in Frankfort, Ky., July 29, 2015.
Retired Col. James DIll, former senior Army chaplain for the Kentucky National Guard speaks during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., celebrating 240 years of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, July 29, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“Our chaplains are an invaluable resource to commanders and Soldiers alike,” said Tonini. “I encourage all our Guardsmen to get to know their chaplains, tell them what you need and discover for yourself the vast resource he or she can bring to the mission.”
There are 20 chaplains serving the Kentucky Guard with 10 chaplain assistants to reach the more than 8,000 Citizen-Soldiers across the commonwealth. There are roughly 1,200 chaplains in the Army’s reserve components and 1,300 in the active duty, representing five major faiths (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist) and more than 120 denominations.
“The 240th United States Army Chaplain Birthday celebration highlights the service, sacrifice, and diversity of our Corps,” said Chaplain (Col.) Yong Cho, state chaplain for Kentucky. “I am proud of our Kentucky Army National Guard Chaplain Corps for their outstanding ministry. I am equally proud of the support we have from Maj. Gen. Tonini and the entire senior leadership. I believe our senior leaders are committed in caring for the religious needs of all service members.”
Spc. Cheyenne Jennings serves as a religious affairs specialist and has for five years. She shares Tonini’s opinion of the chaplain corps being a valuable resource.
“It is an honor to serve alongside one of the best entities in the military,” she said. “I get to support those who support the welfare and well being of this country’s armed forces.”
In addition to a brief history of the Chaplain Corps, which dates back to Gen. George Washington’s forces during the Revolution, several displays were set up to show the reach and impact of chaplains. From religious war relics of past wars to information on the Strong Bonds program, which chaplains arrange and conduct, Kentucky’s chaplains ensured those in attendance were educated and entertained by the role of the faith-guided Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard.
Chaplains with the Kentucky National Guard discuss religious diversity with Guardsmen during the Kentucky National Guard’s Diversity Day in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 1, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“This was our first attempt of recognizing the United States Army Chaplain Corps Birthday,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Bill Draper. “I am glad the event was well attended and supported. It is important to share the story of the Chaplain Corps because it reminds Soldiers of a unique support system in place to protect their individual freedom of the free exercise of religion.”
“On behalf of the Kentucky Army National Guard Chaplain Corps, we are proud to serve America’s best. We are especially proud of our families who enable our service. May God bless each of you and may God continue to bless the United States of America.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Lt. Col. Yong Cho, state chaplain for the Kentucky National Guard is promoted to the rank of colonel by his wife Lydia and Brig. Gen. Benjamin Adams III during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 3, 2014. In addition to Cho’s responsibilities to the Kentucky Guard, he also pastors full-time at his church in Radcliff, Ky. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — It’s not everyday you see a Korean, Southern Baptist pastor in Kentucky. Col. Yong Cho knows this and can laugh about how odd it seems. As the state chaplain for Kentucky’s 8500 Guardsmen, Cho’s work to provide religious support is anything but unusual.
“You don’t find many Korean Southern Baptists,” he said. “But when we moved to Kentucky and I saw all the Southern Baptists churches, I thought I had come home, even if I had never been here before. I am very happy to call Kentucky home and honored to supervise and to provide spiritual leadership for the Kentucky National Guard.”
The 55-year-old Cho was promoted to the rank of colonel during a ceremony in Frankfort, Sept. 3. He has served the Kentucky Guard since 1996 as a traditional (part-time) Guardsmen while pastoring at his church full-time in Racliff, Kentucky and was named state chaplain in October of 2013.
“The military has really helped me to grow spiritually and mature as a preacher.”
Brig. Gen. Benjamin Adams III was on hand to promote Cho and spoke of a chaplain’s vocation as one that demands conviction and commitment.
Maj. Yong Cho visits with Kentucky Guardsmen in Kuwait in 2006. Cho has served the Kentucky National Guard since 1996, a year after commissioning as a chaplain. (Courtesy photo)
“As the state chaplain, he is going to provide the wisdom and the guidance, both for the chaplains in the state and for our Guardsmen,” said Adams. “He will certainly wear this rank with distinction and honor and will be a great role model for this within our Guard family and for those moving up through the ranks.”
Born in the Republic of Korea, Cho’s father moved his family to the United States in 1979, living in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Georgia before settling in California. It was his father’s recommendation to join the military, to learn the American culture.
After spending time in the Army as an infantryman, stationed in Korea and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Cho returned to California to work as an engineer in Silicon Valley. It was there that he received his call from God to preach.
Cho found his way back to Kentucky through attendance at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, from which he graduated with a doctorate in philosophy. He then put his experience in the military together with his preaching and re-entered the Army as a chaplain candidate in 1993 with the Army Reserves, commissioning as a chaplain in 1995.
“I humbly accepted God’s calling and have really enjoyed my work with so many families in need and Soldiers with issues.”
In 1996, Cho was recruited by then state chaplain Roger Dill into the Kentucky Guard. Cho remembered Dill describing the Guard as much more close-knit than other components, which appealed to Cho and he happily transferred.
Maj. Yong Cho with Soldiers of the 2113th Transportation Company during the unit’s pre-mobilzation training at the Wendell H. Ford Training Center in Greenville, Ky., in 2009. (Courtesy photo)
“He told me that the Guard was a family-oriented organization and he promised me that as a National Guard chaplain, I would have more time with Soldiers and the families. He was right.”
“I love the Kentucky National Guard,” said Cho. “They accepted me as a chaplain and as a family member.”
As the state chaplain, Cho is responsible for supervising the religious programs for the Kentucky Guard, evaluating the recruiting and training of the state’s chaplains and chaplain’s assistants, and other matters related to the Kentucky’s Chaplain Corps. He advises the adjutant general on the morale of the Kentucky Guard as well.
“I am the eyes and ears of the morals, ethics and religious matters of the Soldiers and Airmen of the Kentucky National Guard, so I support the religious programs of the state for the adjutant general.”
After more than 20 years of service in the Army, Cho knows he only has so many years left in uniform. He said he would gladly stay for as long as the Kentucky Guard would let him.
Cho and his wife are looking forward to the time when they can spend more time with their church, see more of their children and travel together, but until then, Cho enjoys his role as a religious provider for the Guard.
“A chaplain can really impact a Soldier’s life. we can share the happiness or bitterness and truly try to help them.”
Staff report
Chaplain (Col.) John Mark Toby, State Chaplain for the Tennessee National Guard traveled to Frankfort, Ky., to swear in1st Lt. Misti Reagan into the Tennessee Guard March 6, 2014. Reagan, formerly with the Kentucky Guard, transferred to her home state to pursue placement as a pastor in Tennessee. (Courtesy photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — In January 2009, 1st Lt. Misti Reagan joined the Kentucky National Guard to participate in the Chaplain Candidate Program.
Tennessee is home for Reagan. She grew up in Friendship, Tenn., but left those roots to pursue her civilian education for chaplaincy at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky. While studying there, Reagan earned two Master’s degrees, Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling.
“Serving with the Kentucky National Guard has been a true honor,” said Reagan. “I will never forget the blessings of being part of such a strong team. I look forward to learning more in the Tennessee National Guard while moving forward to become a Chaplain.”
The Chaplain Candidate Program is a Department of the Army recruiting, training and educational program for perspective chaplains to fill projected demands for the active and reserve components.
“First Lieutenant Reagan displays a level of professionalism and a genuine desire to provide unbridled religious support for Soldiers and their family members that is unsurpassed,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Bill Draper, State Support Chaplain for the Kentucky Guard. “She has been a tremendous role-model to subordinates and peers alike. Tennessee is gaining an excellent Soldier and future chaplain.”
Chaplain (Col.) John Mark Toby, State Chaplain for the Tennessee National Guard, admisiters the oath of office to 1st Lt. Misti Reagan in Frankfort, Ky., March 6, 2014. Reagan, formerly with the Kentucky Guard, transferred to her home state to pursue placement as a pastor in Tennessee. (Courtesy photo)
Reagan was attached to the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade since July 2009 where she provided exceptional support to the men and women of the unit. Reagan is working toward ordination in the Methodist Church and placement as Pastor.
“We are proud of Misti Reagan and continue to keep her and her family in prayer as she follows the Lord’s direction in service to America’s best,” said Kentucky’s State Chaplain, Lt. Col. Yong Cho.
Story By David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Young Anderson Powers takes a break during a Family Readiness Group briefing at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. Anderson is the son of Sgt. Mike Powers and his wife Erin. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — It’s 3 a.m., your windows were just shattered by a hailstorm, the lights are out and the kids are crying. You turn to your loved one for help and — hello! — he/she has been deployed to Southwest Asia for the past 30 days.
Who you gonna call? Why, your Family Readiness Group, that’s who!
Seriously, if you’ve been in the military lifestyle for any time at all, you’ve probably “been there, done that” when it comes to things going wrong. And hopefully at some point in your experience you’ve had some contact with this thing call the Kentucky National Guard Family Assistance Center. They offer a wide range of service and support to all Kentucky military families, National Guard, reserve and active duty as well.
Chaplain (Maj.) Bill Draper shares the spotlight with Liam Powers during a Family Readiness Briefing at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort. Liam is the son of Sgt. Mike Powers and his wife Erin. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
“We’re a one stop shop when it comes to helping our military families,” said Kristen Arnett, coordinator. “We address the needs of the service member’s family throughout every stage of their career, during deployment, before, after, you name it.”
A typical family readiness briefing covers subjects as diverse as service member pay and finances, legal obligations, benefits, dealing with the media and even who to call if the water pipes break.
“Our FRG is awesome,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Ball, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion 238th Aviation. “They do a great job of keeping our families prepared and informed, and they have proven valuable whenever problems came up. They really make a difference when it comes to taking care of our troops and their families.”
For Robin Hartman, wife of Sgt. Steve Hartman, Co. C, 2nd Battalion 238th Aviation, her family readiness group proved essential in getting through their first deployment.
“I had no idea what to expect,” she said. “Thank goodness for the Family Assistance Center and Family Programs! They provided a ton of great information at the Yellow Ribbon briefing before our unit deployed, and helped us get organized and prepared.”
According to Hartman, information regarding legal paperwork are crucial to preparing for deployment.
"Sorry, miss, but this is more than three ounces." -- Sgt. Ross Haste and Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Keith perform a safety check for contraband liquids at the castle gate during a Family Readiness Group briefing. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
“We were able to walk through the material and gather our records, phone numbers, marriage license, and power of attorney — everything I might need while he was gone, and all of which I needed at some point during that year.”
Probably the most important piece of information she received was the phone number to the Family Assistance Center.
“I used it a lot and they were incredible,” she said.
Networking is another benefit of the family readiness group system. No matter how strong your personal support mechanism is, sometimes you just need someone who shares a common experience.
“The other wives and family members in our unit stayed in touch with one another, got together on occasion and just provided each other with a support system no other group could provide,” said Hartman. “Second to faith in times of deployment, I would definitely encourage a knowledge of the family assistance resources and involvement in the Family Readiness Group.”
Click here for more information on the Family Assistance Center or call 1-800-372-7601.
Click here to see the Kentucky Nationa Guard Yellow Ribbon Facebook page.
And don’t forget to talk to your readiness NCO to find out more about your unit’s Family Readiness Group!
Story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Jason Ketterer, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Click here for more photos.
1st Lt. Michael Hornback takes the oath of office from Chaplain (Col.) David Graetz, Kentucky Army National Guard State Chaplain. “It’s awesome," said Hornback. "I’ve been waiting for four years to get my civilian education completed so I could put on the Crosses and now I’m finally a chaplain. It’s really exciting." The swearing-in ceremony as an Army Chaplain was held at Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky. on February 15. Hornbeck will be the chaplain for the 206th Engineering Battalion, Owensboro, Ky., taking over for Chaplain (Maj.) James Messer who retired last month.
Hornback displays a big grin as his wife, Ambar and Col. David Graetz, Kentucky Army National Guard State Chaplain, pin on Army Chaplain Crosses to his uniform.
Hornback is all smiles with his wife Ambar and son Christopher.
Story and photo by Sgt. Sandra Fariss, 206th Engineer Battalion Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
State Chaplain (Col.) David Graetz (left) presents the Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal to Chaplain (Maj.) James C. Messer of the 206th Engineer Battalion during a retirement farewell ceremony held in Owensboro. Messer retired in January after more than 23 years of service. (Photo by Sgt. Sandra Fariss, 206th Engineer Battalion UPAHR)
OWENSBORO, Ky. — After two decades of military service, multiple deployments and touching countless souls, Chaplain (Maj.) James C. Messer is hanging up his uniform to tend his flock in the civilian world.
Messer received the Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal presented by State Chaplain (Col.) David Graetz, during a retirement farewell ceremony held in Owensboro last January. His most recent assignment was with 206th Engineer Battalion.
“When I think of Chaplain James Messer, the words that come to mind are dedicated, competent, hard-working,” said Graetz. “Chaplain Messer could be counted on to step up to the plate and provide what was needed for the individual soldier, the Kentucky Army National Guard and the United States Army.”
Messer deployed two times to Bosnia and once to Iraq during his military career. He was also an expert trainer in the Kentucky Guard’s Strong Bonds, Preparation and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP). His wife, Janet, also helped teach at the marriage retreats.
In addition, Messer is also a civilian counselor and sees many military personnel and their families in his practice.
“He will truly be missed for his hard-work, dedication and expertise,” said Graetz.
“In 23 years of service I have met many Soldiers and their families that have taught me many things about what it means to be a Chaplain,” said Messer. “When Soldiers and their families face difficult problems they need the support of someone who will listen and not take sides, and tell them the truth.
“As a Chaplain I had that opportunity time after time. I was amazed at the results I saw in families when they let God lead them instead of society.”
Messer said that during deployments it was especially difficult for soldiers to keep clear lines of communication open.
“Soldiers were ready to listen to God when times were tough and they couldn’t just go home and fix the problem,” he said. “It is the difficult times that help them to become strong.”
Messer is a pastor at Morningside Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in Evansville, Ind. He and his wife run a counseling service in their hometown of Bowling Green. But the Kentucky National Guard will always close to his heart.
“I have met so many Soldiers that I will never forget their willingness to give of themselves in service to their country,” he said. “I will not forget them and I hope they will not forget me, but most of all that they will trust in what they learned of God in their struggles.”
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard is offering married couples and singles a series of a free weekend retreats designed to build and enhance relationships. The “Strong Bonds” programs provide an emotionally safe and secure training environment in which to address the effect of military lifestyle stressors.
There are five marriage conference weekends scheduled for the coming year — Jan. 13-15, Mar. 9-11, June 1-3, July 27-29, and August 17-19.
Two single Soldier conference weekends are also offered — June 8-10 and Aug. 24-26.
“Strong Bonds is a key program for commanders because it strengthens the readiness of the Soldier and therefore the readiness of the unit,” said Draper. “It teaches communications skills that make for more resilient and long lasting relationships.”
Draper emphasized the skills that the program promotes, saying they can help make for a better marriage and a better Guard member.
“It is the only program we have in the guard that is for both married couples and single service members that teaches communications skills, relationship building and sustainment, reduction of stress and dealing with deployment and reintegration,” he said.
Married couples who have not attended one of these trainings previously may select the one that best fit their schedule via www.strongbonds.org.
“Since 2005 we’ve had more than 300 couples come to our marriage conference weekends and judging from the after action reviews they’ve been a resounding success,” said Draper. “We hope with the return of troops from theater of war that more troops take advantage of this great opportunity.”
Draper emphasized that the program is open to all service members regardless of deployment history. He added that the Guard pays for everything.
“All the troops have to pay for is gas money,” he said.
Click here for more on the Strong Bonds program.
Click here to find out how to register for upcoming Strong Bonds events.
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Adjutant General Tonini and his wife, Carol, greet attendees at a recent marriage enrichment weekend for Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and Airmen. (File photo)
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Since September 11, 2001 more than 14,000 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have deployed in support of the global war on terror. Hundreds of troops have been overseas multiple times, some with as many as five and six deployments under their belts. Thousands now wear combat patches, Air Service Medals and Purple Heart Medals.
That kind of pressure can take its toll on a service member in uniform. It can also do a lot of damage to their personal life, especially their marriage.
In response to this crisis the Kentucky National Guard has sponsored a series of marriage enrichment conferences designed to address many of the issues that military couples face when dealing with the deployment cycle. The next conference is scheduled for the weekend of July 29-31 at the Embassy Suites Lexington located on 1801 Newtown Pike, Lexington, Ky.
“These conferences are for all of our Kentucky Guard members, army and air,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Bill Draper, State Support Chaplain for the Kentucky National Guard. “Everyone who wears the uniform encounters stress at one time or another. The problem is when this stress affects their family. These weekends are a great way to address the issues they face.”
Couples attending the marriage conferences are given an informal and relaxing learning environment. Troops are put on orders and all expenses are approved and funded by the Army and Air Guard chiefs of chaplains.
According to Draper the program has a proven success record.
“This is part of the Army’s campaign to build strong and ready National Guard families,” said Draper. “It’s a commander’s tool designed to help their military couples build resiliency in the face of deployments.”
The training has a lot to offer, Draper added.
“They can learn and polish their skill sets toward building and reinforcing good relationships. It’s not just about being a better Soldier or Airman, officer or NCO. It’s about being a better husband, a better wife, even being a better parent.”
To sign up for the marriage retreat weekend contact your full-time unit administrator. You can also contact Ms. Kim Coyle, 502-607-1177, email kim.coyle@us.army.mil or call the state chaplain’s office at 502-607-1729.
Related article:
Stars & Stripes (International) – Mental health survey shows marital problems on the rise
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Jessica Sampler pins the rank of captain on the lapel of her husband, Justin, in a ceremony conducted at Boone National Guard Center. (Photo courtesy Chaplain (Maj.) Bill Draper)
Click here for more photos on this and other stories about the Kentucky National Guard.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 7, 2011) — The Kentucky National Guard artillery community is getting a little spiritual enrichment with the promotion and assignment of its newest chaplain.
Chaplain Justin Sampler was promoted to the rank of captain in ceremonies conducted at the Boone National Guard Center. Joint Force Headquarters State Chaplain (Col.) David Graetz conducted the promotion while Sampler’s wife, Jessica, assisted.
Sampler’s first assignment as chaplain is with 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery.
Sampler grew up in Oklahoma and joined the Army National Guard his senior year of high school. After serving as a “thirteen mike” he went to officer’s candidate school and became a field artillery officer. He then moved to Louisville and attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he graduated.
“Out of all the units that I could be assigned, I’m thankful to be with the 623rd,” said Sampler. “After serving with them as an artillery officer and now as a chaplain, I am able to relate to their mission and in turn I am able to provide them with spiritual support. It’s the best of both worlds.”
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Maj. General Edward W. Tonini, the adjutant general, and Maj. Bill Draper, 201st Engineer Chaplain, participate in the observance of National Prayer Day held May 5 at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Fredrick P. Varney, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky Army National Guard.)
Kentucky National Guardsmen observe National Prayer Day during a ceremony held May 5 at the Boone National Guard Center Pavillion in Frankfort, Ky. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Fredrick P. Varney, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky Army National Guard.)
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 5, 2011) - Kentucky National Guard and Department of Military Affairs employees gathered together for a moment of fellowship on the National Day of Pray.
“The National Day of Prayer is important because it emphases the historic precedence prayer has played in our nation’s history,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Bill Draper. “Beginning with President George Washington, each American President has called our nation to prayer during perilous times. Therefore, it is very fitting that in a time of war our military leaders also recognize the importance of this event and the spiritual resiliency it offers for those who choose to participate.”
Kentucky National Guardsmen observe National Prayer Day during a ceremony held May 5 at the Boone National Guard Center Pavillion in Frankfort, Ky. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Fredrick P. Varney, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky Army National Guard.)
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