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Story by Staff Sgt. David Bolton, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Army Staff Sgt. Joel Ray Campbell, survey team chief with the Kentucky National Guard’s 41st Civil Support Team, demonstrates the use of an air detection device during the 141st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 2, 2015. The 41st CST worked with other local agencies to help monitor any potential Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear threats at Derby. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. David Bolton)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — They listen. They watch. They wait. In the shadow of the iconic twin spires, the Kentucky National Guard’s 41st Civil Support Team helped ensure the safety of the Derby crowd at Churchill Downs for the 141st Run for the Roses. Thirteen years of Derby support has taught CST members one thing: this is a joint effort.
“Derby support is a complete team effort,” said Maj. Kris Morlen, 41st CST commander. “Local law enforcement, hazardous material specialists, medical and 41st CST members come together for large events to comprise, what has come to be known as, the Joint Emergency Services Unit.”
According to Morlen, members of JESU patrol the grounds in small, four to five-person Joint Hazardous Assessment Teams to look for signs and symptoms associated with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear material exposure. The JHAT use an array of devices that scan for radioactive isotopes, elevated levels of carbon dioxide, ammonium nitrate, neutrons and other potentially harmful elements.
Army Staff Sgt. Joel Ray Campbell, survey team chief with the Kentucky National Guard’s 41st Civil Support Team, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Jennifer Evans, survey team chief with the Arkansas National Guard’s 61st CST, monitor crowds entering Churchill Downs during the 141st Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky., May 2, 2015. The CST helped monitor any potential chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats at Derby. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. David Bolton)
“We respond to reports of suspicious or abandoned packages when the Louisville Metro Police Department directs us to provide security and support to the Hazardous Device Technicians assigned to investigate those items,” said Morlen.
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Maj. Jason Finley, medical operations officer with the 41st, said having a group of individuals from various agencies, working together, makes the mission that much easier to accomplish.
“Everyone on the JESU team is on the same page when it comes to Hazmat,” said Finley. “It’s an advantage for the agency, and helps the incident commander have better oversight of the situation.”
The incident commander is responsible for all JESU operations in a given area.
“We’re all members of the responder community,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Scott Terrill, 41st survey team noncommissioned officer in charge. “In this setting you have people who specialize in Hazmat to deal with CBRN threats, law enforcement to set up perimeters and secure a scene, and medical personnel in case of mass casualty incidents.”
In order to be as effective as possible, members of the 41st develop strong relationships with the agencies they work with to provide the highest quality support.
Maj. Jason Finley, medical operations officer with the Kentucky National Guard’s 41st Civil Support Team, scans crowds entering Churchill Downs for the 141st Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky., May 2, 2015. Finley worked as a member of the Joint Emergency Services Unit to detect and identify any potential chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats for the Derby. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. David Bolton)
“Our role as a supporting agency doesn’t start or end at a CBRN response site,” said Capt. Stephen Smith, operations officer with the 41st. “We strive to continuously provide training throughout the year in order to educate the first responder community on who we are and the services we can provide to an incident site.”
Despite having only 21 Guardsmen assigned to the unit, the 41st provides emergency managers with a large amount of unique assets in a WMD and CBRN response situation.
“On the 41st, we are either responding to a WMD and other hazard incidents, training to respond, or training others to respond,” said Maj. Ricky Grant, nuclear medical science officer with the 41st. “We are force maximizers.”
Video by Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It is not uncommon to find National Guardsmen working alongside local law enforcement at major sporting events. However, Kentucky Guardsmen have taken the role of serving their citizens to new heights… literally!
Here’s a behind the scenes look at the work of Soldiers with the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade at the Kentucky Derby, May 2.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Pvt. Demitri Ray and Sgt. Andrew Harmon provide security for the Kentucky Derby Trophy at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 2, 2015. The seven Soldiers assigned to the trophy detail were among more than 200 Guardsmen on duty for the weekend events. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After 79 years, the Kentucky Guard knows a thing or two about assisting the City of Louisville with the security of the Kentucky Derby. Since 1936, the commonwealth’s Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen have been involved with the colossal task of ensuring the safety of more than 250,000 spectators at the Kentucky Oaks and Derby weekend. That tradition continued for the 141st running of the historic races at Churchill Downs, May 1-2.
“We’ve done this so many times it’s like automatic for us,” said Capt. Brandon Davisson, commander of the 617th Military Police Company. “The weekend has gone very smooth and I know Louisville Metro (Police Department) is happy to have us here.”
Pvt. Matthew Sturgill with the 198th Military Police Battalion assists with pedestrian traffic outside Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 2, 2015. More than 100 Guardsmen were tasked with assisting local law enforcement with traffic flow around the track during the weekend. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
More than 200 Guardsmen took their usual stance in the streets around the track directing traffic and securing pedestrian gates inside as record numbers of spectators jammed Churchill Downs. Soldiers and Airmen were also on hand for security in the winners circle and a select few were tasked with guarding the Kentucky Derby Trophy.
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Of the roughly 200 Citizen-Soldiers, a good number of them were working their first Derby. Davisson said the 198th’s history of working the Derby has provided a wealth of experience that has been passed on from NCOs to younger Soldiers to continue the success of the operations.
Among the new faces at the track was 2nd Lt. Sarah Powell who, even as a freshly appointed MP officer, served as officer-in-charge of security.
“My role is a small one, but there are so many big pieces that go into this operation, there’s the community piece, the interagency cooperation and there’s our own inner workings to ensure leaders and subordinates know what they need to get the job done,” she said. “This allows us to grow together and to develop our own style of working the Derby for future success, but right now, it’s business as usual.”
Staff Sgt. Christopher King assembles the Kentucky Derby Trophy at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 2, 2015. In the spotlight all weekend, the trophy detail was tasked with the security of the “priceless” trophy. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Pvt. Demitri Ray with the 617th was working his first Derby and was selected for the trophy detail that secured the “priceless” Kentucky Derby Trophy. He has only been with his unit since August of 2014, but his NCOs said Ray is among the best of the new recruits into the company, a reason he was chosen to assist with the prestigious assignment.
“I feel like I have the best duty here,” he said. “It tells me I’m earning the respect of my unit and motivates me to keep working hard and earn leadership assignments and further my career as a MP.”
Ray and the other six Soldiers escorting the trophy were certainly in the spotlight of the weekend, but 198th leadership said each Soldiers on duty represented years of hard work to create such a polished undertaking.
Powell said the ability to be a part of the big picture is a great benefit to the Soldiers and the units in the commonwealth.
“It’s interesting because you get to several levels up of operation which you don’t normally get to see and to understand what it takes to coordinate with multiple agencies and individuals within the community, which is so important in the National Guard,” said Powell.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Surviving family members of fallen U.S. Service members are joined by Heather French Henry, Commissioner of Kentucky’s Department of Veterans Affairs, the Vice Chief of the National Guard, Lt. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini in the winners’ circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 4, to present a trophy to the winning jockey of a race race named in honor of the fallen. The families gathered at the track for the fifth annual Survivors Day at the Races organized by Survivors Outreach Services. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the fifth year in a row, Churchill Downs was the setting for the largest event in the Nation honoring surviving family members of fallen military Service members. More than 800 brothers, sisters, moms and dads of those lost since 9/11 were treated to a day at the races at the storied horse racing track in Louisville, Nov. 2.
Heather French Henry, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs speaks to surviving families of fallen U.S. Service members at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Nov 4, 2014. Henry was among several guest speakers at the fifth annual Survivors Day at the Races, an event to recognize the family members and their sacrifices. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Heather French Henry joined Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini in recognizing the family members during an afternoon luncheon in Millionaires’ Row. Henry told the families that remembering the fallen is one of the most patriotic missions for Americans, and days like this one are about legacies that we will not forget.
“It’s so important for us to have you here today,” said the former Miss America. “Not only for us to say thanks for your sacrifice and service, but by having you here today to be able to talk with other families, see each other and share stories is how the legacy of your loved ones live on.”
Click here to see more photos from the event.
Family members from 10 states, Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia and Kentucky were present for the emotional day, full of camaraderie and friendship. Churchill Downs partnered with Humana Government Services and the Kentucky National Guard to support Survivors Outreach Services (SOS) in the unique event.
A highlight of the afternoon was a race named in honor of the Survivors of Fallen Military Heroes. Joann Lake from Elizabethtown, Kentucky was among the Gold Star Family members chosen to present the trophy to the winning jockey and owners in the winners’ circle. Lake’s son, Navy Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Gibson was lost over the Red Sea last September. The day at the races was Lake’s first Survivors Outreach event.
The Kentucky National Guard, Humana and Churchill Downs supported the 2014 Survivors Outreach Services’ Day at the Races at the track in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 2, 2014. More than 800 surviving family members of fallen military heroes from 10 states attended the fifth annual event. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“I’m really blessed to be surrounded by so many heroes’ families, moms, dads, wives and children,” she said. “Those families gave the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation. Its just amazing to see so many people showing their support.”
Becky Lambert was also in the winners’ circle and attending the day for the first time. She lost her son, Marine Sgt. Jonathan Lambert in Iraq in 2003 and has found strong support through SOS.
“SOS helps us to get the benefits and the service available for us and that the families are not forgotten, our loved ones are not forgotten,” said the New Site, Mississippi-native.
“This is a gathering of families that have the same bond, that have gone through the same situation we have. And we look at each other, they know what you’re feeling in your heart where that place is missing. Some people don’t understand your feelings, here we interact, make friends and build relationships to support one another.”
A child gets his face painted during the 2014 Survivors Day at the Races in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 4, 2014. As part of the event honoring the surviving family members of fallen U.S. Service members, children were treated to face painting and arts and crafts. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
In addition to the races, the meal and the interaction, children were treated to face-painting and arts and crafts. SOS organizers expanded the event this year for the growing interest and attendance, which increased by nearly 200 people over last year’s event.
A variety of senior military leaders from the National Guard, Reserves and active duty were also on hand to support the event, including the Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Lt. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel. He praised the families members for their courage and expressed his gratitude for the fallen heroes with a pledge of support.
“Our military, our National Guard is about strong units, strong families and strong communities and nothing makes that more evident that this event here today,” said Lengyel. “We will never forget what your loved ones have done for us and our nation. Our bond to you and support to you is life-long and everlasting.”
Click here for more information on Survivors Outreach Services.
Photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
LOUISVILLE, KY. — For the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby, more than 250 members of the Kentucky National Guard were called in to assist local authorities in the various assignments inside and out of Churchill Downs. These are the faces of those Citizen Soldiers and Airmen ….
Pfc. Evelyn Holbrook of the 617th Military Police Co. worked gate 1 of Churchill Downs where she was among the first Soldiers spectators met as they entered the track. “The work was repetitive, but it was nice that so many people thanked us for being there and for our service,” she said.
Pfc. Shalah Barnes of the 940th Military Police Co. secured a gate along the backstretch of the track where the horses came and went. It was her first Derby, and she pulled double duty as security and as a medic.
Spc. TJ Burnett (left) and Pfc. Heath Good, both of the 617th Military Police Co. stood guard over the Kentucky Derby Trophy in the winner’s circle inside the track. In addition to the priceless trophy awarded to the winning horse’s owner, three smaller silver replicas are presented to the trainer, jockey and breeder.
Spc. Ashley Minix of the 198th Military Police Co. used a metal-detecting wand to ensure spectators did not bring any restricted items into Churchill Downs. It was the first year the Guardsmen used the wands as part of the security at gates.
Chief Master Sgt. Ray Dawson of the 123rd Airlift Wing marched the winner’s circle detail out to its location prior to the running of the Derby. “The detail’s job is all about being professional and representing the whole Kentucky National Guard in front of everyone,” he said.
Airman 1st Class Jordan Pate of the 123rd Airlift Wing helped carry the garland of roses to the winner’s circle in preparation for the winning horse’s arrival. The garland is made up of more than 400 roses and weighs approximately 40 pounds.
Pvt. Ashley Burris of the 2113th Transportation Company assisted in roping off the winner’s circle to keep the area clear before the Kentucky Derby. While the rains came down most of the day, the skies cleared just prior to the race and stayed dry until shortly after.
Sgt. Christopher King of the 198th Military Police Battalion carefully assisted Kentucky Derby Museum Curator, Chris Goodlett in removing the trophies from the winner’s circle following the presentation. King was one of five Soldiers chosen for the elite detail that guards the trophies from the clubhouse to the winner’s circle.
Spc. Ryan Hayes of the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade stood his ground in the onslaught of media that crowded the winner’s circle and the trophy presentation behind him.
Before leaving the winner’s circle, Airmen of the 123rd Airlift Wing share a smile and a few roses following a job well done.
Click here to read more about how your Kentucky National Guard supported the 139th Kentucky Derby!
Story and photos by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
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Surviving families of fallen service members attended Churchhill Down’s Survivor Day at the Races, hosted by Humana Military, Sunday 4 November, 2012. Survivor Outreach Services is an Army-wide program designed to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to survivors of deceased Soldiers. Members from across the Commonwealth and surrounding states took part in the day’s festivities.(Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — More than 500 survivors from of fallen active duty and reserve component service members attended Churchill Down’s Survivor’s Day at the Races on Sunday November 4, 2012.
The survivor’s event was coordinated by the Kentucky National Guard’s Survivor Outreach Services and sponsored by Humana Military Healthcare Services and Churchill Downs. The day included free admission, family activities and a buffet lunch.
The highlight of the day was being recognized in the winner’s circle after the fourth race, honoring the Survivors of the Fallen.
Surviving families of fallen service members honored in the winners circle after Churchill Down’s Race for the Fallen, November 4, 2012.(Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
“This was an outstanding gathering for our survivors of American heroes” said Mark Grant, SOS coordinator. “The folks at Churchill Downs and Humana opened their doors and their hearts to this great families and showed them what Kentucky hospitality is all about. We couldn’t have had this spectacular event without their combined generosity.”
This year’s SOS event honored survivor families from Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia and Kentucky. Survivor Outreach Services is an Army-wide program designed to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to survivors of deceased Soldiers.
“Giving this well deserving group a day of entertainment and horse racing is a small token for the immeasurable sacrifice their fallen loved ones made in service to our country,” said Orie Mullen, president of Humana Military.
To find out more about Survivor Outreach Services contact:
Mark Grant, 502-413-4172 or email him at john.grant7@us.army.mil
David Orange, 502-607-1099 or e-mail him at david.orange@us.army.mil
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Story by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 1st Battalion, 623d Field Artillery Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Kentucky Army Guardsmen Pfc. Kara Denise Bucklew and Spc. Eddy D. Mitchell, both MPs with the 223rd Military Police Company stationed in Louisville, Ky., guard the winner’s trophy in front of the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. May 5 2012. This year marks the 138th running of the roses and was Bucklew’s first Derby experience. (Photo by: Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky Army National Guard).
Louisville, KY. (May 8, 2012) – The 138th “Run for the Roses” was one that was on track to set new attendance records. The previous attendance record, which was set in 2011 was 164,858 spectators. This year that number was surpassed by nearly 500, with 165,307 in attendance. The record attendance also generated a record number of wagers. A total of $187 million dollars was bet on the full 13-race card.
“With these projected numbers, we knew this event was going to be monumental,” said Lt. Col. Jeffery Hughes, the commander of troops. “Here in the operations center, we are working in concert with state and local officials and first responders to monitor the crowds and be here to respond to whatever need may arise. We have 282 Soldiers on ground for this event that will be serving in several different support roles, from security and traffic control to escorting VIP’s. Taking into consideration the size of the crowds and other factors, this event is running exceptionally smooth.”
Col. Charles Harris, the state security officer for the Kentucky National Guard, said, “We have a Proper Use Memorandum in place to use assets like the Civil Air Patrol to support local authorities with information in case of a catastrophic event.”
It’s not just man-made disasters the team plans for, said Harris. “We monitor issues like the weather, so we will be as prepared as possible if the unthinkable occurs, like a tornado or severe thunderstorm. Additionally, part of our job is to warn our Soldiers and Airmen if there is a threat of severe storms, or heat, or anything else that may hamper their mission.”
The operations center for the Kentucky National Guard works in concert with local law enforcement and emergency personnel to ensure the safety and the smooth operation for the entire Churchill Downs premises.
Story by Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Click here for more Derby photos.
Click here for photos from the Oaks.
Kentucky National Guard Pfc. Kara Denise Bucklew, an MP with the 223rd Military Police Company stationed in Louisville, Ky., moves the winner’s trophy for the Kentucky Oaks race to the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs May 4, 2012. (Photo by: Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky Army National Guard).
LOUISVILLE, Ky.— Louisville’s legendary Churchill Downs hosted the Kentucky Derby May 6 for the 138th time – but for 19-year-old Pfc. Kara Denise Bucklew, a Military Policeman assigned to the 223rd Military Police Company, this was her first Run for the Roses.
“The experience has been quite enjoyable,” said Bucklew. “I had the chance to meet a lot of different people and see a lot of different things that I would not normally get the chance to see if it weren’t for me being here with the Kentucky National Guard.”
Kentucky Army Guardsman Pfc. Kara Denise Bucklew, an MP with the 223rd Military Police Company, guards the winner’s trophy for the Kentucky Derby in the Director’s Room on millionaire row at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. May 5, 2012.(Photo by: Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky Army National Guard).
As an MP, Bucklew was selected and charged with guarding the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby trophies on Millionaires Row. Valued at $200,000, according to Ronnie Dreistadt, educator at the Kentucky Derby Museum, the trophies are awarded to the owners of the Derby winner after what is known as the fastest two minutes in sports.
“I feel like it’s a great honor,” said Bucklew, “its something that a lot of people wish they could do but they haven’t been granted the opportunity, so I feel very lucky.”
Bucklew was in the Winner’s Circle as Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear presented the 18-karat trophy to the I’ll Have Another crew: J.Paul Reddam, owner, Doug O’Niell, trainer and Mario Gutierrez, jockey.
“It was awesome, I felt really important,” said Bucklew.
Bucklew also said Louisville’s Southern hospitality was in full force on Derby Day. “Everyone seems to want to come up and shake my hand and say ‘thank you for your service.”
Coming from a military background where both her father and grandfather served in the U.S. Navy, Bucklew, a JROTC graduate, was influenced by the prospects of joining the armed forces.
“I just fell in love with the military,” said Bucklew, “I’ve made a lot of friends in the National Guard and it’s definitely made me a more independent person.”
Bucklew said she is always enjoying new experiences in the National Guard.
“One thing is good and then the next time I’m doing something better.”
Story by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard
Pictures by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht and Maj. David Page, KYNG PAO
Shawnna McAninch, wife of fallen Staff Sgt. Kenneth K. McAninch, watches races at Churchill Downs on November 6 as part of a Day at the Races for Survivors of Fallen Military Heros, sponsored by Chuchill Downs and Humana Military.
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LOUISVILLE, Ky (11/11/11) -Today is Veterans Day.
It’s a day that we, as a nation, set aside to honor military veterans; those who have served and are still serving.
This day is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, celebrating the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.
We remember those who are part of our history and those who are presently serving to protect our future. Being a Servicemember was never an easy job, but the Troops in today’s all-volunteer military chose to serve a cause greater than themselves; many made this decision knowing they may be sent in harm’s way. For the better part of a decade they have endured multiple tours – protecting us from danger and giving others the opportunity to live life in security.
Some of them didn’t make it home and gave their lives for our country.
On Sunday, the families of Fallen Servicemembers from Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee were invited to the second annual Survivors Day at the Races.
This event was sponsored by Churchill Downs and Humana Military, both wanting to demonstrate their appreciation for the families of our Fallen and help them connect with each other.
Retired KY Air Guard Chief Master Sergeants Mark Grant and David Orange coordinated the event, contacting Fort Campbell, Fort Knox and Reserve Commands to notify families of Fallen Servicemembers.
“This was our second year for the Survivors Day at the Races and a heck of a turn out,” said Grant. “We had over 300 family members of the Fallen at Churchill, representing the active Army, Air Force and Marines, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve and the National Guard Servicemembers.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity to re-connect with others I have met these past few years and meet new families,” said Lynn Romans, mother of Kentucky Guardsman Sgt. Darrin Potter who was killed in Iraq in 2003. “It’s important for us to stay connected.”
A special quilt in honor of fallen military members was presented at Churchill Downs on November 6 during the 2nd Annual Day at the Races for Survivors of Fallen Military Heros.
This year’s Survivor Day at the Races unveiled the “Survivors of American Heroes” quilt made in memory of fallen Kentucky Troops and pays tribute to their families.
This fabric memorial was commissioned by the Kentucky National Guard’s Survivor’s Outreach Services as a symbol of the Guard’s dedication to the families of Soldiers and Airmen who have died in service to our nation.
Orange was also responsible for the quilt’s design.
“After attending the first Survivors Day Race, I thought there should be something that the families could actually touch and see, and that had some meaning to it,” said Orange.
According to Grant and Orange, the timing of the Survivors Day at the Races the week of Veterans Day was favorable coincidence.
“Showing these families that their loved ones won’t ever be forgotten is an imperative,” said Grant. “We are doing what we say we will do…taking care of the Servicemember and the Servicemember’s family, even after they’re gone…having given the ultimate sacrifice to this country.”
More than 300 military family members of fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines attended the 2nd Annual Day at the Races for Survivors of Fallen Military Heros at Churchill Downs on November 6, sponsored by Humana Military and Churchill Downs.
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Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Mark Grant and David Orange are responsible for the creation of the Survivor's of American Heroes quilt.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — A unique quilt honors the memory of fallen Kentucky troops and pays tribute to their Families.
The “Survivors of American Heroes” quilt was commissioned by the Kentucky National Guard’s Survivor’s Outreach Services as a symbol of the Guard’s dedication to the families of Soldiers and Airmen who have died in service to our nation.
Retired Chief Master Sgt. David Orange works with the SOS program. He is also responsible for the quilt’s design
“We wanted something that honored the fallen members of all our armed forces,” said Orange. “The idea of a quilt has been very popular with military families, so it seemed natural to combine the two.”
The prototype quilt was put together by Quilters Alley of Paducah, Ky. and measures four by six feet. The design includes an American flag background with a ribbon bar depicting the service stars associated with the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Embroidered words proclaiming “Survivors of American Heroes” and “Because Someone Cared” send a clear message of gratitude.
“It’s made in Kentucky by Kentuckians for Kentuckians,” said Orange.
“That quilt is very impressive,” said retired Chief Master Sgt. Mark Grant, who works with Orange in the SOS program. “We think it’s going to attract a lot of positive attention and give our survivor families some comfort when they attend our events.”
The first Survivors of American Heroes Quilt was "made in Kentucky by Kentuckians for Kentuckians."
The new quilt will make its formal debut this weekend in Louisville when Churchill Downs and Humana Military hosts the second annual Survivors Day at the Races, a gathering of more than 350 surviving family members of fallen Kentucky uniformed service members.
For more information about the quilt’s design and manufacturing as well as Survivor’s Outreach Services, please contact David Orange at 502-607-1099 or e-mail him at david.orange@us.army.mil.
