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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Brendan P. Bartholomew, San Francisco Examiner
Crocker Middle School students packed up donated items into an Army Humvee in Hillsborough, Calif., to send to troops in Afghanistan. (Courtesy LeAnn Thornton)
HILLSBOROUGH, Calif. — U.S. Army personnel recently visited Crocker Middle School in Hillsborough, where students filled their Humvee with care packages bound for troops in Afghanistan.
The event capped what has become an annual tradition at the school, where kids reach out to their community, soliciting donations of food, personal care products, holiday decorations, and other items intended to provide soldiers overseas with the comforts of home.
Hillsborough adopted the Army’s 1st Brigade combat team, 101st Airborne Division (air assault) in 2007. Crocker Middle School began collaborating with the city and the Hillsborough Police Department on the Adopt-A-Unit campaign in 2012, when coordinator LeAnn Thornton contacted teacher Audrey Fairchild, asking if her students would sign a holiday banner for deployed troops. The students responded by asking what other forms of support they could provide.
This year, the unit from 101st Airborne is back home, so the school adopted the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 1163rd Area Support Medical Company, a team of reservists whose ranks include a police officer and a commercial airline pilot, along with doctors, nurses, and EMT firefighters.
The 1163rd ASMC is attached to an Army combat hospital in Afghanistan, where they provide emergency medical services, both to base personnel and individuals airlifted in from other locations.
The soldiers say the care packages have a positive impact on troop morale by uplifting the spirits of those serving abroad.
Army recruiter Staff Sgt. John Kaleski and reservist Sgt. Rick Nelson accompanied the Humvee at Crocker. Kaleski enjoyed talking with the students about everything from “Star Wars” to their favorite football and soccer teams. He was deployed in Afghanistan in 2003 and Iraq in
2004.
“We had all the local kids talking like Snoop Dogg,” Kaleski laughed.
According to Thornton, the care packages have played a role in establishing good will with Afghan children. Last year, Crocker students collected about 100 pounds of
Halloween candy, which they included in the care packages. This year, the students collected three times that amount.
When troops shared the candy with Afghani kids, the children responded by showing them where hidden explosives were located. “The Halloween candy literally saved lives,” Thornton said.
Kaleski noted the Army has base stores where deployed troops can acquire life’s necessities, but the inventory rarely changes. Part of a care packages’ magic is it might contain specific brands that remind a soldier of home. “When my sister was sending me a care package, all I wanted was Chef Boyardee Beefaroni,” Kaleski said.
Sentiments like Kaleski’s are part of Crocker student Jocelyn Murphy’s motivation for participating in the care package campaign.
“As they’re putting their lives on the line, they deserve something they actually recognize from home,” Murphy said.
Fellow student Christopher Mahoney also talked about the life-and-death stakes deployed soldiers might face.
“I think it’s good to support troops because they’re risking their lives,” Mahoney said, “They enlisted, and that’s very selfless.”
See the original story at the San Francisco Examiner here.
Story by Maj. David Page, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Maj. Brent Hulse, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Recruiting and Retention presents Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini with a framed special edition National Guard jersey in Frankfort, Ky., June 5, 2014. The traveling jerseys have been worn by a variety of high schools across the commonwealth and the football teams that wore them have never lost a game. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — In July 2013, 2/75th Recruiting and Retention Battalion Marketing section was researching ways to host Military Appreciation Nights during football and basketball games at various high schools throughout the commonwealth.
Borrowing an idea from the Indiana Guard, the team purchased traveling ‘National Guard’ jerseys for both football and basketball teams.
“Indiana was only using the jerseys in basketball, but we felt it would work well for football, too,” said Master Sgt. Bradley R. Harlan, marketing NCO for 2/75th.
That fall, the first football team donned the jersey and won. The next week, the next team had the same result. After ten regular games and one playoff game, every team that wore the jerseys won.
The Franklin County High School football team prepare to take the field for a game in Frankfort, Ky., 2013. (Photo courtesy of 2/75th Recruiting and Retention)
“It was an honor to wear them.” said John Petett, head football coach Monroe County High School. “I felt like we were representing more than our school on that Friday night, and it was extra motivation for the team.”
Besides the great results for teams, the jersey was seen by approximately 11,000 people by the end of the football season. Plus, images of the jerseys were seen in numerous photos in the media, helping the Guard build awareness throughout the commonwealth.
The basketball uniforms didn’t yield the same winning results for all of the teams, but they were worn in 25 games during the 2013-14 season, with more than 20,000 fans seeing these uniforms. The jerseys also achieved similar media coverage as the football jerseys, further helping the Guard show its involvement in the community.
“Without the Kentucky High School Athletic Association and Julian Tackett, the KHSAA president, allowing the schools to use these for Military Appreciation nights, this would have not been possible,” said Harlan.
With the success of the Guard jersey program, R&R Battalion is in the process of purchasing two more sets of the football jerseys for the 2014 season.
“The football jerseys are already reserved for every Friday night game for the upcoming season,” said Harlan.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
The Kentucky All-Stars celebrate their victory in the National Guard Border Bowl in Williamsburg, Ky., Jan. 11, 2014. Kentucky beat Tennessee 37-13 for their second victory in a row over the interstate rival. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — On a rain-soaked field at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky., the best high school football players from Kentucky and Tennessee gathered again to play for the bragging rights to the border. As the sun broke through the clouds on Jan. 11, 2014, the two teams squared off in the the seventh annual National Guard Border Bowl.
Kentucky beat their the interstate rival for the second straight year. And also for the second year in a row, thanks to the nationally televised broadcast by FOX Sports South, the game and small border town of Williamsburg were on the map.
“Having such a game like this with the involvement of the National Guard is a great combination,” said Sgt. Trenton Guffey with the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery. “It seems to make sense that they are connected.”
To see more photos from the 2014 Border Bowl, click here.
Kentucky’s Tyler Guffey scrambles through the defense during the National Guard Border Bowl in Williamsburg, Ky., Jan. 11, 2014. Guffey led the Kentucky offense to a win in front of family members including his uncle, Sgt. Trenton Guffey of the 1/623rd Field Artillery. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Guffey was on hand to assist with the firing of a cannon with each touchdown scored in the game. But he also volunteered for the assignment to see his nephew Tyler start as the quarterback for Kentucky. Guffey pointed out the similarities of training to be a Soldier or a football player, being parts of the community and how the seven Army Values are instilled in the players.
“Just like us in the Guard being close to local communities with armories, the players are close with their towns,” he said. “And just like the values we are taught and some of the things we stand for, they do the same on the football field. It’s about completing the mission or winning the game.”
Tyler, a senior at Wayne County High School helped lead Kentucky to a dominating 37-13 victory. He said he was happy to have his uncle in attendance and was proud to play in the Border Bowl.
“This has been a great experience, I think this is the best bowl game around,” said the Monticello, Ky. native. “It’s awesome to be able support my uncle and all our troops.”
According to Lt. Col. Fred W. Bates V, commander of the Kentucky National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion, the game is the only all-star game in the country with such a high level of advertising for the National Guard.
“This is great for the National Guard,” he said. “It’s not just about showing off the National Guard on national television, it’s a great community event for Williamsburg, Kentucky as well.”
Brig. Gen. Benjamin Adams III (right) and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Chumley Jr. present the 2014 National Guard Border Bowl trophy to the Kentucky high school football all-stars in Williamsburg, Ky., Jan. 11, 2014. The game is one of only a few high school match-ups with National Guard sponsorship. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Bates thinks the game is a sign of how the National Guard should interact with their communities. He sees the game as a positive for the Guard, the town and the players, and says more of these types of games will show up around the country.
“We pay for the ability to advertise at his event, and the community runs the event,” he said. “We are able to help them make this a successful event with our resources, but it benefits Kentucky and Tennessee equally.”
The National Guard Border Bowl is a non-profit organization established to provide an all-star game featuring the top players in Kentucky and Tennessee. This game allows players to have the opportunity to play, practice, and battle it out for the rights to the border. It also allows high school seniors an opportunity to gain additional exposure and, perhaps, earn a scholarship for college.
Story by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Members of the Kentucky National Guard’s 202nd Band perform during the Freedom Is Not Free Veterans Day event in Florence, Ky., Nov. 10, 2013. The inaugural event brought together participants from Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio to pay tribute to Service members and local first responders. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
FLORENCE, Ky. — Every year communities across the country come together to celebrate Veterans Day and pay tribute to Service members past and present and local first responders, such as, firefighters and police officers. This year, a new celebration took shape, bringing the Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio tri-state areas together to honor those who sacrifice for our country.
The inaugural Freedom Is Not Free event was held at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky. Nov. 10.
“Freedom is not Free recognizes and celebrates the contributions of veterans as well as first responders for their courage and commitment to protecting freedom at home and around the world,” said Jodie McFarland, Director of Public Relations for the celebration, “The event is the first of its kind in over a century to involve the entire tri-state region in commemorating the Veterans Day holiday.”
To see more photos from the event, click here.
Members of Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Pipe and Drum Corps perform during the Freedom Is Not Free event in Florence, Ky., Nov. 10, 2013. The Ohio group helped kick off the program with their renditions of several patriotic themes. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
Organized by retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col., Joe Hinds, Freedom is not Free was sponsored by the cities of Florence, Covington, Alexandria, Independence, and Carrollton in Kentucky; Hamilton, Montgomery, and West Chester in Ohio; and Rising Sun in Indiana.
Hinds served for over four decades and four different branches; Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines. He retired near the tri-state and couldn’t think of a better place to bring the celebration.
“It’s a magnificent feeling to be a part of something so spectacular,” said Hinds. “Not only are we honoring our veterans, but we are unique in honoring our first responders as well.”
Brig. Gen. Scott A. Campbell, the Kentucky National Guard’s assistant adjutant general, delivered the keynote message for the event. Campbell spoke of the meanings of Veterans Day, whom it’s for, and why we remember it.
“Veterans encompass many different kinds of people who serve our country in many diverse ways,” said Campbell, “They represent the very best of America. This includes the men and women of the National Guard. They volunteer to sacrifice, train and support local citizens at a moments notice, whenever they are needed.”
Brig. Gen. Scott Campbell, assistant adjutant general for the Kentucky Army National Guard speaks during the Freedom Is Not Free Veterans Day event in Florence, Ky., Nov. 10, 2013. Campbell spoke of the importance in honoring the Veterans of our country and the role the National Guard plays both home and abroad. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The audience also heard recorded messages from former Presidents, and a variety of musical compositions from bands and choirs around the tri-state, which included the Kentucky National Guard’s 202nd Army Band.
A large public crowd enjoyed the free program, including many Veterans of World War II and Vietnam. This event marked the first of its kind for Northern Kentucky and Hinds hopes it will continue for many years to come.
Story and photos by Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Sports broadcaster, Larry Glover speaks during a press conference at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 5, 2012. The event announced the first 12 high school football players to represent Kentucky in the 2013 National Guard Border Bowl. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky high school football fans received a unique early look at the 2013 Border Bowl during a press conference hosted by the Kentucky National Guard at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 5, 2012.
For the first time, a select group of players were announced to the “Be The Elite” Team Gridiron, months prior to the playing of the interstate all-star game that is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2013.
To see more photos from the “Be The Elite” Team Gridiron press conference, click here.
Brig. Gen. Michael Dornbush, Kentucky National Guard Chief of Joint Staff (left) and Maj. Gen. Lonnie Culver, Deputy Adjutant General, congratulate players on their selection to the 2013 National Guard Border Bowl during a press conference in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 5, 2012. The players were among the first to be chosen for the sixth annual all-star game to be played in January 2013. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The Border Bowl, in its sixth year, is sponsored by the National Guard and pits some of Kentucky’s best high school football players against the best from state neighbor and rival Tennessee.
Officials from the Kentucky National Guard worked with state high schools to coordinate the countdown to the Border Bowl with the Kentucky Guard’s new “Be The Elite” campaign. The goal was to tie in the star football players selected with the recruiting push to find the best and brightest to wear the uniform of the Kentucky National Guard.
The “Be The Elite” program was set up to qualify only the strongest on candidates that represent Kentucky’s finest and runs through September.
“Today was a significant step to make the Border Bowl a year round event,” said Freddie Maggard, Kentucky National Guard Community Outreach Coordinator. “The professionalism displayed sends a distinct message that the National Guard Border Bowl is a first class operation and I’m very proud of all those involved.”
Local sports broadcaster and radio show host Larry Glover was the guest speaker. He spoke of the tradition of the Border Bowl and the continued rivalry between the two states, calling it an amazing opportunity for young players to be apart of something bigger than themselves.
Twelve players were selected to the team, including four on hand for the event. Clay County High School senior, Jacob Hyde was in awe of the press conference, and the excitement built by the media in attendance and the location in a helicopter hangar on the National Guard base.
Clay Co. High School senior, Jacob Hyde is interviewed by media from the pilot’s seat of UH-60 Blackhawk during a press conference in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 5, 2012. The Kentucky National Guard sponsored the event to tie in the high school football all star Border Bowl and the “Be The Elite” recruiting campaign. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“I never expected to experience something like this,” he said.
Hyde even had the chance to sit in the pilot’s seat of a UH-60 Blackhawk, which he said he could barely fit into to. The aircraft’s cockpit wasn’t designed or the 6-foot, 2-inch, 313-pound frame of the defensive tackle.
Hyde simply looks forward to finishing his season strong at Clay Co., and enjoying his moment in the Border Bowl. Hyde has committed to wear blue next year, playing football at Commonwealth Stadium.
“It’s really a great honor to represent Kentucky and the University of Kentucky,” he said.
