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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Senior Airman Vicky Spesard, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Master Sgt. Kevin Roy has been named the Kentucky Air National Guard’s Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year for 2013. Roy is a member of the 123rd Security Forces Squadron. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Master Sgt. Kevin Roy of the 123rd Security Forces Squadron has been named the Kentucky Air National Guard’s Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year for 2013.
As first sergeant, Roy provides oversight and guidance to more than 85 Security Forces Airmen, assisting with any pay, personal and family issues that may arise. He has revamped the squadron’s Dependent-Care Program and operates a Family Liaison Program that facilitates regular interaction with the family members of deployed troops.
A full-time Louisville Metro Police officer, Roy joined the Guard in 1999 and has served as the squadron’s “first shirt” since March 2011. It’s a position he is well qualified for, according to Chief Master Sgt. Dan Radke, chief enlisted manager for the 123rd Security Forces Squadron.
“Part of his responsibilities include ensuring Airmen in the security forces are well trained and have all of the unit’s resources available to them,” Radke said. “Roy does more than that. He has an open door for these guys. He is a confidant, a mentor and professional colleague. He really strives to know each member of the squadron. They know that whatever issue they might be experiencing, their first sergeant is there to help.”
Roy also places a high level of emphasis on making sure his Airmen are properly trained.
“It is very important for them to stay current in their military education to be promotable to the higher enlisted levels,” said Roy, a certified Taser instructor and civilian Active Shooter Response Team member who is certified to conduct field sobriety tests and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management.
“I am also stressing to my Airmen the value of a good education, both within the military and law enforcement.”
Being a mentor and community leader outside the Air Guard is another priority for Roy, who encourages civic involvement among his Airmen. He is a volunteer with the Explorers Program and an instructor at Merit Badge University, which assists Boy Scouts in earning merit badges.
“I have to lead by example,” he said. “My father told me to surround myself with good people, and I encourage my Airmen to do the same thing. Get involved in the community; surround yourself with people who become a positive influence on you. That is my goal every day: to be a positive influence and good example to my guys.”
Story by J.C. Newton, Kentucky National Guard Recruiting Command
Pfc. Kierre Brown is a marketing assistant for the 2nd Battalion 75th Recruiting and Retention. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — It was a simple mission for Pfc. Kierre Brown, a marketing assistant for the 2nd Battalion 75th Recruiting and Retention: drive the shop’s vehicle from Frankfort to Richmond, drop off some equipment, pick up some equipment and return safe and sound.
Traveling to Richmond was uneventful and after making his prescribed exchange, Brown began his return trip.
Brown tells what happened next, “I decided to stop at a little Gas and Grocery to get me a Dr. Pepper. As I exited the car a man called to me and asked if I was in the National Guard. I told him I was and he proceeded to tell me that he had a son who was a sophomore at Western Kentucky University. The gentleman said that he and his wife had hoped that their son would join the Guard instead of going straight to college.”
The two parents felt their son would benefit from the experience of military training and that the education benefits would really help them out financially. Brown was quick to offer his assistance.
“I gave the man the number of the recruiter from their home town and I gave him my personal cell phone number and name. I told him that I would be happy to talk to his son about the Guard and I could be a good person to talk to without pressuring his son.”
The father thanked Brown for his time and they both went on their way. Brown then noticed two elderly ladies by the air pump at the corner of the lot. They looked at him smiled and motioned for him to come over. It turned out that they were trying to get air in their tire but were having no luck.
Brown tried putting air into the tire with little success. He checked and saw there was a large hole in the tire. He asked the car owner if she had a spare. In the true spirit of “Always Ready, Always There” he changed the tire for them and put the flat tire in the trunk. The ladies asked if they could pay him and he politely declined.
“I couldn’t take any money for doing the right thing, but I did tell them I would appreciate their prayers for my wife who is currently in her initial training for the Guard,” he said.
After the eventful pit stop, Brown got back in his car and started towards Frankfort. Just as he entered Franklin County he noticed a wreck on the side of the road just ahead of him. Seeing no emergency vehicles on site he stopped to check on the occupants. The driver of one vehicle was hurt enough to warrant medical attention and told Brown that they had called 911. Brown stayed on site, directed traffic around the wreck, and kept an eye on the injured man until emergency crews arrived.
Pfc. Kierre Brown, a marketing assistant for the 2nd Battalion 75th Recruiting and Retention receives a coin from his commander, Maj. Fred Bates V, for showing initiative and presenting good community relations. “Sometimes it’s the little things that that affect our image in a big way,” said Bates. (Photo courtesy Kentucky National Guard Recruiting Command)
“I guess it was a pretty successful day,” Brown said upon his return. “I accomplished my mission, was able to help some people and I have an opportunity to educate another young person about the benefits of being a member of the Kentucky National Guard.”
Back at recruiting headquarters Brown’s commander, Maj.Fred Bates V, got wind of his troop’s exploits and presented him with a recruiting commander’s coin.
“There’s more to being a recruiter than mere numbers,” said Bates. “We are the face of the military in our local communities. For many people we’re their first and only contact with the National Guard, and sometimes it’s the little things that affect our image in a big way. Private First Class Brown understands this and he represents us all with the utmost professionalism.”
