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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
Happy Thanksgiving from Kentucky’s 1163rd Area Support Medical Company currently deployed to Afghanistan. (Photo courtesy of the 1163rd ASMC)
From our family to yours, the Kentucky National Guard wishes everyone a joyous and safe Thanksgiving. We count our blessings everyday and are incredibly thankful for the men and women of our organization and their families.
This year, we are especially thankful for our Soldiers and Airmen that are unable to be home for the holidays, like the 1163rd Area Support Medical Company in Afghanistan, the 441st Survey and Design Team on their way to the Middle East, and Bravo Company, 351st Aviation Support Battalion currently preparing to return home. Keep up the great work Soldiers and Godspeed!
Around your dinner tables this holiday, we ask that you keep these brave Guardsmen in your thoughts and prayers.
By Sgt. 1st Class Rebecca Wood, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs
The 441st Survey & Design Team was honored at a departure ceremony on Oct. 31 at the Kentucky National Guard Armory in Springfield, Ky. They will deploy to the Middle East and fall under the 682nd Engineer Battalion. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. First Class Rebecca Wood)
SPRINGFIELD, Ky. — More than 80 family members, friends, Kentucky National Guardsmen and the City of Springfield said farewell to 14 Soldiers from the 441st Engineer Survey & Design Team Oct. 31, at the Kentucky National Guard Armory in Springfield.
The Soldiers will finish their training at Fort Bliss, Texas prior to deploying to the Middle East for an estimated 10 months. Their mission will be to travel throughout the Persian Gulf region to plan and test for engineer work projects, address facility site location environmental concerns, and survey for construction projects and boundary identification throughout various areas of operations.
A representative from the Battalion, Capt. Stephen Strack said even though the unit is small, the job the Soldiers will perform will make a huge difference.
“The teams specialty starts off any construction job that is going on,” said Strack. “The building plans they form with the local populace will help win hearts and minds, while the projects they help construct on the bases will provide force protection, moral, welfare and recreation for the other deployed troops.”
Deputy-commanding General of the 38th Infantry Division Brig. Gen. Scott Campbell was the guest speaker at the 441st Survey & Design Team Departure Ceremony on Oct. 31 at the Springfield Armory. The deployment is the first mobilization for the engineer unit. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. First Class Rebecca Wood)
Since 2011, the 441st has served as the Kentucky Army National Guard has had its very own survey & design team. This new unit has always supported Kentucky Guard engineers in vertical and horizontal construction projects, but has never deployed, until now.
The 441st commander, 1st Lt. Cody Lasseigne said though only one of the 14 Soldiers has been deployed before, this team is ready.
“This is the best bunch of guys I have ever encountered,” said Lasseigne. “They work really well together and I foresee them enjoying the experiences they face in real world missions and training opportunities.”
One 441st Soldier, Sgt. Austin Huffman, is a homeland security major at Eastern Kentucky University. He has been in the 441st for three years and looks forward to the deployment.
“We have been anticipating this deployment for over a year,” said Huffman, “and I am excited to travel to different places, improve on my skills and serve my country.”
Huffman said there is a lot more to their job then survey and design, such as material testing for future construction sites and quality control/quality assurance for newly built sites. He also said he set a professional goal to accomplish while in the Middle East.
“I want to get better at sketching on this deployment,” said Huffman. “It’s challenging for me because you have to draw construction sites to scale using pencil and paper instead of a designing program on the computer.”
Sgt. Austin Huffman hugs his mother and father at the 441st Survey & Design Team Departure Ceremony on Oct. 31 at the Springfield Armory in Springfield, Ky. The 441st Survey & Design Team will deploy to the Middle East. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. First Class Rebecca Wood)
Huffman said the hardest part of deploying is leaving his family and friends behind. His mother, Teresa Price from Gainesville, Va., remained misty-eyed throughout the departure ceremony.
“The hardest part will be not being able to pick up the phone and talk to him whenever I want,” said Price.
Huffman’s father, Wade Huffman from Beckley, W.Va., conveyed he was grateful for the man his son has become and the work he does for his country.
“I am so proud of him,” said Wade. “He is ready for the task at hand.”
Story by Master Sgt. Phil Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Capt. Trevor Sutherland, a pilot in the 165th Airlift Squadron, embraces his family during a homecoming ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 8, 2015. Sutherland and 29 other Kentucky Air Guardsmen returned from a deployment to the Persian Gulf Region, where they’ve been supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel since February. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thirty Airmen from the 123rd Airlift Wing returned to the Kentucky Air National Guard base July 8, 2015, concluding the unit’s most recent overseas deployment to the Persian Gulf region. More than 100 friends and family were on hand to welcome them, waving flags and homemade signs as the Airmen’s C-130 aircraft taxied to its parking spot on the base flight line.
Lt. Col. Scott Ledford, a pilot in the 165th Airlift Squadron, embraces a family member during a homecoming ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 8, 2015. Ledford and 29 other Kentucky Air Guardsmen returned from a deployment to the Persian Gulf Region, where they’ve been supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel since February. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
The wing began deploying aircraft and personnel to Southwest Asia in February, flying airlift missions in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, the follow-on mission to Operation Enduring Freedom.Since that time, more than 100 Kentucky Air Guardsmen have deployed, serving on tours ranging from two to four months. While overseas, they joined forces with Airmen from the Missouri Air National Guard to fly C-130 airlift missions across the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility, which includes Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Africa.
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In total, the Missouri-Kentucky Team flew more than 1,000 combat sorties that delivered over 3,500 short tons of cargo and nearly 4,000 personnel to destinations across the AOR.
The deployment marks the sixth time in the past 12 years that the Kentucky Air Guard has sent its aircraft, aircrews and maintenance personnel to support U.S. military operations in U.S. Central Command. The wing deployed aviation assets there in 2003, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012, operating from multiple undisclosed locations and Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.
The wing’s non-aviation personnel also have been heavily engaged around the world since Sept. 11, 2001, logging thousands of deployments to dozens of overseas locations, including Iraq and Afghanistan. In October, more than 70 of the wing’s Airmen deployed to Africa to support Operation United Assistance, the international effort to fight the worst Ebola outbreak in history.
Story by Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Capt. Ross Farling, a C-130 pilot in the 123rd Airlift Wing, hugs his daughters during an emotional homecoming ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 4, 2015. Farling was among 39 Kentucky Air Guardsmen who were returning from a deployment to the Persian Gulf region, where they’ve been supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel since February. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — This 4th of July was a special one for 39 members of the 123rd Airlift Wing, who received a hero’s welcome from more than 200 flag-waving friends and family when they returned to the Kentucky Air National Guard Base here today following a deployment to the Persian Gulf region.
Several of those family members, like 3-year-old Declan Gilreath and 2-year-old Max Gordon, carried signs with phrases like “Welcome Home Daddy!” and “Move It or Lose It: I’m here to get my DADDY!”
Many in the crowd found it impossible to contain their emotions. The daughters of one C-130 pilot burst into tears as soon as they began to hug their father, while others jumped for joy when they saw their loved ones walking toward them across the airfield tarmac.
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Tech. Sgt. Mike Johnson, a C-130 crew chief in the 123rd Airlift Wing, proposes to his girlfriend, Vanna Jones, on the flight line of the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 4, 2015, after returning from a deployment to the Persian Gulf region. Jones said yes. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
For Vanna Jones, the day was especially significant. Her boyfriend, Tech. Sgt. Mike Johnson, dropped to one knee, presented her with a diamond engagement ring and asked her to marry him moments after he stepped off the C-130 aircraft that carried him home.
“I fell in love with you the first time I saw your smile, ” Johnson told Jones. “Will you marry me?”
A trembling Jones, clearly surprised, answered yes.
Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, who was on hand to greet the returning Airmen, said scenes like Johnson’s proposal are one the highlights of his job.
“I’ve been the adjutant general now for seven and a half years,” Tonini said. “I’ve welcomed thousands upon thousands of Airmen and Soldiers home from combat, and every single time, it brings a tear to my eye to see the families as happy as they are when their loved ones come back from being in harm’s way. These 39 Kentucky Air National Guardsmen got to come home to their families on the 4th of July. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
The returning Airmen are among more than 100 Kentucky Air National Guardsmen who have been supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel since February, serving on tours ranging from two to four months.
The son of a Kentucky Air National Guardsman waits for his father to step off a C-130 Hercules aircraft at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 4, 2105. The father was one of 39 Kentucky Airmen who returned to the United States following a deployment in the Persian Gulf region, where they’ve been supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel since February. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
Freedom’s Sentinel is the follow-on mission to Operation Enduring Freedom. It focuses on training, advising and assisting Afghan security forces; and on counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan.
During their deployment, the Kentucky troops joined forces with Airmen from the Missouri Air National Guard to fly C-130 airlift missions across the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility, which includes Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Africa.
In the past four months, the Missouri-Kentucky Team flew more than 1,000 combat sorties that delivered over 3,500 short tons of cargo and nearly 4,000 personnel to destinations across the AOR.
The deployment marks the sixth time in the past 12 years that the Kentucky Air Guard has sent its aircraft, aircrews and maintenance personnel to support U.S. military operations in U.S. Central Command. The wing deployed aviation assets there in 2003, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012, operating from multiple undisclosed locations and Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.
The wing’s non-aviation personnel also have been heavily engaged around the world since Sept. 11, 2001, logging thousands of deployments to dozens of overseas locations, including Iraq and Afghanistan. In October, more than 70 of the wing’s Airmen deployed to Africa to support Operation United Assistance, the international effort to fight the worst Ebola outbreak in history
Story by Sgt. Kayla Benson, 96th Sustainment Brigade
Staff Sgt. Becky Schneider, a combat medic with the 1163rd Area Support Medical Company, receives a simulated emergency call during a premobilization training exercise in North Fort Hood, Texas, May 30, 2015. The unit is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan to work as an emergency response team. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kayla F. Benson)
FORT HOOD, Texas — A female Soldier sits on a bench along the inside of a green Army ambulance. Even though it is mid-day, it is almost pitch black in the confined space of the ambulance.
Light from a small window between the front seat and the trunk silhouettes her enough to make out short blonde hair framing her round face. She is wearing an Army combat helmet, eye protection and has a large, red emergency response bag at her side.
Staff Sgt. Becky Schneider, with the Kentucky National Guard’s 1163rd Area Support Medical Company, has been a combat medic for over seven years.
She calls up to the driver, a fellow medic, through the small window. They go back and forth, discussing possible injuries and best practices before the vehicle comes to an abrupt stop. The back door opens and she is on the ground and assessing the scene in only seconds.
Staff Sgt. Becky Schneider, a combat medic with the 1163rd ASMC, evaluates and treats a simulated casualty during a pre-mobilization training exercise at North Fort Hood May 30. The unit is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan in support of contingency operations and will work as an emergency response team. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kayla F. Benson)
Schneider and her team member, Sgt. Duncan Wooster, also a combat medic with the 1163rd ASMC, were participating in a pre-mobilization training exercise here, May 30, in preparation for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
The team received its order: load into the ambulances and treat role players as if they were real-world casualties.
“It’s hectic and it’s crazy and you kind of come out at the end of it like, ‘I just forgot to breath for 40 minutes,’” Schneider said.
After assessing the scene, Schneider quickly approaches a role player on the ground with simulated burns and possible shrapnel wounds, surrounded by tall grass and a coiled metal fence. Wooster rushes to another role player with similar injuries underneath an observation tower. They call back up to address additional casualties.
“It’s problem solving,” She explained. “At the end of the day, you’re helping people and that’s what I really like to do. I like the puzzle of, ‘How do I put this back together again?’”
The scene is chaotic and loud. Several role players surround the medics, attempting to use their medical gear and bombarding them with questions.
Backup arrives and the casualties are moved onto stretchers and into the ambulances. Schneider jumps back into the ambulance next to her patients. As they speed back to the emergency response treatment area, she continues to assess and care for the two Soldiers on either side of her, pulling various medical gear from the many pockets of her bag and verbalizing each action.
Moments later, the ambulance stops: end exercise. She removes her helmet to reveal hair drenched in sweat. Once deployed, this scenario would only make up one hour of her 24-hour shift.
Staff Sgt. Becky Schneider, a combat medic with the 1163rd Area Support Medical Company, receives feedback from an Observer Coach/Trainer after a premobilization training exercise in North Fort Hood, Texas, May 30, 2015. The unit is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan to work as an emergency response team. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kayla F. Benson)
“The training itself had very realistic patients, very realistic situations,” Schneider said. “It gives me a very real understanding of, ‘OK, in a 24-hour shift what am I going to have to do? How can I better take care of my people?’”
Her face looks tired and she allows her shoulders to sink a little as she listens to feedback from the observer coach/trainer regarding her team’s actions in the day’s exercise. Overall, her team did well and the event was a success.
“You’re constantly evolving, constantly learning, trying to build on every single run you make,” Schneider said. “You’re always trying to get just a little bit better.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Soldiers of the 1163rd Area Support Medical Company stand at attention for the National Anthem during a departure ceremony in Shelbyville, Ky., May 2, 2015. The unit is deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
SHELBYVILLE, Ky. — On a day of tradition in the commonwealth with the annual running of the Kentucky Derby, families and Citizen-Soldiers were reminded of another tradition, Guardsmen answering the call of their nation. Members of the 1163rd Area Support Medical Company were honored during a departure ceremony in Shelbyville, May 2. The unit will deploy to Afghanistan later this month.
The mission of the 1163rd will be to conduct ground ambulance support and evacuation of patients from supported areas in the theater of operation, provide preventive dentistry and emergency dental care. The Soldiers will also provide routine administrative and operational support to a hospital and two clinics that are within the area of operation.
Maj. Ryan Irvine and 1st Sgt. Johnsy Beard case the colors of the 1163rd Area Support Medical Company during a departure ceremony for the unit in Shelbyville, Ky., May 2, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“We are trained, we are ready, we are confident, and this unit has more cohesion that I’ve seen in a long time,” said Maj. Ryan Irvine, the unit’s commander. “The 1163rd is standing tall and proud as we take on this mission, and I have to thank our families, leadership of the Kentucky National Guard and Shelbyville for all the support.”
Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky was on hand to bid the Soldiers farewell. He spoke of the unit’s long history of providing medical support for operations both home and abroad, including tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and activations for Hurricane Katrina and the ice storm of 2009.
“This is the unit’s third deployment in support of the Global War on Terror, they’ve got a lot of experience and know what they are doing,” he said. “These men and women will do us proud.”
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With more than half of its members having deployed before, there’s experience the unit will rely on while overseas. This will be beneficial for the Soldiers who haven’t deployed such as Sgt. Duncan Wooster. Wooster said the close-knit family-like atmosphere of the unit will make it easier to deal with the time away from home.
“I am nervous of course, headed overseas on my first deployment, but I am ready to do my job, and am very excited to share that experience with the great Soldiers of the 1163rd,” he said.
That family environment also provides a sense of ease for the families left behind. Maj. Irvine’s wife, Carolyn has gone through this before when her husband deployed several years ago. This time he is the commander of the unit and she’s the Family Readiness Group leader.
Soldiers of the 1163rd Area Support Medical Company are honored during a departure ceremony for the unit in Shelbyville, Ky., May 2, 2015. The unit will train in Fort Hood, Texas prior to deploying to Afghanistan. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“I feel this mission is very important for them to leave for, and this unit is very family oriented, so I enjoy that, and it makes it easier on us back home,” she said. “I’m just proud of him and the unit.”
Shelbyville’s mayor, Thomas Hardesty also expressed his admiration and respect for the unit, calling them key members of the local community.
“This nation supports you, the commonwealth supports you and the city of Shelbyville supports you in every way we can. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers for as long as you’re gone,” said Hardesty.
The 1163rd will travel to Fort Hood, Texas for several weeks of training before deploying in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
Story by Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Master Sgt. Carl Shaffer, a C-130 crew chief in the 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, works to disconnect a tow bar from a C-130 Hercules aircraft on the flight line of the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 21, 2015. The aircraft, which subsequently departed for the Persian Gulf along with 37 deploying Kentucky Air Guardsmen, was being housed in a hangar because of severe weather conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The first 37 of more than 110 Kentucky Air National Guardsmen departed Louisville, Feb. 21 for deployment to an undisclosed air base in the Persian Gulf region.
The Airmen left aboard a Kentucky Air Guard C-130 Hercules for a four-month mission supporting coalition military operations in the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility, which includes the Persian Gulf, Northern Africa and Afghanistan.
The Airmen, who include aircrew members, aircraft maintenance personnel and support staff, will fly troops and cargo as needed across the region in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, said Lt. Col. Matt Quenichet, a Kentucky Air Guard navigator and mission commander.
More than 35 members of the 123rd Airlift Wing board a C-130 Hercules aircraft at Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 21, 2015, for a four-month deployment to the Persian Gulf region in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. The Airmen will fly troops and cargo across the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility, which includes the Persian Gulf, Northern Africa and Afghanistan. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
Col. Barry Gorter, commander of the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing, thanked the deploying Airmen for their commitment to the mission.
“I know that you’re leaving here today ready to perform this mission because of the unsurpassed level of professionalism and excellence you display every day,” Gorter told the Airmen. “I’m proud of you, and I’m humbled to be you wing commander.”
He also praised family members and community partners for their continued support over the next four months.
“Our Airmen are leaving family and friends behind while they deploy overseas for this important mission, and many are taking leave from full-time civilian jobs,” Gorter noted. “Those family members and civilian employers will have to take on extra responsibilities while their citizen-Airmen are deployed, and we deeply appreciate that.
“Our Airmen simply could not perform this mission without the full support of their families, employers and coworkers, all of whom are our full partners in the defense of America.”
A second group of Kentucky Airmen is scheduled to depart from the Kentucky Air National Guard Base next week aboard a 123rd Airlift Wing C-130, while a third rotation will deploy in late April. The mission is expected to be complete in early July.
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The deployment marks the sixth time in the past 12 years that the Kentucky Air Guard has sent its aircraft, aircrews and maintenance personnel to support U.S. military operations in the U.S. Central Command AOR. The wing deployed aviation assets there in 2003, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012, operating from multiple undisclosed locations and Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.
The wing’s non-aviation personnel also have been heavily engaged around the world since Sept. 11, 2001, logging thousands of deployments to dozens of overseas locations, including Iraq and Afghanistan. In October, more than 70 of the wing’s Airmen deployed to Africa to support Operation United Assistance, the international effort to fight the worst Ebola outbreak in history.
Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Staff Report
Maj. Chip St. Charles speaks to friends and family of Bravo Company, 351st Aviation Support Battalion during a departure ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 16, 2015. The Guardsmen will deploy to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard command staff honored the members of Bravo Company, 351st Aviation Support Battalion in a departure ceremony, Feb. 16.
Despite inclement weather, a large crowd of family members and friends gathered to say their last farewell.
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During their deployment to the Middle East the aviation soldiers of Bravo Co. will provide aviation maintenance support to a variety of Army aircraft throughout the theater of operation for Operation Spartan Shield. They will first go to Fort Hood, Texas for pre-deployment training before heading overseas.
A Soldier with Bravo Company, 351st Aviation Support Battalion enjoys a family portrait during a departure ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 16, 2015. The unit will support military operations in the Middle East for roughly one year. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini presided over the event. Tonini spoke of the unit’s readiness and the support the family members at home will receive.
“Maj. (Chip) St. Charles has prepared his Soldiers superbly, they’re ready to do this mission and ready to respond to whatever the circumstances might be overseas,” said Tonini. “For the families, our family support structure that has been honed over the past 12 years, and if you stay in communication, your needs will be met. We need to make sure you are part of our family.”
Col. Michael Stephens, commander of the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade reminded each Soldier and family member that they are important and matter to the mission and to the organization. In describing the unit’s task, Stephens said Bravo Co. would be among the only aviation mechanics in the theater and will be vital to military operations.
“I want everyone of you Soldiers who fix these aircraft to be proud. Pilots wave their hands and get a lot of attention, but without the mechanics and crew chiefs, none of these aircraft will fly, said Stephens. “I’m proud of you for standing up and making a difference for our country.”
This is not the first deployment for the troops of the 351st, having deployed to the Middle East in 2006-2007. The unit has also served during several natural disaster missions to include Hurricane Ike wind storm in 2008 and the Winter Storm of 2009. During these extreme weather conditions, the soldiers deployed across the commonwealth providing generators, door to door health and welfare checks, traffic control, and debris removal.
Capt. Cliff Flanagan, commander of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation sends a holiday greeting from the Middle East. (Courtesy photo)
This Christmas, the Kentucky National Guard wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas. We are reminded throughout the year, but never as much as the holidays, that Kentuckians are serving their country far from home. We salute the brave Soldiers of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation currently deployed to the Middle East, the 1988th Contingency Contracting Team in Afghanistan and other Guardsmen deployed around the world.
Please keep them, and all U.S. Service members in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season.
Commentary by Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops, Kentucky Command Chief Warrant Officer
Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops shares a moment with his father, retired Army Lt. Col. Dick Stoops and son, Air Force Capt. Brian Stoops after a change of responsibility ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 31, 2014. The three generations of Service members have continued a long tradition of military service in the family Stoops said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — As this Father’s Day approaches I find myself reflecting on the fact that many of our Soldiers and Airmen will be away from home on this day dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood. Many will not be with their families as family members desperately plan to make this a special day for the Dads in their lives. And, while many fathers around the country may not be home this weekend to celebrate with their loved ones, this is a fact of life for our military families.
For fathers in the military, our children grow up over the years with the familiar explanation from mom’s trying to explain to their young children that “Daddy is at work today”, to “Dad is drilling today”, or “Dad is in the field, TDY, or deployed”. As a career Soldier with nearly 37 years of service, I have lost count of the number of Father’s Days that I was not home to share the special activities planned by the family, and the joy and excitement that came with spending a special day with Dad.
For my clan, we learned this early as many in my family were born into the military. My father, and mother, were both born of Airmen, my sister and I were born the son and daughter of a Soldier, my children were born the children of a Soldier, and now my two grandchildren were born the daughter and son of an Airman.
We have certainly learned this unpleasant fact of military life well in my family, and now the fourth generation of little Stoops’ are learning it for their very first time as my son, Capt. Brian Stoops, USAF, is spending the first of his Father’s Days on his third deployment away from his wife, daughter age 2, and 3-month-old infant son.
What do you send a father, far away from home, that can fill the void and express the love and pride you have for him? It is a tough thing to do! The best things are those from the heart, for those will not fade with aging memories.
Despite the long and frequent absences, I learned a lot from my father, and both my Grand-fathers. I learned that your word is your bond! I learned that service to others is more rewarding than selfish indulgences! I learned that your character is defined by what you do, not what you say you will do! And, I learned that although my Dad was frequently missed, a father’s love and presence never fades!
Dedicated to all the Super Trooper fathers out there serving our Country, our Communities, and our Commonwealth this Father’s Day, June 15, 2014 and each and every day.
