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A joint-service Color Guard Team comprised of Kentucky Air and Army National Guard members presents the colors at Frankfort Cemetery in Frankfort, Ky., on Aug. 5, 2014, while being videotaped by CBS Sports for a television spot. The spot was broadcast during the network’s national coverage of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 4-10. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
By Master Sgt. Phil Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Airmen and Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard were featured in a national television spot last week, presenting the state colors during CBS Sports’ coverage of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 4-10.
Click here for more photos from this story.
Maj. Josh Elwell, officer-in-charge of the 123rd Airlift Wing Honor Guard Team, carries the Kentucky state flag while drilling with a joint-service Color Guard Team comprised of Kentucky Air and Army National Guard members at Frankfort Cemetery in Frankfort, Ky., on Aug. 5, 2014, while being videotaped by CBS Sports for a television spot. The spot was broadcast during the network’s national coverage of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 4-10. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
The spot, which was pre-recorded in Frankfort Aug. 5, shows a joint Kentucky Army and Air National Guard team performing the posting the colors with a Kentucky state flag.
Paul Kramer, a videographer for CBS Sports, said the network wanted to brand the PGA Championship with something that “captured the spirit of Kentucky.” They considered using horses but finally decided on highlighting the state flag.
The idea got started when CBS called Gov. Steve Beshear, who in turn called Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, the adjutant general of Kentucky.
“It was great, and everyone was incredibly helpful,” Kramer said. “We got way more than we thought we were going to get. It was really neat to see the guys in full dress, and what makes it more special was the reverence paid to the flag and what it means to those guys.”
A CBS Sports videographer shoots footage of a joint-service Color Guard Team comprised of Kentucky Air and Army National Guard members at Frankfort Cemetery in Frankfort, Ky., on Aug. 5, 2014. The television spot was broadcast during the network’s national coverage of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 4-10. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
Air Force Master Sgt. Eric Hamilton, the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge of the Kentucky Air Guard component of the joint team, said the squad performed the ceremony several times in order for the videographer to get the shots he needed.
“They get a redo, we don’t,” Hamilton said, smiling. “We have to get it right the first time.
“The team and I enjoyed this event, and we genuinely got a taste of what life would be like in Hollywood,” Hamilton added. “It was great to experience what takes place behind the scenes in order to produce an awesome product on television.”
The Kentucky Army and Air National Guard Color Guard Teams perform at hundreds of civic functions every year, presenting the state and national colors with honor and respect. The teams also perform hundreds of Honor Guard ceremonies annually, providing funeral honors for the families of fallen veterans.
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Gov. Steve Beshear visits West Liberty, Ky on a Kentucky National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk after a tornado struck the town Mar. 2. (photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 3, 2012) – After visiting catastrophic damages from Friday’s severe storms and tornadoes, Governor Steve Beshear spoke with both President Barack Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to relay critical emergency information and reaffirm Kentucky’s commitment to get relief to citizens quickly.
“The scope and magnitude of devastation in some of our communities is unlike anything I have ever seen,” said Gov. Beshear. “I’ve been in close contact with President Obama since Thursday to ensure we will have the resources our families will need to recover from these storms.”
Gov. Beshear authorized the Kentucky National Guard to deploy to communities as needed to assist with lifesaving efforts, security, and traffic control. So far, more than 220 troops have mobilized to five counties in Kentucky.
Kentucky's Governor Steve Beshear, Maj. Gen. Ed Tonini, the adjutant general, and Brig. Gen. John Heltzel, the director of Kentucky's emergency management, assess the damage in West Liberty, Ky. after the tornados of Friday 2 March. (photo courtesy of Kentucky National Guard, Tech. Sgt. Jason Ketterer, Public Affairs).
Both Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson visited storm-stricken areas Saturday morning. Gov. Beshear, along with Sen. Robert Stivers and Sen. Damon Thayer, toured heavy damage in communities in Morgan, Magoffin and Kenton counties. They were joined by Rep. John Will Stacy in West Liberty, Rep. John Short in Salyersville, and Rep. Adam Koenig in Piner.
Lt. Gov. Abramson assessed damage in the community of East Bernstadt in Laurel County with Sen. Tom Jenson.
“Gov. Beshear and I will do everything in our power to speed resources and assistance to our communities as we begin to recover from these storms,” said Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson. “The damage to some of our towns is nearly incomprehensible. This is a difficult time, and we are holding all affected Kentuckians in our thoughts and prayers.”
Storm Numbers
The Kentucky Department of Public Health reports 18 fatalities from the storm:
- Johnson Co.: 2
- Kenton Co.: 3
- Lawrence Co.: 2
- Laurel Co.: 5
- Menifee Co.: 2
- Morgan Co.: 4
Approximately 300 injuries have been reported.
Gov. Beshear declared a statewide emergency Friday to allow local officials immediate access to state resources to assist in public safety and recovery efforts. Twelve counties have declared states of emergency: Bath, Campbell, Johnson, Kenton, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, and Trimble counties as well as the city of Paintsville.
Trained spotters and law enforcement officers throughout the state reported tornadoes in 19 different counties, according to Kentucky Emergency Management. Twenty-seven additional counties have reported damage.
Damage assessments and rescue missions continue. Severe storms began rolling across the Commonwealth Friday afternoon beginning in the far western part of the state and moved north and east of the Ohio River from Indiana.
Avoid Traveling in Communities with Storm Damage
Gov. Beshear strongly urged Kentuckians to heed warnings from emergency managers and stay off the roads and away from affected communities.
“Unfortunately, after a disaster like the one we have experienced, people take to the road for one of two reasons: to offer unsolicited help, or to tour the damage. That’s not helpful to our emergency responders,” said Gov. Beshear. “Our emergency responders and National Guard troops need immediate and unfettered access to our roads, and they can’t effectively continue that work if they’re fighting traffic.”
People who want to offer assistance to affected communities should contact their local Red Cross chapter for information. Emergency managers strongly discourage people from traveling to these communities to offer help.
Missing Persons
Friends or family who have been unable to locate loved ones since Friday’s storms are encouraged to register the missing person’s information on the Kentucky Emergency Management website at www.kyem.ky.gov or through the American Red Cross Safe and Well Program at www.americanredcross.org.
Meeting Critical Needs
Several shelters have opened by the Red Cross to accommodate citizens displaced by the storm:
- Elliott County High School
Main Street
Sandy Hook, KY
- Lawrence County High School
100 Bulldog Lane
Louisa, KY
- Grant County High School
715 Warsaw Rd.
Dry Ridge, KY
- Laurel Fire Dept.
911 TLC Lane
London, KY
- Morgan Co. Community Center
147 Victory Ave.
Bedford, KY
For media updates, contact the Commonwealth Joint Information Center at 502-607-6901, 502-607-6903, or 502-607-6904.
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Weather safety tips and weather alerts by county can be found on the Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) website at www.kyem.ky.gov. Road conditions are available at www.511.ky.gov.
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Story and photos by Staff Sgt. April Davis, 116th Garrison Command, USD-C
Kentucky Guardsmen take a group photo with Governor Steve Beshear at a Victory Base Complex in support of Operation New Dawn, Aug. 2, during governor's visit to Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, 116th Garrison Command, USD-C)
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Governor Steve Beshear met with Kentucky Troops deployed in support of Operation New Dawn, Aug. 2, at Victory Base Complex in Baghdad. The governor met with the advanced element of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Kentucky Army National Guard, as they prepare for the arrival of the rest of their brigade members in Iraq this month.
Governor Steve Beshear talks to Kentucky Guardsmen at a Victory Base Complex in Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, 116th Garrison Command, USD-C)
Governor Steve Beshear (left) walks with Lt. Col. Wendell Calhoun (center), deputy brigade commander of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Kentucky Army National Guard, and Lt. Col. Allen Boone (right), operations officer for the 149th MEB, during his visit with troops, Aug. 2, at Victory Base Complex in Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, 116th Garrison Command, USD-C)
Kentucky Guardsmen talk to Governor Steve Beshear at a Victory Base Complex in Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, 116th Garrison Command, USD-C)
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signs his name on a concrete barrier wall underneath the Kentucky State flag, Aug. 2, at Victory Base Complex in Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, 116th Garrison Command, USD-C)
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Video by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Check out the video of Gov. Beshear and Maj. General Tonini visit to Families of deployed troops.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63_K08q_ibE]
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Story and photos by: Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
The 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade prepares for training at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, August 2010.
FRANKFORT, KY (November 11, 2010) — In the largest mobilization of Kentucky National Guard troops since World War II, the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) received its mobilization orders for Operation New Dawn in Iraq. Over 1,350 Soldiers from across the commonwealth are scheduled to report to their respective armories in June 2011.
“Deploying is not a new concept to the men and women of this brigade,” said Col. Scott Campbell, 149th MEB Commander. “Many have deployed multiple times since 9/11. Although it is never easy to leave families, friends, jobs, and communities, with the support of the citizens of the Commonwealth our Soldiers are committed to seeing this historic mission to a successful conclusion.”
While in Iraq the Kentucky National Guard Soldiers will work alongside troops from Virginia and Utah conducting security force, base defense operations and convoy security operations throughout the United States Forces-Iraq area of responsibility. With all three states combined the total strength of the brigade will exceed 2,600.
“The 149th makes up about 30 percent of our fighting force,” said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Adjutant General for Kentucky. “This brigade is spread throughout our commonwealth and their departure will no doubt be felt by the local communities and, most importantly, our military families. I know our troops will be fully supported and encouraged as they’re serving our country overseas with the Unbridled Service that we have all come to expect.”
Despite the large number of troops taking part in the deployment, Tonini does not anticipate any drop in the Kentucky Guard’s operational readiness here at home. “We will always be able to respond to the needs of the commonwealth in a crisis,” he said.
Once mobilized, the 149th MEB will be nicknamed ‘Task Force Legion’ to honor the Louisville Legion. “Designating this brigade as Task Force Legion,” Col. Campbell commented, “provides us the opportunity to recognize the great tradition of support Louisville has provided us in time of disaster and conflict as well as those that have served honorably before us.”
Commenting on the sacrifice that the Kentucky National Guard troops are making, Governor Steve Beshear said “I’m proud of our troops as they represent our Commonwealth with distinction and honor. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers as they embark to selflessly and bravely serve our nation.”
Since September 11, 2001 nearly 14,000 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have deployed in support of the Global War on Terror. The Kentucky National Guard currently has more than 300 troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the globe.
A Soldier from the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade trains at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, August 2010.
Soldiers from the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade train at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, August 2010.
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By Staff Sgt. Michael J. Oliver, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Col. Neil Mullaney, Col. Mike Farley, Maj. John Holmes, Command Sgt. Maj. Alexander Maloney, Chief Master Sgt. Victor Dry, Staff Sgt. Austin Larsen, Staff Sgt. Jane Rothstein, and Maj. Chris Cline of the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team with the Adjutant General of Kentucky, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini attended the 47th Annual Kentucky Country Ham Breakfast Aug. 26 in Louisville, Ky.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 28, 2010)-Kentucky National Guardsmen of the Agribusiness Development Team were honored guests at the 47th Annual Kentucky State Fair Country Ham Breakfast at the Kentucky Exposition Center Aug. 26.
Steve Meredith of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet speaks to members of the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team at the 47th Annual Kentucky Country Ham Breakfast Aug. 26 at the State Fair in Louisville, Ky.
The event brought more than 1,600 people from around the Commonwealth including Commissioner of Agriculture Richie Farmer, President of Kentucky Farm Bureau Mark Haney, Congressman Brett Guthrie, Sen. Mitch McConnell, Gov. Steve Beshear, and the Adjutant General of Kentucky, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini.
McConnell spoke on the greatness of America and those who fight to protect it, specifically highlighting the Agribusiness Development Team’s mission in Afghanistan.
The ADT I deployed last summer to Bagram, Afghanistan assigned with the mission of assisting Afghan farmers in becoming agriculturally self-sufficient and helped develop their agricultural marketplace. The task force was composed of a mix of Army National Guard Soldiers and Air National Guardsmen with a variety of skills and backgrounds in agriculture matters. The unit completed more than 300 successful agriculture projects and traveled to four Afghan Provinces with no casualties.
Col. Mike Farley, Commander of the first Agribusiness Development Team attended the breakfast with three other ADT I members and several members of ADT III who are set to deploy next summer. Farley and his team returned from Afghanistan two months ago and are still trying to adjust being home.
Members of the Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team with the Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky Department of Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, and Gov. Steve Beshear attended the 47th Kentucky Country Ham Breakfast 26 Aug. at State Fair in Louisville, Ky.
“Your mind never shuts down when you are over there. When you come home it does, but it still takes time,” said Farley. Even though ADT I is home and readjusting, they stay in contact with Kentucky’s second ADT still in Afghanistan.
“We still speak to ADT II every week via email and they continue to have questions about little things going on and how we [ADT I] reacted to it,” Farley said.
The ADT II will be replaced by a third Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team next summer and a fourth ADT is being discussed.
Click the below link to see Farley’s interview with Fox 41’s Lindsay Allen who deployed to Afghanistan for three weeks to embed with the ADT.
http://www.fox41.com/global/Category.asp?c=163829&clipId=5059907&topVideoCatNo=131920&autoStart=true
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtgUPvGSm8M]
If you cannot view this YouTube video, please click here.
OWENSBORO, Ky. (Feb. 26, 2010) — Governor Steve Beshear today joined Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Adjutant General for Kentucky, and local officials in a ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Kentucky Army National Guard Readiness Center in the city of Owensboro, Ky.
“This is a great day for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Kentucky National Guard,” said Gov. Beshear. “In a time when money is tight and other states are losing armories, we are fortunate to have a brand new readiness center that will serve as a home for our great citizen-soldiers and also be a valuable resource for the people of Owensboro and Daviess County. This project speaks highly of our National Guard and the men and women who so proudly serve our nation and state.”
Construction for the $14 million facility will begin later this spring. Located on 20 acres of land adjacent to the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport, the project is expected to take between 12-18 months to complete.
“This new readiness center represents so many things to so many people,” said Maj. Gen. Tonini. “In addition to its main function as a headquarters for our hometown defense force, it will serve as base of operations in times of natural disaster and other emergencies. Last year’s ice storm showed the importance of mission readiness and this new structure puts us ahead of the game in preparing for the future.”
Following the groundbreaking ceremony, Owensboro Mayor Ron Payne presented Gov. Beshear and Adjutant General Tonini with a $1 million check for the old National Guard armory located at 1501 West Parrish Ave. That land will be used as part of the ongoing downtown development project.
The $10.3 million federal portion of funding for military construction is contained in the $446.8 billion dollar Omnibus Bill signed by President Barack Obama in December. The Owensboro facility funding is part of a non-geographic specific $30 million provided the National Guard Bureau, targeted at sites where projects are “shovel-ready.” The Kentucky Department of Military Affairs, through the Governor’s office, funded the design phase of this project earlier in 2009 in order for Kentucky to be best positioned to receive the funding.
The new Kentucky National Guard Readiness Center is the result of a 99-year land lease agreement signed Aug. 12, 2008 between the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs and the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport.
Primarily designed to provide the Kentucky Army National Guard a regional base of operations, the $14 million facility consists of 57,644 square feet of administrative offices, storage facilities, classrooms and drill hall.
Twenty-five percent — or approximately $3.5 million — of the total cost is state-funded through the Department of Military Affairs.
Approximately 17 full-time and 163 part-time personnel will be employed at the new readiness center. The facility will be home to two Kentucky Army National Guard units, Headquarters Support Company and Forward Support Company, both with the 206 Engineer Battalion.
For more information on the Kentucky National Guard, please visit www.dma.ky.gov.
Related Links
- WFIE Channel 14 - “Governor visits Owensboro; armory ground broken“
- WTVW Fox 7 - “Governor breaks ground for new Owensboro armory“
Additional Photos
Army 2nd Lt. John L. McMahan received the Kentucky Medal for Valor from Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and Gov. Steve Beshear in Lexington, Feb. 12. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 12, 2010) - Governor Beshear today joined Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini in presenting the Kentucky Medal of Valor to 2nd Lt. John L. McMahan.
McMahan was recognized for his actions on Jan. 27, 2010 when he rendered aid to a woman trapped in an overturned vehicle in Lotts Creek in Perry County. McMahan stood in freezing water for more than half an hour until firefighters arrived to extricate her from her automobile. He then assisted in bringing her to safety.
The Kentucky Medal for Valor is the highest state decoration which can be awarded to members of the Kentucky National Guard. 2nd Lt. McMahan is the 47th Kentucky Guardsman to have the distinction of having been awarded the Kentucky Medal for Valor.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2010
CONTACT: Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, 502-352-8008
FRANKFORT, Ky. - The Kentucky National Guard is standing by to render assistance to victims of Tuesday’s devastating earthquake in Haiti, officials announced today.
“Kentucky’s Citizen-Soldiers stands ready to respond to this horrible event,” said Governor Steven L. Beshear.
“We have offered our airlift, search-and-rescue, and emergency medical capabilities and resources, but we have not received any official tasking to provide aid at this time,” said Brig. Gen. Mike Richie, Deputy Adjutant General for Kentucky. “Meanwhile, we will continue to assess our resources and prepare for the call to duty.”
Richie oversaw the Kentucky Guard’s relief mission in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
The Kentucky Air National Guard in particular has a distinguished history of supporting disaster relief missions overseas, the most recent being airlift support following a series of deadly mudslides in Ecuador in 2008.
“The Kentucky Air Guard has a broad range of assets that we can rapidly deploy anywhere in the world during a crisis like this,” said Col. Greg Nelson, commander of the Louisville-based 123rd Airlift Wing. “One of our core missions is to provide life-saving help during crises like this earthquake, whether they affect us here at home or our allies abroad. As always, we stand ready today to provide whatever assistance we can, as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
The Kentucky National Guard has more than 8,400 members, most of whom are part-time Soldiers and Airmen with full-time civilian jobs.
