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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Sgt. Lerone Simmons, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Retired Chief Warrant Officer William H. Canon, former shop foreman assigned to the 2113th Transportation Aircraft Maintenance Company, poses with a new UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter after a ribbon cutting ceremony for Kentucky’s new Army Aviation Support Facility and introduction of a new fleet of UH-60M’s, Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 14, 2015. Canon gave thirty five years of his life to providing maintenance to Kentucky’s aircraft. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lerone Simmons)
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Sitting in a new multi-million dollar facility, retired Chief Warrant Officer William Canon Jr., reminisced about providing maintenance to the Kentucky National Guard’s aircraft in high winds, pouring rain, freezing cold and summer heat.
“When I first joined, our pilots had recently flown in World War II,” he said. “Our equipment was old and we didn’t have adequate places to work.
“We had to park trucks around the helicopters to make sure the wind didn’t hit them directly,” said Canon. “The elements are one of the worst things when it comes to properly maintaining aircraft.”
Capt. Yancey York confers with SPEC5 William H. Canon as he prepares for a flight in a OH-13E, circa 1960. (Photo courtesy Chief Warrant Officer(R) Harold Canon)
Click here for more photos.
Canon enlisted in the Army in 1950 and retired in 1990. He would join a fledgling aviation program in 1955.
In 1959, the Kentucky aviation assets found a new home in Frankfort, Kentucky, at the Capital City Airport. Then, 18-or-so-years later in 1971, Canon witnessed a state-of-the-art facility erected at Boone National Guard Center – the Army Aviation Support Facility. A hangar for the helicopters assigned to Kentucky. During his tenure, Canon rose to the level of shop foreman, assigned to the 2113th Transportation Aircraft Maintenance Company, and retired out of the old AASF.
But on Oct. 14, he joined hundreds of other current and former Kentucky National Guardsmen as the ribbon was cut, ceremoniously showing off the Kentucky National Guard’s newest AASF at Boone National Guard Center. He also got to view, sit in, and touch the new UH-60M, the Army’s newest in the Blackhawk fleet.
The new AASF is 126,000 square feet and uses geo-thermal heating and cooling, solar power, 80 kilowatts photovoltaic solar power, high efficiency lighting, daylight harvesting technology, and radiant floor heating. It holds several offices for staff, classrooms, a gym and plenty of space.
“We come from a time where we didn’t always have a climate controlled area or lots of space,” said Canon’s old company commander, retired Lt. Col. Willoughby S. Goin III, a former pilot with 12,000 flying hours.
“This will help allow the Guard to be able to deploy troops to any affected areas in a timely manner,” he said, “at times when ice storms, tornados and floods can destroy roads, the Guard can then utilize the air from this facility.”
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky and other special guests honored Canon in their remarks during the building’s dedication. The Kentucky Guard’s aviation safety record was also bragged upon during the remarks.
Sitting from left to right, retired Army Chief Warrant Officer William H. Canon, former shop foreman who was assigned to the 2113th Transportation Aircraft Maintenance Company, retired Army Lt. Col. Jere Roche, former commander of the 441st Medical Detachment, and retired Army Lt. Col. Willoughby S. Goin III, former commander of the 2113th Transportation Aircraft Maintenance Company, carry on a conversation after a ribbon cutting ceremony for Kentucky’s new Army Aviation Support Facility in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 14, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lerone Simmons)
Kentucky hasn’t had any major accidents or loss of life for the span of the last 250,000 flying hours, which Tonini said boils down to a huge feat of great maintenance and outstanding flying. He added that the Kentucky Guard has flown at least 15 missions over the Commonwealth during times of disaster, also while supporting the Joint Support Operations counterdrug efforts and overseas contingency operations.
For the many aviation retirees and current Guardsmen who maintain the Commonwealth’s air assets, the day was a reunion and a celebration of moving forward.
“What I’ve seen is outstanding,” said Canon. “I’m proud the progress we’ve made.”
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 22, 2015) – “As a result of the tragic events in Chattanooga, many states took some measure of action to increase the protections for their National Guard members in the area of weapons. In Kentucky, we had already anticipated these scenarios and had in place the protections that these other states recently created.
Click here to see Governor Beshear’s executive order.
First, guard members are permitted to carry weapons when they are on duty.
Secondly, guard members on duty at any of our facilities or recruiting stations may legally carry licensed concealed weapons in accordance with state law, a practice encouraged by guard leadership.
Adjutant General Edward Tonini established this policy in 2013 as a safety and security measure in response to any threats against guard personnel at recruiting stations, training facilities, armories, administrative offices, on state property or anywhere else state law allows.
However, in light of recent events, it is both reasonable and prudent to ensure that we are doing all we can to safeguard those men and women who protect us.
Today’s Executive Order directs Adjutant General Tonini to take any additional steps necessary to increase security in order to keep our guard members and citizens safe. As the head of the Commonwealth and of the National Guard, I want to ensure the safety of our National Guard members, where they train and recruit. This is a major priority of this administration.”
– Gov. Steve Beshear.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Kentucky Guardsmen join supporters of the Brian Injury Alliance of Kentucky (BIAK) for a rally at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., March 12, 2014. BIAK held the rally to show support for legislation up for vote by Kentucky’s elected officials. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard joined with the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky (BIAK) and its supporters for BIAK’s 2014 Rally at the Rotunda in the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., March 12.
BIAK acts as the voice for the more than 225,000 Kentuckians have been affected by brain injuries. The purpose of the rally was to push support for legislation that would benefit those affected and strengthen laws for guarding against future brain injuries.
Col. Michael Gavin, State Surgeon for the Kentucky National Guard speaks to supporters of the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., March 12, 2014. The Kentucky Guard was on hand to support BIAK and their work to assist Service members and their families affected by brain injuries. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“It is important that Kentuckians understand the prevalence of brain injuries and their devastating impact on the lives of both the victims and their families,” said Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear to the crowd of supporters pledging his support for the legislation and declared March 12 as Brain Injury Awareness Day in the commonwealth.
Speakers noted that one in five Kentucky families are affected by a brain injury and that Kentucky’s numbers are nearly double the national average for brain injuries. In the military, more than 294,000 members have suffered a brain injury during the Global War on Terror.
Kentucky National Guard State Surgean Col. Michael Gavin spoke about his experiences in treating brain injuries, both on the battlefield and here at home. During a 2005 tour of duty in Iraq he treated more than 138 injuries due to improvised explosive devices. One of his own Soldiers suffered brain trauma after being hit by an IED while on patrol.
“He wanted to be well, to serve his fellow Soldiers, but he was unable to do so because of this very real injury. This was a frightening experience for all of us.”
Gavin reinforced the necessity for awareness about brain injuries and their treatment. “This is an experience which occurs to some degree to almost 1.6 milllion of our countrymen every year. Fortunately, and because of your efforts, we are making strides in the best treatment which is prevention, and in disseminating information about the most appropriate evaluation and treatment of these all too common injuries.”
State Auditor Adam Edelen spoke of how BIAK resembles a family taking care of their own and the relevance of that work ethic to the crisis of brain injuries.
Gov. Steve Beshear reads a proclamation declaring March 12 as Brain Injury Awareness Day in Kentucky during a rally for the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., March 12, 2014. Beshear then presented the plaque to Mary Hass and Chell Austin with the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky during the rally. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“I know of no other organization anywhere in Kentucky that does a better job advocating for those in their critical point of need than BIAK,” he said.
The Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky is a non-profit agency that began in Lexington, Ky. in the early 1980s and is now based in Louisville, Ky. BIAK seeks to share its philosophy, experience and skills with survivors, family members, students, caregivers, administrators, health professionals, legislators, the lay community and all those who desire to make a difference in the life of individuals with brain injuries and their families.
For more information, visit BIAK’s website at www.biak.us
Legislation up for support by BIAK included:
House Bill 235 - An addition of 303 new slots in the ABI acute and long-term Medicaid waivers in the Governor’s Executive Summary.
House Bill 157 - A bill requiring certain physicians to get training in recognizing the subtle signs of child abuse.
House Bill 199 - A bill that improves the requirements for booster seats and will protect Kentucky’s children.
House Bill 33 - A bill that improves on Kentucky’s texting and driving legislation.
House Bill 256 - A bill that will create a registry for adult abuse offenders to protect Kentucky’s vulnerable citizens.
Senate Bill 98 - Provides protection to Kentucky’s vulnerable citizens.
Staff report
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Responding to a devastating winter storm that shut down most of the state, Governor Steve Beshear directed in January 2009 for Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, to order the unprecedented activation of all Kentucky Army National Guard units, along with selected portions of the Kentucky Air National Guard. This was the largest state call up of Kentucky National Guard forces in the history of the Commonwealth.
Take a look at the following for some behind the scenes moments from that remarkable mission.
Click here for the full story.
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear views winter storm damage in rural Kentucky while en route to Louisville, Ky. to meet with Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson. (Kentucky National Guard photo)
Soldiers from A Co. 103rd Brigade Support Battalion cut down trees overhanging the roadways caused by the damaging ice storm that hit the commonwealth Jan. 29. Approximately 500 Kentucky National Guardsmen were mobilized in response to the storm to assist in clearing roadways, transporting supplies and securing shelters throughout the state of Kentucky. (Kentucky National Guard photo)
Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard walk rural roads of McDaniels, Ky. providing “Wellness Checks” to its residents during emergency ice storm relief efforts. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis Flora / KyANG)
Soldiers of the 307th Component Repair Company prepare to transfer cases of MREs from a C-23 Sherpa aircraft to a 2.5 ton truck for transport to the distribution facility at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. on Monday, February 2, 2009. (Kentucky National Guard photo)
Staff Sgt. Burkman of the Kentucky Air National Guard knocks on the door of a resident of McDaniels, Ky. providing a “Wellness Checks” during emergency ice storm relief efforts. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis Flora / KyANG)
Army Sgt. Joshua White, 206th Engineer Battalion, talks with residents of Leitchfield, Ky. as part of a door-to-door health and welfare visit program conducted by members of the Kentucky National Guard. (Kentucky National Guard photo)
Army Sgt. Joshua White, 206th Engineer Battalion, delivers water to residents of Leitchfield, Ky. who have gone without it since power outages have shut down water treatment facilities in Grayson County, Ky. (Kentucky National Guard photo)
Kentucky Air National Guard member, 2nd Lt. James Campbell, 123rd Maintenance Squadron. Receives a grateful hug from a resident in Banadana, Kentucky during ice storm relief efforts. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis Flora / KyANG)
A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter lifts off on a mission as part of the emergency relief efforts following a massive ice and snow storm that has ravaged Kentucky. (Kentucky National Guard photo)
In a light hearted moment Kentucky Air National Guard Master Sgt. Karen Fulton and her team share a light hearted moment, exchanging high fives with a dog belonging to a victim of the ice storms at the LaCenter, Ky. relief station. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo)
Posted by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Photos courtesy of Drew Franklin, Kentucky Sports Radio, and Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky Guard
University of Kentucky coach John Calipari joins Governor Steve Beshear and Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini in greeting deployed Kentucky Guardsmen overseas via Skype from Calipari’s office in Lexington, Ky., Jan. 23, 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LEXINGTON, Ky —University of Kentucky head basketball coach John Calipari, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, and Adjutant General Edward Tonini conducted a Skype call with Kentucky Guard Troops deployed overseas for a third year in a row. Kentucky Troops stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Afghanistan and the Middle East had more than 40 minutes to “Coach” the Coach, while hearing inside-the-locker room strategy from the head coach of the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament victors.
Below are pictures of the Skype session, pictures courtesy of Drew Franklin, Kentucky Sports Radio.
Session memorables:
LUNCH?
Spc Lerone Simmons, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba exclaimed, “Hey Coach, when I get back to the states and after the Wild Cats win the 2014 NCAA championship, I’d like to take you out for lunch to listen to how you strategize a winning game.”
Coach Cal began his discussion on game-strategy, and offered to have this lunch at the Governor’s mansion. The discussion continued with dialogue regarding specific games played by UK thus far.
As the conversation waned, Spc. Simmons stood up and asked, “So, we still on for lunch then, Coach?”
CAMP FATHER-SON.
A Kentucky Troop stationed in the Middle East mentioned how great his experience was during the UK Father/Son basketball camp. Coach Cal talked about how great of a learning experience the camp is for both father and son. The father coaches his son and the son sees his father play basket ball.
Coach Cal extended a special invite to the Fathers deployed overseas.
PRANKS AMONG FRIENDS
A Kentucky Troop stationed in Afghanistan asked UK Basketball player Julius Randle how he was going to retaliate against the pranks of his fellow Wild Cats. Julius explained, “Prior to the U of L game, my mom had to drop off a new pillow ’cause the guys put hot sauce on my pillow.”
So, how Julius was going to ‘get even’ with his fellow teammates? “It’s on a need to know…but it’s gunna be good!”
Links to Coach Cal/Skype Call articles:
KentuckyGuard.com
http://kentuckyguard.com/deployed-kentucky-guardsmen-get-facetime-with-coach-cal/
CoachCal.com
http://www.coachcal.com/26924/2014/01/coach-cal-cats-visits-kentucky-guardsmen-via-skype/
Kentucky Sports Radio
http://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/coach-cal-gov-beshear-poythress-and-randle-talk-to-troops-overseas/
Story by Staff Sgt. Sidney Hoffmann, ADT 5 Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear presents Kentucky’s Agribusiness Development Team 5 with the Governor’s Outstanding Unit Citation during the Joint Force Headquarters’ Christmas dinner held at the Capital Plaza hotel in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 7. ADT5 was rewarded for their outstanding meritorious unit performance during their deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard has sent five agriculture development teams to Afghanistan since 2007. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the teams strived to improve the capabilities of local farmers across Afghanistan with a unique approach to the civilians in a country at war. The Soldiers and Airmen took knowledge of irrigation, food preservation and veterinary medicine to the people. Skills that would prove just as important as the Service members’ military training.
In October of 2013, that mission came to an end as the final Kentucky ag team safely returned from their deployment.
Col. Bob Hayter presents Capt. Forrest Holdsworth of Agribusiness Development Team 5 the Governor’s Outstanding Unit Citation in Louisville, Ky., Dec. 13, 2013. Each member of the unit received the awards which was presented by Governor Steve Beshear a week earlier. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sidney Hoffmann)
In recognition of the team’s lasting work in Afghanistan, Agribusiness Development Team 5 was awarded the Governor’s Outstanding Unit Citation Dec. 7, 2013. Governor Steve Beshear presented the unit commander, Col. Bob Hayter with the award during the governor’s annual Christmas luncheon with military families in Frankfort.
One week later, Hayter shared the award with the 38 other members of the ADT 5 at the unit’s Yellow Ribbon event in Louisville, Dec. 15.
“It was a great tour for me and is a tremendous honor to be recognized for what we were able to accomplish in Afghanistan,” said Hayter. “I am thankful and fortunate to have been a part of this mission as my last deployment before I retire. If the team takes anything away from this mission, it was a combination of leadership, division, correction and execution that made us a success.”
To see more photos from the award ceremony, click here.
ADT 5 is only the second unit to received the citation since its inception in 2007. The 201st Engineers received the first in 2012.
The award was established to acknowledge a unit’s contribution to the mission for which they were deployed. ADT 5 certainly fit the bill as they were able to build a veterinary clinic, establish a youth agribusiness program and provide long lasting skills and resources to continue to expand and enrich many surrounding communities in Afghanistan.
Master Sgt. Zakiya Taylor, an Air National Guardsman from Louisville served as a project manger for ADT 5. She said the award validates the hard work of the unit.
“The deployment was a rewarding experience,” she said. “I was able to work with some amazing young people who were in charge of their villages, but were hungry for knowledge and skills. Receiving this award brings the meaning of our mission to life by Governor Beshear’s acknowledgement.”
Story by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Joyce and Ashley Watts talk to their Guardsmen, Capt. Justin Watts with the 103rd Brigade Support Battalion, via videoconference during the Family and friends celebrated the holidays during the Joint Force Headquarters’ Christmas luncheon held at the Capital Plaza hotel in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 7. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
FRANKFORT Ky. – An abundance of smiles graced faces from all around the world on Saturday, all in one room.
Family members of deployed Kentucky Guardsmen were given a unique opportunity to see their Soldiers and Airmen via video teleconferencing as part of the annual Joint Forces Headquarters Christmas luncheon at the Capital Plaza hotel in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 7.
Guardsmen from the 103rd Brigade Support Battalion, currently serving in Afghanistan, the 2nd Battalion, 238th MEDEVAC, currently in the Persian Gulf region, the 123rd Security Forces and the 123rd Civil Engineer Squadron, also serving in Kuwait, greeted friends and family in attendance. Governor Steve Beshear also shared the special afternoon with the families and members of the Kentucky Guard leadership.
Kentucky’s Governor, Steve Beshear and Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini and his wife Carol, joined family members of deployed Guardsmen in celebrating the holidays during the Joint Force Headquarters’ Christmas luncheon held at the Capital Plaza hotel in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 7. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
David Ball, son of Sgt. 1st Class Michael Ball, a medic with the 2/238th MEDEVAC, misses his father greatly. He was able to hear from him during the luncheon.
“Not having him home is hard,” said David. “I miss him everyday. I’m proud of what he’s doing though. My dad is a medic, so he saves lives every day and also protects our country.”
To see more photos from the event, click here.
Governor Beshear spoke on behalf of the people living in the Commonwealth of Kentucky as he thanked our Guardsmen and family members.
“We’ve had almost every kind of natural disaster in the state of Kentucky,” said Beshear. “From hurricane like winds to ice storms. Kentucky’s National Guardsmen are always ready and willing to help whenever I call. It takes a special kind of person to be strong for both your families here at home and, at the same time, for your soldier in harm’s way overseas. That’s a special kind of sacrifice and commitment.”
Family members weren’t the only ones who were able to videoconference with the troops. Brig. Gen. Benjamin Adams, Chief of the Joint Staff for Kentucky, jumped at the opportunity to talk to the Guardsmen.
“Being able to communicate with the Soldiers overseas means everything to me,” said Adams. “I’m glad they are able to see their families during this time of year and I can’t wait until they get home.”
Brig. Gen. Benjamin Adams, Chief of the Joint Staff for Kentucky, speaks with troops deployed overseas via a videoconference during the Joint Force Headquarters’ Christmas luncheon held at the Capital Plaza hotel in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 7. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
Guardsmen from the 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment currently stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba were also invited to participate however, they couldn’t communicate due to their signal strength. Even though they didn’t get to see him, David and Diane Bolton, parents of the 133rd’s Sgt. David Bolton were able to speak to their son over the phone the morning of the Christmas luncheon.
“Being able to hear his voice is such a blessing,” said Diane. “He lived in China for 2 years and we were able to talk to him every day. But this is completely different. We only get to talk to him every couple of weeks. We asked what he wanted us to send for Christmas and all he wants is cold weather. We miss him a lot but we are very proud of what he is doing.”
While the family members were able to see their loved ones, a special visitor, also known as Santa, visited the children during the event. Several were excited to give Santa their Christmas list of what they would like under their tree.
Mason Peach, son of 1st Sgt. Keith Peach with the 103rd Brigade Support Battalion, only wanted one thing for Christmas and his birthday combines, to see his father. During the videoconference, he received his gift.
“Being able to see him was awesome,” said Mason. “It’s the only thing I wanted.”
Even though their Soldiers were far away, friends and family members were filled with joy as they saw the faces of their Guardsmen. Lots of food, fun and smiles filled the banquet hall as they gathered to celebrate the season and their loved ones. Even if they only talked to them for a couple minutes, it gave them hope until their Soldier or Airmen returns.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Governor Steve Beshear joins Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, and state and local elected officials in cutting the ribbon on the new Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 21, 2013. The facility will act as the hub of operations for future emergency response throughout the state. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear joined Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, the adjutant general for the Kentucky National Guard and emergency management officials from across the state for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Oct. 21, 2013.
The two-story, 26,150 square-foot facility replaces the former CEOC, built in the 1970s. The new building is constructed to withstand a variety of threats and weather conditions, including winds of up to 250 miles per hour. It is also outfitted with complete state-of-the-art communications technology to ensure rapid and efficient response during natural disasters and emergencies.
Governor Steve Beshear speaks to a crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting for the new Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 21, 2013. Gov. Beshear called the facility a lifeline to all 120 counties in the state in their time of need. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Stephen Martin)
“This facility is a huge step toward bringing Kentucky’s emergency operations where it needs to be in the 21st century,” said Gov. Beshear. “As nice as it is, this is more than a building, it’s the lifeline to all of Kentucky’s 120 counties in times of trouble.”
To see more photos from the ribbon cutting, click here.
Tonini called the CEOC a symbol of the commitment made to the people of the Commonwealth. He recalled stories from past floods and tornadoes that wreaked havoc across the state, with the emergency response coming from cramped rooms in an out-dated building.
Beshear and Tonini both complimented the emergency operations staff and first responders in attendance, calling them the reason why Kentucky is a national model for emergency management.
“I am very enthusiastic about this new Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center and the effect it will have on Kentucky’s ability to respond in the future,” said Tonini. “This state-of-the-art, nearly $12 million facility, with all of the latest gear and systems, with its media room and conference rooms and planning rooms, it’s not worth a nickel without our people.”
“Our emergency managers are among the best in the nation, and they have proven their worth time and time again,” said Gov. Beshear.
Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini explains to Governor Steve Beshear, features of the new Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 21, 2013. The tour followed the official ribbon cutting of the $11.8 million facility which took less than two years to complete. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The new center is capable of supporting more than 200 personnel during a disaster response, including Kentucky Emergency Management, the Kentucky Guard, state and federal agencies and private partners.
A large crowd gathered in front of the new building for the ribbon cutting including state and local elected officials. One in attendance has first hand knowledge of the abilities of those who will work in the facility. Pendleton County Judge Executive Henry Bertram spoke of the day he awoke to a completely flooded city in 1997. The rising waters of the Licking River devastated his county and surrounding areas. He contributed the resilience of the people affected to the work of Gov. Beshear and the agencies that will call the CEOC home.
“This place is a tool to give people the opportunity to put their community back together after a natural disaster,” he said. “The only reason we got back to our lives, was the people with emergency management.”
The new CEOC, funded at $11.8 million, was completed on time and at approximately $400,000 under budget. Nearly $10 million of the funding came from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program. The Kentucky Department of Military Affairs and Office of Homeland Security provided the remainder.
Story by 1st Lt. Gus LaFontaine, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signs into law, House Bill 224 in Frankfort, Ky., April 16, 2012. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jason Ketterer)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — In 2007 Jarred Turner enlisted in the Kentucky Army National Guard. When he enlisted he expected most of the conventional benefits that accompany Guard enlistment: educational opportunities, employment and financial prospects, and training in soldiering and leadership. What he didn’t expect was that the Kentucky Guard would provide a way to pay for his family’s adoption of twin girls.
Fast forward to April 16th, 2012. Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed into law House Bill 224, enacting the Kentucky National Guard Adoption Benefit Program. The law allows active members of the Kentucky Air and Army National Guard to be reimbursed for a portion of the costs incurred during the adoption process. Qualifying members of the Guard may be eligible for up to $5,000 of adoption costs of a special-needs child and up to $3,000 for any other child adoption. Kentucky’s First Lady, Jane Beshear, championed the law, which goes into effect July 12, 2012.
For Turner the timing was perfect. He began the adoption process three months ago.
“We had been looking to adopt because we wanted more kids and my wife was not ready to carry children during a pregnancy,” said Turner. “Once we started talking about adoption my wife ran with it.”
Not long after that they were given an opportunity to become foster parents to twin girls. They received a call that the girls were at the University of Kentucky Hospital awaiting them.
“We brought the girls home from the hospital in April when they were just a few days old,” said Turner. “They had been in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) because they were two weeks premature. They were under-weight and had a weak immune system.”
Sgt. Jarred Turner’s newest family photo with wife, Rena, their daughter, Michelle, son, Mason and adopted twins. The twins’ faces are concealed for privacy as the adoption process has not been finalized. (Courtesy photo from the Turner family)
Turner and his wife are hopeful that foster care will lead to the ability to adopt the girls.
“It would be amazing to have these guys. We’ve watched them progress through every step. They had a lot of issues when they were born. One was 5.7 lbs. and the other was three and a half pounds. They’ve tripled in weight,” said Turner.
The Turner’s have already started the lengthy process to adopt. They’ve been working with state caseworkers during this process.
“The caseworkers have told us it will take about two years to adopt from the time of birth. Both of our caseworkers seem pretty hopeful that we will be able to keep the girls, said Turner.”
Adoption is not only a lengthy process, but also a costly one.
“We expect the cost to adopt to be about a thousand dollars per child,” said Turner. “Most of that are lawyer expenses. At the end of the day we don’t have an extra two thousand dollars. We would sell something or take out a loan. This new law will make it easy for us not to worry about that and take care of the girls.”
Freddie Maggard, Community Relations and Outreach for the Kentucky National Guard, is helping get the word out about this new benefit for Soldiers.
“Sgt. Turner’s family is exactly who this bill was designed to help when we first discussed the issue with Mrs. Beshear,” said Maggard. “House Bill 224 directly helps Kentucky National Guard families through a difficult and challenging process. As an adoptive parent, I understand the stress associated with adoption. With House Bill 224, the Commonwealth and the Kentucky National Guard is yet again saying that family truly does come first. I’m honored to have played a small role in House Bill 224, this law will positively affect Kentucky families for many generations to come.”
For Turner, this unexpected benefit further impacts his conviction in the honor of being a Guardsman.
“The Kentucky Army National Guard has done a lot of great things for me. I love the Guard.”
Staff report
Photos by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Cutting the ribbon: Gov. Steve Beshear and Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini are joined by Brig. Gen. Pat Dolan, Col. Steve King, Owensboro Mayor Ron Payne, State Command Chief Warrant Officer James Sims, State Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Armstrong and State Command Master Chief Jim Smith. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
Click here for more photos.
OWENSBORO, Ky. – On May 30 Gov. Steve Beshear joined Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s Adjutant General, along with state legislators and local officials in dedicating the new Kentucky National Guard Readiness Center in Owensboro, Ky.
Built on land adjacent to the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport, the $14 million facility is the Kentucky Guard’s flagship readiness center in the region. It has more than 35,000 square feet of offices, classrooms, drill halls and storage and will function as home for the 206th Engineer Battalion.
“When it comes to keeping our people safe and secure, we have a top-notch organization in the Kentucky National Guard,” said Gov. Beshear. “Having a top-notch center of operations will strengthen their abilities even more.”
“This new center is truly a tribute to collaboration among federal, state and local agencies, as well as between the military and public sectors,” he added.
“The Kentucky National Guard has a long history here in Owensboro and Daviess County,” said Tonini. “We’ve been here since 1946 and we’ve enjoyed great partnership with the local communities.”
“Events such as last year’s flooding here in western Kentucky and the tornadoes in West Liberty underscore the importance of mission readiness at the state level,” added Tonini. “This new structure puts us ahead of the game in preparing for the future. We’re especially proud of this new facility for not only what it will do for the effectiveness of the Citizen Soldiers that will call it home, but what it represents to the citizens in the region.”
The new readiness center is designed to train soldiers in support of the missions of the Commonwealth and the nation. The facility offers a staging area to receive and/or deploy Soldiers and Airmen, and expands the maintenance capability and support of military equipment assigned to units in western Kentucky. The center will serve as the Regional Emergency Operations Center, and offers Homeland Security support in multiple arenas.
The facility also features an energy efficient design with shaded windows and efficient heating/cooling. The Kentucky Guard plans to install solar panels to reduce energy bills.
