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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
Story by Olivia Burton, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
Representatives from Ale-8-One delivered donations to the Kentucky National Guard’s Operation Military Cheer in Lawrenceburg, Ky., Dec. 9, 2014. Pictured left to right: Shirley Thornberry, Cindy Culver, Sgt. 1st Class Paul Hunt, Linda Jones, Fielding Rogers, Ann Ripy, Pam Brough, Capt. Geremy Harper. (Photo by Olivia Burton)
LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard’s annual Operation Military Cheer got some additional help this year from a famous Kentucky company.
As a part of its #P8TRIOT campaign this season, Ale-8-One partnered with Operation Military Cheer to donate to the American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34.
Cindy Culver, Kentucky National Guard Child and Youth Coordinator hugs a child at “Santa’s workshop” of Operation Military Cheer in Lawrenceburg, Ky., Dec. 9, 2014. Culver said the program assisted 151 military families and nearly 400 children in Kentucky for 2014. (Photo by Olivia Burton)
Ale-8-One team members visited Patriot Hall in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, on Dec. 9 to bring the toys and of course, cases of Ale-8-One for the volunteers and families. On-site to greet the Ale-8-One team members were members of the Kentucky Guard and the American Legion Auxiliary.
“It was truly a joy for our employees to collect toys and gifts for such a wonderful organization,” said Fielding Rogers, 4th Generation Owner of Ale-8-One. “Operation Military Cheer brings smiles to so many faces during the holidays and we were pleased to play just a small part.”
The toy drive was part of an effort by the Kentucky National Guard’s Family Assistance Center to ensure that the children of Kentucky’s military families across all of the uniform services – active duty and reserve, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard – have a memorable holiday season. Contributions for this year’s drive came from a wide range of sources, local businesses, civilians, churches and schools as well as Kentucky National Guard troops and their families.
“Every year my family donates to multiple charities, food drives and participate in Operation Military Cheer,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Peel. “Donating money to charities is easy but isn’t something that gets kids excited. Operation Military Cheer provided me the opportunity to get my children more involved in giving. My kids now look forward to this time of year and start asking me in November if the announcements have come out.”
“We are so pleased to let everyone know that we had 151 families ask for assistance and that included 384 kids,“ Cindy Culver gladly announced to the Family Programs Office in Frankfort, Kentucky. “With the support of local organizations, businesses, and good Samaritans, toys were distributed to families across the Commonwealth in an effort to make the holidays a little brighter for service members.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
A family member waves to Soldiers of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation during a video teleconference as part of a holiday luncheon in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 6, 2014. Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini and Kentucky’s Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen attended the event with the families of the deployed unit. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT,Ky. — Despite some technical difficulties, live video and sound finally came through the wire, and anxious family members saw loved ones on the large video screen. Several Kentucky families were joined via video teleconference with their deployed Soldiers at the Kentucky Guard’s annual holiday luncheon in Frankfort, Dec. 6. Kentucky newest lieutenant governor, Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen joined Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini in greeting the parents, wives and children of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation currently deployed to the Persian Gulf Region.
The tradition, started by Gov. Steve Beshear in 2009, gathered the family members of those deployed to honor them for their sacrifice, reminding them that the leadership of Kentucky is there for them.
Kentucky Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen speaks to family members of deployed Soldiers during a holiday luncheon in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 6, 2014. The event included a video teleconference with Soldiers of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation deployed to the Middle East. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“It’s really wonderful to have the adjutant general and the Kentucky Guard to be as supportive as they have been,” said Ashley Flanagan, Bravo Co.’s Family Readiness Group leader. “This is just like bringing a little bit of the holidays home.”
Dressed in holiday outfits, children ran back and forth in front of the video camera, stopping occaisionally to point at a familiar face on the screen. Toys were distributed, crafts were made and smiles filled the room. Families discussed recent happenings, University of Kentucky basketball games and the rainy Central Kentucky weather. A holiday atmosphere exactly as planned said Lt. Col. Michael Stephens, commander of the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade.
“That’s what this event is about and is always about,” he said. “We invite families together to show them that we care. As a brigade commander those Soldiers are my children too, therefore their family members are my family, and we are here to support one another.”
Gov. Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear were unable to attend this year’s event, a first for the couple, but Lt. Gov. Luallen was more than happy to fill the role of host. Luallen said it was an honor for her to be there and that her own personal experiences have proved to her how difficult deployments can be.
“I know what a sacrifice it is for everyone of you to be without them during the holidays. It is so important to the security of the state and to the security of the nation that we have a strong Guard, like we do here in Kentucky.”
Family members of deployed Soldiers applaud the Soldiers of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation during a holiday luncheon in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 6, 2014. The unit deployed to the Middle East in June and is expected to return in the spring of 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Bravo Co. deployed to the Middle East in June of 2014, flying UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters in airlift support missions for U.S. military operations throughout the region. They are expected to return in the Spring of 2015.
Flanagan is also the wife of Bravo Co.’s commander, Capt. Cliff Flanagan. This is her first deployment away from her husband. She said she wasn’t sure what she was getting into, becoming the commander’s wife and FRG leader, but thanks to the support of the brigade and the Kentucky Guard, she called it an easy ride.
“Being able to see the families interact with each other, you never know who’s able to speak with their loved ones or not, so for the Kentucky Guard to set that up and see it was amazing.”
The unit has deployed several times over the past decade, but the most recent is the first for many of it’s members, including Sgt. Ethan Skaggs who serves as a crew chief. Skaggs family turned out in a large number to enjoy what they called a great support network.
“It was great to come here and see our loved one on the video,” said Ethan’s mother, Donna Skaggs. “I even got to see him put up a ‘Hi Mom’ sign. So that’s our Ethan.”
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.
Spc. Ryan Stull, a medic with Headquarters, Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery, sends a greeting back home for Thanksgiving from his duty station at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Alexa Becerra, 2/138th Public Affairs)
The Kentucky National Guard is deeply thankful for all of our men and women in uniform across the Commonwealth. As we celebrate this Thanksgiving Day with friends and family, let us not forget the brave Kentuckians supporting overseas operations in Afghanistan, Africa and around the world.
Story by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard
Pictures by Maj. David Page, Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS
Governor and first lady, Steve and Jane Beshear, examine Leland Caty's specially decorated keep-sake during a holiday celebration held December 3 at the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion armory located in Independence, Ky. The Governor was accompanied by Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, the adjutant general, and his wife, Carol. Leland's step-father, Spc. Neal A. McIver is a member of the 1204th.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (3 DEC)- Governor Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear joined Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini and his wife, Carol in a holiday visit on Dec. 3 with the families of the Kentucky National Guard’s 1204th Aviation Support Battalion in Independence, Ky. and the Agribusiness Development Team3 in Frankfort, Ky.
“The folks over there couldn’t do their jobs without these families giving them support,” said Beshear to a gathering of families from the 1204th.
Captain Brandon C. Candee helps son, Cade, with a puzzle during the Joint Forces Headquarters holiday celebration held December 3 in Frankfort, Ky., the Capitol Plaza Hotel.
The 1204th ASB is made up of approximately 325 Soldiers from Kentucky and another 275 from Alabama, Florida and Maryland. The troops are currently deployed to Iraq and Kuwait where they are performing aviation maintenance missions in support of Operation New Dawn. They are expected to return home sometime later next year.
After a morning visit in Independence, the Governor and Adjutant General flew to Frankfort to share time with families and Soldiers at their holiday banquet.
“We’re thankful for all of the families and all the support they give our Troops. Our Soldiers and Airmen can’t do their jobs without the support of our loved-ones here at home,” Tonini expressed to a packed hall at the Capitol Plaza in Frankfort.
The luncheon in Frankfort honored the families of the Joint Force Headquarters of the Kentucky National Guard, as well as the families of the Kentucky Guard Agribusiness Development Team 3 currently serving in Afghanistan. The banquet hall had a two-way video conference with the Troops in Afghanistan, 8 ½ hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
The Waller family, Shannon, wife, Matthew and Madalyn, children talke with loved one, Sgt. Kerry Waller, who is a member of Kentucky National Guard's Agribusiness Development Teams (ADT) III currently deployed to Afghanistan, over video during a holiday celebration held December 3 in Frankfort, Ky., the Capitol Plaza Hotel.
“This kind of communication keeps everyone positive especially during the holidays when it’s harder with the distance and everything,” said Kristine Mullaney, wife of the KYNG ADT3 Commander, Col. Neil Mullaney.
With approximately 45 Soldiers and Airmen, KYADT 3 is charged with sustaining the relationships built between former KYADTs and Afghan farmers to ensure the country becomes agriculturally self-sufficient through development of the agricultural marketplace. The unit is expected to return home early next year.
Since 9/11, more than 14,000 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have mobilized in support of the Global War on Terror. The Kentucky National Guard currently has nearly 1,700 troops deployed worldwide.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS
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Santa gets a little help from Kentucky National Guard Youth Program Coordinator Cindy Culver and some volunteers during last year’s Operation Military Cheer. More than 440 young people from military families received clothes, shoes, and toys donated by service members, veterans and community organizations. (Kentucky National Guard file photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Can you believe that it’s that time of year? With the holidays right around the corner it’s time for all of us in the Kentucky National Guard family to reach out and help our fellow soldiers and airmen who may need assistance.
And what’s the most effective and direct way to do that? Why, Operation Military Cheer, of course!
“Last year we were able to provide gifts consisting of clothes, shoes, and toys for over 440 youth in the Kentucky National Guard,” said Cindy Culver, State Youth Coordinator. “This year we hope to provide for even more.”
“There is a great need for support out there,” said Linda Jones, State Youth Assistant Coordinator. “With the help of each service member, Family Readiness Group, and especially our local communities, we can bring a lot of comfort to these military families that sacrifice so much of themselves for our country.”
Do you need assistance?
Are you or do you know a service member in need? The FAC has applications that will help you get assistance in time for the holidays. If you know someone who might need a little help, encourage them to fill one out. Deadline for the application is December 5.
Helping a military family
You may also choose to adopt one of our military families. Once you file an application the FAC will will contact you with the age, gender, sizes, and special interests of a child you can assist. Packages must be delivered to the Kentucky National Guard Child and Youth Services in Frankfort no later than December 12.
Click here for Operation Military Cheer 2011 applications
Operation Military Cheer 2014 Application
For more information contact Cindy Culver Cindy.culver@us.army.mil or Linda Jones Linda.jones15@us.army.mil. You can also call them at 1-800-372-7601.
DWA
Story and photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs
Frankfort, Ky. (Dec. 2, 2010) — Charity begins at home, so the saying goes, and Kentucky National Guard troops and their families are banding together for the sixth year in a row to create a little comfort and joy during the holiday season.
Linda Jones and Cindy Culver pull double duty with the Family Assistance Center as "Christmas elves" as part of the Kentucky National Guard's Operation Military Cheer. At last count more than 210 Guard youth have been designated to receive gifts ... and the number keeps on growing.
“Times are tough for a lot of our Guard families the past few years,” said Cindy Culver, State Youth Coordinator for the Kentucky National Guard. “And in Kentucky we’re all family, so we’re getting together to take care of each other.”
“Getting together” is what the Kentucky Guard’s Family Assistance Center does best. Since 2005 the FAC has run Operation Military Cheer, connecting those in need with those who can.
The process is fairly simple: Guard families who cannot afford holiday gifts apply for assistance through the FAC and those requests are handed out to donors who want to help their fellow Soldiers and Airmen.
That first Christmas the program supported about 40 children in need and the numbers have grown every year since. Culver cited the uniqueness of the National Guard as a definite factor in the program.
Wrapped up and ready to go under the Christmas tree! This gift bag is numbered and targeted for a Guard family in the Morehead area.
“When you think National Guard you have to remember that most of our troops have civilian jobs that are affected by the economy,” said Culver. “So many are affected, especially with layoffs and cutbacks going on all across the workforce. Last year we were able to help more than 300 youth in the Kentucky National Guard family. So far this year we’ve got requests to provide for more than 210 youth from 87 families. We expect that number to increase significantly over the next several days.”
Requested items range from bicycles and toys to clothing.
“Anything is a good thing,” said Culver. “We just want everyone to get something for Christmas.”
The deadline to apply for assistance is Dec. 7. All applications received after that will be considered on a case by case basis.
To find out how you can become part of Operation Military Cheer contact: Cindy Culver @ cindy.culver@us.army.mil or Linda Jones @ linda.jones@us.army.mil. You can also reach them through the Family Assistance Center hotline at 1-800-372-7601.
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DWA
Frankfort, Ky. (Dec. 1, 2010) — You only have a couple of days to act if you
want to make sure your loved ones overseas have a merry Christmas and a happy
New Year!
Jennifer Mason and her husband Chief Warrant Officer Travis Mason join their daughter, Ashley Best, in putting together Christmas packages for deployed troops. (Photo courtesy Military Missions)
“We encourage everyone to get their care packages in the mail by this Saturday,” said Jim Barber, Family Assistance Coordinator for the Kentucky National Guard. “That’s the deadline for getting presents to the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq in time for the holidays.”
Barber says the Family Assistance Center gets a lot of calls this time every year about sending care packages.
“We can provide information on what units are deployed and addresses to send gifts,” he said. “The one thing we don’t do is provide postage. The sender has to take care of that.”
Becky Walton and Beth Bates work on Christmas cards to send to the troops. Becky's husband, Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Walton, is with the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion. Beth's husband, Maj. Frederick Bates, is with Agribusiness Development Team II in Afghanistan. (Photo courtesy Military Missions)
Local groups have already gotten a head start on making sure the holidays are celebrated by troops overseas. Jennifer Mason, a Family Readiness Support Assistant with the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade, organized a recent packing party for Operation Send Christmas held in Frankfort.
“We sorted and separated donated items and packed them up to be sent to every deployed Kentucky service member,” said Mason. “We send packages to troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo. We want everyone to know that they’ve been in our thoughts.”
Mason credits Beth Pennington, founder of the Lexington, Ky.-based Military Missions for getting the packages to the troops.
“A lot of troops don’t get anything from home,” said Mason. “Beth works with the units to make sure everyone gets something for Christmas.”
There are some limitations on what you can send. Restrictions include no alcohol, drugs and other contraband. A complete list can be found at your local post office. Also, a customs form must be completed listing the items contained within each package. That form can be obtained at the post office or downloaded at www.usps.com.
Call the Family Assistance Center at 800-372-7601 for more information on sending packages to the troops overseas.
To learn more about Military Missions visit www.military-missions.org.
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