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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs, with contributions by Kentucky State Police Public Affairs
The Kentucky State Police Academy presented diplomas to 45 new troopers at ceremonies held in Frankfort on Oct. 29. Among the new Troopers were three Kentucky Guardsmen. (Photo courtesy of Kentucky State Police)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky State Police Academy presented diplomas to 45 new troopers at ceremonies held in Frankfort, Oct.29. Their addition to the force brings the agency’s strength to a total of 880 troopers serving the citizens of the Commonwealth.
Of those 45 new troopers three are all too familiar with wearing a common uniform and standing for something bigger than themselves. They are also Kentucky National Guardsmen.
Staff Sgt. Jordan Carter with the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery graduated from the Kentucky State Police Academy Oct. 29, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Kentucky State Police)
Staff Sgt. Jordan Carter with the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery, 1st Lt. Jacobe Farmer with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry and Sgt. Michael Jacobs from the 2123rd Transportation Company each accepted a new role and responsibility to the commonwealth.
“The National Guard had taught me numerous skills and values that helped me as a soldier,” said Jacobs. “However, I wanted a new challenge with similar interests that would help me adapt to a civilian career that I would enjoy.”
“I always wanted to be a Trooper. I figured that joining the Guard would help me obtain that goal,” said Carter. “Plus I like helping people so it provided a great opportunity.”
The new troopers are part of the agency’s 93rd cadet class. They reported for duty on May 24, 2015 in a class that consisted of 70 cadets.
The training included more than 1,000 hours of classroom and field study in subjects such as constitutional law, juvenile and traffic law, use of force, weapons training, defensive tactics, first aid, high speed vehicle pursuit, criminal investigation, computer literacy, hostage negotiations, evidence collection, radio procedures, search and seizure, crash investigation, drug identification, traffic control, crowd control, armed robbery response, land navigation, electronic crimes, sex crimes, hate crimes, domestic violence, bomb threats and hazardous materials.
1st Lt. Jacobe Farmer with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry graduated from the Kentucky State Police Academy Oct. 29, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Kentucky State Police)
Each Guardsman expressed a true desire to help others, the same thought that inspired them to join the military.
All three also are grateful for the training they have received in the Guard, which helped them through the Kentucky State Police Academy.
“Joining the guard prepared me in numerous ways and instilled in me the seven Army values which should be something that everyone lives by,” said Carter. “Being a Trooper involves so much and the seven Army values aren’t just “valued” by the Army. They are incorporated in the daily life of a Trooper as well.”
“Multi-tasking and attention to detail go hand and hand with what I have picked up from being in the Guard and my military training towards my career field in law enforcement,” said Farmer. “As a Trooper I will deal with a variety of events and at times they will be one after another and/or all together and for me to be able to handle many tasks at once while not leaving out important details is essential in my field.”
Lt. Col. L. Allen Joiner, commander of the 1/623rd said the unit is proud of Carter and their decisions of selfless service in multiple uniforms, a benefit he has seen first hand.
“Serving both on the State Police force and in the Kentucky National Guard, these individuals are able to acquire knowledge and experience that saves lives during Kentucky natural disasters and emergencies when these organizations are working side by side,” said Joiner. “An example is during the 2009 ice storm, one of our Soldiers, who was also a State Police officer was able to use his civilian position resources to provide current road conditions to our military units across Western Kentucky.”
Sgt. Michael Jacobs from the 2123rd Transportation Company graduated from the Kentucky State Police Academy Oct. 29, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Kentucky State Police)
Carter will be assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green and Jacobs Post 16 in Henderson. Farmer joins Post 4 in Elizabethtown alongside Indiana National Guardsman Brad Holloman.
“Joining the KSP is not for the weak-hearted or weak-minded and it takes a special person to be a Kentucky State Trooper,” said Farmer “The training academy to many people would be the most physically enduring thing they have done, but in the end you are a part of the KSP family and the honor, respect, and tradition that it has and upholds.”
“Being a Trooper will benefit my military career in regards to maintaining discipline, staying vigilant, and performing at a higher standard,” said Jacobs. “I look forward to learning in both roles as a Soldier and Trooper to be the best I can be for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
Story and photos by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
email: david.altom@us.army.mil
October 7, 2010
Part two of a three part series
Staff Sgt. Bart Greenwood and Master Sgt. Brett Hightower have a close encounter with an Alaskan native. Hightower holds a miniature version, a gift from his children that accompanied him during his wartime deployments. (Photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
As anyone who has “been there, done that” can attest, humor is a great stress reliever as well as part of the teambuilding process. Friendly jibes are passed between the warriors and the resulting comebacks invariably trigger a back blast of laughter among the team. On the water Hightower gets the reputation of having the worst luck catching fish until the very last minute. That is when he pulls in one of the largest catches of the day.
Master Sgt. Brett Hightower loves being in Alaska with his brothers in uniform. "This trip meant the opportunity to spend time with Kentucky National Guard Soldiers. The fellowship, the kinship, you kind of miss that." (Photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
Master Sgt. Brett Hightower with the catch of a lifetime. Hightower is one of six injured Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers who took part in Operation Wounded Warrior Alaska. (Photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
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“Way to go, master sergeant!” someone hollers. Hightower’s grin reveals an impish pleasure. Eyes alight, he takes the kidding, refines it and tosses it back, igniting a secondary burst of laughter. He’s just glad to be with the troops and they’re glad he’s with them.
“For me this trip meant the opportunity to spend time with Kentucky National Guard Soldiers,” says Hightower. “It’s the first time since my injury that I’ve been with a group of Guard guys who have been deployed, who have a whole lot in common, who have been injured. These are guys who have been deployed and served our state and our nation honorably.”
His smile is emphasized by a dimple on his cheek, a subtle reminder of his 2008 encounter with a grenade and small arms fire.
“The fellowship, the kinship, you kind of miss that.”
Jaremy Austin was wounded in a IED blast during his 2005 deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. "This is way beyond what I expected," he says of Operation Wounded Warrior Alaska. (photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
Austin’s humor pushes the envelope, but the team understands. He lost an eye when a car bomb exploded on him in Iraq. He now has a Chevrolet insignia printed on the side of his glass replacement and he isn’t shy about showing it to the guides or anyone else who is standing within range. A moment of disbelief is followed by guffaws and laughter, and an instant bond is formed.
“I’m here, but I ain’t all there,” Austin says with a boyish smile that belies his injuries.
Getting in and out of the boats is not easy for the 28 year old war veteran, but he carries on like he is still wearing the uniform. Not once during the expedition does he complain. Like the others, he feels like he has won the lottery.
“This is way beyond what I expected,” he says. “I love the outdoors. I like fishing back home, but this is Alaska.”
Chatter between catches gets the troops talking about their experiences. Austin talks about his year in Walter Reed. The others let him go on, and then someone gets a bite and the rhythm changes completely.
Austin smiles in the ensuing chaos. “I love this. The best thing about this has been the camaraderie with the guys. I think it’s more because I’m with Kentucky guys.”
Jaremy Austin, Sgt. Casey Cooper and Ricky Brooks band together to bring in a halibut. "This best thing about this has been the camaraderie with the guys," says Austin. "I think it's because I'm with the Kentucky guys." (photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
"W" for "wounded warrior": Jaremy Austin, Sgt. Casey Cooper and Ricky Brooks display the spoils of battle. (Photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
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The concept of comradeship may seem cliché in today’s media saturated society, but here on the Kenai Peninsula it defines this team. At one point Austin fights to bring in a halibut, his injured arm giving out after an epic fight. Brooks and Cooper pitch in and all three have hands on the rod as the fish is drug into the net. Beaming with pride, they pose with their trophy, Austin giving the “W” sign – “wounded warrior.”
The warriors’ stories are like their injuries, similar, but different. Hit by a VBIED (vehicle born improvised explosive device) in 2005, Brooks found his wounds compounded by the death of his brother-in-law, Eric Lee Toth, who was killed in the blast. Out of the Guard now, Brooks currently serves as a Kentucky State Trooper. He looks at the trip as a way to reconnect with his military past and share his experiences with new friends.
“When I got the call to go to Alaska it caught me completely off guard,” he says. “This is a trip I always wanted to do. It’s a dream come true. I’ve got a new network of friends, some good times and stories I’ll tell when I get back home.”
He pauses for a moment. “I’ll never forget being wounded. And I’ll never forget Alaska. This is something I’ll remember the rest of my life.”
Hit by a vehicle-born IED in 2005, Brooks' found his injuires compounded by the loss of his brother-in-law, Eric Lee Toth, who was killed in the same blast. (Photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
Brooks and Austin working together in search of halibut on Cooks Inlet, Alaska. "I'll never forget being wounded," says Brooks. "And I'll never forget Alaska. This is something I'll remember the rest of my life." (Photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
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Brooks’ energy contrasts with that of Cooper, who was injured during the March 20, 2005 firefight at Salman Pak, Iraq. Cooper does not talk much about the war, focusing more on his family and friends and duties as a full-time Guardsman. Looking younger than his battlefield experience – he is “carded” at least once in a restaurant – his quiet reserve is broken during moments like the fight to bring in the halibut.
A great day to be in the Kentucky National Guard! Sgt. Casey Cooper enjoys a day of halibut fishing on Cooks Inlet, Alaska. (Photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
“I felt obviously honored and privileged,” the military police NCO says of his invitation to go on the trip. “I felt a sense of ‘why me’, as opposed to those who are more deserving. Some of these guys continue to fight their battles on a daily basis. These are the ones who really deserve this.”
Cooper served a second tour of duty in Iraq since his injuries and continues to help train Soldiers. He is also married to a Guard member, Staff Sgt. Emily Cooper. His professional and private lives intertwined, he is thoughtful about what trips like this mean to his fellow troops.
A long way from Iraq. Sgt. Casey Cooper has served a second tour of duty since the 2005 Battle of Salman Pak. "I felt obviously honored and privileged," he says of being invited to Alaska. "Some of these guys continue to fight their battles on a daily basis." (Photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
“Any show of faith from the military and private sponsors is a great morale boost for these guys. This shows that the support we get from the Kentucky National Guard is more than lip service. They really provide the kind of support these guys need.”
(Tomorrow: Gratitude, reflections and home)
Story and photos by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
email: david.altom@us.army.mil
October 6, 2010
Part one of a three part series
The scenario is familiar. Getting up at oh-dark-early, the gathering together of Soldiers and gear on a quiet airfield. The smell of aviation fuel and the call of “Load up, gentlemen.” The hurry up and wait. The long flight. And finally, in country.
Six Kentucky Citizen-Soldiers, all wounded warriors, offload their gear from their ride, an Air National Guard C-17. They smile and laugh. They have plenty of reason to be happy. This time their destination is not the streets of Baghdad or some lonely outpost in Afghanistan. This time it’s the wilderness of Alaska. Their assignment: a few days of adventure, fun, and – most importantly – comradeship.
A joint effort between the Kentucky National Guard and dozens of generous individuals, Operation Wounded Warrior Alaska has a single focus – take a small group of battered war veterans who put their lives on the line for their fellow Soldiers and their nation, remove them from their daily grind and give them a chance to rejuvenate, recreate and reconnect.
And what better backdrop than the last great American frontier?
Hurry up and wait: Master Sgt. Brett Hightower enjoys the spacious accommodations of a Mississippi Air National Guard C-17 en route to a week of healing and adventure. Hightower was one of six injured Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers who took part in Operation Wounded Warrior Alaska. (Photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
Kentucky Army National Guard Sgt. First Class Chuck Reed came up with the idea for the trip. A retired Kentucky State Trooper and a member of the Guard for 37 years, Reed is a frequent visitor to the 49th state and a part-time employee at the Salmon Catcher Lodge where the troops will stay during their visit.
“I thought, what a great way, if we could work out a trip for some of our wounded warriors,” Reed says. “I talked with Terry Johnson, the owner of the lodge, and he was extremely supportive. It took a little while but we worked things out.”
Reed’s expectations are simple. “I just want the guys to experience Alaska because they have paid so much and given so much. It is just one way to help reinvigorate their fighting spirit and to possibly pay back a little.”
The wounded warriors include Master Sgt. Brett Hightower, Staff Sgt. Ricky Brooks, Staff Sgt. Ken Wininger, Sgt. Casey Cooper, Spc. Henry James and Spc. Jaremy Austin. Staff Sgt. Bart Greenwood, an Iraqi War veteran, serves as their escort and support staff. They are all met by Reed upon their arrival at Elmendorf Air Force Base, just outside the city of Anchorage, following a chain of flights courtesy of a Kentucky National Guard C-23 Sherpa and a Mississippi Air National Guard C-17.
Spc. Henry James, Spc. Jaremy Austin and Staff Sgt. Bart Greenwood share a moment at an arts fair in Anchorage before heading out for the Kenai Peninsula. Camaraderie between the troops was strong throughout Operation Wounded Warrior Alaska. (Photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
The schedule begins with a visit to the city of Anchorage, then a leisurely drive to the Kenai Peninsula for several days of fishing and taking in the Alaskan countryside.
Alaskan hospitality is evident everywhere the warriors travel. Seventy-four year old Ron Fike welcomes the Kentuckians to his home, an aircraft hangar adjacent to a lonely gravel airstrip. Fike, the archetype Alaskan, smiles modestly as he shows off his experimental plane and workshop. The troops are fascinated as he tells of chasing a bear off his property just a few days before.
“I’m a disabled veteran, too, from Korea, so I can identify with them,” says Fike. “I’m glad to see men like that come and visit.”
Korean War veteran Ron Fike (center) shows off his pride and joy to the Kentucky Guard wounded warriors. Surrounding Fike are Chuck Reed, Jaremy Austin, Casey Cooper, Ricky Brooks, Brett Hightower, Ken Winninger, Henry James and Chad Carroll. (Photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
Airplanes in Alaska are like pickup trucks in Kentucky. It seems that just about everybody has one. Johnny Evans, an Alaskan state park ranger and friend of Reed, flies as part of his ranger duties. Unlike Fike, who lives in an apartment in his hangar, Evans built one on the front of his house. The Kentuckians feel privileged when they are told they have full run of the house during a dinner held in their honor.
Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Reed and Alaskan Park Ranger Johnny Evans discuss their favorite subject: Alaska. "I just want the guys to experience Alaska because they have paid so much and given so much," says Reed. (Photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
“Alaskans love the veterans,” Evans says. “When I told everyone the wounded warriors were coming to visit, there was an outpouring of food and money to help them out on this trip. People appreciate what these guys have done for our country. I am honored. I respect these guys and love’m. I’d do this all the time if I could.”
Despite being told “take it easy and have fun, guys,” the troops pitch in wherever the need comes up. During the cookout at Evans’ home Brooks and Wininger take over grilling duties, freeing the host to entertain his guests. When Evans jumps in his airplane – in t-shirt and flip-flops, no less – and takes off to run an errand, he showers gravel into his newly constructed hangar. Hightower, ever the NCO, puts down his Alaskan beer, picks up a broom and starts sweeping. A few minutes later and the hangar looks brand new and ready for inspection.
“Now that’s a Soldier,” someone says. Everyone smiles and nods.
Old habits die hard.
(Tomorrow: Humor, adventure and brotherhood. Oh, and some fishing, too!)
Spc. Jaremy Austin and Staff Sgt. Ricky Brooks give their approval. Both were severely injured by improvised explosive devices while serving in Iraq with the Kentucky Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery. (Photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs Office)
