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By Olivia Burton, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
Staff Sgt. Cade Shackelford with his girlfriend Erin Diaz and their 7 month old daughter Isabella outside their new home. Home Builders Care, the nonprofit arm of The Home Builders Association of Lexington dedicated the “Home for a Veteran” to Shackelford and his new family Jan. 25, 2016 in Lexington, Ky. (Photo Credit: HBA, HBC)]
LEXINGTON, Ky. — On a cold January day in Lexington, a Kentucky veteran and his family felt nothing but warmth as they stepped into their brand new home. Staff Sgt. Cade Shackelford with his girlfriend Erin Diaz and their 7-month-old daughter Isabella were chosen for the “Home for a Veteran” building project.
Spearheading the effort was Home Builders Care, a non-profit arm of the Home Builders Association of Lexington. With immense community support, donated labor and materials, a veteran and his family earned the low-mortgage home to honor his service to the United States Military.
City council members, volunteers and friends took part in a dedication ceremony to present this new home to Shackelford and his family.
“It’s hard to believe that we broke ground on this new home on the hottest day of the year last summer and here we are today after a sizeable snow storm,” said David Briggs, President of the Home Builders Association of Lexington. “We are truly honored to provide this home to Cade and his family.”
Shackelford is an active member of the Kentucky National Guard who served in several overseas tours in the Middle East. He is currently serving as a military police officer with the 940th Military Police Company and plans to remain in service until his retirement.
“Saying thank you sometimes you just can’t put into words,” he said. “What everybody has done, what time they’ve donated, what materials they’ve donated, I just can’t express the amount of gratitude that me and my family have for you guys. From the bottom of my heart, from my family to yours, thank you.”
Click here to watch the dedication ceremony in its entirety.
Photos of the dedication event and the home can be found here.
Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Staff Report
Summary of the Kentucky National Guard in the Persian Gulf War 1990-91
Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery move supplies and equipment along the Iraqi border during Operation Desert Storm, Feb. 27, 1991. As one of the few National Guard combat arms units deployed to the theater, the 623rd provided fire support for coalition forces during the conflict. (Kentucky National Guard historical photo)
It’s been 25 years since the United States first went to war in the Persian Gulf. Aug. 2, 1990 saw the invasion of Kuwait by neighboring Iraq, an event that both shocked and outraged the world. Spearheading a 21-member United Nations coalition, the United States initiated Operation Desert Shield, the largest military buildup since the Vietnam War.
On Jan. 17, 1991, Americans at home watched as Operation Desert Shield turned into a Desert Storm. A six-week air campaign preceded what came to be known as “The One-Hundred Hour War,” leading to the swift liberation of Kuwait.
Click here for more historical photos.
Once again Kentuckians found themselves on the forefront of the assault. From Fort Campbell came the 101st Airborne Division, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, and the 5th Special Forces Group. Fort Knox sent elements of its 194th Separate Armor Brigade. Together, the two bases sent 21,500 men and women into battle.
Because of the size and intensity of the planned offensive, reserve components from all over Kentucky were called to duty, performing such diverse missions as ensuring the transportation and accountability of equipment and supplies, providing direct fire support, battlefield medical support and refugee relief, water purification, film and video documentation of military actions, security and handling of prisoners of war. Some reservists served as replacements for active duty units called to action.
Members of the 475th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) stand outside their tent in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm, 1991. (Courtesy photo)
Kentucky can be especially proud of the 1078 Kentucky Army National Guardsmen and women who went to the desert and performed valiantly during Desert Storm.
They were Soldiers with the following units: 137th Transportation Det., 217th Quartermaster Det., 2123rd Transportation Co., 475th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH), 133rd Public Affairs Det., 223rd and 438th Military Police Companies.
Batteries of Kentucky’s 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery served as one of the few National Guard combat arms units activated.
Nearly 400 National Guard units were activated with nearly 40,000 Guardsmen serving in theater.
During the offensive, Kentucky Guard artillery was given the mission of providing fire support for the coalition forces while heavy equipment transportation traveled as far as the Euphrates carrying the load for the advancing troops. Military police personnel processed thousands of enemy prisoners of war and our Mobile Army Surgical Hospital cared for the ill and injured during a post-war humanitarian relief effort.
Back home the C-130’s of the 123rd Tactical Airlift Wing moved personnel and equipment throughout the U.S. in support of Desert Storm, while our engineers assisted in a variety of state and local projects.
U.S. Army Reserve units deployed from Kentucky included the 100th Division, the 807th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, the 888th Medical Detachment, and the 5010th Army Hospital.
Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery deployed to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Storm, Jan-April, 1991. The artillery unit was one of eight Kentucky units activated for service during the conflict. (Kentucky National Guard historical photo)
In all, 23,210 Kentucky Service members from both the active and reserve forces served in Southwest Asia.
“Serving in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm was a very rewarding experience for me as a young officer in the Kentucky National Guard,” said Lt. Col. Allen Boone, who served as a lieutenant with the 623rd at the time.” In less than three years after joining the nationally recognized 623rd Field Artillery, I found myself halfway around the world with some of the finest men in the United States Armed Forces.”
“It was an honor for me to serve in operations which proved to be one of the greatest examples of military power by U.S. Armed Forces in the history of our nation. The years of strategic planning, followed by equipping and properly training personnel for military operations was executed with effective precision in the first 100 hours of ground combat.”
“The motto of the 623rd is “Seize the Opportunity” and it’s Soldiers who served in the Civil War through Iraq and Afghanistan continue a legacy of professional service to our nation at home and around the world.”
PERSIAN GULF WAR TIMELINE (May 1990 – April 1991)
1990 - May 28-30: Iraqi president Saddam Hussein says that oil overproduction by Kuwait and United Arab Emirates is “economic warfare” against Iraq.
July 15: Iraq accuses Kuwait of stealing oil from Rumaylah oil field near the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border and warns of military action.
July 22: Iraq begins deploying troops to the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border and building a massive military buildup.
August 2: About 100,000 Iraqi troops invade Kuwait. Kuwait is in Iraqi control by the end of the day.
August 6: The U.N. Security Council imposes a trade embargo on Iraq in a 13-0 vote, with Cuba and Yemen abstaining. President George H. W. Bush orders the deployment of U. S. armed forces to defend Saudi Arabia in an operation named OPERATION DESERT SHIELD.
August 7: First U.S. troops arrive in Saudi Arabia.
August 8: Saddam Hussein proclaims the annexation of Kuwait.
August 9: U. N. declares Iraqi annexation of Kuwait void.
August 10: Hussein declares a “jihad” or holy war against the U. S. and Israel.
August 12: Naval blockade of Iraq begins. All shipments of Iraqi oil halted.
August 28: Iraq declares Kuwait as its 19th province and renames Kuwait City as al-Kadhima.
September 14-15: United Kingdom and France announce the deployment of 10,000 troops to Saudi Arabia.
December 17: The United Nations sets a deadline for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait before January 15, 1991, or face military action. Hussein rejects all U. N. resolutions.
1991 - January 9: Talks in Geneva, Switzerland, between U.S. Secretary of State James Baker and Iraqi Foreign Minister Tariq Aziz end with no progress.
January 12: Congress grants President Bush authority to wage war.
January 16: The White House announced the commencement of OPERATION DESERT STORM: offensive action against the forces of Iraq under the provisions of U.N. Security Council/U.S. Congressional resolutions.
January 17: The war begins at 2:38 a.m. Baghdad time when AH-64 Apache attack helicopters destroy Iraqi radar sites, later F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighters bomb Baghdad and Iraqi forces. Operation Desert Storm begins.
January 18: Iraq strikes with Soviet-made SCUD missiles on Israel. The U.S. deploys Patriot missiles to Israel and Saudi Arabia.
January 22: Iraqi troops begin blowing up Kuwaiti oil wells.
January 25: Iraqi troops begin “environmental war” by dumping millions of gallons of crude oil into the Persian Gulf.
January 29: Iraqi forces invade the town of Khafji in Saudi Arabia. Iraqi forces are soon engaged by Saudi Arabian and Qatari troops with U.S. Marine artillery.
January 31: Iraqi forces capture Melissa Rathbun-Nealy, the first female Prisoner of War since World War II.
February 1: Iraqi forces are driven out of Saudi Arabia. Allied Forces win the Battle of Khafji. Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney warns U. S. will retaliate if Iraq uses chemical or unconventional weapons.
February 8: Total U. S. troop strength in the Gulf over a half million.
February 12-13: A bombing raid by U.S. forces against Baghdad kills 400 Iraqi civilians in an air raid shelter, and three major bridges.
February 19: Soviet-Iraqi peace plan rejected by President Bush. Oil spill in Gulf now estimated at 1.5 million barrels.
February 22: Pres. Bush issues a 24-hour ultimatum: Iraq must withdraw from Kuwait to avoid start of a ground war.
February 24: Allied Forces invade Iraq and Kuwait at around 4 a.m. Baghdad time. The U.S. Army is the first to enter Iraqi territory.
February 25: An Iraqi SCUD missile hits U.S. barracks near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, killing 28 U.S. troops.
February 26: Saddam Hussein orders the Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait. About 10,000 retreating Iraqi troops are killed when Allied aircraft bomb them, it is called the “Highway of Death.”
February 27: U.S. Marines and Saudi Arabian troops enter Kuwait City. The U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division engages the Iraqi Republican Guard in the Battle of Medina Ridge in Iraq. President Bush declares Kuwait liberated.
February 28: By Presidential order all Coalition offensive operations ceased at 0800 local time.
March 1: The cease-fire plan is negotiated in Safwan, Iraq.
March 17: First U.S. troops arrive home.
April 11: The U.N. Security Council declared a formal cease-fire, ending the Gulf War.
By Sgt. David Cox, 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade
Lt. Col. Mark Brozak, commander of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion furls the unit’s colors with help from Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Foster during an inactivation ceremony in Burlington, Ky., Jan. 10, 2016. After nearly 10 years of service to the Nation and commonwealth, the unit was stood down due to Army force structure changes. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. David Cox)
BURLINGTON, Ky. — Soldiers with 1204th Aviation Support Battalion furled their battalion colors for the last time during an inactivation ceremony Jan. 10, at the National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington, Ky.
The unit of nearly 300 has been inactivated in accordance the Army’s force structure realignment.
Activated in 2006, the 1204th played a vital role in disaster recovery operations during the 2009 Ice Storm and deployed to Iraq in 2011 in support of Operation New Dawn .
Soldiers of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion salute during an inactivation ceremony in Burlington, Ky., Jan. 10, 2016. Activated in 2006, the unit was home to nearly 300 Soldiers. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“From 2006 to today, this unit has probably done more as an ASB than the other 12 currently in the force,” said Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Adams, III, Chief of the Joint Staff. “Being able to deploy as a battalion to five different countries during a time of war says a great deal about the unit and its personnel.”
Click here for more photos.
Lt. Col. Mark Brozak, commander of the 1204th ASB, said “that although the colors are cased, the soldiers of the unit will continue to serve the nation and the commonwealth of Kentucky.”
The 1204th’s mess section finished their service to the unit as recipients of the Connelly Award. The award recognizes food service Soldier that exceed Army standards and operate at a level that showcases teamwork, professionalism, quality and service.
Soldiers expressed a bittersweet satisfaction with what they accomplished while being a part of the unit’s history.
Brig. Gen. Benjamin Adams III presents the Connelly Award to Soldiers of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion during an inactivation ceremony in Burlington, Ky., Jan. 10, 2016. The Connelly Award recognizes food service units and sections that exceed Army standards of food preparation and promote teamwork. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“I’ve been in almost 18 years and this is home to me,” said Staff Sgt. Bill Hyatt, supply noncommissioned officer with Headquarters Support Company, 1204th ASB. “It’s going to be a big culture shock to me because aviation is where I’ve been since I’ve been in the Kentucky Army National Guard and now I’m going to a transportation company.”
“I’m going to be the first person to arrive to the 1204th and the last person to leave.”
The Burlington Readiness Center, home of the 1204th, will continue to be utilized by the Kentucky Guard. Two new units, the 2061st Multi-Role Bridge Company and the 2112th Transportation Company will be stood up this year to operate out the state-of-the-art armory.
See local news coverage here: WLWT 5, WKRC Local 12.
Another year’s in the books, with more pages to document the service of the Kentucky National Guard. Around the commonwealth and across the globe, our Guardsmen once again have displayed what we call unbridled service. Below are a few of our favorite stories of duty and accomplishment.
Thanks to all our friends, families for allowing us to make 2015 another successful year of service to Kentucky and the Nation.
Guard activated for winter storm response
Guardsmen compete in biathlon finals
Air Guard welcomes 9-year-old fighting cancer
Kentucky dedicates Guard memorial
Four million pounds for a purpose
Kentucky hosts Djibouti delegation
Kentucky Guard cuts ribbons on new facilities
123rd Airlift Wing named top airlift unit
Guardsmen support Gubernatorial Inauguration
By Olivia Burton, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
Kentucky National Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 teamed up for the annual Operation Military Cheer to benefit military families during the holiday. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Over the past several years, Home Builders Care, in partnership with Members of the Home Builders Association of Lexington have collected toys, bicycles, clothing, musical instruments and gift cards that have been distributed to more than 650 Kentucky Guard families.
Operation Military Cheer has become a momentous occasion for the local community and military families needing a little help around the holiday season. This year was no exception.
Sgt. Stephanie Williams and Sgt. 1st Class Charity Lane help load donations from the Home Builders Association in Lexington, Ky., Dec. 11, 2015. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
“In 2011, we started a non-profit here at the Home Builders Association called Home Builders Care. Our involvement in Operation Military Cheer has grown tremendously, especially this year,” said Treasurer Don Sullivan. “It is well worth the work and preparation. This is my Christmas.”
Once the toys were collected at the Home Builders Association in Lexington, they were transported to the “North Pole” at the American Legion Auxiliary in Anderson County. Donations flooded Unit 34, ranging from large corporations to single contributors. Ale 8, Mayfield Academy, The Lexington Church and tenants at Bluegrass Army Depot also took the opportunity to help out.
Once the items were organized by local volunteers, they were sent to 16 armories across the state. From Pikeville to Murray, 148 families, including 379 children, will have a little more to smile about this Christmas.
Child and Youth Programs Coordinator Linda Jones shared their reason for the season, “It not only warms my heart to see all these kids get gifts for Christmas that wouldn’t have otherwise, but it warms my heart to see fellow military families and the community step up and take care of these kids for Christmas.
Kentucky National Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 teamed up for the annual Operation Military Cheer to benefit military families during the holiday. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
The Kentucky Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 have spearheaded the drive to serve families in need this holiday season.
On behalf of the State Family Programs Office, we would like to thank everyone for their contributions and sacrifices made to provide help to our families. If you would like to learn more about this program or are a Service member in need of assistance, please call 1-800-372-7601 opt 1.
By Brendan P. Bartholomew, San Francisco Examiner
Crocker Middle School students packed up donated items into an Army Humvee in Hillsborough, Calif., to send to troops in Afghanistan. (Courtesy LeAnn Thornton)
HILLSBOROUGH, Calif. — U.S. Army personnel recently visited Crocker Middle School in Hillsborough, where students filled their Humvee with care packages bound for troops in Afghanistan.
The event capped what has become an annual tradition at the school, where kids reach out to their community, soliciting donations of food, personal care products, holiday decorations, and other items intended to provide soldiers overseas with the comforts of home.
Hillsborough adopted the Army’s 1st Brigade combat team, 101st Airborne Division (air assault) in 2007. Crocker Middle School began collaborating with the city and the Hillsborough Police Department on the Adopt-A-Unit campaign in 2012, when coordinator LeAnn Thornton contacted teacher Audrey Fairchild, asking if her students would sign a holiday banner for deployed troops. The students responded by asking what other forms of support they could provide.
This year, the unit from 101st Airborne is back home, so the school adopted the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 1163rd Area Support Medical Company, a team of reservists whose ranks include a police officer and a commercial airline pilot, along with doctors, nurses, and EMT firefighters.
The 1163rd ASMC is attached to an Army combat hospital in Afghanistan, where they provide emergency medical services, both to base personnel and individuals airlifted in from other locations.
The soldiers say the care packages have a positive impact on troop morale by uplifting the spirits of those serving abroad.
Army recruiter Staff Sgt. John Kaleski and reservist Sgt. Rick Nelson accompanied the Humvee at Crocker. Kaleski enjoyed talking with the students about everything from “Star Wars” to their favorite football and soccer teams. He was deployed in Afghanistan in 2003 and Iraq in
2004.
“We had all the local kids talking like Snoop Dogg,” Kaleski laughed.
According to Thornton, the care packages have played a role in establishing good will with Afghan children. Last year, Crocker students collected about 100 pounds of
Halloween candy, which they included in the care packages. This year, the students collected three times that amount.
When troops shared the candy with Afghani kids, the children responded by showing them where hidden explosives were located. “The Halloween candy literally saved lives,” Thornton said.
Kaleski noted the Army has base stores where deployed troops can acquire life’s necessities, but the inventory rarely changes. Part of a care packages’ magic is it might contain specific brands that remind a soldier of home. “When my sister was sending me a care package, all I wanted was Chef Boyardee Beefaroni,” Kaleski said.
Sentiments like Kaleski’s are part of Crocker student Jocelyn Murphy’s motivation for participating in the care package campaign.
“As they’re putting their lives on the line, they deserve something they actually recognize from home,” Murphy said.
Fellow student Christopher Mahoney also talked about the life-and-death stakes deployed soldiers might face.
“I think it’s good to support troops because they’re risking their lives,” Mahoney said, “They enlisted, and that’s very selfless.”
See the original story at the San Francisco Examiner here.
Gov. Bevin announces solution to tuition assistance shortfall
GOVERNOR BEVIN ANNOUNCES SOLUTION TO THE KENTUCKY NATIONAL GUARD TUITION ASSISTANCE SHORTFALL
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 14, 2015) – Last week it came to the attention of Governor Bevin that nearly 700 Kentucky Guard members had been denied tuition assistance due to an unforeseen funding shortfall. Upon hearing of this situation, Governor Bevin immediately began to work with Adjutant General Hogan and State Senator Chris McDaniel to find a solution to allow these Guard members to enroll in classes for the spring semester.
Today, Governor Bevin met with leaders of the Kentucky higher education institutions to request that the Kentucky National Guard members be able to enroll for the spring semester with the understanding that the state will reimburse the universities for any funding shortfall in the upcoming budget session.
“I am pleased to announce that we have found a solution for the Guard members who were denied tuition assistance due to a lack of funds,” said Governor Bevin. “This afternoon I met with the university and community college presidents and they have graciously agreed to front the tuition assistance for the Guard members until the state is able to provide reimbursement.”
“This solution will ensure that the Kentucky Guard members’ academic enrollment is not adversely impacted while we work to finalize funding,” Governor Bevin continued. “I thank the leaders of our higher education community, Sen. McDaniel, and Adjutant General Hogan for partnering with us in this effort to restore the benefits that had been promised. This program is a small token of appreciation for the sacrifices made by the men and women serving us proudly in the Guard.”
The General Assembly set aside $5.3 million for the program, but that is approximately $1 to $2 million short of the total amount needed to fully fund the requested assistance. The Administration is looking at funding options both within the current budget as well as the budget for the upcoming session. The House and Senate leadership have expressed commitment to ensure that this obligation is met in the next budget cycle. The Kentucky National Guard members that have been affected should directly contact their higher education institution with questions.
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By Staff Sgt. David Bolton, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Sgt. Caleb Simmons with the 940th Military Police Company salutes a passing Color Guard during the Gubernatorial Inauguration parade in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 8, 2015. Kentucky Guard military police Soldiers assisted local law enforcement in securing areas near the Capitol for events surrounding Gov. Matt Bevin’s public swearing in. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Walt Leaumont)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Out in full force, the Kentucky National Guard celebrated with fellow Kentuckians as Gov. Matt Bevin was publicly sworn in Dec. 8, in Frankfort. Also sworn in was Army Brig. Gen. Stephen R. Hogan, the Kentucky Guard’s 52nd adjutant general.
“This is really the one big event we get to do every four years to really support the Commonwealth and let them know we have a band,” said Sgt. Shari Kinslow, a musician assigned to the 202nd Army Band.
“For us, this is the time of year where we get to be compared to some of the active duty bands up in D.C.,” she said.
The 202nd played several events for the inaugural celebration, including the private swearing-in ceremony, the parade and the public swearing in.
The inaugural events were special for Kinslow since this was her last performance before retirement. She served 20 years with the Kentucky Guard.
“I’ll miss this, it’s more like a family than just a unit,” she said.
Click here for more photos.
Spc. Josh Goldener, military police with the 1103rd MP Detachment, and Officer Mike Davidson, Frankfort Police Department, conduct traffic surveillance for Governor Matt Bevin’s inauguration at the Capitol building in Frankfort, Ky. Dec. 8, 2015. Present at the inauguration was the Kentucky National Guard’s new Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Stephen R. Hogan. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. David Bolton)
More than 150 Soldiers and Airmen were on duty in a variety of roles in and around the downtown area.
If the event patrons didn’t know the Kentucky Guard has a band, the 19-round artillery salute proved the Kentucky Guard has artillery. Getting the 105mm Howitzers and personnel in place, took special planning and coordination.
“You have to know how many people it will take to fire the guns, and coordinate the transportation of the artillery pieces from Lexington to Frankfort,” said Master Sgt. Joseph Mattingly, intelligence non-commissioned officer, 138th Field Artillery Brigade. “You have to draw ammo from Fort Knox, make sure everyone knows what’s going on, and run through rehearsals.”
As the liaison officer between color guard and artillery salute, Mattingly said the hardest part of the event was making sure he could reach everybody and keeping everyone on a timeline. The duty, he said, was fulfilling.
“It’s always an honor every time you do something like this,” said Mattingly.
Spc. Josh Goldener, said the honor of serving and protecting the attendees of the inauguration is a memory that will last with him a lifetime.
“It’s a huge honor to get to be a part of both the new governor and TAG’s first day,” said Goldener. “I mean this is history. I’m standing here getting to serve in something that happens every four or eight years. It’s very cool to be able to say I was a part of this and someday I can tell my kids or grandkids I was part of this event.”
Goldener provided security with his unit, the 1103rd Law and Order Detachment. Along with members of the 940th Military Police, the Kentucky Guard force ensured the safety of the patrons downtown.
“The hardest part is really just dealing with the circumstances surrounding today,” said Goldener.
“Not only because of its importance,” he said, “but because of what’s going on everywhere in the world at this time. We’re all on high alert even though there is no specific threat, we’re doing our best to stay vigilant and make sure we catch anything before it happens.”
The Kentucky Guard’s 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade closed out the inaugural ceremonies with a flyover of three UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.
Soldiers and Airmen of the Kentucky National Guard act as Color Guard during the inaugural parade in front of the Capitol building in Frankfort, Ky. Dec. 8, 2015. The parade was part of the inaugural day activities for newly-elected Governor Matt Bevin. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. David Bolton)
In his closing remarks, Bevin – a former U.S. Army officer – thanked the Guard for being part of the day and always being ready to serve.
“We thank those of you who have paid that price and to your families,” said Bevin. “Thank you for all your support. Our thanks go to the men and women who have served, so that we might gather here.”
Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Staff Report
Governor Matt Bevin congratulates Brig. Gen. Stephen R. Hogan following Hogan’s swearing in at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 8, 2015. Bevin selected Hogan as the 52nd adjutant general, commanding the Kentucky National Guard. (Photo by Marvin Young)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Retired Brig. Gen. Stephen Hogan, who served more than 30 years in the Kentucky National Guard and active duty Army is the state’s next adjutant general, Governor-elect Matt Bevin announced Dec. 7.
Hogan was sworn into office shortly after midnight, Dec. 8, succeeding Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini who has served in the role since 2007.
Hogan said he will be taking charge of a National Guard organization that is among the best in the nation. Hogan was officially introduced to members of the Kentucky Guard during a welcome ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center following the inauguration.
“This is a wonderful feeling to be before you today,” said Hogan to those in attendance. “I am very honored and humbled to be back in uniform for an organization that I have a great deal of confidence in.”
Brig. Gen. Stephen R. Hogan, Kentucky’s adjutant general walks in the Inaugural parade in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 8, 2015. Hogan was selected by newly-elected Governor Matt Bevin to lead the Kentucky National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Click here for more photos.
As Kentucky’s 52nd adjutant general, Hogan will command the nearly 8,000 military members of the Kentucky Army and Air National Guard. He will also oversee the statewide Department of Military Affairs, Kentucky Emergency Management, the Appalachian and Bluegrass Challenge Academies and Bluegrass Station in Avon, Kentucky.
The cabinet-level post administers an annual budget of approximately $170 million to support operations at 56 armories, three major training sites and the Air National Guard base at Louisville International Airport.
Hogan brings a wealth of experience to the job, formerly serving as assistant adjutant general for the Kentucky Army National Guard. In that role, he was responsible for balancing the requirements of readiness, modernization, force structure and sustainment of the National Guard for mobilization and domestic missions. He oversaw specified units that provided wide ranging support to the National Guard’s federal and state mission sets, as well as those units that provided specialized support to civil authorities.
Hogan was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Morehead State University in 1985. He earned a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2008. In 2010 and 2013 he completed the U.S. Northern Command Joint Task Force Command Course and U.S. Northern Command Joint Dual Status Commander’s Course.
Hogan’s significant active duty assignments included tours with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky; 6th Infantry Division Light, Fort Richardson, Alaska; The Army Operations Center at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., and Multi-National Corps Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq. When not serving on federal active duty, Hogan served in the Kentucky Army National Guard as an active duty Guardsman with the State’s Counter-Drug Unit, from June 1993 to February 2011.
Command Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops congratulates Brig. Gen. Stephen R. Hogan on becoming Kentucky’s newest adjutant general during an introduction ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 8, 2015. Hogan was officially introduced to members of the Kentucky Guard following the gubernatorial inauguration. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Hogan rode in the Inaugural parade through downtown Frankfort to the Capitol to attend Bevin’s public swearing in. Bevin praised Hogan’s service and expressed his trust in Hogan’s future as the leader of the Kentucky Guard.
“It is my pleasure to name Brigadier General Stephen R. Hogan as adjutant general for the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Bevin. “We owe our freedom and safety to the men and women of our military. General Hogan has served our country and our commonwealth with honor and distinction and understands first hand, the critical importance of the Citizen-Soldier. I have absolute confidence that he will be an excellent Commanding General.”
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.”
