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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
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.
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Staff Sgt. Luis Berdecia of the 138th Fires Brigade holds the door of a Humvee as children climb inside for a look during the 2013 Student Technology Leadership Program in Lexington, Ky., March 28, 2013. Students had the opportunity to see the inside of military vehicles, try on helmets and talk with the Soldiers about their technical jobs in the military. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Army National Guard can have way too many acronyms, some too confusing for even the most veteran of Soldiers. Try JNN (Joint Network Node) or WIN-T (Warrior Information Network - Tactical) for examples. There are probably numerous Soldiers who don’t know what a network node is, with or without the acronym.
Both acronyms come from the more technological side of the Army, specifically the communication fields of the Signal Corps. They deal with equipment, networks, and/or systems such as the CAISI, or Combat Automated Information System Interface. Again, regardless of any acronym, what is that? And what does it do?
What if I told you that there are hundreds of children, anywhere between the ages of 10-18 that know exactly what a node or interface is and does? I would be telling you the truth, and would be describing many of Kentucky youth that gathered for the 2013 Student Technology Leadership Program.
Roughly 5000 students from 400 schools across the Commonwealth converged on Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., for the all-day event, March 28, 2013.
“This event is all about what kids can do,” said Elaine Harrison Lane of the Kentucky Office of Knowledge, Information and Data Services and event organizer.
Staff Sgt. Luis Berdecia of the 138th Fires Brigade informs children of the unit’s satellite system during the 2013 Student Technology Leadership Program in Lexington, Ky., March 28, 2013. Soldiers of the 138th told the students about their equipment and gave tours of the trucks and systems that make up the satellite transportable terminal. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“STLP is in the schools to help produce high quality products, projects and services that help the school and the community; it’s all about learning and achieving and to enable students to show what they can do with technology.”
Students had the opportunity to demonstrate useful career skills in 51 different learning categories. The idea of the program is to empower students to use technology to solve problems, create, learn and achieve. Real-world applications from local businesses and organizations presented their use of technology as examples of what the students can do when they grow up.
Enter Soldiers from the Kentucky Guard’s 138th Fires Brigade and their advanced equipment such as the STT, or Satellite Transportable Terminal. The communication Soldiers participated in the program by driving two Humvees into Rupp Arena and setting up the state-of-the-art satellite and computer assembly.
“This is a great chance for the Kentucky National Guard to inform those highly technical students out there that the military, the Guard, has opportunities for them in highly technical fields outside the civilian world,” said Maj. James Meece, electronic warfare officer for the 138th.
“I realize what kind of skillset is needed for the 25 (MOS) series,” he said. “We hope kids can be excited about the technology right here in the Kentucky Guard, and maybe they would show an interest, talk to a recruiter and join.”
Capt. Carla Getchell of the 138th Fires Brigade joins students from Mapleton Elementary School for a group photo during the 2013 Student Technology Leadership Program in Lexington, Ky., March 28, 2013. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
While many of the children in attendance were out of the recruiting age, it didn’t stop the Soldiers from helping younger ones climb in and out of the Humvees, try on Army combat helmets and answer questions about their Army ‘project.”
“I’ve heard a bunch of ‘that’s so cool!’, “said Spc. Matthew Green, a satellite communications system operator. “They thought is was real neat that we can do the things we do with our satellites and computers. We can go almost anywhere in the world and set up an internet connection in less than 30 minutes.”
Spc. Christopher Jones, a multichannel transmission system operator, called it planting a seed in the youth of the unique jobs the Soldiers have. He and the other members of the 138th all commented of how excited the students were to see the trucks and equipment. There was usually a constant line of children waiting their turn to see what the National Guard had brought to the event.
Meece said several high school students approached them with legitimate questions about the field and how to proceed with their options of enlisting in the Kentucky Guard. It gives him hope that the future Soldiers in his field are still interested and are keeping the military in mind for a technical career. As the Army evolves, he knows more tech-savvy Soldiers will be needed to perform these jobs.
“The future of the military rests in the hands of the highly intelligent, technically inclined Soldiers performing the 25 series jobs,” he said. “These students are the future of the Signal Corps and we need to let them know we provide the training and challenges they seek. By targeting this recruiting effort, we not only improve the proficiency level within the Signal Corps, but we also improve the Guard as a whole.”
Spc. Matthew Green of the 138th Fires Brigade holds the door of a Humvee as Edmonton Elementary students pose for a photo during the 2013 Student Technology Leadership Program in Lexington, Ky., March 28, 2013. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Harrison believes the STLP brings technology to the forefront and showing children what is possible in the world, and that they can be a part of it.
“We hope STLP helps students decide what they love to do and have a talent in doing,” she said. “These two factors help the student decide what career choice to make. College bound, business owner and entrepreneur and military are choices we hope the students make.”
Troops chat with Coach Cal
Story and photos by Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari and Kentucky Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini talk with deployed Guardsmen via Skype from Calipari’s office in Lexington, Ky., Jan. 8, 2013. The call connected the coach with Kentucky Soldiers in Africa and Camp Shelby, Miss. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LEXINGTON, Ky. — For some Kentucky Guardsmen, being deployed overseas got a little bit easier on January 8, 2013 with a unique opportunity to chat with University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari. A Skype conference from the UK campus connected the coach and Kentucky Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W, Tonini with Soldiers in the Horn of Africa and Camp Shelby, Miss.
University of Kentucky sophomore forward Kyle Wiltjer waves to troops watching a skype conference with coach John Calipari and adjutant general Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini in Lexington, Ky., Jan. 8, 2013. Deployed Guardsmen had the opportunity to talk with Calipari and Wiltjer about UK’s season. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“It was really exciting to have the unique opportunity to speak to Coach Cal, a first for me,” said Staff Sgt. Robbie Simpson of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery, currently in Camp Shelby. “And is was an enjoyable break from the training schedule. It felt like home for a few.”
To see more photos from this story, click here.
Deployed Kentucky Guardsmen have said that one of the worst things about being away from home is being away from UK basketball. Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery serving in Djibouti, Africa donned their blue t-shirts and hung a UK flag as a backdrop for the call. The Soldiers of the 1/623rd just recently arrived in Mississippi where they are preparing to deploy to Jordan in the coming weeks.
But for a short time, Djibouti and Camp Shelby might have well been Rupp Arena for the Soldiers, as they reveled in the chance to ask Coach Cal questions and give him their opinions of how the Wildcats are doing this season.
Sophomore forward Kyle Wiltjer also made a surprise appearance to talk with the troops and flash his “three googles,” (you may need to be a UK fan to understand that one).
University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari shows off his 2012 NCAA National Championship ring to deployed Soldiers during a Skype call from Lexington, Ky., Jan. 8, 2013. Calipari took the opportunity to thank the Soldiers for their service and dedication to his team. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Calipari shared his thoughts on the Wildcats, both this year and last, and showed off the 2012 NCAA National Championship ring to the troops. He commended them for their courage, thanking them for their service to Kentucky and the country.
“His remarks and the genuine comments that were made is an example of the true ambassador that he has become for the entire state, not just sports or for the military, but for the citizens as well,” said Simpson.
“Coach Cal has shown an incredible willingness to be with us, to be part of us, we consider him a Guardsman, even though he’s a basketball coach,” said Tonini. “He’s part of our team and everyone knows that and appreciates that.”
Operation brings “military cheer” in time for Christmas
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Photos by Spc. Felicia Harris, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
Some of Santa’s youngest helpers got into the giving spirit in support of Operation Military Cheer. More than $33,000 worth of toys, bicycles, clothes and gift cards were given to 450 children of military families across the state. (Photo by Spc. Felicia Harris, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — It’s interesting to see all of the traditions that surround Santa Claus. In some countries Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) arrives by steam boat and in others “Father Christmas” rides a goat. In most of the United States he drives a sleigh driven by a pack of reindeer. In Kentucky, however, he relies on the National Guard to distribute toys to deserving young girls and boys.
Click here to see more photos from this story.
Operation Military Cheer is geared toward supporting military families across all the services, active duty, reserve and National Guard. 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.
“This year we were able to provide gifts of clothes, shoes, and toys for more than 450 youth across the state,” said Cindy Culver, Child and Youth Programs Lead Coordinator. “It’s one of the largest drives we’ve ever conducted.”
Spc. Melissa Moore, 223rd MP Co., and Child and Youth Coordinator Linda Jones show off some of the donated toys to Chaplain (Maj.) Bill Draper. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
According to Culver, approximately $33,000 in toys, bicycles, clothes and gift cards were donated, sorted, assigned and delivered to families from Pikeville to Paducah.
“There is a great need for support out there,” said Linda Jones, Child and Youth Programs Coordinator. “I’m so proud to see everyone pull together to bring comfort to these military families that sacrifice so much of themselves for our country.”
Don Sullivan represents one of the largest single contributors to this year’s drive, Home Builders Care, which is affiliated with the Home Builders Association of Lexington.
“Our focus this year has been on our military veterans,” said Sullivan “On Veterans Day we built and dedicated a home for a disabled veteran, so it was only natural that when the holiday came around that we said we just had to support Operation Military Cheer.”
Santa is surrounded by just some of the organizers, volunteers and contributors to this year’s Operation Military Cheers at the headquarters of Home Builders Care, an affiliate of the Home Builders Association of Lexington. Home Builders Care contributed more than 600 toys and 30 bicycles valued up to $7,500 to the drive. (Photo by Spc. Felicia Harris, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs)
Together with associates of the Home Builders Association, the Remodeler’s Council, local real estate offices and the public, the group collected more than 600 toys and 30 bicycles valued up to $7,500.
Even former service members like the Veterans Widows and Friends got into the action, donating 9 bicycles.
“I really like Operation Military Cheer,” said Spc. Melissa Moore, 223rd Military Police Co. “It’s a great idea for families that are struggling and it give the kids a little bit of hope, something to smile about and be happy about on Christmas.”
A combat medic who’s been to Iraq, Moore sees Operation Military Cheer as a personal mission. “It’s helping out your brothers and sisters in uniform, which is what the military is all about,” she said.
TAG Open benefits Kentucky National Guard Memorial
Story by Jason LeMay, Kentucky Department of Military Affairs
A golfer tees off on hole number three at the University Club of Kentucky in Lexington during the 2012 TAG Open, Oct. 1. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Through bouts of occasional sunshine with periods of rain and wind, more than 125 golfers braved the weather in the 2012 The Adjutant General’s Open at the University Club of Kentucky, Oct. 1. The annual event raised awareness and funds for the Kentucky National Guard Memorial. The early accounting showed the event grossed $12,157.00 toward construction of the memorial to be built in Frankfort, Ky. Despite the damp conditions everyone enjoyed the day of fun and fellowship for a good cause.
To see more photos from the event, click here.
A participant in the 2012 TAG Open tees off on a par-three hole at the University Club of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Oct. 1. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
TAG Open First Place: Jeremy Brummett, Ben Fuqua and Chris Ring
TAG Open Runner Up: Scottie Sloan; Dave Tharp, Chad Jones and Mario Cima
Chipping Contest: Chad Jones took home a 60” television courtesy of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association.
TAG Cup went to the Army this year and the team of Scottie Sloan, Dave Tharp, Chad Jones and Mario Cima.
The award for the longest drive went to Bill Tonini and for the women’s, to Natalie Lonkard.
Bryan McCoy’s drive was the closet to the pin.
The Kentucky National Guard Memorial will create a sacred space for families, friends, and comrades to reflect and remember. So far 464 potential names have been discovered that may one day be honored on the memorial and 145 have been confirmed for inclusion.
These numbers reflect only Kentucky National Guard members who died while in the line of duty from March 19, 1912 to present. That date is significant because it is when the state of Kentucky made an official name change from the “Kentucky State Guard” to the “Kentucky National Guard.”
The memorial is expected to cost and estimated $ 1,327,775 to construct. So far the fund has raised 36% of the required funds and needs another $850,000 to fund construction.
Kentucky Guard sponsors first Bluegrass Mud Run
Photos courtesy of Kentucky National Guard Recruiting and Retention
Participants line up for an obstacle during the inaugural Bluegrass Mud Run in Lexington, Ky., Sept. 22, 2012.
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard was proud to present the inaugural WUKY/University of Kentucky Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Bluegrass Mud Run at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Ky., Sept. 22, 2012. The adventure run consisted of a 5K course with more than 20 challenges.
More than 400 participants ran, dove, swung and plunged through the obstacles while a crowd of more than 500 cheered them on. Funds raised by the event went to support ROTC at the University of Kentucky.
Lexington Sports reporter, Mary Jo Perino was on hand as the master of ceremonies and honorary starter.
To see more photos from the Mud Run, click here.
Participants find out just how cold the water is in one obstacle of the inaugural Bluegrass Mud Run in Lexington, Ky., Sept. 22, 2012.
A participant runs through ankle-deep muddy water during the inaugural Bluegrass Mud Run in Lexington, Ky., Sept. 22, 2012.
Participants manage the monkey bars during the inaugural Bluegrass Mud Run in Lexington, Ky., Sept. 22, 2012.
Participants arrived appropriately attired for the inaugural Bluegrass Mud Run presented by the Kentucky National Guard in Lexington, Ky., Sept. 22, 2012.
Employment assistance available for Guard families
Story by Sgt. David Bolton, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Kentucky Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) assists with job fairs throughout the Commonwealth, getting the word out to those looking for employment. This job fair at the United Auto Workers Hall in Louisville, Ky., was sponsored by U.S. Congressman John Yarmuth. (Photo by Charmaine Miller)
FRANKFORT, Ky.— Anyone who has ever been job hunting knows that there are numerous obstacles to overcome when trying to secure that perfect position. Finding a company that is accepting applications, meeting the qualification and education expectations, having a well-rounded resume, preparing for an interview, and inquiring about career advancements in the field.
For Kentucky National Guardsmen, there can also be the added dilemma of seeking out an employer who understands the military commitment required of them. In all these cases, the Kentucky National Guard Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is there to assist service members and their families.
“ESGR is an agency that can make the Soldier’s return easier in terms of returning to employment,” said Harry T. Wiley, State Public Affairs Officer for Kentucky’s ESGR program. “We work with employers and with military reservists in Kentucky to find better jobs for service members who are underemployed and who need employment.”
ESGR is a Department of Defense agency that works to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers. Programs are important because they help to maintain and provide stability for all.
Job fair, Hire Our Heroes, sponsored by the KY Office of Employment and Training, Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, KY Dept. of Labor Vets and KY Chamber of Commerce. The event held in Florence, Ky., July 24, saw over 150 job-seekers connect with local employers. (Photo courtesy of National College)
“Our goal with the Employment Initiative Program (EIP),” said retired Kentucky Army National Guard Col. Phil Miller, Program Support Specialist for Kentucky ESGR, “is to help service members and their spouses to stabilize, through gainful employment, the guard and reserve as a community-based defense force in each state.”
ESGR is improving by hosting functions such as Job fairs and Employment Assistance Workshops (EAW) where attendees can work on resume writing, interview skills, job searches, networking, and effective communication techniques.
“We’ve had a number of people hired on the spot at these job fairs,” said Miller. “That’s the biggest thing is to match the expectations of the service members with the expectations of the employers.”
Currently there are between 50 and 60 companies working with ESGR in job fairs to connect Soldiers and Airmen with employment opportunities. After the job fairs in Lexington and Louisville, Miller said that they were tracking an 80% success rate at the 90-day mark of having military personnel employed.
Employers can be recognized by the employee or employee family member for their support of military employees. Awards include Patriotic Award, Above and Beyond, Pro-Patria, and the Freedom Award.
ESGR Ombudsman service program works with employers and service members as a liaison to provide information about employee rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) laws in instances where service related issues arise.
“We can serve as an independent third party who can help both the Soldier and the employer know more about their respective responsibilities,” said Wiley. “ESGR helps negotiate settlements between parties which helps avoid conflict.”
For more information about resume and interview tips, go to: www.h2h.jobs or www.e3.ky.gov.
Kentucky Guardsmen deploy to the Horn of Africa
Story by Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Photos by Sgt. David Bolton, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery enter and stand at attention during the farewell ceremony held at the Frankfort Convention Center in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 31, 2012. Approximately 536 Kentucky Guardsmen will deploy to the Horn of Africa for nine months. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. David Bolton)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard honored approximately 565 Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery, during a departure ceremony at the Frankfort Convention Center in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 31, 2012.
Hundreds of Family members and friends gathered with the Kentucky National Guard command staff to provide a fitting farewell as the unit departed for the Horn of Africa for a scheduled nine-month deployment.
To see more photos from the ceremony, click here.
Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and Secretary of State, Alison Lundergan Grimes were on hand to greet Family members and speak to the troops, who will be known as Task Force Long Rifle. Tonini reminded them all of the importance of serving their country and the Commonwealth.
“You are serving in the highest level of Kentucky military tradition,” he said. “You are living examples of our Unbridled Service. This mission is about giving comfort, aide and stability to a community of people.”
Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery stand at ease during rolecall before the farewell ceremony held at the Frankfort Convention Center in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 31, 2012. Approximately 565 Guardsmen will deploy to the Horn of Africa for nine months to help promote regional security and to protect U.S. and Coalition interests in the region. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. David Bolton)
“This is what we Guardsmen do day in and day out.”
The mission of the 2/138th will be to promote regional security and stability while strengthening local national relationships, as well as to protect U.S. and Coalition interests in East Africa.
This is not the first deployment of Kentucky National Guard troops to Africa. The Kentucky Air Guard sent aircraft and crews to Somalia and Rwanda in the early 1990s as part of international humanitarian famine relief efforts. In addition, Kentucky Army Guard units have trained with coalition forces in neighboring Egypt as part of Operation Bright Star. Individual troops and teams have also deployed to the continent in support of U.S. military operations over the past few years.
Regardless of the location of a deployment, Soldier readiness remains the same, and according to the 2/138th leadership, Task Force Long Rifle is primed to take on this unique mission.
“We’re 110 percent ready,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Gividen, Task Force Long Rifle Command Sergeant Major. “I am really proud of these Soldiers, they’ve trained really hard. I know we are ready to get there, come back and stand proud for a job well-done.”
The Kentucky National Guard Yellow Ribbon Program has also contributed to prepare the families of the deploying Soldiers. Yellow Ribbon events and a strong Family Readiness Group have helped remind those left at home that they will not be alone.
“Deployment is never easy,” said Kelley Slaughter, wife of Capt. Mark Slaughter. “But because of the programs available to families and going to Yellow Ribbon events, our family is prepared, and we have great information and resources.”
Spc. Perry Lowe with the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 138th Fires Brigade, holds his niece after the farewell ceremony for the 138th’s departure to the Horn of Africa held at the Frankfort Convention Center in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 31, 2012. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. David Bolton)
“I am so thankful they are here to help,” she said.
The Lexington, Ky.-based 2/138th stands as the most decorated unit in the Kentucky National Guard having completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan during the war on terror.
Tonini said Soldiers of the 2/138th and the National Guard are an essential element in world events.
“Task Force Long Rifle shows the power of a force for good that can only be wielded by a Guardsman,” he said. “This mission is about building and strengthening partnerships and being responsible world citizens.”
The Soldiers will train at Camp Atterbury, Indiana prior to deploying to Africa. The unit is expected to return home in the summer of 2013.
Yellow Ribbon event informs families how to ease the strain of a deployment
Story and photos by Sgt. Alexa Becerra, 2/138th Public Affairs
Soldiers and families of the 2/138th Fires Brigade receive information from various resources available to them during a Yellow Ribbon Program event at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky., July 14, 2012. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Alexa Becerra)
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Being deployed is never easy on a Soldier. Most married Soldiers will tell you it’s harder on the spouses than it is on them. Spouses don’t disagree either.
However, there is a way to help with the stress of a deployed love one — the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Soldiers and their families had the opportunity to attend a pre-mobilization Yellow Ribbon event in July at Keeneland in support of the 2nd Battalion, 138th Regiment’s deployment scheduled for later this year.
This event provided Soldiers and their families with information on the resources and training available to them during the deployment such as financial readiness, medical insurance and counseling.
“This event is basically a pre-mobilization briefing for the families,” said Joan Kivior, Family Assistance Specialist for the Kentucky National Guard Family Programs, and retired Army 1st Sgt. “Soldiers are briefed during their SRP’s (Soldier Readiness Program) and in all their briefings they get before they go. This gives the families the opportunity to get the same information and resources and also the opportunity for them to ask their questions.”
“The Yellow Ribbon event also gave families the opportunity to feel more a part of the deployment phase, more connected and informed about the deployment process,” Kivior said.
A volunteer from the Ladies Auxiliary Post 4075 in Frankfort, Ky., spends time with the children of Soldiers who attended a Yellow Ribbon Program event at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky., July 14, 2012. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Alexa Becerra)
During the event, activities were available for the children of Soldiers and family members attending the event. Volunteers from the Ladies Auxiliary Post 4075 out of Frankfort, Ky., played board games and constructed houses with building blocks with the kids while the parents learned about the Yellow Ribbon Program.
“Today has been beneficial for everyone,” said Carrie Webb, event attendee and wife of Staff Sgt. Bobby Webb. “There are different aspects to the entire event. You get information for the family, the Soldier, the spouse and the children. I think the National Guard is taking good care of everything, like with insurance and childcare.”
“The hotline that the Kentucky Family Assistance Center provides is there for everything, every hour of everyday,” said Webb. “They are there for any aspect, anything you may need while our Soldiers are gone.”
“I truly believe, having deployed a couple times, the biggest burden is probably on the family,” said Col. Brian F. Wertzler, 138th Fires Brigade Commander. “I’m glad that we can show them they are not alone and we can assist during this process.”
No doubt this mobilization will be a little easier for the Soldiers’ families than the last thanks to all the love and support for our Soldiers and their families courtesy of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
For more information on the Yellow Ribbon Program in the Kentucky National Guard, click here
Story and photos by Cody Stagner, Medical Outreach Coordinator, Kentucky National Guard
Sgt. Thomas J. Shaddix, assigned to the Kentucky National Guard Medical Detachment, checks vitals during a periodic health assessment at Bluegrass Station in Lexington, Ky., May 10, 2012. (U.S. Army photo by Cody Stagner, Medical Outreach Coordinator, Kentucky National Guard/Released)
LEXINGTON, Ky. -Built in Lexington as a major Army depot in support of war efforts during World War II, Bluegrass Station is best known for its triumphs over unique challenges. The now self-sufficient depot was once home to 275 German prisoners of war from 1945-1946.
Today it’s home to the Kentucky National Guard’s G1-Health Services Clinic—a valuable resource to increase the medical readiness of Kentucky’s Citizen Soldiers.
“The clinic began as a way to provide make up health assessments, physicals and behavioral health exams,” said Capt. Stephanie K. Fields, Deputy State Surgeon.
“We knew we would have to avoid relying on active duty treatment facilities like those at Fort Knox, and Bluegrass Station’s clinical facilities were already in use by the Kentucky Medical Detachment during weekend drill,” said Fields. “This gave us the perfect opportunity to staff the clinic during the week and provide these additional services to our Soldiers.”
To see more photos from this story, click here
Sgt. Michael Farrar, a diesel mechanic from Detachment 1, 207th Horizontal Engineer Construction Company, reads out letters and numbers on the eye exam chart at Bluegrass Station Clinic in Lexington, Ky., May 10, 2012. The clinic is a new asset to the Kentucky National Guard which offers medical readiness services; such as periodic health assessments, mental health evaluations and focused exams to provide physical profiles. (U.S. Army photo by Cody Stagner, Medical Outreach Coordinator, Kentucky National Guard/Released)
The Kentucky Guard has more than 7,000 Soldiers to schedule periodic health assessments for each year, and missing PHAs could have a negative impact on a unit’s deployment readiness. The clinic gives the Kentucky Guard a proactive approach to identify and action missing PHAs as well as non-deployable Soldiers in a timelier manner.
While PHAs are typically scheduled on drill weekends, occasionally a curve ball is thrown at Soldiers that require their units to reschedule on an individual basis.
Sgt. Michael Farrar, a diesel mechanic with the 207th Horizontal Engineer Construction Company, lives in the small town of Woods Bend, located just outside of West Liberty, Ky., which was one of the most affected areas hit by devastating tornadoes, March 2, 2012.
“The next day after the big storm was drill, but I spent that whole weekend removing more than fifty trees out of my driveway,” said Farrar. “I came here to make up for that missed PHA.”
Whether it is an annual PHA or required physicals for training, the G1-HS Clinic stays busy.
“Since we opened, we have completed over 400 periodic health assessments,” said Monique Carter, the fitness for duty coordinator at the clinic.
Carter also credited an additional 132 focused exams, 86 mental health evaluations and 43 other physicals to the clinic’s first quarter’s report card.
When medical exams reveal a Soldier has a medical or psychological condition that needs further evaluation, physical profile, referral, or even special examinations for military schools, the G1-HS Clinic is a preferred option to provide the necessary service.
Staff Sgt. Anthony T. Hughes and Sgt. Aleksander Vinogradov, from the 577th Engineer Sapper Company, are both enrolled in an upcoming Sapper Leader Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
“Coming here was the most convenient way to complete our physical exams that qualify us for school,” said Hughes, a combat engineer and training NCO.
For both Soldiers, the Lexington location was convenient.
“This was my first time coming to Bluegrass Station,” Vinogradov said. “It was a little harder to find the medical building than WHFRTC (Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Facility in Greenville, Ky.), but the short drive was much easier coming from Ashland.”
1st Lt. Mark J. Martin, a member of Kentucky Army National Guard Medical Detachment, analyzes medical data after examining a Soldier at Bluegrass Station Clinic, Lexington, Ky., May 10, 2012. Martin’s civilian job as state medical services specialist plays key to maintaining medical readiness of Kentucky Guard members. (U.S. Army photo by Cody Stagner, Medical Outreach Coordinator, Kentucky National Guard/Released)
Bluegrass Station is centrally located in Lexington which adds overall convenience to Kentucky Guard members residing on the Eastern side of the state who normally would have driven an additional three hours to Greenville and stayed overnight. The benefit of many getting to spend more time with family is a welcomed and unforeseen advantage.
1st Lt. Mark J. Martin has a dual role in Kentucky Guard medical readiness. On drill weekends, Martin is an Army nurse for the Kentucky Guard’s medical detachment and provides his expertise as a military medical officer. During the week, however, Martin is the state medical services specialist, where his efforts with the clinic make large strides for Kentucky.
“Since G1-Health Services began this initiative, readiness has gone up seven percent,” said Martin. “We have become the most productive medical asset for the state.”
Bluegrass Station is located at 5751 Briar Hill Road, Lexington, KY 40516. To schedule a PHA or exam, Soldiers must contact their unit’s readiness NCO.
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