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Story by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Pfc. Allison Shontz, Pvt. 1st Class Dillion Morvel and 1st Lt. Maria Burns, military police assigned to the 223rd Military Police Company patrol River Road from Seventh Street to Ninth Street April 18, in support of Thunder Over Louisville security detail. More than 1,200 Law Enforcement Officers and 140 military policemen patrolled the Riverfront to ensure crowd safety. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Before sending the Louisville Metro Police officers and Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard’s 223rd Military Police Company out on foot patrol, Louisville’s mayor, Greg Fischer and Metro Police Chief Steve Conrad had two important messages: stay safe and keep Louisville safe.
“I thank you LMPD and Kentucky Guard,” Fischer said, “we can’t do this without you.”
More than 1,200 officers made up the combined force of LMPD, Kentucky Guard, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police and federal law enforcement agencies. LMPD and the Guardsmen conducted foot patrols that roved the waterfront from 4 p.m., until the last spectators receded from the downtown area.
Soldiers assigned to the 223rd Military Police Company receive a patrol plan from the Louisville Metro Police prior to hitting the streets April 18, in support of Thunder Over Louisville. More than 1,200 Law Enforcement Officers and 140 military policemen patrolled the Riverfront to ensure crowd safety (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson)
“We are very grateful for what the National Guard provides us,” said Sgt. Phil Russell, Louisville Metro Police commander of media, public relations.
“With a half-million people in downtown Louisville, we absolutely need the support of the National Guard. We are grateful for the extra set of eyes and the partnership that we hope continues,” he said.
The partnership comes easy for the Louisville-based 223rd MPs. While unit leadership didn’t have an exact number of Soldiers employed by LMPD, their network of police contacts is extensive. Several Soldiers are employed by civilian police departments, and are familiar with the way civilian departments operate.
“We conduct training for events like this when we get our field time,” said 1st Sgt. Mike Ochs, 223rd MP Company first sergeant. “We get briefings from the mayor and police chief, and they always comment on how critical the support of the Kentucky Army National Guard is.
“It’s good for our Soldiers to hear that, it really puts everything into perspective as far as what our role is. We always have good camaraderie with LMPD during Thunder and Derby support; there is never any animosity that this is their turf, we work as one.”
Ochs said the law enforcement presence is important for the attendees to feel safe and secure during Louisville’s largest party. But he said all Soldiers representing the Guard is an important mission as well.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer thanks Louisville Metro Police Department and the Kentucky National Guard’s Louisville-based 223rd Military Police Company for their support to Thunder Over Louisville security April 18, in Louisville. More than 1,200 Law Enforcement Officers and 140 military policemen patrolled the Riverfront to ensure crowd safety. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson)
“When you are here, and in the uniform, you are an ambassador for the United States military, but especially the Kentucky Guard,” he said.
The 223rd MPs had more than 140 Soldiers supporting LMPD and representing the Guard.
First platoon leader, 1st Lt. Maria Burns, was one of those foot-Soldiers, logging miles between a three-block radius on River Road, from Seventh Street to Ninth.
“This is my third year working Thunder,” Burns said. “We mingle, talk to people and just show them that we are here if they need us.”
Burns said there was one incident two years ago where her team assisted LMPD with dispersing a crowd at the Louisville Skate Park after firecrackers were set off.
“This year, I don’t think we’re going to see anything like that here, this crowd looks pretty happy.”
Story by Master Sgt. Phil Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Staff Sgt. Joseph Howell (right), a combat arms trainer for the 123rd Security Forces Squadron, and Senior Airman Charles Henderson, a security forces fire team member, clear a stairwell at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., as a Louisville Metropolitan Police Department SWAT Team member provides instruction during a joint training exercise Jan. 13, 2014. The training is designed to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the Air Guardsmen and civilian police officers. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Airmen from the 123rd Security Forces Squadron conducted bilateral training with members of the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team here Jan. 14, focusing on tactics, techniques and procedures used to defeat an attack by armed assailants.
More than 50 Louisville SWAT members divided into teams to train with the security forces Airmen, according to Tech. Sgt. Craig Davis, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of Combat Arms for the 123rd Security Forces Squadron. The officers and Airmen then worked together to stop a simulated gunman who was firing on base personnel as part of an “active-shooter” exercise.
After the exercise ended, the Airmen and officers covered additional training areas such as building approaches, room clearing and stairwell clearing.
Davis said the training was an excellent learning experience for both parties.
“LMPD really enjoyed their time out here,” he said. “They weren’t aware of our capabilities, but they walked away confident and with a better appreciation of them, knowing we can work together in potential emergencies in the future.”
Lt. Col. George Imorde, commander of the 123rd Security Forces Squadron, hopes to conduct more bilateral training in the future to strengthen the two units’ interoperability.
“Bilateral training is not something we get to do very often, but we need to do it to establish the relationship between military and civilian law enforcement elements,” he said. “Each unit gets to share their tactics, techniques and procedures. The real benefit is the relationship-building, because there are many emergency scenarios that might occur on military installations requiring a local law enforcement response.”
One such scenario would be a real-world active-shooter incident, during which the Louisville police department’s SWAT Team would integrate with Airmen from the 123rd Security Forces Squadron to secure the installation, he noted.
“Active shooters have been increasing throughout the country, and it seems like (these incidents are) more prevalent these days,” said Lt. Brent Routzahn, the Louisville police department’s SWAT Team commander. “We came out to show how we conduct business on our side and to be on the same page with the Air Guard, so if an incident ever did happen on the base, we would be on the same page regarding how we are going to operate and be familiar with each other.”
Imorde said such familiarity can pay big dividends.
“Now, (Louisville police department officers) have seen a footprint behind our gates that they’ve never seen before. They know what we look like, they know where our buildings are, they are familiar with our property, they know who we are, and they understand our capabilities,” he said. “That’s important.
“The feedback from our military personnel was that it was invaluable training, and something they don’t get every day,” Imorde added. “Airmen attend courses to become a military law enforcement officer, and sometimes that training gets far removed from real-world application. To get this additional insight and experience keeps our members refreshed on the latest tactics, techniques and procedures.”
Master Sgt. Greg Myers, operations superintendent for the 123rd Security Forces Squadron, said his Airmen now have more knowledge they can use to enhance base security.
“What we did in this training is why people join security forces, and why people stay in security forces,” he said. “We are stronger now, and our protection capabilities for the installation have grown tremendously. All the way from the entry teams to the command-and-control aspects, if anything were to happen, we know how we’re going to work with LMPD when their officers arrive and how we will proceed. It enhances the force protection of the installation immediately.”
Story by: Sgt. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Crump from the 138th Fires Brigade oversees Soldiers firing a salvo of Howitzer 105mm rounds from the 2nd street bridge in Louisville, Ky., during the 25th annual Thunder Over Louisville fireworks and air show April 12, 2014. Members of the Kentucky Guard highlighted the evening’s entertainment of music and firework displays.(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE Ky., — Nearly 200 Soldiers gathered together as more than 750,000 people packed the streets of Louisville for the annual Thunder Over Louisville as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival held April 12.
Guardsmen from across the Commonwealth along with the Louisville Metro Police Department served and protected the city of Louisville during the event. No officer was left without a civilian counterpart. This year’s event was anticipated to be one of the largest Thunder Over Louisville events ever.
To see all the photos from this event, please click HERE.
Staff Sgt. Jeremy Hawkins, from the 223rd Military Police Company, was assigned the duty to control traffic alongside an LMPD officer as the massive crowds began to flood the streets by the waterfront. He was honored to work with his civilian equivalent.
Kentucky National Guard Military Police Officers patrol the grounds Louisville with officers of the Louisville Metro Police Department April 12, during Thunder Over Louisville. (US Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
“It gives us a chance to support our local community as well as having the unique opportunity to work with civilian police officers,” said Hawkins, “When people see both sets of uniforms, I think they will have a better sense of security knowing that we have put forth a huge effort to keep them protected.”
Events like Thunder give Soldiers a yearly a chance to put their training to work and also show what the National Guard is all about, working hand in hand with local authorities to protect our home front.
“This is an event we conduct every year,” said 1st Lt. Jacob Lee, Company Commander with the 223rd MP Company, “Working with local officials is a great experience for our Guardsmen. It gives them the opportunity to work with someone who patrols these streets and protects them every day.”
Spc. Samantha Haynes, Information Technology Specialist with the 138th Signal Company prepares to fire a 105mm Howitzer during Thunder Over Louisville, April 12. Haynes has grown up watching the fireworks and was honored to be able to fire the cannon. (US Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
Whether it’s your first Thunder Over Louisville or your 15th, this event is something you will remember for years to come. Spc. Samantha Haynes, Information Technology Specialist with the 138th Signal Company, has grown up watching the air and fireworks show since she was young and was honored to have the opportunity to shoot the 105mm Howitzer cannon.
“When I was younger, I would always love hearing the cannons,” said Haynes, “It feels great to be able to pull the cord and make other people feel the same excitement I did when I was their age.”
As another Thunder came to an end, the effort put forth by the Kentucky National Guard and the Louisville Metro Police Department to serve and protect the Commonwealth of Kentucky shined almost as bright as the fireworks.
“Without the Kentucky National Guard, we wouldn’t be able to do this,” said Sgt. William Patterson, LMPD officer, second in command over traffic. “The guard has been with us for so long that without them we wouldn’t keep having successful events such as today.”
Story by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Soldiers of the 138th Fires Brigade fire the first of several volleys from their 105mm Howitzers from the Clark Memorial Bridge as part of Thunder Over Louisville, April 20, 2013. With an unique perspective on the event, 23 Soldiers from the unit participated in the cannon firing. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thrilling, exciting, and full of fun are a few of the words Kentucky Army National Guard Sgt. Gary Coffey with the 103rd Brigade Support Battalion used to describe the 23rd Annual Thunder Over Louisville.
Nearly 200 guardsmen worked alongside of more than 1000 Louisville Metro Police Officers for the event, April 20, 2013. An estimated 500 thousand spectators jammed the banks of the Ohio River for the beginning of the two-week long Kentucky Derby Festival.
Coffey had one of the best views in the house, as he worked with Soldiers of the 138th Fires Brigade on the Clark Memorial Bridge over the river. As annual participants, the artillery Soldiers fired their 105mm Howitzers as part of the day’s events and during the fireworks show.
For more photos from Thunder Over Louisville, click here.
Kentucky National Guard Military Police Officers work alongside members of the Louisville Metro Police Department April 20, 2013 during Thunder Over Louisville. More than 1000 Police Officers were augmented with nearly 200 Kentucky Guardsmen to ensure public safety. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
The Kentucky National Guard’s largest presence was seen on the streets of Louisville assisting local law enforcement with traffic and security. Soldiers of the 198th Military Police Battalion were charged with this task, watching over the people of the Commonwealth and building their own experiences in uniform. The Soldiers said they heard spectators say on several occasions how protected they felt at the event.
“Missions like Thunder Over Louisville teach my fellow (Military Police) officers to be aware of our surroundings at all times,” said Pvt. Kayla Dixon with the 223rd Military Police Company. “I think working hand in hand with the LMPD made the public feel safer.”
Military Police Officers weren’t the only Guardsmen among the masses. Members of the Kentucky National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Command were also present at the event with an inflatable tent and vehicle display at Louisville’s Waterfront Park. Soldiers took turns grading and counting push-ups for a contest that was open to the public. The highest record stood at 112 push ups in one minute.
“Large events, such as the Thunder Over Louisville, gives the National Guard an opportunity to inform the public of what being a National Guardsman means while being able to have fun at the same time,” said Cpt. Travis Riley with 2nd Battalion, 75th Recruiting and Retention.
Due to military budget cuts, active military aircrafts were not flown this year as part of the air show. However, the show must go on and a variety of air performances dazzled the skies over the river. And even without the military in the air, the Kentucky Air Guard still had a role in assisting with the coordination of the event.
Kentucky Air National Guardsman Cpt. Josh Ketterer with the 165th Airlift Squadron, has been the director for the military portion of the air show for many years.
“Being able to coordinate the air show has given me the chance to meet plenty of diverse people,” said Ketterer, “Even though the United States military didn’t fly, our German and Canadian counterparts were able to.”
1st Lt. Paul Wilkerson oversees a dress rehearsal by Soldiers of the 138th Fires Brigade prior to firing their 105mm Howitzer cannons as part of Thunder Over Louisville, April 20, 2013. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
As the light started to disappear, the excitement was just beginning. The 23 Soldiers of the 138th took to their cannon as part of the light show over the river. Many of them pulled this unique duty due in fact to the current deployment of the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery to the Horn of Africa. First timers like Pfcs. Jasmine Johnson and David Adams III enjoyed the opportunity and fell into a synchronized rhythm of loading and firing the cannon to the joys of the crowds below.
For more information on Task Force Longrifles in the Horn of Africa, click here.
While the day might have been fun for most of the Guardsman, the mission gave the Airmen and Soldiers the chance to use their knowledge in an real-world environment.
“The discipline that you learn from the military is a very valuable asset to take with you,” said Capt. Carla Getchell, Command and Control Officer in Charge of the 138th. ”Service members working this event will take what they learn today and use it for the rest of their military careers and lives.”
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Video by Capt. Andi Hahn, 149th MEB Public Affairs Officer
1LT Andreas Shabaan -Video Interview[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X82YR50LCd8]
1st Lt. Andreas Shabaan, commander of 198th Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment and Louisville Metro Policeman, displayed heroic actions when he was called to a scene at the second street bridge in Louisville, Ky., a few months ago. Shabaan stopped a woman from jumping off the bridge and talks of the event in the above video.
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Story by Capt. Andi Hahn | Photos by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler/133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
The “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” took five months to plan and the Kentucky National Guard is no stranger to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks “Run for the Roses”.
For decades the Kentucky National Guard has assisted the Louisville Metro Police Department and other state and local law enforcement agencies during the Kentucky Derby and Oaks festivities held in Louisville, Ky., at Churchill Downs.
“When a big event like Derby exceeds Louisville metro’s ability to respond they ask for our assistance,” said Maj. Lance Grebe, operations officer for the Kentucky National Guard. “We are never out there on our own; our teams are always partnered with a police officer,” Grebe said.
Army Spc. John R. Adkins of the Kentucky National Guard interviews Louisville Metro Police Sgt. Jim Bland about their mission during last year’s Kentucky Oaks and Derby horse races.
This year there will be 360 Kentucky National Guardsmen from the 198th Military Police Battalion, 41st Civil Support Team, 63rd Aviation Brigade, and various headquarters offices that will provide support to the Louisville Metro Police Department during the Derby festivities April 30 to May 1.
The MP Soldiers will occupy traffic control points, provide infield/gate security at Churchill Downs, provide the winner’s circle detail, transportation support and overall be a presence for command and control of security support operations alongside the LMPD.
The Kentucky National Guard has worked with local law enforcement and other agencies for numerous training events and real-world incidents such as the 2009 Winter Ice Storm and Hurricane Ike. The Kentucky Derby gives them another arena to brush up on Soldier skills and community outreach.
Army Pfc. Mark Slaughter, HHC 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, stands at the head of a line of Soldiers and Airmen of the Kentucky National Guard who formed the Kentucky Derby Winner's Circle security cordon May 2, 2009.
“It’s important to continue to build a good working relationship with the LMPD,” Grebe said. “Our Soldiers, especially the MP’s, get refresher training out of it. In the past, during state training events or real-world disasters, it’s always been a seamless transition working with the local law officials,” said Grebe.
Follow this year’s Guardsmen participating in derby festivities on our website, www.kentuckyguard.com, and our social media links.
