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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Sgt. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Members of the Kentucky National Guard command staff present Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini a framed collection of memorabilia from Kentucky units during a retirement ceremony in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 21, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini doesn’t officially retire until Dec. 7, 2015. Representatives of the Kentucky Army and Air National Guard, distinguished guests, along with friends and family members gathered to honor Tonini’s legacy during a retirement ceremony in Louisville, Nov. 21.
After nearly 47 years of service, Tonini leaves behind an unprecedented legacy, not only to the service members he’s led and citizens of the commonwealth of Kentucky, but also to those he’s served alongside.
Lt. Gen. Joseph Lengyel, Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau presents a flag to Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini as a token of appreciation from NGB during a retirement ceremony for Tonini in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 21, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
“On behalf of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and the other adjutants general not in attendance, we owe you a great deal of gratitude, we thank you for your distinguished service, both in the state and National level,” said Lt. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
“On behalf of us all, thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do.”
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It was an emotional event for Tonini as countless amounts of awards, gifts, and tokens of gratitude were bestowed. As he stood at the podium in the ballroom, he couldn’t help but to pause before addressing the crowd.
“I am so spectacularly proud of what my units, both Army and Air have been able to accomplish. When you talk about Kentucky, I guarantee you they are at the top of any list. I want to look around this room and look upon every single one of your faces and say…” With tears in his eyes he said, “Thank you all.”
After first retiring in 2003 following a stint as the director of the National Guard’s “Your Defenders of Freedom” program at the Pentagon, Tonini was chosen as the 51st adjutant general of the Kentucky Guard.
Just a year later Tonini provided the decisiveness and effectiveness the commonwealth needed to respond to a catastrophic ice storm in 2009. The storm was the largest call-up of Kentucky Guardsmen in state history and it set the tone for the operational tempo of Kentucky’s Soldiers and Airmen.
Thousands of Kentuckians would deploy overseas and remain fully committed to the needs of the commonwealth. Under Tonini’s watch, a new emergency operations center was built, business was expanded at Bluegrass Station and numerous facilities’ construction projects were completed, all benefiting the Guard and the state.
Tonini took on the responsibility of multiple national-level positions during his tenure including president of the Adjutant General Association of the United States where he testified before government officials as a staunch advocate and defender of the National Guard.
Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini speaks during his retirement ceremony in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 21, 2015. Tonini concluded his 47-year career by stating that he will always be a Guardsman. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort)
While it’s hard to summarize a such a long military career, the Kentucky Guard ensured Tonini received the gratitude of a state for eight years of dedication.
“Forty seven years is a long time and I can tell you this is incredibly difficult for me,” said Tonini. “I can promise you I will stay engaged in the best interest of the Kentucky National Guard, because I will always be a Guardsman.”
By Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
By Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Pubic Affairs
The director of the Air National Guard, Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke (third from left) presents Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini (fourth from left), adjutant general of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, with the 2105 Airlift/Tanker Association’s Major General Stanley F.H. Newman Outstanding Unit Award during the annual A/TA Convention in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 30, 2015. The award was bestowed this year on the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing, based in Louisville, for exceptional performance from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. Also pictured (left to eight) are Gen. Arthur Lichte (retired), chairman of the A/TA; Gen. Carlton Everhart II, commander of Air Mobility Command; Brig. Gen. Warren Hurst, Kentucky’s assistant adjutant general for Air; Col. Barry Gorter, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing; Col. Robert Hamm, commander of the 123rd Operations Group; Chief Master Sgt. Ray Dawson, command chief of the 123rd Airlift Wing; Gen. Mark Welsh III, chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force; Chief Master Sgt. Victoria Gamble, command chief of Air Mobility Command; and Lt. Gen. Christopher Kelly (retired), former vice commander of Air Mobility Command. (U.S. Air Force photo).
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing has been named the top airlift or tanker unit in the Air National Guard by the Airlift/Tanker Association, a group of aviation professionals dedicated to the support of military airlift.
Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke III, director of the Air National Guard, presented the 2015 Major General Stanley F.H. Newman Award to Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, during the A/TA’s annual convention in Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 30.
“Once again, the Airmen of the Kentucky Air National Guard have demonstrated that the 123rd Airlift Wing is truly a world-class organization,” Tonini said. “From providing combat airlift in support of wartime taskings in Southwest Asia to helping stop the spread of Ebola in West Africa, the 123rd always answers the call to duty with unsurpassed excellence.”
The 123rd Airlift Wing won the award for exceptional service from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. During that time, the unit mobilized more than 250 Airmen for wartime and humanitarian deployments to the U.S. Central Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility, supporting Operations Enduring Freedom, Freedom’s Sentinel and United Assistance.
In Southwest Asia, the wing’s 123rd Operations Group flew 403 combat and 625 combat-support sorties, airlifting 4,000 troops, more than 3,500 tons cargo and hundreds of wounded service members.
In Africa, the wing’s 123rd Contingency Response Group established an airlift hub to process and forward troops, cargo and medical supplies into Liberia as part of Operation United Assistance, the multi-agency effort to stop the largest Ebola outbreak in history.
Additionally, Airmen from the wing’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron were deployed overseas for more than 2,000 days, supporting 270 combat missions and 50 Combat Search and Rescue sorties in U.S. Central Command.
The wing also deployed aircraft and crews to the Netherlands, Norway and Germany, interoperating with multiple NATO partners; and supported information exchange programs with Burkina Faso, Chile, Columbia, Djibouti, Jordan and Thailand.
The 123rd Airlift Wing, based in Louisville, Ky., is one of the most decorated units in Air Force history with 16 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. Last year, the wing won its sixth Distinguished Flying Unit Plaque and its fourth Curtis N. “Rusty” Metcalf Trophy from the National Guard Bureau as the top airlift wing in the Air National Guard.
The wing’s primary mission is tactical military airlift. It is equipped with eight C-130 Hercules aircraft and has been heavily engaged in airlift missions in dozens of countries around the world for more than 25 years, including multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
The wing is unique in that also supports two other major operational missions. It is home to the only contingency response group in the Air National Guard, and the ANG’s only special tactics unit with both combat controllers and pararesecuemen.
The wing also provides explosive ordnance disposal, fatality search and recovery, two Critical Care Air Transport Teams, a CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package, civil engineering, and security and support forces to combatant commanders in support of national security objectives, and to civilian leaders during homeland crises.
By Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James (second from right) presents the winning trophy for a race held in honor of fallen U.S. Service members to the winning owner and jockey in the winner’s circle of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 1, 2015. The race was a highlight of the Survivors Day at the Races, and event organized by Survivors Outreach Services. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Kentucky Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini and senior military officials joined the families of fallen Service members at Churchill Downs for the sixth annual Survivors Day at the Races Nov. 1 in Louisville.
The day was designed to recognize the surviving family members of military service members who have given their lives in defense of our nation since September 11, 2001. More than 850 family members and guests from Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia attended the event.
“Days like today help all of us move forward,” said James. “I have been inspired today as I’ve met family members today and what you’re doing in the aftermath, you are all moving forward, you’re doing it together. Together with your friends, family and in some cases, with people you’ve never met.”
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Organized by Survivors Outreach Services, the event is one of the largest of its kind in the country recognizing families of each Service branch. Those attendance were treated to a buffet lunch in the historic track’s Millionaires’ Row, live music, activities for children and the best view of the races on the track below.
Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James speaks with family members at Survivors Day at the Races at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 1, 2015. The event brought more than 850 surviving family members and friends together as part of the Survivors Outreach Services program. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Highlighting the day was a race named in honor of the Survivors of Fallen Military Heroes. Family members joined the winning jockey and horse in the winner’s circle to present the race trophy.
Lt. Gen. Joseph Lengyel, Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau paid his second consecutive visit to the event and was thrilled with its growth.
“It’s great to be back here, see a bigger program and see these families getting so much out it,” said Lengyel. “The most important thing we do is make our units strong, make our families strong and our communities strong and our commitment to these survivors is something we hold dear and will never give up on.”
Humana Government Business Services also helped sponsor the event and joined forces with U.S. Bank and Military Warriors Support Foundation to give away a mortgage-free home to a wounded Soldier.
Orie Mullen, president of Humana Government Business and Dave Lieske with Military Warriors presented Jason McAlister and his wife Lendie with a key to their brand new home in LaGrange, Kentucky.
McAlister served eight years and two deployments with the 10th Mountain Division and was wounded in an IED attack in Afghanistan in 2004. He and Lendie both agreed this has and will change their lives and the future of their family.
Family members of fallen U.S. Service members watch a race named in their honor at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 1, 2015. The race was a highlight of the Survivors Day at the Races, which brought surviving family members from eight states to the historic racetrack. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
“This just leaves me speechless,” she said. “The outpouring of support is simply overwhelming. We are so blessed and fortunate that he’s still here, that he survived all that he went through.”
“And to be here with all these families and their heartache, it’s just an amazing honor. It’s taken our breath away.”
Military Warriors is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that supports wounded Service members and surviving family members. Lieske said they plan to return to next year’s event and give another home away.
Mullen echoed that sentiment by indicating that Humana would like to return as a sponsor next year as well.
“Humana is so humbled to be a part of such an honorable and emotional event,” said Mullen. “A day like this deserves our utmost support, which is why we aim to be here in 2016.”
More than 600 Kentucky military service members have given their lives in the defense of the nation since 9/11. Eighteen Kentucky Guard Soldiers have died in a theater of war in that time, fourteen in Iraq, four in Afghanistan.
By Sgt. Lerone Simmons, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Retired Chief Warrant Officer William H. Canon, former shop foreman assigned to the 2113th Transportation Aircraft Maintenance Company, poses with a new UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter after a ribbon cutting ceremony for Kentucky’s new Army Aviation Support Facility and introduction of a new fleet of UH-60M’s, Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 14, 2015. Canon gave thirty five years of his life to providing maintenance to Kentucky’s aircraft. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lerone Simmons)
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Sitting in a new multi-million dollar facility, retired Chief Warrant Officer William Canon Jr., reminisced about providing maintenance to the Kentucky National Guard’s aircraft in high winds, pouring rain, freezing cold and summer heat.
“When I first joined, our pilots had recently flown in World War II,” he said. “Our equipment was old and we didn’t have adequate places to work.
“We had to park trucks around the helicopters to make sure the wind didn’t hit them directly,” said Canon. “The elements are one of the worst things when it comes to properly maintaining aircraft.”
Capt. Yancey York confers with SPEC5 William H. Canon as he prepares for a flight in a OH-13E, circa 1960. (Photo courtesy Chief Warrant Officer(R) Harold Canon)
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Canon enlisted in the Army in 1950 and retired in 1990. He would join a fledgling aviation program in 1955.
In 1959, the Kentucky aviation assets found a new home in Frankfort, Kentucky, at the Capital City Airport. Then, 18-or-so-years later in 1971, Canon witnessed a state-of-the-art facility erected at Boone National Guard Center – the Army Aviation Support Facility. A hangar for the helicopters assigned to Kentucky. During his tenure, Canon rose to the level of shop foreman, assigned to the 2113th Transportation Aircraft Maintenance Company, and retired out of the old AASF.
But on Oct. 14, he joined hundreds of other current and former Kentucky National Guardsmen as the ribbon was cut, ceremoniously showing off the Kentucky National Guard’s newest AASF at Boone National Guard Center. He also got to view, sit in, and touch the new UH-60M, the Army’s newest in the Blackhawk fleet.
The new AASF is 126,000 square feet and uses geo-thermal heating and cooling, solar power, 80 kilowatts photovoltaic solar power, high efficiency lighting, daylight harvesting technology, and radiant floor heating. It holds several offices for staff, classrooms, a gym and plenty of space.
“We come from a time where we didn’t always have a climate controlled area or lots of space,” said Canon’s old company commander, retired Lt. Col. Willoughby S. Goin III, a former pilot with 12,000 flying hours.
“This will help allow the Guard to be able to deploy troops to any affected areas in a timely manner,” he said, “at times when ice storms, tornados and floods can destroy roads, the Guard can then utilize the air from this facility.”
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky and other special guests honored Canon in their remarks during the building’s dedication. The Kentucky Guard’s aviation safety record was also bragged upon during the remarks.
Sitting from left to right, retired Army Chief Warrant Officer William H. Canon, former shop foreman who was assigned to the 2113th Transportation Aircraft Maintenance Company, retired Army Lt. Col. Jere Roche, former commander of the 441st Medical Detachment, and retired Army Lt. Col. Willoughby S. Goin III, former commander of the 2113th Transportation Aircraft Maintenance Company, carry on a conversation after a ribbon cutting ceremony for Kentucky’s new Army Aviation Support Facility in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 14, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lerone Simmons)
Kentucky hasn’t had any major accidents or loss of life for the span of the last 250,000 flying hours, which Tonini said boils down to a huge feat of great maintenance and outstanding flying. He added that the Kentucky Guard has flown at least 15 missions over the Commonwealth during times of disaster, also while supporting the Joint Support Operations counterdrug efforts and overseas contingency operations.
For the many aviation retirees and current Guardsmen who maintain the Commonwealth’s air assets, the day was a reunion and a celebration of moving forward.
“What I’ve seen is outstanding,” said Canon. “I’m proud the progress we’ve made.”
Kentucky National Guard Staff Report
Gov. Steve Beshear, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky Guardsmen and other guests cut the ribbon to officially open the Kentucky National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 14, 2015. The 126,000 square foot building replaces an aging facility built in 1971. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — To begin the new fiscal year, the Kentucky National Guard opened two new facilities Oct. 14, in its continued effort to support the Commonwealth and the nation.
To see all photos from this event, please click HERE.
Gov. Steve Beshear joined Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky in cutting the ribbon on a new Army Aviation Support Facility in Frankfort, Ky. The new $26 million facility has nearly 126,000 square feet of combined space to house UH-60 Blackhawk and LUH-72 Lakota helicopters.
The new hangars and office space provide the latest in cost-savings technology and energy efficiency. It will replace the aging AASF built in 1971.
Gov. Steve Beshear, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Adams III, Col. Brian Abney and Tom Nicolett ceremoniously accept new UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 14, 2015. The signified the Kentucky Guard’s receipt of the newest model of the Army’s primary helicopter. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“The courageous men and women who constitute the Kentucky National Guard embody the words ‘service’ and ‘sacrifice,’” said Governor Steve Beshear. “It has been with the utmost confidence that I have called upon them in Kentucky’s time of need during an impressive number of federally declared disasters. This new Army Aviation Support Facility we’re dedicating today will only increase the effectiveness of the Kentucky National Guard as its members perform an already wide array of capabilities. With the best equipment and the best people, there’s not much we in Kentucky won’t be able to handle.”
Tonini then cut the ribbon on the Bowman Readiness Center in Louisville later that afternoon.
The Butler Reserve Center was acquired by the Kentucky National Guard in the fall of 2013 as a result of the 2005 Defense Base and Realignment and Closure law. Kentucky invested $4 million to renovate the facility. This center will support operations of the Commonwealth’s National Guard units.
“Events like these show the relevance of what we do for our to serve our metro, our Commonwealth and our nation,” said Tonini of the Bowman Center. “Make no mistake about it, this is a Kentucky National Guard facility. Not only will we honor the military legacy of the Soldiers walking through this building, we will enhance it and continue the tradition with Kentucky Guardsmen.”
With the newest construction projects ongoing at the same time, Col. Steve King, director of facilities for the Kentucky Guard, said it was a demanding undertaking, but a beneficial move in the right direction for the Guard.
Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Brig Gen. Charles Jones, Guardsmen and other guests cut the ribbon to open the Bowman Readiness Center in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 14, 2015. The new facility now houses Kentucky’s 75th Troop Command among other units. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“The Kentucky National Guard and Department of Military Affairs routinely manage between 30 to 40 projects at any given time,” said King. “These projects range from minor renovations and maintenance of readiness centers or armories, to major military construction. When managing large scale projects simultaneously, it’s important to note the teamwork involved between all agency personnel. Most of these projects have federal funding, but all have to be worked through the Finance Cabinet for design and execution. This relationship is key to the successful execution of all these projects.”
By Sgt. Lerone Simmons, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Newly promoted Warrant Officer Robert A. Herrin, receives his new rank from Gilbert Herrin, his grandfather and Korean War Veteran during Kentucky’s Warrant Officer Candidate school graduation ceremony at the State Capitol, Frankfort, Ky. September 27, 2015. The Kentucky Guard commissioned 9 new lieutenants and 10 warrant officers at the event. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lerone Simmons)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — With the stage set in the heart of the Commonwealth, the Kentucky Army National Guard welcomed its newest commissioned and warrant officers during a graduation ceremony on the steps of the state Capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky, Sept. 27.
Attached to the 238th Regional Training Institute, Officer Candidate School class 57-15 and Warrant Officer class 15-001 completed rigorous training programs at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Kentucky and Fort McClellan, Alabama, earning their seats at the ceremony and commissioned as officers.
It was the last commissioning ceremony with Kentucky’s Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general, presiding. Tonini will retire later this fall.
The newest officers and warrant officers in the Kentucky National Guard are sworn in by Col. Hal Lamberton, commander of the 238th Regimental Training Institute, during a graduation ceremony at the State Capitol, Frankfort, Ky. September 27, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lerone Simmons)
Tonini reflected on his more than forty-six years of service to include an ever-changing National Guard during his remarks.“Today’s Guard is the most experienced and combat ready since it’s inception.”
He highlighted the importance of striving for success and maintaining positive standards.
“Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it,” he said. “You are the key to our Soldier’s success.”
Second Lt. Benjamin R. Smith, OCS distinguished honor graduate and Louisville native, said he respected the legacy that Tonini leaves behind.
“We want to maintain the standards and expectations that the adjutant general has set out for the Guard,” said Smith.
Smith also credited the outstanding leadership for equipping his class with the tools to become great officers.
“The OCS program has helped us grow together with the help of our top-notch leadership,” he said. “They taught us how to properly take charge while maintaining a balance of military and personal life.”
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According to Warrant Officer Terry R. Roark, a Berea, Kentucky-native, the leadership imparted a high level of mentorship and direction onto him.
“The mentorship from the leadership has been phenomenal, their direction and guidance was key to my success,” he said.
For Capt. Jayson McDonald, lead platoon trainer assigned to the 238th RTI, the age-old question of “are leader’s made or born,” is one with a two-fold answer.
“They have to come in with confidence, drive, and the ability to learn,” said McDonald. “This is something I can not impart in someone, however, we provide them the opportunity and the challenging environment for them to create and execute a plan to succeed,” he said.
McDonald began training the class at Phase 0 and was proud of their success.
“I’m really impressed with them. A lot of them came in without any military experience but took the information they were given and applied it as necessary to make it to this stage,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with new officers receiving congratulations from family, friends and other Soldiers.
By Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Kentucky Guardsmen gather with several members of Djibouti’s military and government cabinets at the Kentucky National Guard Memorial in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 15, 2015. The visit was part of the Kentucky Guard’s State Partnership with Djibouti. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard hosted several members of Djibouti’s military and government cabinets, Sept. 13-20, as part of the Kentucky Guard’s State Partnership with Djibouti. Civilian members of the Djiboutian delegation included the Honorable Tom Kelly, U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti, the President of the National Assembly, Mr. Muhamed Ali Houmed, Djiboutian ministers of health, foreign affairs, chambers of commerce, and the University of Djibouti. The military delegates included chiefs of defense, Air Force, logistics, military education and materiel. This was the first Djiboutian partnership event in Kentucky since the National Guard selected Kentucky for this state partnership in June.
Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Keith discusses the capabilities of a UH-60 Blackhawk with Lt. Col. Chakib Mahamed Ali, deputy commander of the Djibouti Air Force during a visit to the Kentucky Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 15, 2015. Members of the Djibouti military toured several sites across Kentucky as part of the country’s new partnership with the Kentucky Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“Our Kentucky Guardsmen, our government officials and our civic leaders have been fantastic ambassadors to these global neighbors this week,” stated Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini. “We’re honored to host our new partners and friends from the Republic of Djibouti.”
While in Kentucky, the Djiboutian delegation toured Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort; ate dinner at the Governor’s Mansion with Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen; visited Kentucky troops working at Fort Knox and training at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Western Kentucky; toured Kentucky’s Air National Guard Base; made a stop at Churchill Downs; attended a University of Louisville football game; toured Waterstep and UPS; interacted with ROTC cadets at the University of Louisville and at the University of Kentucky; met boxing great, Muhammad Ali; and visited the Louisville Islamic Center.
“We came to Kentucky knowing of the Kentucky Guard,” said President Muhamed Ali Houmed, “We are leaving Kentucky now knowing these people as friends. Friends of us and friends of Djibouti.”
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Through the SPP, the Kentucky Guard will conduct military-to-military engagements in support of defense security cooperation goals similar to this current trip. The program also works to strengthen partner nation’s domestic response capabilities.
Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general, speaks with Thomas Kelly, U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti (middle) and Mr. Muhamed Ali Houmed, President of the National Assembly of Djibouti during a visit to the Kentucky National Guard Memorial in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 15, 2015. The partnership with Djibouti is the Kentucky’s Guard second collaborative effort as part of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The State Partnership Program is administered by the National Guard Bureau and guided by U.S. Department of State foreign policy goals. The SPP has been successfully building relationships for over 20 years involving 74 nations around the globe. With the inclusion of Djibouti, the National Guard will have 69 state partnerships in 75 countries.
A Kentucky delegation led by Tonini participated in the State Partnership Program signing ceremony in Djibouti, Africa in June 2015. http://tinyurl.com/djiboutikyspp
Djibouti is Kentucky’s second partnership program. The Ecuador-Kentucky SPP was formalized in 1996. Since its inception, the partnership has completed 66 exchange events with Ecuador ranging from security, maintenance, emergency management, and Army and Air Force aviation.
By Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Brig. Gen. David Graetz, assistance chief of chaplains for the National Guard, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general, Chaplain (Col.) Yong Cho, state chaplain and retired Col. James Dill, former state chaplain, cut a cake celebrating 240 years of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., July 29, 2015. There are more than 1,200 chaplains serving today in the National Guard and Army Reserves. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps is one of the oldest and smallest branches of the Army and their impact on Soldiers is immeasurable. On the 240th birthday of the Chaplain Corps, the Kentucky National Guard family gathered to pay tribute to those whose faith is their mightiest weapon.
Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general joined Brig. Gen. David Graetz, the assistant chief of chaplains for the Army National Guard, Guardsmen, and friends and family for a birthday celebration in Frankfort, Ky., July 29, 2015.
Retired Col. James DIll, former senior Army chaplain for the Kentucky National Guard speaks during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., celebrating 240 years of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, July 29, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“Our chaplains are an invaluable resource to commanders and Soldiers alike,” said Tonini. “I encourage all our Guardsmen to get to know their chaplains, tell them what you need and discover for yourself the vast resource he or she can bring to the mission.”
There are 20 chaplains serving the Kentucky Guard with 10 chaplain assistants to reach the more than 8,000 Citizen-Soldiers across the commonwealth. There are roughly 1,200 chaplains in the Army’s reserve components and 1,300 in the active duty, representing five major faiths (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist) and more than 120 denominations.
“The 240th United States Army Chaplain Birthday celebration highlights the service, sacrifice, and diversity of our Corps,” said Chaplain (Col.) Yong Cho, state chaplain for Kentucky. “I am proud of our Kentucky Army National Guard Chaplain Corps for their outstanding ministry. I am equally proud of the support we have from Maj. Gen. Tonini and the entire senior leadership. I believe our senior leaders are committed in caring for the religious needs of all service members.”
Spc. Cheyenne Jennings serves as a religious affairs specialist and has for five years. She shares Tonini’s opinion of the chaplain corps being a valuable resource.
“It is an honor to serve alongside one of the best entities in the military,” she said. “I get to support those who support the welfare and well being of this country’s armed forces.”
In addition to a brief history of the Chaplain Corps, which dates back to Gen. George Washington’s forces during the Revolution, several displays were set up to show the reach and impact of chaplains. From religious war relics of past wars to information on the Strong Bonds program, which chaplains arrange and conduct, Kentucky’s chaplains ensured those in attendance were educated and entertained by the role of the faith-guided Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard.
Chaplains with the Kentucky National Guard discuss religious diversity with Guardsmen during the Kentucky National Guard’s Diversity Day in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 1, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“This was our first attempt of recognizing the United States Army Chaplain Corps Birthday,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Bill Draper. “I am glad the event was well attended and supported. It is important to share the story of the Chaplain Corps because it reminds Soldiers of a unique support system in place to protect their individual freedom of the free exercise of religion.”
“On behalf of the Kentucky Army National Guard Chaplain Corps, we are proud to serve America’s best. We are especially proud of our families who enable our service. May God bless each of you and may God continue to bless the United States of America.”
By Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general passes the non-commissioned officer’s sword to Command Sgt. Maj. David Munden during an assumption of responsibility ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 7, 2015. Munden became the state’s ninth command sergeant major, taking over for Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Chumley who retired in June. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Command Sgt. Maj. David Munden became Kentucky’s ninth state command sergeant major during an assumption of responsibility ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 7. He takes over from Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Chumley who retired in June.
Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini presided over the event and presented Munden with the NCO sword signifying Munden’s responsibility as the senior non-commissioned officer for the Kentucky Army National Guard.
Command Sgt. Maj. David Munden returns the non-commissioned officer’s sword to Staff Sgt. Adam Rients to complete an assumption of responsibility ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 7, 2015. Munden assumes the role following an assignment as the command sergeant major of the Warrior Transition Battalion in Fort, Knox, Ky. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“This is the culminating event of my career,” said Munden. “I can’t imagine any other job that I’d want after this one.”
In his position as the senior noncommissioned officer, the state command sergeant major advises the Adjutant General of Kentucky on the nearly 6500 enlisted Soldiers in the Kentucky Army National Guard, emphasizing training and quality of life issues. He is also charged with the fair and equitable management of promotions and personnel actions.
“I am a Soldier, and I’m a sergeant. And sergeants execute missions. I may have a fancy title, but I will still execute this mission with the confidence and trust I have been shown.”
Munden has served 33 years in uniform, 23 of those while married to his wife, Ginger. It was a very emotional event for the Munden family with several family members in attendance for the ceremony.
“I’m so proud of him today and I know he will do such a good job for the Soldiers,” she said. “We’ve worked hard to get him here and it means a lot to him and I hope he has the opportunity to accomplish the mission.”
Munden originally enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1979 and served six years active duty before joining the Kentucky Guard in 1988. He served the majority of his career with the 223rd Military Police Company and the 198th MP Battalion. In 2012, Munden deployed to Afghanistan as a senior mentor with Kentucky’s final Agribusiness Development Team. Upon his return, Munden was appointed the command sergeant major of the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Knox, Kentucky, a job he called eye-opening and very rewarding.
“I’m from the military police, I’m of the troops and for the troops. That’s the last time you’ll hear me speak specifically of MPs, I am for all the Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard. That’s how I’m going to be.”
