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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
Story by Ted Sloan, Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Kentucky Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini and his wife, Carol, front row, third and second from left, join chef Kate Horning, center; Ben Shaffar, back row, second from left, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s director of business development; and members of the 123rd Airlift Wing who prepared the meal for the Survivors Luncheon. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Guests at the unveiling of the Kentucky National Guard Memorial on Memorial Day were treated to a luncheon of Kentucky Proud products prior to the ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center.
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“We are honored and humbled that Kentucky Proud could play a small role in this solemn occasion,” Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said in a statement. “Kentucky’s heritage of military service and agricultural achievement go hand in hand. Thanks to the Kentucky National Guard for allowing Kentucky food producers to be a part of this special day.”
Ben Shaffar, Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s director of business development, addresses the crowd at the Kentucky National Guard Memorial Day luncheon in Frankfort, Ky., May 25, 2015. The luncheon featured Kentucky Proud products and Homegrown by Heroes. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The luncheon honored survivors of Kentucky National Guard soldiers and airmen who fell in the line of duty. Participating Kentucky Proud and Homegrown By Heroes vendors included Brooks Meats of Boone County, Bush Farms of Boyle County, Chelsea Farms of Shelby County, Crank and Boom Ice Cream of Fayette County, Elmwood Farms of Scott County, Evermore Farm of Fayette County, Kight’s Pecans of McCracken County, and Weisenberger Mill of Woodford County. The meal was prepared by celebrity chef, lifestyle coach, and author Kate Horning of Lexington with members of the 123rd Airlift Wing of the Kentucky Air National Guard.
The Kentucky National Guard Memorial was built to remember the hundreds of soldiers and airmen who perished since 1912, when Kentucky adopted federal legislation that established the modern National Guard.
Kentucky Guard leaders join surviving family members of fallen Guardsmen at a Memorial Day luncheon in Frankfort, Ky., May 25, 2015. The luncheon featured Kentucky Proud products and Homegrown by Heroes. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“A good many survivors [in the audience] have a loved one that this memorial is being dedicated to here today,” Kentucky Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini told an overflow crowd at the ceremony to dedicate the monument. “We didn’t do this just for our fallen Guardsmen and women. We did it also for their families and loved ones. And we did it for future generations of Guard soldiers and airmen. Now those who follow in step after us will better appreciate what it means to be a member of the National Guard.”
The memorial features a larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Daniel Boone sculpted by Wyatt L. Gragg of Prospect and a 22-foot-wide granite stone in the shape of Kentucky bearing the names of Kentucky National Guard service men and women who have died in the line of duty. Smock Fansler Corp. of Indianapolis is the general contractor. Other contractors include Bender Associates Architects of Lexington and Muldoon Memorials of Louisville.
The shrine was built with private funds.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Col. Charles Jones traces the etching of his son’s name on the Kentucky National Guard Memorial in Frankfort, Ky., May 15, 2015. The monument honors the memory of more than 230 Kentucky Guardsmen who have lost their lives on duty since 1912, including Jones’ son, Sgt. 1st Class Charles Jason Jones who died in Iraq in 2006. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Flags were raised, the ribbon was cut, names were read and the tears fell. Kentucky now has a permanent shrine to fallen Guardsmen.
Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen and Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini joined hundreds of current and former Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, friends and family members in a dedication ceremony for the Kentucky National Guard Memorial on Memorial Day, May 25 at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky.
“With a beautiful stone map of Kentucky and that incredible statue of Daniel Boone standing guard … there’s nothing quite like it in our city,” said Lt. Gov. Luallen. “I don’t think there’s anything quite like it anywhere in the state of Kentucky. It is a fitting tribute to your fallen loved ones, and serve as a reminder to all of us that freedom isn’t free.”
Lynn Romans (center) and other family members trace the names of their fallen loved ones on the Kentucky National Guard Memorial in Frankfort, Ky., May 25, 2015. More than 230 names of fallen Guardsmen are etched on the new memorial at the Boone National Guard Center. (U. S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
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Nearly ten years in the making, the memorial honors more than 230 Guardsmen who have given their lives in the line of duty since 1912, in defense of the nation overseas and here at home.
One of those is Lynn Romans’ son, Sgt. Darrin Potter who was killed in Iraq in 2003. Romans is happy the memorial is finished and so close to the road for people to see.
“Recognizing everyone on that wall will ensure that they are never forgotten,” she said. “This recognizes the real heroes among us and we all should take a moment and relish our freedoms we have because of them.”
Tonini thanked the crowd and everyone who contributed to the memorial including local Future Farmers of America members who added the final touches of landscaping just days before. He stated that a part of the memorial is a part of everyone who helped along the way.
“I am truly awe-struck by this beautiful, polished granite rendition of the Bluegrass State, listing the names of our fallen troops … protected by the larger than life figure of the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone,” stated Tonini. “And as we stand together, I want to remind you that we didn’t just do this for our fallen Guardsmen and women.”
(Left to right) Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Adams III cut the ribbon officially dedicating the Kentucky National Guard Memorial in Frankfort, Ky., May 25, 2015. The memorial was ten years in the making and was built for roughly $1.3 million. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“We also did it for their families and loved ones,” he said. “We did this for future generations of Guard Soldiers and Airmen. Now those who fall in step after us can better appreciate what it means to be a member of the Kentucky National Guard.”
The ceremony also featured a fly-over by a Kentucky Air Guard C-130 and two Blackhawk helicopters, and a 21-gun salute from Howitzer cannons of the 138th Field Artillery Brigade.
Soil from all 120 Kentucky counties was planted at the site in recognition of the Kentucky National Guard being the commonwealth’s “hometown defense force.”
The memorial was built with private funds.
Staff Report
A statue of Daniel Boone keeps watch over the new Kentucky National Guard Memorial in Frankfort, Ky. The monument with the inscribed names of more than 230 Kentucky Guardsmen will be dedicated this Memorial Day. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — On a Memorial Day unlike those gone by, the Kentucky Guard stands proud before a fitting monument to those Citizen-Soldiers who gave the last full measure of devotion for their home and Nation. The dedication of the Kentucky National Guard Memorial has been a long time in the making. But as we present it to the world, Guardsmen are reminded, and will be everyday henceforth, ‘What Memorial Day mean to me?’
“Memorial Day is a day that is set aside to remember and honor those who served and gave their lives so that we may live and continue to live in this country freely. Not only is it a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by the Service members, but in my opinion it is also a day to hold those ones close who have lost a father, mother, child, brother, sister or a friend, while they were selflessly serving and defending our Country.”
Spc. Stacy Pesut, 103rd
“Memorial Day is a day to reflect for me. Having been born in a different country, under a different political system, I am acutely aware that America is the greatest country in the world; and Memorial Day is a day when I can reflect and show reverence to the men and women of our armed forces who gave their life in order to ensure it stays that way.”
1st. Lt. Marlon Jones, 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery
“Memorial Day is a day I take time to remember my fallen brothers I knew, who served with my unit once upon a time.”
Staff Sgt. Dana Stringer, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
“I don’t think you’d have to call it Memorial Day, nor do I think it matters what you call it. We need an occasion annually to gather together and remember our fallen brothers and sisters, because it is through that fellowship that we heal and through that fellowship that the fallen live on in our memories. We call it Memorial Day, but that’s not what’s important.”
Col. Michael Abell, Director, G1
“It is a day when we should all pause to honor the Service members that paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedoms, rights and liberties. It should also be a day that we recommit ourselves to maintaining vigilance over those freedoms so that their sacrifices are not wasted and that our children and future generations have the same rights and opportunities.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Rowan, 198th Military Police Battalion
“This day is a standstill moment in time for us to stop what we’re doing, remember the fallen and what the words honor and duty actually mean. We need to celebrate and appreciate what we have, because many lost everything to give us the freedom to choose who we are and the ability to live life to the fullest.”
Sgt. 1st Class Rebecca Wood, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
“For most people Memorial Day represents the beginning of summer, a time for picnics, beach trips, boating and vacations. Some feel this is shallow and inappropriate, but I’ve come to think otherwise: It is because of the sacrifices of those who fell in defense of our nation and our unique American way of life that we can have the freedom to do all of these things. So celebrate, America, party on! Go four-wheeling and hiking and skiing and have a wonderful time. And as you gather around the barbeque at the end of your Memorial Day and watch the setting sun, be sure to raise a glass in honor of those who made this all possible, our honored fallen, for they are surely looking down upon us with pride … and more than a little envy.”
Staff Sgt. (ret.) David Altom, Public Affairs Office
Staff Report
Flags flutter in the breeze at the Kentucky War Memorial in Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, Ky.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — President John F. Kennedy said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.”
Today, we remember and honor the American Servicemembers, ordinary men and women, who died while in military service.
Since 1866, when the people of Waterloo, New York dipped their flags to half mast and decorated their village to remember the Soldiers who died during the Civil War, our nation has paid tribute to those lives of all service men and women who have fallen in the line of duty.
Flags whip in the wind over the graves of Kentucky Service members at the War Memorial in Frankfort Cemetery in Frankfort, Ky.
In the 100 years since the organization became known as the Kentucky National Guard, hundreds of its Citizen-Soldiers have given the last full measure of devotion to the Commonwealth and the Nation.Names such as 1st Sgt. William C. Liles from Hartford, Ky., who died during the Mexican Border Campaign in 1917 and Pvt. Robert Brooks of Sadieville, Ky., the first U.S. Armored forces casualty of World War II, tell of the past sacrifices of Kentucky and a nation at war. Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 16,000 Kentucky Guardsmen have deployed overseas in support of operations in the War on Terror — 18 did not return.
Sgt. Jonathan Hughes of Lebanon, Kentucky, who was killed in Iraq in 2005, and Sgt. Daniel Wallace of Dry Ridge, Kentucky, who died in 2008 in Afghanistan, are among the newest names added to the alter of freedom.
The Kentucky Guard is in the process of funding their own memorial to be dedicated to those names and others who we honor today.
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 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.”
An artist rendering of the future Kentucky National Guard Memorial to be built in Frankfort, Ky. (Courtesy of KYNG Memorial Fund)
The memorial will be built in Frankfort at the Boone National Guard Center with a ground breaking ceremony scheduled for today. Funding for the memorial has been provided entirely through private donations.
To find out more about the project visit www.kyngmemorial.com.
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Dillon Walker found more than 60 potential names for the Kentucky National Guard Memorial in his high school research project. Dillon is the nephew of Master Sgt. Clinton Cubert, who died in 2006 as the result of injuries sustained by an IED while serving in Irag. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — For Dillon Walker it was more than just another school assignment. The Western Hills High School student wanted to do something special for his senior project, so he chose military appreciation as a theme. Little did he know his efforts would affect so many.
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In 2006 Walker’s uncle, Master Sgt. Clinton Cubert, was hit by an improvised explosive device while serving with the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 2113th Transportation Company in Samarra, Iraq. Cubert’s injuries were critical and he was eventually transported to Kentucky where he could receive medical care near his family.
“I was about nine or ten when that happened,” said Walker. “I remember visiting at the hospital and helping take care of him, helping him with his physical therapy and talking to him, just spending time with him.”
Cubert died on April 16, 2006 of complications from his injuries. Walker’s fondest memories of his uncle preceded his tragic death.
“He was a great man,” said Walker. “He loved hiking and hunting, anything to do with the outdoors. And he was a great soldier. I really looked up to him.”
Click here to find out more about Master Sgt. Clinton Cubert and other Kentucky Guard members who have fallen in the line of duty.
Col. Charles Jones, Deputy Adjutant General for Kentucky, presents Dillon Walker with an Honorary Kentucky Guard certificate in recognition for his work in identifying fallen troops. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
Fast forward to today. Walker’s assignment led him to the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs and the Military Records and Research Branch. There he was given a unique mission, one that hit him in his heart: identifying the names of Kentucky National Guard members who have fallen in the line of duty.
“I found out about the Kentucky National Guard Memorial and how they needed help in identifying the names of fallen Guard members,” said Walker. “I figured this would be as good a way as any to give back.”
Click here to find out more about the Kentucky National Guard Memorial.
“It’s a daunting task, and an important one,” said Department of Military Affairs Jason LeMay, who has been accumulating the list of names for the memorial. “We started out with more than 500 potential names and we’ve confirmed about 150 so far.”
More than 300 names still have to be vetted and it all has to be done before the first of July so the stone cutters can begin etching the monument in time for the November dedication. Walker found more than 60 potential candidates while conducting his research project.
“That’s a huge dent in our numbers. Dillon’s efforts are crucial to meeting our deadline,” said LeMay. “We are grateful to have him on our team.”
“We’re so proud that a young person would take on such an important responsibility,” said Col. Charles Jones, Deputy Adjutant General for Kentucky. Jones presented Walker with a certificate making the high school senior an honorary member of the Kentucky National Guard. “Dillon’s service to these fallen troops and their families reflects the honor of his uncle’s legacy.”
Walker plans to attend the Memorial Day groundbreaking ceremony for the memorial that will display his uncle’s name. It’s just another step in honoring a man he holds in such high esteem.
LOUISVILLE, Ky (May 28th, 2012)-Chief Master Sgt. James Smith, Kentucky’s State Command Chief, responded to questions from former little league team mate, Terry Meiners, WHAS Radio personality, during an interview Thursday. Smith and Bat’s Marketing Director, Greg Galiette, were invited to speak on behalf of the Louisville Bats Military Appreciation Day on Memorial Day.
Chief Master Sergeant James Smith’s military career began on 10 September 1977, with his enlistment into the Kentucky Air National Guard. Jim served the Air Guard in many assignments within the Wing, advancing to Chief Master Sergeant and State Command Chief. As the State Command Chief, Jim Smith is the liaison with all the Army and Air Guard Generals, the Staff, and other Kentucky Guard members, promoting the enlisted concerns and advancements for the Air Guard.
Listen to this interview by clicking on the image below.
