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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.
By Sgt. David Cox, 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade
Lt. Col. Mark Brozak, commander of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion furls the unit’s colors with help from Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Foster during an inactivation ceremony in Burlington, Ky., Jan. 10, 2016. After nearly 10 years of service to the Nation and commonwealth, the unit was stood down due to Army force structure changes. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. David Cox)
BURLINGTON, Ky. — Soldiers with 1204th Aviation Support Battalion furled their battalion colors for the last time during an inactivation ceremony Jan. 10, at the National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington, Ky.
The unit of nearly 300 has been inactivated in accordance the Army’s force structure realignment.
Activated in 2006, the 1204th played a vital role in disaster recovery operations during the 2009 Ice Storm and deployed to Iraq in 2011 in support of Operation New Dawn .
Soldiers of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion salute during an inactivation ceremony in Burlington, Ky., Jan. 10, 2016. Activated in 2006, the unit was home to nearly 300 Soldiers. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“From 2006 to today, this unit has probably done more as an ASB than the other 12 currently in the force,” said Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Adams, III, Chief of the Joint Staff. “Being able to deploy as a battalion to five different countries during a time of war says a great deal about the unit and its personnel.”
Click here for more photos.
Lt. Col. Mark Brozak, commander of the 1204th ASB, said “that although the colors are cased, the soldiers of the unit will continue to serve the nation and the commonwealth of Kentucky.”
The 1204th’s mess section finished their service to the unit as recipients of the Connelly Award. The award recognizes food service Soldier that exceed Army standards and operate at a level that showcases teamwork, professionalism, quality and service.
Soldiers expressed a bittersweet satisfaction with what they accomplished while being a part of the unit’s history.
Brig. Gen. Benjamin Adams III presents the Connelly Award to Soldiers of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion during an inactivation ceremony in Burlington, Ky., Jan. 10, 2016. The Connelly Award recognizes food service units and sections that exceed Army standards of food preparation and promote teamwork. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“I’ve been in almost 18 years and this is home to me,” said Staff Sgt. Bill Hyatt, supply noncommissioned officer with Headquarters Support Company, 1204th ASB. “It’s going to be a big culture shock to me because aviation is where I’ve been since I’ve been in the Kentucky Army National Guard and now I’m going to a transportation company.”
“I’m going to be the first person to arrive to the 1204th and the last person to leave.”
The Burlington Readiness Center, home of the 1204th, will continue to be utilized by the Kentucky Guard. Two new units, the 2061st Multi-Role Bridge Company and the 2112th Transportation Company will be stood up this year to operate out the state-of-the-art armory.
See local news coverage here: WLWT 5, WKRC Local 12.
Another year’s in the books, with more pages to document the service of the Kentucky National Guard. Around the commonwealth and across the globe, our Guardsmen once again have displayed what we call unbridled service. Below are a few of our favorite stories of duty and accomplishment.
Thanks to all our friends, families for allowing us to make 2015 another successful year of service to Kentucky and the Nation.
Guard activated for winter storm response
Guardsmen compete in biathlon finals
Air Guard welcomes 9-year-old fighting cancer
Kentucky dedicates Guard memorial
Four million pounds for a purpose
Kentucky hosts Djibouti delegation
Kentucky Guard cuts ribbons on new facilities
123rd Airlift Wing named top airlift unit
Guardsmen support Gubernatorial Inauguration
By Olivia Burton, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
Kentucky National Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 teamed up for the annual Operation Military Cheer to benefit military families during the holiday. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Over the past several years, Home Builders Care, in partnership with Members of the Home Builders Association of Lexington have collected toys, bicycles, clothing, musical instruments and gift cards that have been distributed to more than 650 Kentucky Guard families.
Operation Military Cheer has become a momentous occasion for the local community and military families needing a little help around the holiday season. This year was no exception.
Sgt. Stephanie Williams and Sgt. 1st Class Charity Lane help load donations from the Home Builders Association in Lexington, Ky., Dec. 11, 2015. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
“In 2011, we started a non-profit here at the Home Builders Association called Home Builders Care. Our involvement in Operation Military Cheer has grown tremendously, especially this year,” said Treasurer Don Sullivan. “It is well worth the work and preparation. This is my Christmas.”
Once the toys were collected at the Home Builders Association in Lexington, they were transported to the “North Pole” at the American Legion Auxiliary in Anderson County. Donations flooded Unit 34, ranging from large corporations to single contributors. Ale 8, Mayfield Academy, The Lexington Church and tenants at Bluegrass Army Depot also took the opportunity to help out.
Once the items were organized by local volunteers, they were sent to 16 armories across the state. From Pikeville to Murray, 148 families, including 379 children, will have a little more to smile about this Christmas.
Child and Youth Programs Coordinator Linda Jones shared their reason for the season, “It not only warms my heart to see all these kids get gifts for Christmas that wouldn’t have otherwise, but it warms my heart to see fellow military families and the community step up and take care of these kids for Christmas.
Kentucky National Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 teamed up for the annual Operation Military Cheer to benefit military families during the holiday. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
The Kentucky Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 have spearheaded the drive to serve families in need this holiday season.
On behalf of the State Family Programs Office, we would like to thank everyone for their contributions and sacrifices made to provide help to our families. If you would like to learn more about this program or are a Service member in need of assistance, please call 1-800-372-7601 opt 1.
Gov. Bevin announces solution to tuition assistance shortfall
GOVERNOR BEVIN ANNOUNCES SOLUTION TO THE KENTUCKY NATIONAL GUARD TUITION ASSISTANCE SHORTFALL
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 14, 2015) – Last week it came to the attention of Governor Bevin that nearly 700 Kentucky Guard members had been denied tuition assistance due to an unforeseen funding shortfall. Upon hearing of this situation, Governor Bevin immediately began to work with Adjutant General Hogan and State Senator Chris McDaniel to find a solution to allow these Guard members to enroll in classes for the spring semester.
Today, Governor Bevin met with leaders of the Kentucky higher education institutions to request that the Kentucky National Guard members be able to enroll for the spring semester with the understanding that the state will reimburse the universities for any funding shortfall in the upcoming budget session.
“I am pleased to announce that we have found a solution for the Guard members who were denied tuition assistance due to a lack of funds,” said Governor Bevin. “This afternoon I met with the university and community college presidents and they have graciously agreed to front the tuition assistance for the Guard members until the state is able to provide reimbursement.”
“This solution will ensure that the Kentucky Guard members’ academic enrollment is not adversely impacted while we work to finalize funding,” Governor Bevin continued. “I thank the leaders of our higher education community, Sen. McDaniel, and Adjutant General Hogan for partnering with us in this effort to restore the benefits that had been promised. This program is a small token of appreciation for the sacrifices made by the men and women serving us proudly in the Guard.”
The General Assembly set aside $5.3 million for the program, but that is approximately $1 to $2 million short of the total amount needed to fully fund the requested assistance. The Administration is looking at funding options both within the current budget as well as the budget for the upcoming session. The House and Senate leadership have expressed commitment to ensure that this obligation is met in the next budget cycle. The Kentucky National Guard members that have been affected should directly contact their higher education institution with questions.
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Happy Thanksgiving from around the world
Happy Thanksgiving from Kentucky’s 1163rd Area Support Medical Company currently deployed to Afghanistan. (Photo courtesy of the 1163rd ASMC)
From our family to yours, the Kentucky National Guard wishes everyone a joyous and safe Thanksgiving. We count our blessings everyday and are incredibly thankful for the men and women of our organization and their families.
This year, we are especially thankful for our Soldiers and Airmen that are unable to be home for the holidays, like the 1163rd Area Support Medical Company in Afghanistan, the 441st Survey and Design Team on their way to the Middle East, and Bravo Company, 351st Aviation Support Battalion currently preparing to return home. Keep up the great work Soldiers and Godspeed!
Around your dinner tables this holiday, we ask that you keep these brave Guardsmen in your thoughts and prayers.
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.”
Click here for more photos.
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 Olivia Burton, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
November is Military Family Month. This November also included military appreciation days at such venues as Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Ky., where the University of Louisville hosted military families for their football game Nov. 7, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Kentucky National Guard Family Programs)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Each year the President signs a proclamation declaring November Military Family Month. This month, the Kentucky National Guard aimed to honor and celebrate the commitment and sacrifices made by the families of Kentucky Guardsmen.
With the support of local communities joining forces across the commonwealth, Kentucky truly leads the way in providing care for their military families.
Families of the 1163rd Area Medical Support Company, currently deployed to the Middle East, gathered in Louisville Nov. 7, to hear about services offered in their area.
Community leaders, veterans’ organizations, the local armory and the University of Louisville teamed up to recognize family members and even provided free admission to the Louisville Cardinals football game. As spouses and parents of deployed Service members received information on services offered, their children spent the day together decorating cookies and making new friends.
“I believe these events are beneficial not just for learning about the programs available to the military family, but also it helps to interact with others going through the same situations,” said military spouse, Kim Beard. “Our kids can play and maybe feel comforted by knowing they all have a daddy that is working far away.”
Many services presented their benefits and programs, including Active Heroes, Athena Sisters, Military One Source, American Red Cross, and the Enlisted Association National Guard of Kentucky.
“This event gives my family the opportunity to obtain unknown information then spend the evening together at the football game. It is a must for us to stay busy with fun things to keep the kids’ minds busy and full of things to talk about with their daddy when he calls,” Beard said.
Like Beard, many families share the same hardship and cling to their communities and each other for support, especially during the deployment cycle. It is our responsibility to ensure our families are always taken care of across Kentucky.
Please join the Kentucky National Guard this month as we honor their daily sacrifices. Contact your local Family Assistance Center if you know of a family in need or are a family member seeking information on ways your community supports you.
For a special way to give back this holiday season, please check out Operation Military Cheer at this link: http://kentuckyguard.com/family-programs/child-youth-services/
Louisville honors Veterans with downtown parade
By Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Kentucky Guard supports sixth annual Survivors Day at Races
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.”
Click here for more photos.
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.
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