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Story by Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Lyddane
1st Lt. Holdun Reed with the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery and his girlfriend, Jasmine at the 2015 St. Barbara’s Dining Out in Bowling Green, Ky., Dec. 5, 2015. Reed is an award-winning body builder competing in regional events. (Courtesy photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — According to the TRADOC Standardized Physical Training Guide, physical fitness is defined as having “the ability to effectively function in work, training and other activities while maintaining optimal health and well-being.” Many of our Kentucky Guardsman know and understand this notion, but 1st Lt. Holdun Reed embraces it.
Throughout the past year his mental fortitude, determination, and hard work has afforded him the opportunity to compete as a natural body builder. Reed recently competed in the Kentucky Derby Championships, Natural Kentucky Championships, and Kentucky Muscle Championships. He represented both himself and the National Guard well by dominating the competition, taking first place in Physique Novice Class B, third place in Physique Open Class B, and won Overall Physique Novice Champion, respectively.
“Body building gives me something to work towards,” Reed said. “I feel that I am an athlete at heart and have found my sport.”
Competent leaders lead by example, overcome adversity, and are able to persevere through the toughest challenges. Reed has proven that he possesses those traits. Reed serves as a platoon leader for Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery located in Bardstown, Kentucky.
He deployed with the unit to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom from October of 2006 to February 2008. Not long after returning home, Reed was severely burned in an automobile fire.
“There were more challenges than I can remember, I woke up in pain for nearly eight months,” he said.
He endured a major surgery to repair the burned areas and skin was grafted from his legs to replace the skin that had been burned away on his arms. He attributes the love and support of his friends and family and especially his girlfriend who stuck beside him every step of the way. For some, this may have negatively impacted their motivation. For Reed, this was a driving force that created a more intense desire to achieve his goals.
1st Lt. Holdun Reed and his girlfriend Jasmine both place in their respective categories at the 2015 Kentucky Muscle Championships in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 14, 2015. (Courtesy photo)
“My parents raised me with the attitude to let nothing stop me from achieving my goals. They told me to never make excuses but instead create solutions.”
After a full recovery, Reed felt there was more he could do in uniform. With years of honing his leadership skills as a Non-Commissioned Officer under his belt, and completing his degree in Business Management and Administration at Western Kentucky University, he decided to challenge himself by attending Officer Candidate School in 2012.
As an artillery officer, Reed is an expert in fire support, observed firing tactics, fire direction procedures, and well versed in platoon leadership. He is a firm believer that great leaders can transform people and encourage the best out of a unit; he has known that type of leader and wanted to follow in their footsteps.
Reed said that as an officer, the challenge is greater because of the requirement to not only provide guidance to subordinates but juggle that responsibility with being a role model and mentor. If you ask Reed’s chain of command, you’ll hear similar comments.
“Lt. Reed has faced many challenges in his life, but continues to demonstrate a true resiliency to persevere,” said Col. Rob Larkin, commander of the 138th Field Artillery Brigade. “His work ethic in and out of uniform has helped him become a well-rounded officer who sets a fine example for others to follow.”
1st Lt. Holdun Reed takes 1st place in his category at the NPC Kentucky Derby Festival in Louisville, Ky., April 25, 2015. (courtesy photo)
Now with five body building awards under his belt, Reed plans to continue competing and challenging himself. Body building has similar requirements to that of being a Soldier, it involves a tremendous amount of focus and commitment - Reed knows this all too well. Leading up to competitions takes hours of time in a gym, knowledge of the human anatomy, and strict adherence to a diet regimen. Similar to the way he uses his position to influence, mentor, and encourage other service members in his unit.
By Staff Sgt. David Bolton, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Newly-commissioned 2nd Lt. Morris is pinned by his wife, Cynthia during a ceremony at the state Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 27, 2015. The ceremony honored the graduates of the Warrant Officer and Officer Candidate Schools before fellow Service members, friends and family. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. David Bolton)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The rigors of the Army’s Officer Candidate School are not for the faint of heart. The same can be said for completing the stringent requirements of the Lexington Police Academy in Kentucky. For newly commissioned Kentucky Army National Guardsman 2nd Lt. Kevin Morris, successfully passing both at the same time required the utmost focus.
“You’re probably going to be putting in around 50 hours a week for the academy just in prep time and then you have to find time to get ready for OCS,” Morris said. “You can’t just show up; you have to have your uniforms laid out, pressed and prepped with your boots shined, believe it or not.”
Although going through both programs simultaneously took extensive amounts of time, Morris said there was a valuable aspect to the dual training.
Meeting Challenges
“The benefit there was it was kind of like you never turned it off,” Morris said. “You didn’t go home and get rusty; you had to be taking on a task daily to step up and meet the challenges that were going to come your way.”
Morris said the programs didn’t focus only on physical fitness.
“You had to study and actually crack a book open and do some work there,” he said. “That helped with OCS because you’re constantly in that working out and study mode. The academy also gave us an associate’s degree in law enforcement.”
While completing the programs may be difficult, Morris said, just getting accepted to them was even more difficult. Out of the more than 800 applicants for the LPD academy, only a fraction of that were accepted, he said.
Good Timing
“It was good timing and I got lucky,” Morris said. “I applied when the application class was around 800 and they only took 32 or 33 for the department. Given those odds, I wasn’t going to pass it up. I knew it was going to be tough, but I knew it was one of those things that if you pass it up, it may not come back to you.”
While the physical demands of OCS and the LPD Academy can take a toll on a person, the emotional toll of having a family, especially a newborn child, can be just as stressful, Morris said.
“My son was two days old when I left for phase one of OCS and was a month old when I began the academy,” he said. “So there were definitely some stresses there. But at the end of the day, it was my family that had that support and helped me keep my sanity where I could take a step back and spend time with them.”
Credits Wife for Support
Morris credited his wife, Cynthia, for helping him through OCS and the academy even while she completed a four-year nursing program in just two years.
“I have to tip my hat to her,” he said. “We’ve been running pretty hard for two years. But you know what, you put that hard work in and the rewards will come.”
“He has worked very hard for this,” Cynthia said of her husband. “He loves to serve the people and his country. He’s going to be a great leader; he’s a very good man to be in charge.”
By Capt. Rob Cooley, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Maj. Bobbie Mayes, commander of the Kentucky National Guard’s Officer Candidate School at the Kentucky State Capitol building, Sept. 27, 2015. The graduation ceremony was Mayes’ last as commander as she relinquish the position this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Rob Cooley)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Maj. Bobbie Mayes, the first Kentucky National Guard female Officer Candidate School commander, 238th Regimental Training Institute, reviewed the final school graduation of her command at the Kentucky State Capitol Sept., 27, 2015.
“As the OCS commander I’ve been able to mold the captains and lieutenants who mold the future officers and warrant officers,” said Mayes.
Mayes said this class has been special. “This class has been very diverse, from education, occupation and gender,” she said.
Mayes started with the OCS Program in 2004 as a Teach Assess Counsel (TAC), a position now referred to as platoon trainer.
“As a TAC officer, I remember long sun-up to sun-down days molding the Kentucky National Guard’s future leaders, teaching them Operation Orders, Troop Leading Procedures, and Individual Movement Techniques,” she said.
In 2007, she left the OCS program to serve a three-year tour as the company commander of the 940th Military Police Company. She deployed in 2011 with the Kentucky National Guard Agriculture Development Team. She returned to the 238th in 2011, first as a staff training officer then commander.
Mayes said she is as optimistic about the future of the newly commissioned officers as she is her own. In her next assignment as the personnel officer for the 238th RTI, she will continue to support the careers of those assigned to the 238th.
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.”
Click here for more photos.
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.
Story by 2nd Lt. Michael Reinersman, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Officer Candidate Benjamin Smith from Class 57-15 pulls security during the combined Officer Candidate School, Reserve Officer Training Corps with Western Kentucky University and Murray State University during a field training exercise at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., April 17, 2015. Smith and 73 other Soldiers participated in the second combined OCS and ROTC exercise. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 2nd. Lt. Michael Reinersman)
GREENVILLE, Ky. - Future Army leaders from across the commonwealth joined forces to conduct a combined field training exercise at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., April 16-18, 2015.
Officer candidates from the Kentucky National Guard Officer Candidate School along with cadets from Murray State University and Western Kentucky University’s Reserve Officer Training Corps spent three days in the field covering troop leading procedures while conducting platoon and squad level tactics.
This included scenarios such as movement to contact and platoon ambush and raids. The goal of the combined field training exercise is to assess and provide instruction to the officer candidates and ROTC cadets in leadership positions while conducting infantry tasks.
Capt. Colin Bair, Assistant Professor of Military Science at Murray State University conducts an after action review with cadets from Western Kentucky University and Kentucky Guard Officer Candidates during field training exercise at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., April 17, 2015. This marks the second year that ROTC programs from Western Kentucky and Murray State have participated in the field training exercises with the Kentucky OCS program. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 2nd. Lt. Michael Reinersman)
According to Western Kentucky University’s Assistant Professor of Military Science, Capt. Lincoln Ward, there are many benefits to training and collaborating with the Kentucky Guard.
“This has been a good partnership,” said Ward. “Working with new soldiers from different backgrounds provides a new challenge to the cadets.” Adding that, “The Kentucky National Guard provides us with resources that we don’t normally have at a ROTC program or the NCO support that can help access land and medics.”
This marks the second year that ROTC programs from Western Kentucky and Murray State have participated in the field training exercises with the Kentucky OCS program. To enhance training this year, cadets and candidates used a military grade paintball system, to simulate live fire.
Click here for more photos.
“This enhancement from last year’s training will make it more realistic and environmentally friendly by using bio degradable paint balls,”said Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Kennedy, operations noncommissioned officer for the 238th Regimental Training Institute. “It is a better alternative than having shell casing all over the training area.”
Officer candidate Jennifer Steinmetz also echoed the mutual benefits of the training exercise.
“This would have been a hard training event to conduct since we don’t have the numbers,” said Steinmetz. “There are eight officer candidates, training with the cadets allowed the officer candidates to participate in full platoon and squad lanes,”
“Now, that we have those spots filled, during phase three, it will not be such a shock when we conduct platoon and squad lanes.”
Capt. Colin Bair, Assistant Professor of Military Science at Murray State University checks the coordinates of ROTC Cadet Kelsey McArthur and Chrystal Falefata from Western Kentucky University during field training exercise at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., April 17,2015. The goal of the combined field training exercise is to assess and provide instruction to the officer candidates and ROTC cadets in leadership positions while conducting infantry tasks. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 2nd. Lt. Michael Reinersman)
Phase three is the last step in the OCS commissioning process. The final phase covers troop leading procedures, infantry squad tactics, and culminates with a field leadership exercise at Fort McClellan, Alabama.
Cadet Kyle Taylor with Western Kentucky University and a member of Kentucky’s Bravo Company, 149th Infantry, said training on a college campus is just plain difficult.
“Since we don’t have a lot space on campus, it’s great to be in a tactical environment and run lanes,” he said. “We are able to evaluate each other and work to get better.”
According to both Kentucky OCS and ROTC leadership, the Spring FTX was another successful collaboration between two commissioning programs to develop future leaders in the Kentucky Guard, Army Reserve and active duty.
Video by Spc. Cody Cooper, 133rd MPAD
Story by Sgt. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
2nd Lt. Cassandra Mullins salutes her husband, Master Sgt. Tim Mullins during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 27, 2014. Mullins, like her husband, also serves as a trooper with the Kentucky State Police. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT Ky. – Led by an unwavering passion to strive to always be a better person, one female Citizen, Soldier and Police Officer, continues to dedicate herself to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, to the Kentucky National Guard, and the Kentucky State Police.
Newly commissioned 2nd Lt. Cassandra Jo Mullins graduated Officer Candidate School at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Sept. 27, becoming one of 30 new leaders for the Kentucky Guard.
Kentucky National Guard 2nd Lt. and Kentucky State Police Detective Cassandra Mullins received the Kentucky State Police Citation for Bravery in Frankfort, Ky., May 14th. (photo submitted)
Mullins protects the Commonwealth of Kentucky in more than one way; as a Guardsman and as a trooper assigned to the KSP’s Training Academy. She has served in the Kentucky National Guard since 2012 and is a 5-year veteran of the KSP.
“Being an officer in the Kentucky Guard and a trooper go hand in hand,” said Mullins. “I try to look around to see how I can make a difference by making the world a better place. I think that one person can make a big difference, no matter how small you may think you are and no matter how many hats they wear. No matter what uniform you wear, you can make a difference.”
Mullins has various inspirations in her life, to include her mother and her husband. Both people have played key roles in the woman she has become today. Her mother taught her what kind of woman she wanted to be.
“My mother was a little woman,” said Mullins. “ She was a little over 5 feet tall and a little more than 100 lbs. But the impact she had on the woman I’ve become today has changed my life forever. My goal in life is to have the same drive and determination she had during her life.”
Her husband is also a trooper with the KSP and a Guardsmen. He has always been one of her biggest motivators and he has always been her number one supporter.
Master Sgt. Tim Mullins and his wife, 2nd Lt. Cassandra Mullins now share the same two occupations, as both serve the commonwealth as troopers with the state police and as Soldiers in the Kentucky National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. David Bolton)
“I am one hundred percent supportive of my wife’s decision to join the military and her choice of being an officer,” said Master Sgt. Tim Mullins. “Cassandra is a natural born leader. Her personality and attitude sets her up to be a perfect military leader. She is one of the hardest working and most driven people I have ever met. She is also very kind and compassionate and humble, all of which are great aspects of a military leader.”
Mullins hopes within the first year to motivate and shape female soldiers, as well as junior enlisted Soldiers, and help them reflect on what they’ve accomplished and ask what is next for them. She wishes they will always strive to reach forward in the same way she has, in order to make their communities, their state, their country and their world a better place.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Second Lt. Dakota Lawler is pinned by his fiancee, Ashley Holley and grandfather, Neil Lawler during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 27, 2014. Lawler and 15 other Soldiers were commissioned as the newest officers in the Kentucky Guard, while 14 other Guardsmen were honored as recent graduates as the newest warrant officers. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Eyes of the Kentucky National Guard were focused on 30 individual Soldiers who became the Commonwealth’s newest commissioned officers during a ceremony on the Capitol steps, Sept. 27.
After completing a rigorous 18-month training program with Kentucky’s Officer Candidate School, including a final phase at Fort McClellan, Alabama, 16 Guardsmen earned their second lieutenant gold bars and swore in as commissioned officers.
Second Lt. Sarah Powell is given the oath of office by Col. Hal Lamberton during a commissioning ceremony for the newest officers in the Kentucky Guard. Powell enlisted into the Guard in 2013 and will become a platoon leader with the 940th Military Police Company. (U.S. Army National guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The remaining 14 Soldiers were recognized after their recent graduation as warrant officers. Kentucky’s Warrant Officer Candidate School is a five-month program that has produced technical experts for the Kentucky Guard since 2011.
Click here for more photos from the ceremony.
Kentucky’s newest officers’ experience spans from decades of enlisted service to just a few short months wearing the uniform. Warrant Officer Stephen Plouvier from Hodgenville, Kentucky entered the military in 1985, while Fort Thomas, Kentucky-native, 2nd Lt. Sarah Powell enlisted in 2012.
Regardless of their time in service, the new leaders said their role leading Citizen-Soldiers of the Commonwealth is a challenge they are up to accepting.
“This was the next step for me to continue serving, I enjoy serving the Kentucky Guard,” said Plouvier, who felt he had progressed as far as he could as an enlisted Soldier. “Becoming a warrant was the best choice for my personal growth, to become that technical expert and to mentor young Soldiers and non-commissioned officers.”
For others such as Powell, personal growth started with raising her hand to join the Kentucky National Guard, and the commitment she made herself to get to where she is today.
“I worked really hard to prove that I could overcome obstacles and to challenge myself to become a better person,” said Powell.
Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky presided over the event held at the state capitol. Tonini congratulated the Soldiers and expressed his pride in which he called the “ready, reliable and accessible leaders of the future.”
“My charge to you is to lead our Guard forces with the resilience, the patience, the passion and the fervor you have shown to get you to this point,” said Tonini. “You are ready, now do it. You are our future.”
The newly commissioned officers of Officer Candidate School Class 56-14. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The newly commissioned officers of class 56-14 included:
2nd Lt. Seth Ryan Frost (Mount Juliet, Tenn.) – Kentucky National Guard Training Center
2nd Lt. Zachary Joel Hahn (Lexington, Ky.) – 103rd Brigade Support Battalion
2nd Lt. Thomas D. Hobbs (Hardinsburg, Ky.) – 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry
2nd Lt. David B. Holobaugh (Louisville, Ky.) – 1123rd Engineer Company
2nd Lt. David Douglas Keeven (Versailles, Ky.) – 103rd Brigade Support Battalion
2nd Lt. Taylor Curtis Carter Landsdale (Mt. Sterling, Ky.) – 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery
2nd Lt. Dakota Neil Lawler (Paducah, Ky.) – 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade
2nd Lt. Cassandra Jo Mullins (Hindman, Ky.) – 149th Signal Company
2nd Lt. Bradley Michael Osbourne (Louisville, Ky.) – 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery
2nd Lt. Christopher T. Porter (Morgantown, Ky.) – 149th Brigade Support Battalion
2nd Lt. Sarah Ashley Powell (Fort Thomas, Ky.) – 940th Military Police Company
2nd Lt. Hope Alexa Smith (Lexington, Ky.) – Bravo Company, 351st Aviation
2nd Lt. Sebastian Harrison Stanley (Glasgow, Ky.) – 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry
2nd Lt. Constantine Joseph Sztendera (Campbellsville, Ky.) – 299th Chemical Company
2nd Lt. Joseph Lynn Tucker (Frankfort, Ky.) – 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery
2nd Lt. Andrew McDaniel Wilson (Lexington, Ky.) – 1204th Aviation Support Battalion
The newly graduated warrant officers of Warrant Officer Candidate School Class 14-001. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The newly commissioned warrant officers of class 14-001 included:
Warrant Officer Jonathan Marcus Bailey (Lexington, Ky.)
Warrant Officer David Benjamin Chandler (Radcliff, Ky.)
Warrant Officer William Martin Cottrell (Louisville, Ky.)
Warrant Officer Brandon Wade DeArmond (Penrod, Ky.)
Warrant Officer Dustin Cade Lewis (Mount Washington, Ky.)
Warrant Officer Jessica Ann Peel (Harrodsburg, Ky.)
Warrant Officer Stephen Edward Plouvier (Hodgenville, Ky.)
Warrant Officer Orbin Scott Rudd (Frenchburg, Ky.)
Warrant Officer Robert Wayne Sewell (Verona, Ky.)
Warrant Officer Jeffrey T. Valentine (Barbourville, Ky.)
Warrant Officer Matthew Daniel Vincent (Owensboro, Ky.)
Warrant Officer Ronald James Wamsley (Denver, Colo.)
Warrant Officer Lawrence Shannon Webb (Louisville, Ky.)
Warrant Officer Jess Marius Willard (Portland, Tenn.)
Story by Staff Sgt. Michael Oliver, Bravo Co. 2/75th Recruiting & Retention
Allen Tross was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Kentucky National Guard on June 27, 2013. He will become a platoon leader for the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Oliver)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Kentucky National Guard recently welcomed into their ranks a new infantry officer, Allen M. Tross, who graduated from Fort Benning Ga. Federal Officer Candidate School June 27.
Newly appointed 2nd Lt. Tross will be a platoon leader in Charlie Co. 1st Battalion 149th Infantry in Ravenna Ky.
“I always wanted to be a leader of men and I enjoy responsibility. I look for it,” he answered when asked why he wanted to be an infantry officer.
Tross chose to go through the federal OCS to ensure he had the opportunity to completely submerse himself in the course. He also said he admires his father in-law, retired infantry Col. John Dorsey Jr. who is inducted into the Federal OCS hall of fame.
Tross started his officer training at Bravo Company Recruiting Sustainment Program in Louisville, Ky. He also completed the nine weeks Basic Combat Training at Fort Benning, Ga. Upon completion of BCT, he was enrolled into the Federal Officer Candidate School. The OCS program is a rigorous 12 week course which consists of student leadership evaluation, academic examination, timed road marches, land navigation and physical fitness test.
Tross finished in the top percentage of his graduating class of 135 candidates.
“I constantly push myself to do better than the standard and expect my Soldiers to do the same,” he said. “The standard is the standard but why do the bare minimum when you can push yourself and become something greater.”
The day after he graduated from OCS, Tross married the love of his life, Casey, and they held their wedding ceremony at the Fort Benning Main Post Chapel. He knows plenty of what he learned and will learn as an Army officer will be applied to other areas of his life.
Officer Candidate Allen Tross and then fiance, Casey Dorsey attend a formal at the Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Ga. (Courtesy photo)
“I have learned that the most important component of any relationship, particularly marriage, is communication- something Casey and I work on every
day,” said Tross.
“We make sure that we both know what is going on so that we are not blindsided by anything. Not only that, we support each other. By having my
wife’s support, I can follow my goals in the Army. At the same time, I support her goal of wanting to become a lawyer. Through this support, we make sure that neither one of us loses sight of what we wish to accomplish in life. It is important for my wife to have my back and for me to have hers because marriage is difficult on its own, but a military marriage is a completely different challenge.”
Casey said it hasn’t taken her much time to realize how important her role is as a military spouse and the unparalleled support she will provide to him and their marriage.
“Allen is a natural leader, he always puts others wants and desires before his own and is always there to encourage and support,” she said. “He measures his success and happiness by the success and happiness of those around him. I admire him greatly for choosing this path in life, and will be right by his side every step of the way.”
The newest Kentucky National Guard infantry officer said he is excited about meeting his new infantry platoon and is ready lead from the front. Tross was asked what he will say to his platoon when he first meets them.
“I only expect you to put your best effort at everything we do. Meeting the standard is not enough, you have to exceed it. I will be right there with them exceeding those standards. I just want them to follow me.”
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
The newest officers in the Kentucky National Guard recite their oaths during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. (Left to right) 2nd Lts. James Rimington, Franklin Moore, Christopher Moore and Mark Gardner. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard commissioned four Guardsmen as the newest second lieutenants during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, April 18, 2013.
The four graduated from the winter accelerated officer candidate school course. Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini joined family and friends and a crowd of supporting Guardsmen in congratulating the new officers after the ceremony.
To see more photos from this event, click here.
The newest officers of the Kentucky Guard are applauded by the crowd and adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. The four Soldiers graduated from the officer candidate school’s winter accelerated course. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Each of the officers commented on the long road they have been on as part of the OCS course. 2nd Lt. James Rimington from Bowling Green, Ky., was elated to have made it to this moment and looks forward to his role with the 206th Engineers.
“I’m glad to be done with the OCS part,” he said. “I am extremely excited about starting my new journey as an officer in the Kentucky National Guard. I’m ready to see what the future brings and where it goes from here.”
Rimington thanked his family and friends for all the support they have giving him during his time in OCS. His wife, Ashley is no stranger to the sacrifices of the military, her brother, Spc. Tyler Hudson is deployed overseas with the Kentucky Guard’s 623rd Field Artillery. As an officer’s wife, she knows there’s more responsibilities and that she will be called upon more as well.
“I’m so proud. It’s been a lot of hard work. We’ve been through a lot to get here, I’m glad he stuck with it.” she said. “And I look forward to becoming more involved with the Guard.”
Ashley Rimington places new second lieutenant insignia on the uniform of her husband, 2nd Lt. James Rimington during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. The Rimingtons have been married for three years, with James being in school for most of it, and they believe this is a sign they can settle down into life. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
For 2nd Lt. Franklin Moore, becoming an officer seemed like a natural thing he should do. He said he was always in leadership and mentoring roles in sports and high school, so to carry that into a military career made sense to him. His perspective on OCS will remain with him through his career. His memories and stories are ones he doesn’t think many will or could understand, but he is optimistic of his future role in the Kentucky Guard.
“It’s a difficult road, it’s definitely challenging mentally and physically, but you just have to look forward to that end goal. It’s going to be worth it and you are going to benefit from it, and you’re going to benefit others down the road,” he said.
2nd Lt. Franklin Moore gets some help from his sister, Candace, in the pinning of his new officer insignia during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. The Owensboro, Ky.-native will train as a military police officer with the 617th MP Co. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
2nd Lt. Mark Gardner will be attached to the 206th Engineers and 2nd Lt. Christopher Moore will be assigned to Charlie Co. 1st Battlion, 149th Infantry.
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini speaks with 2nd Lt. Christopher Moore during a commissioning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., April 18, 2013. Moore was one of four officer candidates commissioned as second lieutenants and the newest officers in the Kentucky Guard. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Story and Photos by: Staff Sgt. Fredrick P. Varney, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Col. William A. Denny, Commander for the 238th Regiment, administers the oath of office to OCS class 54-12 during the Officer Commissioning Ceremony at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Aug 25. The 238th Regiment graduated 11 new officers to serve in the Kentucky National Guard. (photo by Staff Sgt. Fredrick Varney, Kentucky National Guard 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
FRANKFORT, Ky.— Eleven second lieutenants raised their right hands and swore an oath of office to become the Kentucky National Guard’s newest officers at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky. Aug. 25 , 2012.
Officer Candidate Class 54-12 endured a rigorous 18-month training program on their way to becoming the next leaders in the Kentucky National Guard. Officer candidates were tested in key areas such as physical fitness, leadership abilities, land navigational skills and operational orders.
“The hardest part of the OCS program is definitely the mental aspect,” said distinguished honor graduate 2nd Lt. Martin A. Goldey.
Goldey was presented with the Erickson Trophy for attaining the highest overall standing in leadership, academics and the Commandant’s evaluation in the class. The Erickson Trophy is awarded in honor of retired Maj. Gen. Edgar C. Erickson, former Chief of the National Guard Bureau. Each state officer candidate school grants the trophy annually.
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Staff Sgt. John Riggi shakes hands with newly promoted 2nd. Lt. Joshua Whitfield during the 238th Regiment’s OCS Commissioning Ceremony at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Aug 25. Class 54-12 graduated 11 new lieutenants to serve in the Kentucky Army National Guard. (photo by Staff Sgt. Fredrick Varney, Kentucky National Guard 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Other awards included the Physical Fitness Award, which was given to 2nd Lt. Donald Prysi for attaining the highest overall score on the Army Physical Fitness test. 2nd Lt. Carson Gregory was presented the National Guard Association of Kentucky Award for earning the highest academic average in the class. 2nd Lt. Christopher Cook was presented the Association of the U.S. Army Plaque for demonstrating the highest standards of leadership throughout the course.Class 54-12 president 2nd Lt. Scott A. Hill said finishing the OCS program meant a great deal for him because he had previously held leadership roles as both a teacher and volleyball coach, but nothing compared to having the opportunity to lead his fellow Soldiers in the Kentucky National Guard.
“I can’t think of anything more honorable than serving one’s country as an officer in the United States Army, especially the Kentucky National Guard,” said Hill.
The traditional custom of having friends and Family pin their newly promoted officers was observed and each Soldier designated one non-commissioned officer to render their first salute.
Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s Adjutant General, served as the keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony, while the 202nd Army Band participated by playing both the National Anthem and “My Old Kentucky Home”.
