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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Soldiers preparing to exit their term of service or ETS, speak with members of the Kentucky Guard’s personnel office to verify personal records during a final formation event in Frankfort, Ky., July 12, 2015. The Soldiers are required to review their records for accuracy including finance and medical histories. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — A new program in the Kentucky National Guard is now providing Soldiers leaving the Service their own opportunity to close, or open the door to a future in the Guard.
Known as the Final Formation, Soldiers preparing for their expiration of term of service or ETS are required to attend the one-day event to either re-up or out-process. This initiative provides a process that enables the Soldiers to out process from the Kentucky National Guard, for personnel staff to work issues, and an opportunity for the senior leadership to affect a Soldier’s decision to reenlist.
“We absolutely want to retain every good qualified Soldier, no doubt,” said Col. Michael Abell, director of the Kentucky Guard’s personnel office. “But for those who have honorably served, whether it was one term or 30 years, we also want to ensure they exit the Kentucky Guard with the same level of detail and care as when they entered.”
The program provides two objectives: 1. To ensure the Soldiers who are going to ETS are provided a transition program and understand the benefits they will retain and the benefits they will lose. 2. One last appeal to the Soldier to retain highly qualified Soldiers and their experience.
After six years in the Guard, Sgt. Russell Gray from the 223rd Military Police Company has decided to leave to spend more time with his family.
“It’s good to be able to come here and have the opportunity to say your peace, your side of the story and why you’re getting out,” said Gray.
For Pfc. Dillon Morvel, also from the 223rd, the program was a window of opportunity to continue his service to the commonwealth by re-enlisting.
Lt. Col. Lance Grebe re-enlists Pfc. Dillon Morvel during a final formation event in Frankfort, Ky., July 12, 2015. The final formation program offers Soldiers on last chance to re-up or out-process with assistance from the Kentucky Guard’s personnel office. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“It’s more formal to come to Frankfort to do this,” he said. “Being here really shows you that not only your unit wants you stay in, but your state wants you too.”
“I love being in the Guard, I really enjoy every minute each month,” he added.
Items Covered at the event include: Personal records review, medical records review, Veteran benefits, finance review, retirement planning, and employment services. For those Soldiers retiring, the Final Formation offers a critical piece of their out-processing as all paperwork is reviewed for accuracy and completion.
Kentucky borrowed pieces of the program from other states, after hearing the success stories. Lt Col. Lance Grebe, transition officer, said the program is expected to continue indefinitely as Guardsmen ETS monthly.
“I believe one of the biggest misconceptions of Final Formation is we are strictly focused on trying to change Soldiers decisions about discontinuing their service to the Kentucky Army National Guard. However, the intent of the program is focused on providing Soldiers with a smooth transition out of the military if they choose,” said Grebe. “They have earned it and deserve our attention regardless of their intentions.”
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Story by Master Sgt. Philip Speck
123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Kentucky Air National Guard Master Sgt. Cynthia Rogers and Tech. Sgt. Anthony Walker were honored for their work in recuiting and retention. (Photo by Maj. Dale Greer, Chief of Public Affairs, 123d Airlift Wing)
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 5, 2011) – Two members of the Kentucky Air Guard have been recognized by the National Guard Bureau for their outstanding job performance.
Master Sgt. Cynthia Rogers was named Air National Guard Retention Office Manager of the Year for Region 4, a geographic area that includes nine states and the District of Columbia, while Tech. Sgt. Anthony Walker was named ANG Production Recruiter of the Year for Region 4.
“Both of these individuals are exceptional Airmen who perform their crucial duties with dedication and excellence, day-in and day-out,” said Senior Master Sgt. Scott Crimm, recruiting and retention superintendent for the Kentucky Air Guard. “Their outstanding commitment is one of the reasons why the Kentucky Air Guard consistently meets its recruiting and retention goals, keeping the unit strong and well-positioned to answer a wide range of mission needs all around the world.”
Walker earned his honor with a long list of accomplishments, including targeted recruiting efforts designed to fill chronically understaffed positions in the special operations career field. During fiscal year 2010, those efforts resulted in a 100 percent staffing rate for pararescue and support positions, and a 90 percent staffing rate for combat control positions. Walker also led the organization in overall recruits, enlisting 29 Airmen in the Kentucky Air National Guard during fiscal year 2010 to boost unit-wide staffing levels to 103 percent of the authorized troop count.
Lt. Col. Kathryn Pfeifer, commander of the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Force Support Squadron, called Walker a “truly outstanding recruiter who continually focuses his recruiting efforts, enabling us to find candidates to fill specific needs.”
“He has an exceptional way of interacting with candidates, cementing their interest in the Kentucky Air National Guard while engaging with unit commanders about their vacancy needs,” she added.
A strong supporter of diversity, Walker worked with human resources during fiscal year 2010 to develop recruiting strategies intended to attract a broader range of young men and women to the unit.
“He’s continually working on plans and strategies to bring new Airmen into the Kentucky Air Guard,” Sergeant Crimm said. “He also gives back to the community by donating off-duty time to a local youth ministry and to a mentorship program.”
Rogers earned her award with an equally long list of accomplishments, including a 94 percent reenlistment rate for fiscal year 2010. During those 12 months, only six Airmen elected not to re-enlist in the Kentucky Air Guard.
Rogers also is a Post 9-11 Montgomery G.I. Bill guru, Sergeant Crimm said.
“She is recognized within the Air Guard recruiting and retention community as a expert on those benefits, and she briefed the entire Kentucky Air Guard on the program to ensure maximum awareness,” he said.
“Sergeant Rogers always has the best interests of our Airmen in mind,” Colonel Pfeifer said. “She goes above and beyond to ensure unit members get the information they need on items such as the Yellow Ribbon Integration Program, tuition assistance, the Post 9-11 G.I. Bill or re-enlistment bonuses. She is a fair and honest individual who clearly outlines the benefits and programs available to our members, and who also keeps commanders informed on how they can further assist in areas where their Airmen are concerned.”
In her off-duty time, Rogers serves the local homeless population by volunteering at Louisville’s Christian Wayside Mission complex. She also champions diversity recruiting efforts by attending minority events in the community.
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