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Story by David Altom / Photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
FRANKFORT, Ky. – It’s often said that our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen are our most precious resource. Indeed, the Kentucky National Guard’s mission readiness is hinged on the physical, mental and emotional condition of its troops. One of the challenges to that readiness is the threat of substance abuse in the form of drugs and alcohol.
In response to that threat the Army Guard has brought on a full time staff with the expertise, capability and resources to help our Soldiers. The mission of the Army Substance Abuse Program is to strengthen the overall fitness and effectiveness of the Army´s workforce, to conserve manpower and enhance the combat readiness of Soldiers.
Savannah Lund is the federal alcohol and drug control officer for the Kentucky Army National Guard. She is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor with certifications in clinical services supervising.
Working with Lund is Ivan Brown, the substance abuse prevention coordinator for the state of Kentucky. Among other things, Brown completed graduate work at the University of Louisville’s Kent School of Social Work, specializing in alcohol and drug counseling.
Click here for more information on the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Substance Abuse Program.
Both Lund and Brown have experience in working with addictions ranging from alcohol and prescription drugs to heroin and other opium-related substances. When you talk to them, you can immediately tell they are passionate about their work.
“I guess you could say this is a lifetime mission for me,” Lund. “I’ve been working for fifteen years as a substance abuse therapist, plus I’ve worked with federal and state inmates and the homeless. My mission is to aid any individual in need.”
Ivan Brown is the substance abuse prevention coordinator for the state of Kentucky. Among other things, Brown completed graduate work at the University of Louisville’s Kent School of Social Work, specializing in alcohol and drug counseling. He now dedicates his professional life to helping Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and their families.
The Army Substance Abuse Program is designed to increase individual fitness and overall unit readiness by providing services that emphasize alcohol and other drug abuse deterrence, prevention, education, and rehabilitation. One of its main goals is to restore to duty those substance-impaired Soldiers who have the potential for continued military Service.
Confidentiality is a key element in the program, says Brown. “We know if someone is worried about their career, they may not seek help. We offer a way to get help and rehabilitate their military career.”
If you need help or know someone who does, contact either Lund or Brown at 502-607-1062.
Look for more postings on substance abuse on the Kentucky National Guard Facebook page.
Group needs $580K of $1.3M; selling tickets for upcoming concerts at Frankfort Convention Center
Story courtesy The State-Journal
By Katheran Wasson, Published:
Click here for the original story.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — It’s an idea that started “on a paper napkin” five years ago, but now the volunteers leading the effort to build a Kentucky National Guard Memorial in Frankfort are in the final stretch.
Joshua Witt, a volunteer and committee member with the Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund, said the team is working to raise the remaining $580,000 toward its goal of $1.3 million.
Their plan is to break ground for the memorial — to be located on the Boone National Guard Center property at the corner of U.S. 127 and Louisville Road — on Memorial Day and dedicate it Veterans Day.
Witt said the Frankfort community could help raise a significant portion of the remaining balance by selling out the Frankfort Convention Center for a series of three concerts, the first of which is Feb. 8.
If volunteers are able to sell all 5,000 seats for all three shows, Witt estimated they would add $450,000 to the memorial fund’s coffers.
“None of us, as volunteers, are concert promoters,” Witt said, with a laugh. “But what we are is soldiers who really want to see this thing happen — even if you’re not a big fan, you can buy a ticket and know 100 percent of that is going to the memorial.”
The Feb. 8 concert features Delbert McClinton and Exile; The Kentucky Headhunters and Black Stone Cherry perform April 19; and The Charlie Daniels Band and Sundy Best take the stage Aug. 23.
Tickets for the first show are on sale now through etix.com. The average ticket price is $40, Witt said.
Witt is a first lieutenant and works full time for the Kentucky National Guard as a safety and occupational health manager. But the Winchester father of 11 said all the work he’s doing for the memorial is on his own time — as it is for everyone working on the project.
The memorial will feature a 22-foot wide granite stone bearing the names of Kentucky National Guard soldiers who have died in the line of duty. So far, 148 soldiers have been identified to have their names engraved on the stone, which was recently shipped from Africa to Vermont and will soon be finished in Louisville, Witt said.
The memorial will also include a 9.5-foot tall, solid bronze Daniel Boone statue and a 70-foot wide circle of pavers volunteers are calling the “sacred space.” It will have a separate entrance and its own parking, Witt said.
“When we look at those 148 soldiers we’ve lost since 1912 when we became the Kentucky National Guard, not just a militia, we want to make sure they’re recognized,” he said.
But for Witt, the drive to participate with the memorial effort is even more personal.
Eighteen of the names that will appear on the granite are of guardsmen lost since 2003, including Sgt. 1st Class Jason Jones, who died in 2006 in Baghdad of non-combat related causes. He was 29.
His father, Col. Charles Jones, was commander of his son’s unit in Iraq. Jones serves as a board member for the memorial fund, which is a registered nonprofit group.
“He (Jones) wouldn’t want the memorial to be about that, but I know that Jason’s name is going to be on it,” Witt said.
“This vision started because Col. Jones and I and others realized that people like Jason can never be forgotten. That’s why I’m prepared to do whatever it takes.”
The group’s fundraising effort has seen support from some big names. University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari donated $25,000, an amount the Walmart Foundation matched, Witt said.
The Kentucky Broadcasters Association also announced this week it would give $75,000. Witt said that’s the largest single donation the memorial has received.
But there have been smaller efforts too, such as the Harrodsburg middle school student who led an effort to sell T-shirts, raising $5,000.
The memorial’s website lists hundreds of donors — businesses, military groups, professional organizations, individuals and city and county governments.
Frankfort names on the list include developer C. Michael Davenport’s charitable foundation, which recently announced it would pay for flagpoles, flags and lights for the life of the memorial.
Davenport is named alongside Commonwealth Credit Union as a “three star” donor, providing more than $10,000 to the cause.
Other local donors include Franklin County Fiscal Court, Graviss McDonald’s restaurants and Harlan “Ike” Pinkston III, a guardsman who retired as a chief warrant officer four.
Pinkston said he flew to Fort Jackson in South Carolina the morning after he graduated high school in 1971. With his grandfather, father and brother all serving in the military, he said it was “in his blood.”
“For me, the guard is really special,” Pinkston said. “Giving to the memorial was the real deal for me because several of those people whose names will appear on it were my friends, who I knew personally and served with.
“I’m glad they’re doing something to honor them — and all guard folks.”
Anyone who would like to support the Kentucky National Guard Memorial may give to the effort online through Paypal. For more information or to donate, visit www.guardmemorial.com.
Story and photos by Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner, James Comer speaks during a press conference at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 22, 2013. Comer announced two new programs to benefit veterans and military farmers, in cooperation with the Kentucky National Guard. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Serving in the military and farming are said to be two of the hardest jobs one could have. New initiatives launched by Kentucky’s Department of Agriculture aim to make both just a bit easier in the Commonwealth. Agriculture Commissioner James Comer announced the Kentucky Proud Jobs for Vets and Homegrown by Heroes programs during a press conference at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 22, 2013.
To see more photos from the press conference, click here.
Click here for the Homegrown by Heroes website.
Click here to see the WUKY story.
Click here to see the Lexington Herald-Leader story.
Comer spoke to a packed room that included Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, state senators and representatives and veteran/farmers. He said the initiatives aim to improve employment of veterans in agriculture and to benefit military farmers, by using the state’s successful history on the battlefield and in the crop fields.
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner, James Comer thanks Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini following his speech during a press conference at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 22, 2013. Tonini said the two new programs launched by the Agriculture Department would benefit the Kentucky Guard and the Commonwealth. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“We know Kentucky is a great agriculture state with a great agriculture heritage, and we know Kentucky is a great military state,” said Comer. “What a great partnership this will be, that will highlight the work of Kentucky troops teaching farming all over the world and to come back and create economic development back here at home. That’s what this partnership is all about.”
The Kentucky Proud Jobs for Veterans program will work to connect military veterans looking for work in agriculture with Kentucky farmers and agribusiness who need labor. Comer said it’s a simple idea that will work with national organizations to connect people from all over the country to employment opportunities in the state.
Robert Silverthorn, Kentucky Field Chairman for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), said the new program can help fill the void of employment possibilities in the rural areas of the state for Guardsmen, reservists and veterans.
“This is an exciting day for the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Silverthorn. “And the reason is, you have a five billion dollar industry that often times gets lost in the other noise of economic development in our state. And for the Kentucky committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve now to be partnered in this initiative is something that is particularly exciting for us.”
The Kentucky Proud Homegrown By Heroes program allows military farmers to identify themselves through a new logo applied to any or all of their products for sale throughout the state. Comer said this will only increase the awareness buyers have of products grown in Kentucky and their desire to support not only Kentucky farmers, but also local farmers that are Veterans as well.
Jars of products produced by military farmers in Kentucky are adorned with the new Kentucky Proud Homegrown By Heroes label at a press conference in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 22, 2013. Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer hopes the labels will become a national model for other states to implement. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Comer has hopes the new programs will become national models for other states to follow. He called attention to the Veteran Farmer Coalition, whose nationwide mission “is to mobilize veterans to feed America.”
Michael O’Gorman, Executive Director of the Veteran Farmer Coalition said he has been working to introduce veterans to careers in agriculture for years and hopes for every American “to recognize the Homegrown By Heroes label, to know where it came from and to know who it stands for.”
Tonini said Kentucky has always been perceived as a great agriculture state, and in turn produced five successful agribusiness development teams in Afghanistan. The Kentucky Guard has been instrumental in the agricultural improvements overseas, and now has the chance to help out at home.
“There’s no better core in America than Soldiers and farmers, it’s as simple as that,” said Tonini. “The Kentucky National Guard is very proud to be a part of such a unique endeavor and will support it in every way possible.”
(U.S. Air Force graphic/Corey Parrish)
On Veterans Day, the world stops in silence to pay tribute to the heroes of the battlefield who never see themselves as heroes. To that, we believe we owe veterans more than our silence, our memories, our thanks.
The brave actions of our veterans endure in the pages of history. On Veteran’s Day, we not only remember their gallantry on the battlefield; we also look at the lasting legacy of strength and service they brought with them when they returned home.
But these Troops – our veterans - don’t see themselves as being brave or special, they just say they’re doing their jobs.
Since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, almost three million American men and women have answered our nation’s call to arms – to serve their nation and do their job.
In the last 11 years, more than 15,000 Kentucky men and women, Soldiers and Airmen, have deployed-permanently writing on our nation’s scroll and showing their “Unbridled Service”.
On this Veteran’s Day, 2012, the Kentucky National Guard pauses to say “Thank you” to all veterans; all those out of uniform and to those still serving our great country today.
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Story and photos by Sgt. Cody Stagner, 133RD Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky National Guard
Vision therapist Jessi Drawbaugh guides retired Col. Karlas Owens through a series of vision tests. Owens’ vision problems are related to injuries he incurred during a tour of duty in Afghanistan. (Photo by Sgt. Cody Stagner, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Click here for more photos.
SHELBYVILLE, Ky. — Dan Bowersox, doctor of optometry and owner of Bowersox Vision Center in Shelbyville, Ky., now offers free vision therapy for Kentucky military veterans suffering from symptoms of traumatic brain injury.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly 800 Kentucky troops had been diagnosed with TBI from 2007-2011.
Dan Bowersox, doctor of optometry and owner of Bowersox Vision Center in Shelbyville, Ky., now offers free vision therapy for Kentucky military veterans suffering from symptoms of traumatic brain injury. (Photo by Sgt. Cody Stagner, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
A variety of eye problems can be traced to TBI, such as lazy eye, crossed eyes, double vision, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and reading and learning difficulties. For many veterans, neuro-optometric rehabilitation – better known as vision therapy – can address these symptoms directly and hopefully bring them back to normalcy.
“In my opinion, TBI is often under diagnosed and goes untreated,” commented Bowersox. “The ability to work depends on the ability to see. With this program, our goal is to improve our veterans’ quality of life, so they can return to work and to their daily lives.”
Bowersox designed his vision therapy treatment outcomes for three types of patients: small children, athletes, and those suffering from TBI. As he describes it, small children learn visual and memory skills and often notice better grades in school; athletes in sports vision therapy can benefit from enhanced performance; and TBI patients’ success stories involve the remarkable return to their normal daily lives.
“A couple months ago, I came in for a regular eye check-up when Dr. Bowersox recommended me for his program,” said Karlas Owens, retired colonel from the Kentucky Army National Guard, 238th Training Regiment. “It was kind of funny – it was like he knew every problem I was having and I didn’t even say them out loud.”
Owens retired after 34 years of service and was injured in 2003 while on tour in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division.
“I struggled with memory lapse, reading comprehension, and headaches, mostly,” said Owens. “It was even hard for me to go into bright stores [like Wal-Mart] without feeling uncomfortable.”
“My wife was the first to notice the changes after about six weeks,” Owens said. “I used to forget some of the smallest things, like remembering why it was I walked into the other room. I would walk back and forth two or three times trying to remember. The memory exercises help a lot.”
Dan Bowersox, doctor of optometry and owner of Bowersox Vision Center in Shelbyville, Ky., now offers free vision therapy for Kentucky military veterans suffering from symptoms of traumatic brain injury. (Photo by Sgt. Cody Stagner, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Some common tools found in a typical vision therapy session might range from simple reading to challenging memory games, or from basic spatial awareness activities to using 3-D glasses, computers, and a space fixator. All tools work to address differently attained skills but share one thing in common: they train – or retrain – the eyes and mind to focus on working together.
When asked what the most noticeable changes are in their patients at Bowersox Vision Center, Jessi Drawbaugh, vision therapist from Pleasureville, Ky., said, “I’ve seen the largest improvement in the social interaction and confidence of our patients. You can tell just by the way they look when they walk in and their attitudes when they leave.”
Symptoms of TBI and post-traumatic stress are often a topic of controversy in military journalism as they share many characteristics. Both Drawbaugh and Bowersox agreed in all cases they found increased self-esteem a positive side effect. Bowersox also believes – with as many shared symptoms – therapy treatment methods for TBI “is a good thing to do if someone has PTSD, because I feel it can decrease anxiety and frustration with life.”
Bowersox has worked with several veterans in the past and all have had positive experiences. He and his staff offer a welcome and friendly environment.
Retired Col. Karlas Owens goes through a series of vision tests. Owens’ vision problems are related to injuries he incurred during a tour of duty in Afghanistan. (Photo by Sgt. Cody Stagner, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
“There has to be more health professionals out there taking lead as part of the solution,” he said. “Rather than worrying about how to pay for treatment, we keep it simple; it’s a free service with no strings attached.”
“I have always wanted to work with the military. Now is my chance to give back and show thanks. Rather than worrying about how to pay for treatment, we keep it simple; it’s a free service with no strings attached.”
Find Bowersox Vision Center on Facebook or visit their website at www.drbowersox.com. Information on the Veterans Vision Therapy program is not listed so please call (502) 647-3937 for details and to schedule an appointment.
Story by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard
Pictures by Tech. Sgt. Jason Ketterer, Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard
The engagement of the Kentucky National Guard with the University of Louisville will reinvigorate, strengthen, and bind our communities in a successful partnership that includes, but not limited to, jointly developed initiatives in strategic areas of education, health, engineering, business, medicine, leadership, and intercollegiate athletics, and specific to the needs of soldiers and families. This partnership will promote a professional exchange between University faculty, staff, students, Soldiers and their families.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville and Kentucky National Guard have established a partnership that will promote an ongoing professional exchange among Soldiers and their families with UofL faculty, staff and students.
University President James Ramsey and Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, adjutant general of the Kentucky National Guard, signed the document last Friday.
“We are your neighbors, we stay here, we are always going to be here,” Tonini said. “And our responsibilities are not only for the federal mission but also for the state mission, so we really are a part of the home team.”
The two organizations will work together develop a wide array of joint initiatives such as research in post-traumatic stress disorder, degree programs for Soldiers, training in language and culture, and summer academic and athletic camps for children of Kentucky National Guard families, according to the memorandum.
“I think it’s very exciting as a U of L alumni and a Kentucky National Guard member to see where they are going to move in the future,” says Tech. Sgt. Jason Ketterer, Kentucky Air National Guard.
The school’s Executive Director of Military Initiatives and Partnerships, Renee Finnegan, says the program is modeled after a similar agreement with Fort Knox.
Finnegan says the program is modeled after a similar agreement with Fort Knox.
UofL recently began offering discounted tuition to Kentucky National Guard Soldiers, a benefit it was already offering to active military and veteran students, Finnegan said. This year, some 700 veterans are attending the university and another 140 active duty and civilian students at Fort Knox are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in workforce leadership.
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WDRB, Fox 41 reports on the engagement of the Kentucky National Guard with the University of Louisville will reinvigorate, strengthen, and bind our communities in a successful partnership that includes, but not limited to, jointly developed initiatives in strategic areas of education, health, engineering, business, medicine, leadership, and intercollegiate athletics, and specific to the needs of soldiers and families. This partnership will promote a professional exchange between University faculty, staff, students, Soldiers and their families.
CLICK HERE to see other reports from Louisville media.
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Photos by J.C. Newton, Kentucky National Guard Recruiting Command
The Interlink Counseling Services color guard leads their family of Veterans during the 2011 Veteran’s Day parade in downtown Louisville. Some Kentucky National Guard troops donated their old uniforms to make sure the color guard was properly equipped.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Holiday spirit is expressed in many forms. Sometimes it comes with ribbons, sometimes with tags. Sometimes it comes in packages, boxes, and bags.
And sometimes it comes in camouflage.
Rick Waddell is interviewed by the local TV station about “Operation Homeland” an initiative to deliver nearly 2,000 backpack survival kits to Louisville area homeless veterans.
Members of the Kentucky National Guard recently gathered together to help out their brothers and sisters in need through donations to Interlink Counseling Services, a reintegration center that supports homeless veterans.
“We’ve been around since 1993, ” said Rick Waddell, director of the center. “Our mission is to seek out Veterans in distress and guide them along the healing process. We try to address all their needs, physical, psychological, social, and spiritual, and find the resources to help them.”
Interlink features a long term treatment center with 100 beds. Veterans can stay for up to two years while receiving treatment and support to get back on their feet.
“We average about 350-400 Veterans coming through our center every year,” said Waddell. “The average stay is about nine months.”
This year Kentucky Guard members donated nearly 2,000 backpacks containing toiletry items, toothbrushes, hats, gloves, ponchos and food — whatever could be used to make life a little more comfortable for living on the street.
Soldiers even donated their old uniforms so the veterans could have a proper color guard during this year’s Veterans Day Parade.
“When we visited the facility we knew we wanted to help in some manner,” said JC Newton, a retired NCO who currently works with the 2nd Battalion 75th Recruiting Command. “Our troops stepped up and pitched in with their contributions.”
“We were especially happy to see them wear their uniforms during the Veterans Day parade,” he said. “This is a mission that really touched our hearts.”
Community Outreach National Coordinator Freddie W. Maggard helped coordinate the donations.
“We were honored to assist in this project,” said Maggard. “As a former Soldier, you can’t help but feel strongly about helping our Veterans in time of need.”
Maggard said that Hope Community Church of Frankfort and Lawrenceburg played a valuable role in gathering up the donations. He also praised Frankfort Dentist Dr. Patrick Peters, who donated hundreds of tooth brushes, tooth paste, and other dental hygiene items for the back packs.
“We only wish we could do more.”
“We are really grateful for all that the Kentucky Guard has done for us,” said Waddell. “We’re also getting support from Fort Knox and Campbell, and we’re thankful to them as well.”
Waddell says the average age of homeless Veterans has dropped about eight years, due in large part to the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“Unemployment is the main issue, of course, stemming from post traumatic stress disorder and mental health issues. Our focus in 2012 is to concentrate on mental health issues that lead to alcohol and drug abuse.”
For more information on Interlink Counseling Services call 502-964-7147 or visit www.interlinkservices.org.
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Current and former members of our nation’s military services can take advantage of discount rates with the Kentucky State Parks “USA Military Pass” program from Nov. 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012.
Lake Barkley State Park is just one of the facilities where Guard Families can take advantage of the season's discounts.
The program is available to those on active military duty, retired members of the military, veterans, members of the National Guard and reservists. Proof of military service is required at check-in.
“Our Kentucky State Parks offer great outdoor opportunities for families looking for a break,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “We appreciate the men and women who serve or who have served in uniform for our country and want to let them know how appreciative we are.”
With the USA Military Pass, lodge rooms are available for $44.95 a night; one bedroom cottages for $74.95 a night; two bedroom cottages for $84.95 a night and three bedroom cottages for $94.95 a night. Tax is not included in these rates.
The Kentucky State Parks have 17 resorts that offer golf, fishing, hiking on scenic trails, beautiful scenery and full-service restaurants. Many resorts are near or include historic sites and museums and offer programs during the fall and winter, such as elk tours, eagle watching tours and entertainment.
This offer may not be used in conjunction with other special discounts or packages. The discount is based on availability, for leisure travel only, and may exclude special events and holidays.
For more information about Kentucky State Parks and to make reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov or call 1-800-255-7275.
During the months of April through October, current and former members of the military can get a 10 percent lodging discount.
(If you’re making your reservation online, use “USA” for the promo code for reservations between Nov. 1 and March 31. During the April through October period, select “military discount” when making an online reservation.)
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 51 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges — more than any other state.
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Story and photo by David Altom, Deputy Director, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
"Battle Buddies" -- Ajax and his brother in arms, Achilles, in happier times.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The stage is simple and barren. The actors are seated, reading from binders. There are no costumes, no props, no orchestra or special effects.
Still, the audience is silent and transfixed as a woeful howl fills the auditorium. The story of a warrior’s grief turns to despair, disgrace and finally … suicide.
This is the classic tragedy Ajax, a collaborative production by the Theater of War and the Actors Theatre of Louisville. Written 2,500 years ago by the Greek general Sophocles, the play is as relevant today as when it was first performed for the author’s own army.
The story is the definitive example of post-traumatic stress … Rambo without Stallone; The Deer Hunter without DeNiro: During the Trojan War the legendary warrior Ajax — a general officer worshiped by his men — grieves for the loss of his cousin, the heroic Achilles. Adding to his woes, Ajax is cheated out of a great honor by his higher command, prompting him to take out his frustration and rage on his offenders. Fate intervenes and instead of getting revenge he is tricked into slaughtering the army’s livestock.
Feeling foolish, the disgraced warrior contemplates the shame he has brought to his military career, his family and himself. In the end, Ajax takes his own life, literally throwing himself on his sword, leaving behind a grieving widow, a fatherless child and controversy among his fellow warriors.
Translated by Byan Doerries and directed by KJ Sanchez, the hour-long production hits all the key elements that lead to Ajax’s fall from honor to his ultimate self-destruction. The reading is noble, woeful and even humorous at times, thanks to a heartfelt performance by the actors.
Yes, it’s a Greek play and there is no mention of Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan. And yet the theme is as important today as it was 2,500 years ago. The value of Ajax is in showing quite literally how the more things change, the more they stay the same. Whether the weapons are swords or IEDs, the effects are the same; Soldiers today face with the same problems as their ancestors … combat stress, loss of fellow troops, frustration with “the system” and reintegration into the community and family.
“It’s kind of a window into our world." Maj. Franklin Jones, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, was part of the panel discussion focusing on issues raised by the Theater of War presentation.
Maj. Franklin Jones, a Kentucky Army National Guard officer and veteran of combat in Afghanistan, was part of an insightful discussion panel that followed the reading of the play.
“The play was pretty profound,” he said. “It’s kind of a window into our world. I can imagine how much good it does for other combat veterans to hear this.”
Among the issues Jones found in the play was the role of leadership in dealing with combat stress. “We have a tendency to iconify our leaders, to put them on a pedestal and make them perfect. And as leaders we have tendency to want to stay that way because that’s what enables us to lead. If my Soldiers see imperfections in me, I may think it makes us less effective. That’s not necessarily true.”
According to Jones the play highlights a key training deficiency — what to do when a combat veteran gets home.
“We just kind of have to figure it out,” he said. “The kind of training that we do, we do so much that it becomes second nature to us so that when we face a stressful situation we just react and don’t have to think about it. We go right back to our training. But when we get into a stressful situation at home we don’t have the training to deal with that.”
The panel proved integral to the presentation, bringing light to issues regarding the role of modern psychiatry, family and the Citizen-Soldier. Audience participation was encouraged and active.
Another member of the panel was Dr. Laura Johnson, Chief of the Behavioral Health Clinic at Fort Knox’s Ireland Army Community Hospital. When asked what can be done for those affected by the stresses of wartime deployment, Johnson — an Army veteran herself and wife of a deployed officer — summed it up with a simple sentence:
“We probably just need to cut each other some slack.”
Theater of War has delivered more than 150 productions in the United States and Europe reaching 30,000 service members and veterans of every rank, their families and caregivers.
Sanchez, the director of Theater of War, is also working on another play — ReEntry — based on interviews with veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The next performance of Theater of War is scheduled for October 10. Admission is free. Call 502-584-1205 for ticket reservation.
Click here for more information on the Theater of War.
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LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. (July 24, 2011) — What’s that rumble in the distance? It’s hundreds of motorcycles descending from points across the Commonwealth and gathering at the Healing Field in Lawrenceburg.
On Saturday, August 13th – rain or shine – riders from across the state will come together with one purpose in mind - to raise much needed funds for the construction of a memorial dedicated to Kentucky Guardsmen who have fallen in the line of duty since March 1912. All proceeds from the event will go to the Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund, a 501 (c)(3) organization committed to completing the project.
“We are planning for 500 riders, plenty of good food, and hot weather,” said Ride Boss Charlie Jones, who is also a colonel in the Kentucky Army National Guard and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“This will be a family friendly event. It’s open to anyone who would like to participate and support the cause,” he said.
Riders will depart at various times from starting points including Ashland, Bardstown, Beaver Dam, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Frankfort, Georgetown, Glasgow, Lexington, London, Louisville, Owensboro, Paducah, Somerset, Walton, Winchester. Everyone will gather at the Healing Field in Lawrenceburg for fellowship, food, and live entertainment from noon until 3:30 (EST). The event goal is to raise $70,000 for the memorial fund.
Registration fees are $25 for each bike or $35 for couples riding tandem. The fee includes lunch, live entertainment, commemorative T-shirt, and collector’s edition ride patch.
Don’t have a motorcycle? No problem! Non-riders are welcome to join the event at the Healing Field. The $5 admission includes lunch. Rider pre-registration is available via mail until 5 August. Riders can also register the day of the event at any starting point or at the Healing Field.
Visit www.kyngmemorial.com/ride_to_remember for more information (rider registration form, detailed start point information, and event contact information).
ABOUT THE HEALING FIELD
Lawrenceburg’s Healing Field was created by the American Legion Auxiliary as a tribute to fallen Warriors. It is the nation’s only permanent Healing Field. The Healing Field is adjacent to American Legion Post 34 and the Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds.
Address is: 725 West Broadway Street, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342. Go one block east on Route 62 (725 W. Broadway) off the 127 by-pass. Lawrenceburg is 10 miles south of I-64 (on 127) from Kentucky’s capitol city of Frankfort. It is 3 miles north of the Blue Grass Parkway - about 22 miles west of Lexington, Kentucky.
ABOUT THE KYNG MEMORIAL
In June 2008 the Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund Project was launched. The vision of the 501 (c)(3) organization is to memorialize Kentuckians that have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Kentucky National Guard. Efforts are underway to construct a memorial in Frankfort to honor the brave Kentucky Guardsmen that have fallen in the line of duty since March 1912. Preliminary research has already verified 115 of 346 potential names for inclusion on the memorial. The search is ongoing for the forgotten fallen of the Kentucky National Guard. Construction estimates for the memorial are $700,000. The Memorial Fund has already raised ten-percent of the total. Contributions from the public are essential for the completion of the project.
For more information, please visit: www.kyngmemorial.com
Ride Questions: Charlie Jones (502) 545-0381 charles.jones3@us.army.mil or ride_to_remember@kyngmemorial.com
KYNG Memorial Fund Questions: Jason LeMay (502) 330-6358 info@kyngmemorial.com or ride_to_remember@kyngmemorial.com
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