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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
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.”
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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 Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Lyddane
Warrant Officer Candidate Stephanie Bradley and her fellow Warrant Officer Candidates from Class 15-001 take part in a WOCS tradition by presenting their class sign to the Fort Rucker, Alabama staff. (Kentucky Army National Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Lyddane)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — Prior to August 26, 1920, women were considered inferior to men, they were limited to careers that many believed to be suppressive, and society’s view placed them as being less capable than their male counterparts. After more than seventy years of campaigning (the first women’s rights conference was held a Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848) history was made when women were officially added to the US Constitution under the 19th Amendment, granting them the right to vote. A small victory but a huge accomplishment at the time and also marked a turning point in the struggle for equality and women’s rights; no longer were women considered second class citizens. For this reason, August 26th has been declared by the President as Women’s Equality Day since 1972.
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Throughout the last century women like Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Grace Hopper, Jackie-Joyner-Kersee, and Maya Lin have shattered barriers and confronted stereotypes; each joining the ranks of thousands who have fueled the imagination and drive of others with aspirations of making a difference. Similar to those original trail blazers, there is a new generation of women on the forefront proving that women are skilled, qualified, and resilient enough to overcome the challenges offered in today’s military.
In the early morning hours on July 18, 2015, the Warrant Officer Candidates of Class 15-001 are required to complete a 6.2 mile ruck march in less than 106 minutes. This is one the many tests required of WOCs during their training and — according to Warrant Officer Candidate Stephanie Bradley — one of the toughest challenges yet. (Kentucky Army National Guard photo by WOC David Cureton)
Stephanie Bradley is one such example. One of five siblings, three brothers and a twin sister she decided to enlist in the Kentucky Army National Guard eight years ago in order to support her personal goal of attending college.Because of her background, hard work ethic, and accompanying reputation, she is in pursuit of a new goal after receiving approval to become a Warrant Officer. She is one of eleven Warrant Officer Candidates currently attending the 238th Regimental Training Institute’s Warrant Officer Candidate School at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Kentucky – and in observance of Women’s Equality Day it is important to point out she is the only female.
“I was inspired by all the Warrant Officers I have met and wanted to progress in my professional career,” said Bradley.
Upon commissioning and after completing her Warrant Officer Basic Course she will be a 920B, Supply Systems Technician responsible for instructing, managing, and supervising the receipt, storage, and issuance of supplies and equipment.
The male dominated Warrant Officer Candidate Class 15-001, aptly named the Brown Bears can be an intimidating environment to some but for Warrant Officer Candidate (WOC) Bradley, it’s a welcomed challenge and, now six months into the course, has almost solidified her dream. As a previous nominee for Unit NCO of the year and Battalion Soldier of the year, it is clear that her superiors have recognized her talent.
“WOC Bradley consistently demonstrates the subject matter expertise that Warrant Officers are known for. She will make an excellent addition to the Warrant Officer Corps,” said Capt. Jake Kwiek, commander of Alpha Company, 103rd Brigade Support Battalion.
When her peer and fellow candidate WOC John Smith was asked what makes her stand out from the rest, he replied, “She always goes above what is expected and has been an asset for the entire class, she personally developed our study methods that has kept us all on track.”
“From the first day I met WOC Bradley during last January’s OCS/WOCS open house, I was impressed with her initiative and ability to get things done, and done right,” said State Command Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops. “She initially stood out amongst her fellow applicants by her ability to complete the application process in a very short period of time, and in time to attend Zero Phase in March and begin Phase Two in April.
“I knew then, this Soldier was Warrant Officer material and would go far as a Supply Systems Technician. I have no doubts she has a bright future ahead of her and will be a great asset to the Kentucky Army National Guard and the Quartermaster Corps.”
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts (minor in psychology) from Lindsey Wilson College, an extensive amount of military training, several accolades, and a reputable civilian career in production control at Lockheed-Martin, this future warrant officer has proven to be one of the Kentucky Army National Guard’s rising stars.
Bradley’s advice to other females in the military? “Do not let the perceived physical standards hold you back. Be willing to step outside of their comfort zones and if you’re the one complaining and wishing things would change, then put yourself in a position where you can change it – as a leader.”
For more information on the Kentucky National Guard’s warrant officer program contact Chief Warrant Officer Ryan Turner at (502) 607-6200, Cell: (502) 320-3653 or email at [email protected].
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs with contributions from Kyle Hilbrecht
Former Kentucky Warrant Officer of the Year are recognized during the 97th anniversary of the Warrant Officer Corps ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., July 9, 2015. Each winner since 2007 was presented with the commendation which became an official award in 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard gathered to celebrate the 97th anniversary of the Warrant Officer Cohort at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, July 9. State Command Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops was joined by Brig. Gen. Charles Jones, Deputy Adjutant General and hundreds of warrant officers and Soldiers to recognize nearly 100 years of the “quiet professional.” “The modern U.S. Warrant officer Cohort is nearly a century old, and I’m sure the original forty warrant officers of the 1918 Mine Planter Service had no idea the significance their appointment would have on the United States Army,” said Stoops. “We now see a highly professional cohort that is indispensable to the United States Army and the Kentucky National Guard.”
State Command Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops promotes Ricky Skelton to the rank of chief warrant officer four during the 97th anniversary celebration of the Warrant Officer Corps in Frankfort, Ky., July 9, 2015. In addition to celebrating 97 years, several warrant officers were honored for their achievements and service to the Kentucky Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Click here for more photos.
Stoops commended Kentucky’s warrant officers for their recent gains in National Guard categories of education and readiness. There are less than 175 warrant officers in the Kentucky Guard, while nearly 30,000 warrant officers serve worldwide in the Army components.
Known as technical experts in their fields, warrant officers are also referred to as the “quiet professional” for their behind the scenes stance in numerous occupational specialities.
In addition to the celebration of 97 years, Kentucky Guard leadership also recognized the previous eight Warrant Officers of the Year, ensuring each received the commendation which became official just last year. Stoops said the award is the only award among the three Army components dedicated to the recognition of warrant officers for their outstanding service and achievements.
“The creation of this official state award is the culmination of a seven year effort to create an award that was equal to the Outstanding Airman and Soldier of the Year Award,” said Stoops. “I am very pleased and proud that we could go back and present it to all of the previous seven recipients. It just seemed to be the right thing to do.”
Stoops said he has already been contacted by other states looking to adopt the award and he fully expects it to take off and potentially become a national standard.
Retired Chief Warrant Officer Larry Moore receives the 2008 Kentucky Warrant Officer of the Year commendation during a birthday celebration of the warrant officer corps in Frankfort, Ky., July 9, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Following that award presentation, Chief Warrant Officer Ricky Skelton was promoted to the rank of chief warrant officer four and Warrant Officer Jonathan Dukes was promoted to chief warrant officer two.
Chief Warrant Officer Jacob Lewis was also recognized for being named the 2014 Most Outstanding Engineer Warrant Officer in the National Guard. He was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for his accomplishment.
Jones said the warrant officer used be an untapped resource for the Army and National Guard, but that has changed thanks to education, leadership and support from senior warrant officers. He called them an integral part of the Guard’s daily operations.
“The Army takes the cream of the NCO Corps off the top, makes it warrant officers and gives it special, graduate level training,” said Jones. “Warrant officers are an incredible resource of commanders and soldiers alike. They are world renowned for being the Army’s technical and tactical experts and are valuable leaders as well.”
Kentucky National Guard Staff Report
Chief Warrant Officer Jacob Lewis was named the Outstanding Engineer Warrant Officer for 2014. Lewis serves as the Construction Engineering Technician with the 149th Vertical Construction Company. (Kentucky National Guard command photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Chief Warrant Officer Jacob Lewis with Kentucky’s 149th Vertical Construction Company has been named the Outstanding Engineer Warrant Officer for 2014 for the Army National Guard. Lewis serves as the Construction Engineering Technician for the Cynthiana, Kentucky-based 149th.
“Being named the Outstanding Engineer Warrant Officer of the Year is an honor and words can’t explain my feelings right now,” said Lewis. “This means to me what I think every engineer regardless of enlisted or officer strive to accomplish at some point in their careers.”
Enlisting in 2002 as a combat engineer, Lewis has spent his entire time in uniform in the Kentucky Guard. A decision based upon his family’s history of service and a desire to serve.
“I believe it was my path to serve this great nation and to be part a team of individuals that all fight for the same cause. I wanted to be able to look back at my life and say I did what most only dream of in seeing the world and helping out with our freedoms, and I have and will continue to do just that.”
It was in 2012 that Lewis decided to make the transition from NCO to warrant officer. With the confidence he had garnered as an enlisted Soldier, Lewis felt his abilities could take him further.
“During my time as an NCO I felt like I could offer so much more and wanted to take my expertise to the next level. I chose to become a technical expert so that I could not only lead Soldiers through diverse situations, but also train them into becoming experts in their fields.”
Warrant Officer Jacob Lewis and members of the 149th Vertical Construction Company stand with a German engineer officer at Camp Spann, Afghanistan, 2012. Enlisting into the Kentucky Guard in 2002, Lewis has been an engineer his whole career, deploying twice to Afghanistan. (Courtesy photo)
After graduating warrant officer school, Lewis didn’t skip a beat, keeping his focus on the mission at hand, his Soldiers and the quality work ethic known from warrant officers. He said being a warrant officer has been the most rewarding experience of his career.
“I believe that it takes more than just being able to build a structure in order to be recommended for such a prestigious award. It takes time hard work and dedication. We as warrants hold the keys to our success, we have to be the ones that answer the hard questions to our supervisors and advise our chain of command in order to accomplish the mission and for them to have great faith and trust in us. I think it is something that anyone can achieve its not unreachable by any means but they have to want it as I did and put in the work. Sometimes we are faced with challenges and it’s how you as an individual handle those challenges that make each of us different.”
Kentucky’s state command chief warrant officer, Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops believes Lewis was the first Kentucky warrant submitted for this award. And based upon Lewis’ win, Stoops plans to submit more Kentucky warrant officers for national-level honors.
“CW2 Jacob Lewis is the embodiment of our State military motto of ‘Unbridled Service’, so it makes my job easy when we have such outstanding talent and exceptional leaders as him. I couldn’t be more proud of Chief Lewis and our Warrant Officer community.”
The Outstanding Engineer Warrant Officer awards are presented annually to the engineer warrant officer in each Army component, selected in recognition of their outstanding contributions to military engineering by demonstrating technical and leadership ability. Lewis is scheduled to receive the award in May at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
With new bragging rights in his field, Lewis is also taking the next step in his personal life as he and his fiancee are planning their wedding for later this year.
“Life is too good right now,” he said. “I will just count my blessings each day and go out and try to be better than yesterday.”
Staff report
Chief Warrant Officer Travis Wright, his wife Tig, daughter Brooke and son Harrison with his commander in chief, President Barak Obama. Wright’s career as a warrant officer has taken him from all the way from flying special operations missions on active duty to working the National Guard counterdrug mission while stationed at our nation’s capital. (Official White House photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The term “quiet professional” is used a lot in the military, and for good reason. Most military service members are just that, professionals who get the job done and move on to the next mission. Chief Warrant Officer Travis Wright is one of those quiet professionals. After 23 years of service in both the active duty Army and the Kentucky National Guard, he’s preparing for retirement and ready to move into the next chapter of his life. And since July is Warrant Officer Month we asked him to share some of his insights regarding his career as a “quiet professional.”
How did you begin your career?
I joined active duty at 18 as part of the Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) program. I went straight from basic training to WOCS and then flight school where I graduated at 19. I was fortunate to accomplish all my professional goals in 10 years on active duty. I flew OH-58A/C, OH-58D Kiowa Warriors and AH-6J Little Birds in assault, attack and special operations units.
Back in “the day.” A young Travis Wright (right) during flight school. His warrant officer career took him from flying with the 82nd Airborne to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment to marijuana eradication missions with the Kentucky National Guard. He’s amassed more than 4,000 flight hours in five different helicopters and several civilian aircraft. (Photo courtesy Travis Wright)
How did you come to join the Kentucky National Guard?
I left active duty and pursued a career as an airline pilot with Comair in Cincinnati where I was a first officer on the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ). During my ground school training I ran into a colleague from my Army days and he told me about the Reconnaissance and Interdiction Detachment in Kentucky. I made a few calls and began my career with the Kentucky National Guard as an M-day pilot. Flying single pilot with a trooper looking for dope was probably one of the best jobs I had in the Army.
What other missions did you take on as a Kentucky Guard aviator?
While with the RAID I supported the G-8 Summit in Sea Isle (Savannah), Georgia and flew along the nation’s northern border in Burlington, Vermont to support the Department of Homeland Security. I had an opportunity for a short tour of duty to in Washington, D.C. to help out at the National Guard Bureau. I really enjoyed the mission there. After discussions with my wife we decided to make the move to DC so I could spend more time at home.
Tell us about your tour of duty at our nation’s capital.
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy is responsible for producing the President’s annual National Drug Control Strategy. Additionally they produce the Southwest Border, Northern Border and Caribbean Drug Strategies. ONDCP is organized with three main departments, Office of Supply Reduction - mostly OCONUS and border operations, Office of Demand Reduction - preventing use before it starts and where I work, Office of State, Local and Tribal Affairs.
While I interact with those other offices, I chiefly work as a liaison from NGB to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. There are over 30 HIDTA programs throughout the country including the Appalachia HIDTA with its office in London, Kentucky. I provide a voice for the Natioanl Guard and our counterdrug program in support of HIDTA operations and interact with my fellow liaison officers from DEA, FBI, IRS and DHS.
What’s it like being a warrant officer?
Many others have said this, but a warrant officer is the best rank in the Army. My first experience that this was going to be “different” was just after I pinned on my bar at 19 years old. I was waiting for my airborne school date and working at the headquarters at Ft. Rucker. The command sergeant major came through the front door and said ‘Good morning, sir.’ I looked around to see who he was talking to. I’m sure he had kids my age, maybe older but I quickly figured out he meant me.
I’ve been given responsibilities and experiences that I never thought possible. My last four assignments I have replaced a lieutenant colonel and my current position is coded for a colonel. It’s a testament to the trust leadership places in warrant officer professionalism and expertise, regardless of what the pay grade is.
As part of the Joint Staff, I’ve had several opportunities to explain to my Air National Guard brothers and sisters what the heck a warrant officer is.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops passes the officer’s sword back to Warrant Officer Victor Blair to complete the symbolic change of responsibility as Stoops became the Kentucky National Guard’s command chief warrant officer, Jan. 31, 2014 in Frankfort, Ky. Stoops assumed the role from Chief Warrant Officer James Simms who is retiring after more than 40 years in uniform. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops assumed responsibility as Kentucky’s fifth command chief warrant officer during a ceremony held at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 31, 2014.
Stoops succeeds Chief Warrant Officer James Simms who is retiring after more than 40 years in uniform and three years as the state’s command chief warrant officer.
“It is indeed an honor to be here as the command chief warrant officer for the Kentucky National Guard,” said Stoops. “I have to thank General Tonini for having the confidence in me to lead and manage the warrant officer corps into the future.”
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini places Command Staff insignia on the uniform of Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops during a change of responsibility ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 31, 2014. The insignia replaced Stoops aviation branch insignia and symbolized his transfer to the command staff as the new command chief warrant officer for the Kentucky Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
To see more photos from the ceremony, click here.
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini oversaw the ceremony and participated in the passing of the officer sword from Simms to Stoops. In front of a large crowd of family, friends and fellow Guardsmen in the Capitol Rotunda, Stoops exchanged the aviation branch insignia on his uniform and became the newest member of the Kentucky Guard’s Command Staff.
Also in attendance were Stoops’ father, retired Army Lt. Col. Dick Stoops and son, Air Force Capt. Brian Stoops, a generational example of a long military tradition in the Stoops family.
Born in Fort Campbell, Ky., Stoops has served in the Kentucky Guard for more than 35 years and is returning to the Commonwealth after his last assignment with the National Guard Bureau. He has served for the last four years in Washington D.C. as the Army National Guard Aviation Standardization Officer and senior aviation warrant officer advisor where he said he learned of the Kentucky Guard’s reputation at the highest levels of the military.
Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops presents his first coins as Kentucky’s new command chief warrant officer to his son, Air Force Capt. Brian Stoops and father, retired Army Lt. Col. Dick Stoops following a change of responsibility ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 31, 2014. Stoops is a third generation career Soldier and thanked his father and son for inspiring him to succeed in his own career. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“All along the way, Kentucky was referred to as an organization with exceptional leadership and that not only met the standard but exceeded the standard,” he recalled. “So it’s very gratifying for me to come back into this position.”
Stoops new role serves as the senior warrant officer advising the adjutant general on the state of the Warrant Officer Corps. He is also responsible for providing guidance, resources, assistance and supervision to all warrant officers in the Kentucky Army National Guard.
“We need to ensure that we do not lose the expertise and knowledge gained in the past decade at war, and one of the keys to that is our warrant officer corps,” said Tonini. “Dean’s qualifications for this job are unquestionable and his history with the Kentucky Guard is quite extensive. He is the right man at the right time for this job.”
Photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Warrant Officer Victor Blair delivers officer’s sword to complete the change of responsibility ceremony at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., in which Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops succeeded Chief Warrant Officer James Simms as Kentucky’s command chief warrant officer Jan. 31, 2014. The sword symbolizes the authority of commissioned officers, including warrant officers in the ranks of the military. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops became Kentucky’s fifth command chief warrant officer during a change of responsibility ceremony at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 31, 2014.
Stoops takes over for the outgoing command chief warrant officer, Chief Warrant Officer James Simms who is retiring after more than 40 years in uniform.
Check back at kentuckyguard.com on Monday for the full story.
Chief Warrant Officer James Simms is awarded the Legion of Merit by Kentucky Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini following a change of responsibility ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 31, 2014. Simms retired after more than 40 years in uniform for the Kentucky Guard and served three years as the state’s command chief warrant officer. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Chief Warrant Officer Dean Stoops shares a moment with his father, retired Army Lt. Col. Dick Stoops and son, Air Force Capt. Brian Stoops after a change of responsibility ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 31, 2014. The three generations of Service members have continued a long tradition of military service in the family Stoops said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Story by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard
Officer Joel Bowling, Lexington Police Department. (Photo courtesy of CW2 Bowling)
Chief Warrant Officer Joel Bowling, B Co., 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment. (Photo courtesy of CW2 Bowling)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The noted writer and blogger Eliezer Yudkowsky once said, “The police officer who puts their life on the line with no superpowers, no X-Ray vision, no super-strength, no ability to fly, and above all no invulnerability to bullets, reveals far greater virtue than Superman - who is only a mere superhero.” Well, Lexington Police Officer Joel Bowling fits this description minus the fact that he can fly — UH-60 Blackhawks that is.
Officer Bowling, also known as Army Chief Warrant Officer Bowling, is currently a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot for Bravo Co. 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation, based out of Frankfort, Ky.
“Joel brings a great sense of professionalism to the cockpit and a calm under pressure that’s rare among his peers,” said Bowling’s military commander, Capt. Cliff Flanagan. “His time as a police officer on the civilian side brings a huge wealth of experience to our unit and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
To see more photos of CW2 Bowling, please click HERE.
“Flying helicopters has always been a dream of mine,” said Bowling. “but I never thought it would be possible in the National Guard. Through hard work, dedication and a little bit of luck, I was able to make this dream a reality.”
Bowling joined the Kentucky Guard exactly one-year before the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, as a combat medic with the 617th Military Police (MP) Company, in Richmond, Ky.
In September of 2004, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant over the medical section and then deployed to the middle east in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Chief Warrant Officer Joel Bowling, formerly Sgt. Bowling, deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005. (Photo courtesy of CW2 Bowling)
For eleven months Bowling provided medical support to MPs and other units who were running main supply route patrols and convoy security. Bowling was selected for a flight medic position with the C Co. 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation Medical Evauation Unit out of Frankfort, Ky. after his deployment to Iraq. He was then accepted to flight school in 2008 and graduated as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot.
When Bowling’s not flying helicopters for the National Guard, he serves as a patrolman for the Lexington Division of Police.
Bowling joined the police force in 2002 and has served in several different positions throughout his 12-year career, to include a specialized unit focusing on eliminating ‘part one’ crimes: narcotics, prostitution, auto thefts and burglaries. He’s since moved on to a being a field training officer for the organization, working with new recruits that have just finished the police academy.
“Joel’s enthusiasm has helped him build a great rapport with both our citizens and his colleagues alike,” commented Commander Gregg Jones, from the Lexington Division of Police. “He does a great job of communicating with the public and understanding their needs.”
This warrant officer manages both careers well which demand a lot of his attention to remain proficient in both disciplines… all while keeping a family happy at home.
“I’m blessed to have a wonderful wife and three beautiful children who are extremely supportive of both my careers,” said Bowling.
Story by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Chief Warrant Officer Leah Pedicone graduated Warrant Officer Candidate School from in February 2013 at Fort Rucker, Ala. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo submitted by CW2 Pedicone)
FRANKFORT, Ky. – In a time where the government and the military are seemingly “drawing down,” one sector is seeing immense growth.
Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. has graduated several of the first Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Warrant Officers in the nation – creating a new position to fill the gap.
To see all photos for this story, please click HERE.
The Kentucky National Guard is fortunate to have graduated one of those officers, Warrant Officer Leah Pedicone. She is also the first female Chemical Warrant Officer in the National Guard Bureau and with her promotion to Chief Warrant Officer, is the senior-ranking female chemical warrant in the entire Army.
“I aspire to accomplish great things, and to be able to affect change for the better,” said Pedicone. “As an officer, I will have the unique opportunity to be able to educate and influence more Soldiers on a larger scale than I have been able to do before.”
A native of Anaheim, Ca., Pedicone joined the active duty Army in 1997 as a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Specialist. After serving out her required term of enlistment, she transferred to the Kentucky National Guard and deployed to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan in 2003 with the 1163rd Medical Co. out of Shelbyville, Ky.
Through three deployments and providing relief support to Hurricane Katrina, Pedicone was ready to take this next step in her career.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of such an elite group and is not for the faint of heart,” commented Pedicone. “If you have the drive to leave the Army with a legacy and where you can give back as much as been given to you, then you need to take the next step.”
In August, along with Chief Warrant Officer Tim Smith, Pedicone graduated as a CBRN Warrant Officer in the Kentucky National Guard.
Chief Warrant Officer Leah Pedicone deployed with the 198th Military Police Battalion to Iraq in 2010 as the Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo submitted by CW2 Pedicone).
This was a process that started well before her third deployment, this time with the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in 2010 to participate in the historic drawdown of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Pedicone is currently assigned to the 103rd Chemical Battalion as the CBRN Warrant Officer for the KY CBRN Enhanced Response Force Package or CERFP.
The units mission is to provide immediate response to support ‘incident site search capability’, rescuing trapped casualties, providing decontamination and performing medical triage. They’re primarily a state-side support unit and Pedicone is providing much needed experience in this critical role.
“Leah is a trailblazer in the Army chemical community,” said Lt. Col. Lance Grebe, commander of the 103rd Chemical Battalion. “The spotlight will be on her in this position and she will represent our organization and our mission phenomenally.”
Pedicone says she would be remiss without thanking the leaders that invested in her in the 198th Military Police Battalion, the 149th MEB, the 103rd Chemical Battalion and the Warrant Officer Community for recommending her to be a warrant officer, even with them knowing it would mean losing a senior leader in the unit.
“It took a deployment, an injury, tears, sweat, humbling setbacks and lots of prayers and faith to get me to this point,” said Pedicone. “I’m in awe that I get to have this opportunity.”
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
The newest graduates of the Kentucky National Guard’s Warrant Officer Candidate School stand at attention during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 23, 2013. The new warrant officers recently completed the school and were commissioned Sept. 21 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The small family that is the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Warrant Officer Corp got a little bigger with the commissioning of 12 new warrant officers, Sept. 21, 2013.
The Soldiers had just completed the final two-week phase of Warrant Officer Candidate School at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in Edinburgh, Ind. Following the graduation there, the new warrant officers returned home for a recognition ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 23.
“On Saturday (Sept. 21), their military careers took on a whole new look, and a whole new responsibility,” said Kentucky’s State Command Chief Warrant Officer James Simms. ” This class represents the largest we’ve had, so the future is looking good for the warrant officer in Kentucky.”
Col. Hal Lamberton, commander of the 238th Regiment congratulates each graduate of the Kentucky National Guard’s newest Warrant Officer Candidate School class during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 23, 2013. The 12-member class represented the largest graduating class for the 238th and their WOCS. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The candidates started down the commissioning road around the beginning of the year, spending the majority of their time in training one weekend a month with the 238th Regimental Training Institute (RTI) in Greenville, Ky.
Warrant Officer Candidate School is made up of four phases: an on-line phase for preparatory course work, two phases of training with the 238th at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center followed by the final phase at Camp Atterbury.
Kentucky’s RTI was recently named an Institute of Excellence by the U.S. Army and has been expanding it’s role as the state’s premier training facility, taking on new courses and more students. The unit has also impressed other states and other components with its availability and course offerings.
For two of the new warrant officers in the class, that’s just what they were looking for, because neither one are from the Kentucky Guard. Warrant Officer Arthur Stevens is an Army Reservist from the 378th Military Police Detachment in Louisville, Ky., but he lives in Clarksville, Tenn. Stevens said he had issues scheduling his school around his job and had never heard of the RTI. He said the decision worked perfectly with his work schedule and Reserve drill weekends.
“The only way I could have done this is with the RTI,” said the 13-year Veteran. “When I go back, I’m going to tell everyone I know that this is the way to go.”
“It was a great all-around experience,” Stevens said of the training. “It was great that the Guard took me in and made me part of the team.”
Simms said the Kentucky National Guard will help anyone become a warrant officer, regardless of their state or component. Warrant officers across the country work hand in hand with advanced courses and problem-solving and Simms believes they should work together to create new warrant officers as well.
“Thanks to skilled recruiters, quality leadership in the units and a fine training element we have in the 238th, we can make that happen here,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Stephen Hogan, assistant adjutant general for training recognizes Warrant Officer Amy Meadows as the honor graduate of the newest Warrant Officer Candidate School class during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 23, 2013. Meadows, a Soldier with the Tennessee National Guard, chose Kentucky’s course because it allowed her to juggle work, college and becoming a warrant officer. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Warrant Officer Amy Meadows is with the Tennessee National Guard and also didn’t know how to deal with her full schedule of work and school. She knew the school would be longer than going through the traditional course at Fort Rucker, Ala., but had heard great things about the training provided by the 238th.
“I chose to go to Kentucky’s RTI because I needed another option,” she said. “I’m a full-time student and I work full-time at my civilian job, so I needed an option that allowed me to do all three, and the RTI was the best fit for my life.”
Meadows, from Mt. Juliet, Tenn., also graduated as the honor graduate of the class and said she has had always had respect for warrant officers, who always the ones who had the right answers.
“I’m a big believer in continuing knowledge and self-development,” she said. “And warrant officers are the pulse, the continuity of the Army, and I just wanted to be a part of it.”
Meadows will now be the Soldier everyone looks to for answers at the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Knoxville, Tenn.
Each of the new warrant officers will now schedule and attend their job specific warrant officer basic course. But the training doesn’t stop there. To be the experts in their fields, warrant officers continually educate themselves for the benefit of themselves and their units. And from the regimental commander to each training, advising and counseling (TAC) officer, the 238th is glad to be instrumental in furthering the careers of the Army’s future leaders.
“We’re focused on building a stronger and more capable Warrant Officer Corps, the new leaders in the field,” said Chief Warrant officer Rick Skelton, TAC Officer with the 238th. “And I believe we are making good strides in doing our part here in Kentucky at the 238th.”
