Kentucky Guard

Kentucky National Guard honors U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers in armory renaming
August 3, 2023 — The Kentucky National Guard held a ceremony at the armory in Monticello, Kentucky, to honor U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers by renaming the armory in his honor on July 24, 2023. Speakers during the ceremony included Maj. Gen. Hal Lamberton, Mr. Rocky Adkins, and U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers... MORE

U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers and Rocky Adkins, the senior advisor to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, meet with Kentucky Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Hal Lamberton during a ceremony at the Kentucky National Guard armory in Monticello, Kentucky, July 24, 2023.

Kentucky Infantry officer promoted to brigadier general, receives first salute from his son
July 27, 2023 — Kentucky Army National Guard Col. Joseph D. Lear was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in a ceremony held at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, July 26... MORE

Brig. Gen. Joseph D. Lear speaks to friends and family during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., July 26, 2023

Field Artillery participate in XCTC
July 15, 2023 — Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery Brigade, conducted numerous training events during their Exportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise June 16-30... MORE

A round gets fired off out of the M109 Paladin as part of the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery Brigade's training events during their Exportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise June 16-30.

KYARNG Judge Advocates complete Basic Trial Advocacy Course
July 5, 2023 — Eight Kentucky Army National Guard Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) recently completed the Basic Trial Advocacy Course (BTAC) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia from May 7-15, 2023. The course, hosted by the Trial Counsel Assistance Program (TCAP), marked the National Guard's first training session at TCAP. This move reflects the Judge Advocate General of the United States Army’s commitment to promoting Active Duty, Army Reserve and National Guard integration. The integration efforts were set in motion by Lt. Col. Richard Couch, the newest military judge in the Kentucky National Guard JAG Corps. ... MORE

Eight Kentucky Army National Guard Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) recently completed the Basic Trial Advocacy Course (BTAC) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia from May 7-15, 2023. The course, hosted by the Trial Counsel Assistance Program (TCAP), marked the National Guard's first training session at TCAP.

Kentucky National Guard Chaplain Provides support at Cybersecurity Training Event
July 5, 2023 — Col. William Draper, chaplain with the Kentucky National Guard, provided spiritual guidance and counseling services during the Cyber Shield 2023 training exercise held at the Professional Education Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, 2-16 June. The demand for cybersecurity experts continues to surge, along with the stress of evolving threats and technology. In recognition for holistic support, Draper has taken a proactive approach to ensure the well-being of its cyber warriors during this year’s event... MORE

Col. William Draper, chaplin, Kentucky Army National Guard, prepares to deliver a sermon for attendees of the Cyber Shield Training exercise at the Camp Robinson chapel, Little Rock Ark., June 2-16, 2023. More than 800 National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian cyber professionals from around the world gather during this year’s Cyber Shield Training exercise. More than 25 states and territories will participate in the event and will make a signifiacnt milestone as members from five State Partnership Programs join forces with the National Guard cyber teams for the first time during the event. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeffery Reno)

Aviation Brigade Demonstrates Combat Readiness and Integration During Warfighter 23-05 Exercise
July 3, 2023 — Acting as a combat aviation brigade at the corps level, the 63rd TAB successfully executed large-scale combat operations, showcasing their proficiency and tactical expertise in a realistic simulated battlefield environment. The exercise aimed to identify strengths and areas for improvement, enabling the units to fine-tune their tactics and ensure seamless integration with ground forces... MORE

The Watering Hole was open for lunch daily during the warfighter and was a moral boostSpc. Connor Ridings builds links on the ADSI (Air Defense Systems Integrator) to provide Command and Control data and track friendly and enemy forces activity within the airspace of the unit’s area of operations during the warfighter exercise May 27-June 13 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa.

1-149th Infantry get back to basics at their annual training
June 22, 2023 — During their two weeks of training, the infantry Soldiers went through a round-robin of refresher classes on combat life-saving techniques, reacting to contact on the battlefield, observation and mapping, radio basics, concealment basics, and weapon familiarization. ... MORE

During their two weeks of training, the infantry Soldiers went through a round-robin of refresher classes on combat life saving techniques, reacting to contact on the battlefield, observation and mapping, radio basics, concealment basics and weapon familiarization.

Gold Star Families cruise the Ohio River
June 15, 2023 — Gold Star family members of fallen U.S. military service men and women came together for a riverboat ride on the Ohio River June 11. More than 350 family members of those who passed away in the line of duty were in attendance. This year was a little different though, with Survivor Outreach Services coordinating nine additional locations for departures on the same day: Harrisburg, Pa., Pittsburgh, Pa., Nashville, Tenn., Charleston, S.C., St. Paul, Minn., Portland, Ore., Hannibal, Mo., Brownville, Neb., and Cleveland, Ohio. Attendance at each location varied based on the size of the boat and the Owner’s agreement. Planning for attendees at these sites ranged from 50 to 500, with state military leadership in attendance at each event ready to greet Gold Star Families... MORE

The Belle of Cincinnati, owned by Gold Star spouse Terri Berstein, hosts the Survivors Outreach Services Riverboat cruise along the Ohio River near Cincinnati, Ohio, June 23, 2023. The day is designed to recognize the surviving family members of military service members who have given their lives in defense of our nation. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Matt Damon)

Legion Brigade refines skills with 38th Infantry Division
June 14, 2023 — The CPX is a “multi-echelon exercise focused on tasks supporting communications, command and control systems, and procedures”. The MEB set up their Current Operations Integration Cell (COIC) along with several other tents, replicating an operational environment using a tactical scenario... MORE

he 149th MEB staff and supporting elements participated in the exercise to set up and operate command and control systems, which increases the brigade’s readiness.

Kentucky Military Police take training to the ‘Show Me State’
May 29, 2023 — The 198th Military Police Battalion, and its subordinate units, conducted their annual training at the home of the United States Army Military Police Schools (USAMPS) May 12-26... MORE

The 198th Military Police Battalion, and its subordinate units, conducted their annual training at the home of the United States Army Military Police Schools (USAMPS) May 12-26.

New Command Team ushers in a new era for the Recruiting and Retention Battalion
May 25, 2023 — The Kentucky Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion changed its leadership team during a ceremony held May 22, 2023, at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort. Lt. Col. Jason Mendez took charge of the battalion, headquartered in Frankfort, from Lt. Col. Jacob McKinney, while Command Sgt. Maj. Johnnie Parton turned over his responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Reed... MORE

Lt. Col. Jacob McKinney relinquished command to Lt. Col. Jason Mendez, and Command Sgt. Maj. Johnnie Parton turned over responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Reed.

First KYNG Signal Chief Warrant Officer 5 signs off the net
May 23, 2023 — Chief Warrant Officer 5 David Barker retired during a ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center, in Frankfort, Kentucky on April 27, 2023, culminating a distinguished 39-year-long military career. Barker joined the Army in 1984 as an enlisted Soldier and in 1993 commissioned as a warrant officer, specializing in electronic maintenance. His career at Boone National Guard Center began before he enlisted into the Kentucky National Guard as a groundskeeper... MORE

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jennifer Ritchie, Recruiting and Retention Battalion officer strength manager, presents a retirement gift to Chief Warrant Officer 5 David Barker, Joint Forces Headquarters, Kentucky National Guard, during his retirement ceremony in Frankfort, Ky, April 27, 2023. Barker is retiring after 39 years of service. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Carla Raisler Kentucky National Guard)

Guard County Outreach Team meets with local officials, discuss emergency contingency plans
May 2, 2023 — The newly formed Kentucky National Guard County Outreach Team has been meeting with officials of each of Kentucky’s 120 counties since January. The idea for the team came after the tornadoes ripped through western Kentucky in December of 2021, but the formation of the team got kicked into overdrive following the flooding of eastern Kentucky last year. ... MORE

1st Sgt. Jason Rhodes and other members of the Kentucky National Guard County Outreach Team speak to Harrison County emergency services and elected officials May 2nd in Cynthiana, KY to discuss emergency planning and identify any shortfalls in resources where the Guard can assist. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Milt Spalding)

Brigade welcomes new commander to the 75th
May 1, 2023 — Army Col. Jason P. Penn assumed command of the brigade from Col. Timothy R. Starke, who had previously served as the brigade’s executive officer two years prior to becoming the commander... MORE

Army Col. James P. Penn assumed command of the brigade from Col. Timothy R. Starke, who had previously served as the brigade’s executive officer two tears prior to becoming the commander.

Weight Loss to Enlistment
April 18, 2023 — At 400 pounds, Aaron was severely obese, he knew that he needed to lose weight if he was going to be able to meet the Army's rigorous physical standards. Fortunately for Schichtl, he learned about the Army's new Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program, which was designed to help Soldiers like him improve their physical fitness and overall health... MORE

Pfc. Aaron Schichtl lost over 200 pounds with support from Kentucky Army National Guard's Holistic Health and Fitness team. He will attend basic training and advanced individual training at Ft. Leonard Wood.

202nd Army Band plays for Military Day at Keenleland
April 16, 2023 — In the middle of it all was the Kentucky National Guard’s 202nd Army Band. The five Soldiers were on hand in the center of the walking ring near the entrance to the racetrack playing for the attendees when the gates opened before the races kicked off... MORE

The 202nd Army Band helped kick off the spring meet at Keeneland Racetrack as they opened their doors to all military members and their families to enjoy a day of fun, food and horse racing.

Kentucky Guard hosts career fair, connects with community
April 14, 2023 — Some of the vendors that were present were Amazon, Fed Ex, UPS and Atlas Air. There were also colleges from around the area that included Northern Kentucky University, Thomas Moore University and Gateway Community and Technical College... MORE

Over 50 vendors and colleges were present for the career fair at the Kentucky National Guard’s Readiness Center in Northern Kentucky Apr. 14, 2023. Soldiers and civilians were invited to talk to the many companies like Fed EX, Atlas Air, Amazon and CVG Airport Police about protentional job opportunities.

Kentucky National Guard conducts Senior Enlisted Leader Seminar with Ecuadorian Military
April 12, 2023 — This seminar was the first of its kind in the KYNG and Ecuadorian partnership's nearly 30-year trajectory, focused solely on sharing non-commissioned officer competencies, capabilities, and leadership responsibilities... MORE

During the seminar, the participants exchanged best-practices on topics involving non-commissioned officer competencies, capabilities and leadership responsibilities. (Submitted photos)

AXE founder, promoted to full-bird colonel
April 12, 2023 — Kentucky Army National Guard Lt. Col. Eddie Simpson was promoted to the rank of colonel during a ceremony at Wellman Armory in Frankfort, Ky., Apr. 12... MORE

Lt. Col. Eddie Simpson speaks to the crowd of family and friends during his promotion ceremony at the Wellman Armory in Frankfort Apr. 12, 2023

Kentucky Guardsman and ROTC Cadet Blake Embry sets powerlifting record, qualifies for USPA National Championships
April 11, 2023 — Army Cadet Blake Embry, a Kentucky Army National Guard Soldier and University of Kentucky ROTC Cadet, made history by setting the Mississippi bench-press record in February 2023. This feat was accomplished by lifting 343 pounds, which also earned him a victory in the HQ Fitness Show of Strength competition. As a result, he secured a spot in the United States Powerlifting Association National Championships in Las Vegas... MORE

Army Cadet Blake Embry, a Kentucky Army National Guard Soldier and University of Kentucky ROTC Cadet, made history by setting the Mississippi bench-press record in February 2023.

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