Joint Force Headquarters

This is the official webpage of the Kentucky Army National Guard Joint Force Headquarters.

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JFHQ NEWS

Kentucky Guard marks 234th birthday with a challenge to the ranks
August 14, 2026 — Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and senior leaders gathered at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Kentucky, to celebrate the organization’s 234th birthday, June 24, 2026. While the event highlighted the Kentucky Guard’s enduring commitment to the commonwealth, the state’s senior enlisted leader challenged Guardsmen to continue improving themselves and the organization... MORE

U.S. Army Sgt. Colin Daniel, the youngest Soldier in attendance, and Brig. Gen. Brian Wertzler participate in a ceremonial cake-cutting during a birthday celebration at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, June 24. The tradition symbolizes the passing of knowledge, experience and service from one generation of Guardsmen to the next while commemorating the Kentucky National Guard's history of service to the Commonwealth and nation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Milt Spalding)

Kentucky chaplain rises in rank, inspired by Korean War-era Veteran grandfather to continue service
August 14, 2026 — U.S. Army Maj. Eric Honeycutt, senior state support chaplain for the Kentucky Army National Guard, is promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during a ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., June 25, 2026. Honeycutt, who celebrated the milestone with family, friends and fellow service members, credited his grandfather, a Korean War veteran, with encouraging him to continue his nearly 19-year military career... MORE

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Eric Honeycutt is pinned with his new rank by his father, Bill Honeycutt, during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, June 24. Family, friends and fellow Soldiers gathered for the ceremony. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Milt Spalding)

Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Settles reflects on 29 years of service, leadership in Kentucky National Guard logistics
July 13, 2026 — U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Settles retired after nearly three decades of service to the Kentucky National Guard... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Settles poses for a portrait at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Kentucky, June 26, 2026. Settles retired from the Kentucky Army National Guard after 29 years of service.

Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy grads highlight the power of second chances
June 22, 2026 — Cadets from Kentucky’s Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy Class 28 graduated after completing a 22-week residential program June 13, 2026. Graduates not only earned their high school diplomas, but also walked away with the confidence, discipline, and life skills equipping them for future success... MORE

Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy's Class 28 graduation ceremony at Harlan County High School

Kentucky National Guard officer promoted to colonel
June 12, 2026 — Lt. Col. Michael Sharp was promoted to the rank of colonel during an April 24 ceremony, marking more than 25 years of service in the Kentucky Army National Guard. As the state's director of logistics, Sharp oversees efforts to ensure Guard units are equipped and prepared for both state emergencies and federal missions. He credited his leadership development to the Soldiers and noncommissioned officers he has served alongside and emphasized that caring for Soldiers and supporting their growth remain his top priorities. Sharp also highlighted the National Guard's commitment to serving Kentucky communities and maintaining readiness for missions at home and abroad... MORE

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Sharp is pinned with his new rank by his wife and his mother during a promotion ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, April 24.

Auditorium Dedicated in Honor of Former Kentucky General
June 11, 2026 — The Kentucky Department of Military Affairs honored the legacy of Brig. Gen. Larry C. Barker by dedicating an auditorium in his name at Boone National Guard Center, June 4. The ceremony brought together family, friends, and state officials to celebrate Barker's nearly five decades of distinguished military and civilian service to the commonwealth... MORE

During the event, the auditorium adjacent to Wellman Armory was officially dedicated as the Brig. Gen. Larry C. Barker Auditorium, recognizing Barker’s decades of distinguished service and leadership within the Kentucky National Guard and the commonwealth.

Kentucky Youth ChalleNGe cadets compete in intrastate field training exercise
June 2, 2026 — Cadets from Kentucky’s Appalachian and Bluegrass Youth ChalleNGe academies recently competed in a two-day intrastate field training exercise at the Harold L. Disney Training Center in Artemus, testing teamwork, leadership and program skills. The event featured athletic and academic competitions including softball, flag football, chess, a spelling bee, land navigation and an obstacle course. The exercise is designed to showcase cadets’ development and build confidence through friendly competition, and they plan to make it a recurring tradition held once per training cycle... MORE

Cadets from Kentucky’s Bluegrass and Appalachian Youth ChalleNGe Academies participate in athletic and academic competitions during the Kentucky Youth ChalleNGe Intrastate Field Training Exercise at the Harold L. Disney Training Center in Artemus, May 13-14.

Kentucky National Guard community recognized during Heroes Day at Keeneland
April 30, 2026 — Volunteers, youth leaders and family support staff with the Kentucky National Guard were recognized during Heroes Day at Keeneland Race Course April 12... MORE

Pictured here is the winner’s circle after Race 1, featuring our dedicated Volunteers, Kentucky Teen Council members, and Family Programs staff—all of whom play a vital role in supporting our Soldiers and their families.

Kentucky National Guard hosts job shadow event in Bardstown
March 31, 2026 — The Kentucky National Guard hosted a job shadow event for ten local high school students at the National Guard Armory in Bardstown on March 24. Organized by the Recruiting and Retention Battalion and Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery, the event provided students with a firsthand look at military careers such as combat medicine, field artillery, signal support, and equipment maintenance through interactive stations... MORE

Students don protective masks during a timed event to apply Mission-Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear during a cumulative skills challenge at a job shadow event in Bardstown, Kentucky, March 24.

Kentucky surpasses expectations through ‘KEEP’, a non-traditional National Guard recruiting program
March 18, 2026 — In response to nationwide recruiting struggles, the Kentucky National Guard has implemented a successful new strategy. The Kentucky Enlistment Enhancement Program (KEEP) incentivizes its own Soldiers and Airmen—not professional recruiters—to find new enlistees. This approach has proven highly effective, bringing more than 600 new members into the Kentucky force since its inception in February 2023... MORE

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Withers, Kentucky's state command sergeant major, presents a check to Pfc. Iram Sosa during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Nov. 19, 2025. The presentation is part of the Kentucky Enlistment Enhancement Program, an initiative that pays Soldiers for enlistments that they refer to the Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Milt Spalding)

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