Kentucky Guard

Kentucky Guard Airmen supporting exercise in South Pacific
February 14, 2023 — A team of contingency response Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard arrived in the Northern Mariana Islands Feb. 12, 2023, to provide cargo handling and aircraft maintenance services for Cope North, a multinational exercise designed to enhance combat readiness in the South Pacific... MORE

Tech. Sgt. Monica Sealey, a loadmaster with the North Carolina Air National Guard’s 156th Airlift Squadron, directs the loading of a vehicle onto a C-17 Globemaster III at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 10, 2023. The vehicle is being transported to the Northern Mariana Islands for Cope North, a multinational exercise designed to enhance combat readiness in the South Pacific. Fourteen Kentucky Air Guardsmen from the 123rd Contingency Response Group are providing air base-opening and cargo-handling capabilities for Cope North. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Phil Speck)

20th Special Forces Group Military Intelligence Company conducts Water Jump
February 13, 2023 — Soldiers of the 20th Special Forces Group Military Intelligence Company (MICO) conducted a water jump at Green River Lake near Campbellsville, KY, Aug. 6, 2022. The jump was conducted to enhance the company’s proficiency in conducting airborne operations that require a water landing... MORE

Soldiers of the 20th Special Forces Group Military Intelligence Company (MICO) conducted a water jump at Green River Lake near Campbellsville, KY, Aug. 6, 2022. The jump was conducted to enhance the company’s proficiency in conducting airborne operations that require a water landing. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Sooter)

Longtime Kentucky aviator retires
February 7, 2023 — After thirty plus years of service as an aviator in the Kentucky Army National Guard, one of Kentucky’s finest Soldiers will be moving on to something new... MORE

Army Col. Gary Dwayne Lewis receives a plague of appreciation from Col. Michael Armstrong, 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade commander, for his service to the Guard during the retiree's breakfast at the Army Aviation Support Facility on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky.

ASA-Black Sea Fire Department wins IMCOM-E Fire Department of the Year and Military Officer of the Year, recognized by IMCOM leaders
February 7, 2023 — The fire department at ASA-Black Sea is responsible for providing fire protection and emergency services to the base and its surrounding areas, along with inspections throughout the installation to ensure fire prevention... MORE

Col. Jonathan Doyle, Provost Marshal/Protection Director of IMCOM speaks to Soldiers standing in front of the ASA-Black Sea fire station at MK Air Base on 20 January, 2023.

Kentucky Infantry officer promoted to colonel
January 30, 2023 — Kentucky Army National Guard Lt. Col. Jason P. Penn was promoted to the rank of colonel during a ceremony at Wellman Armory in Frankfort, Ky. on Jan. 18, 2023. Maj. Gen. Haldane B. Lamberton, Kentucky’s adjutant general, hosted the event and provided remarks... MORE

Jason P. Penn is promoted to colonel during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Kentucky, Jan. 18, 2023.

Kentucky Army National Guard master sergeant honored
January 12, 2023 — Retired Army Master Sgt. Wilma J. Ross, 81, was laid to rest with military honors at Grove Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville, Ky., on Dec. 3, 2022. Ross, from Shelbyville, served more than 24 years in the military and was promoted to the rank of master sergeant in the Kentucky Army National Guard... MORE

Army 1st Sgt. Naarah Stallard presents a folded flag to Paulette Ross, daughter of Master Sgt. Wilma Ross, a retiree of the Kentucky Army National Guard at the Grove Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville, Ky. on Dec. 9, 2022. Wilma Ross retired after 24 years of service and passed away at the age of 81. (U.S. Army photo by Andy Dickson)

Mountain Warriors Complete NATO Mission
December 21, 2022 — Approximately 200 Soldiers returned from their mission in Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian. The Soldiers were part of NATO’s Kosovo Forces (KFOR) mission as KFOR 30, representing the thirtieth rotation for U.S. Soldiers... MORE

Lt. Col. Jason Mendez, commander of the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Brigade, shares a laugh with his family at the Bluegrass Airport in Lexington, Ky., after he and his unit arrived home from their deployment to Kosovo Nov. 17, 2022.

Senior enlisted advisor visits Kentucky soldiers
December 13, 2022 — The National Guard Senior Enlisted Advisor visited Kentucky to meet Soldiers and answer questions in Lexington, Frankfort, and Louisville, Ky. on Dec. 4, 2022. Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA) Tony Whitehead visited Soldiers with the 138th Field Artillery Brigade (FAB); 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade (TAB); Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment (HHD), 75th Troop Command (TC); the 223rd Military Police Company; and the 202nd Army Band before the holiday season to take questions about the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief, National Guard Bureau position... MORE

Command Sgt. Maj. David Page (left) introduces Army Spc. Garner Offutt (center) to Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead (right) as the Kentucky National Guard's Soldier of the Year for 2023 in Lexington, Ky. on Dec. 3, 2023. Whitehead is visiting Kentucky National Guard soldiers and airmen before the holidays. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Dickson)

National Guard SEA visits Kentucky ROTC program
December 12, 2022 — The National Guard’s senior enlisted advisor visited the University of Kentucky (UK) and Kentucky State University (KSU) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets at their respective campuses in Lexington and Frankfort, Ky. on Dec. 5, 2022. Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, SEA to the chief, National Guard Bureau, visited both universities to talk to cadets on the importance of building strong relationships and communication between the officer and enlisted corps early in their careers and how essential their leadership training is to the future of the force... MORE

Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead addresses the University of Kentucky Air and Army Reserves Officer Training Corp (ROTC) at the University of Kentucky's Seaton Center in Lexington, Ky. on Dec. 5, 2022. Whitehead is visiting Kentucky to recognize soldiers and airmen for their accomplishments throughout the year and meet with local ROTC cadets. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Dickson)

Kentucky Aviators say their goodbyes, set to deploy to Africa
November 16, 2022 — Soldiers with Detachment 4, Charlie Company, 2/245th Aviation Regiment, 63rd Theater Aviation Battalion will be charged with flying C-12 King Air fixed wing aircraft in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During their deployment they will be providing air movement support throughout the Africa Command’s (AFRICOM) area of responsibility... MORE

Four Soldiers with Detachment 4, Charlie Company, 2/245th Aviation Regiment, 63rd Theater Aviation Battalion will be charged with flying C-12 King Air fixed wing aircraft in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During their deployment they will be providing air movement support throughout the Africa Command’s (AFRICOM) area of responsibility.

Soldiers compete in Kentucky Best Warrior
November 14, 2022 — This year’s format included some of the new technology that was implemented this year. Moving targets were used during the weapons skills portion and night vision goggles were implemented for a portion of the competition... MORE

These Soldiers are representing their units and brigades in an intense gauntlet to find out who will advance onto the Regional Best Warrior Competition.

Gold Star Families enjoy a day of racing at Churchill Downs
November 10, 2022 — Family members and loved ones of fallen service members gathered from fourteen different states to witness the fifth race of the day which is dedicated to the heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to United States... MORE

Family members and loved ones of fallen service members gathered from fourteen different states to witness the fifth race of the day which is dedicated to the heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to United States.

Cooper draws 3-decade career to a close as commander of 123rd Medical Group
November 4, 2022 — Col. Michael A. Cooper concluded his military career with a retirement ceremony in Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 11, 2022, drawing a close to 30 years of distinguished service... MORE

Col. Michael A. Cooper, commander of the 123rd Medical Group, retires from military service during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 11, 2022. Cooper served for 30 years in the Kentucky Army National Guard, Air Force Reserve and Kentucky Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Dale Greer)

Otto takes command of 123rd Medical Group
November 3, 2022 — Col. Hans F. Otto assumed command of the 123rd Medical Group during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 11, 2022, replacing Col. Michael A. Cooper, who is retiring... MORE

Col. Hans F. Otto, right, accepts the guidon of the 123rd Medical Group from Col. Bruce Bancroft, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing, during a change-of-command ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 11, 2022. Otto is replacing Col. Michael A. Cooper, who has served as the group’s commander since 2014 and is retiring. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Dale Greer)

Fatality search and recovery mission helps bring closure to disaster
November 1, 2022 — Never before had Airman 1st Class Brandon Porter seen the kind of destruction left by a tornado after it ripped through a candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, in December 2021, starting a fire that killed eight people... MORE

Airman 1st Class Brandon Porter, left, and Master Sgt. Kevin Woodard from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s Fatality Search and Recovery Team inspect a generator used in recovery operations during training at the 123rd Airlift Wing in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 8, 2022. The FSRT, part of the 123rd Force Support Squadron, assisted local coroners during historic flooding in Eastern Kentucky this summer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Phil Speck)

Zollman assumes command of 123rd Maintenance Group
October 31, 2022 — Lt. Col. Jerry Zollman took charge of the 123rd Maintenance Group during a change-of-command ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 11, 2022... MORE

Lt. Col. Jerry Zollman, right, accepts the 123rd Maintenance Group guidon from Col. Bruce Bancroft, 123rd Airlift Wing commander, during the group's change-of-command ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 11, 2022. Zollman assumed command from Col. Ash Groves, who has been named director of staff at Headquarters, Kentucky Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Clayton Wear)

Command Chief Warrant Officers change over
October 28, 2022 — Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Dwight D. Harlan relinquished the responsibility over Kentucky’s warrant officer corps to the new Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Ricky L. Skelton... MORE

Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Harlan relinquished the responsibility over Kentucky’s warrant officer corps to the Chief Warrant Officer 5 Ricky L. Skelton.

Thunder Six promoted to colonel
October 27, 2022 — Army Lt. Col. Steve Mattingly, 138th Field Artillery Brigade commander (Thunder Six) was promoted to the rank of colonel in a ceremony at the Federal Hill Mansion at My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown, Ky. on Oct 6, 2022. Mattingly knows his way around the 138th FAB. He began his military career as an enlisted Soldier in 1998 as a Forward Observer. Since then, he has served as the Bravo Battery 2/238th Field Artillery Battalion commander and 1-623 Field Artillery Battalion commander, among multiple other positions throughout the brigade. In 2021, Mattingly took command of the 138th Field Artillery Brigade. He has been serving in the brigade for 24 years. While more common in the National Guard than active duty or any other branch of service, it’s still quite notable... MORE

Army Lt. Col. Steve Mattingly was promoted to the rank of colonel in a ceremony at the Federal Hill Mansion at My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown Ky. on Oct 6, 2022. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Carla Raisler)

Central America militaries grow stronger through Guard relationships
October 24, 2022 — Generally, the SPP improves the readiness, recruitment and retention of National Guard units, according to Lt. Col. Dan Cooper, of the Kentucky National Guard. The Bluegrass State’s unit first connected with Ecuador’s army in 1996. Since then, he said, Kentucky and Ecuadorian forces have assisted each other to gain practical experience in military skills or disaster preparations... MORE

Members of the Guatemalan Air Force participated in a three-day patient movement tour with the Arkansas National Guard as part of the State Partnership Program.

Medical doctor direct commissions into the Kentucky National Guard
October 18, 2022 — A new medical doctor direct commissioned into the Kentucky Army National Guard in a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. on Oct. 18, 2022. Capt. Sara Powell took the oath of the commissioned officer with her husband, parents, and daughter watching. Powell will be the new brigade surgeon for the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Richmond, Ky... MORE

Army Capt. Sara Powell takes the oath of commissioned officers from Chief Warrant Officer Tim Collins at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. on Oct. 18, 2022. Powell is the medical facility director at St. Joseph Hospital in Mt. Sterling, Ky. and has commissioned to be the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade surgeon. (U.S. Army photo by Andy Dickson)

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