By Sgt. Scott Raper, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
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[caption id="" align="alignright" width="350" caption="Governor's Outstanding Unit Citation presented to the 201st, Feb. 14."]
Soldiers of the 201st Engineer Battalion now have another award to call their own, the Governor's Outstanding Unit Citation. Governor Steve Beshear issued a statement honoring the unit, Feb. 14. Following the presentation of the Valorous Unit Award in December of 2011, the second highest unit decoration in the U.S. Army, the 201st received the highest award given to a unit in the Commonwealth. It is the first time the award has been bestowed upon a Kentucky National Guard unit.
"It is a true honor for the Soldiers of the 'Workhorse Battalion'," said Maj. James Richmond, who deployed as the unit's Operations Officer with the unit to Afghanistan in 2008.
"There are no words to describe the fearlessness the Soldiers demonstrated while clearing IED's in Afghanistan. I'm proud to have served beside them and call them brothers," he said.
Established in 2007, the award recognizes the most distinguished National Guard units in their service to their country both home and abroad. The 'Workhorse Battalion' was recognized for more than their brave exploits in Afghanistan. According to the unit award narrative, the 201st has continued its exemplary service for over nine years. 'From feeding children in New orleans to saving lives in Afghanistan, the 201st has always been ready. The members of this Battalion, former and future, demonstrate spirit and pride by supporting our Nation's cause.'
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="360" caption="The 201st Engineer Battalion was honored on the floor of Rupp Arena during the UK vs. Loyola Game Dec. 22, when Gov. Steve Beshear and Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini presented the Valorous Unit Award in honor of the unit's actions in Afghanistan in 2008. (photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)"]
Click here to read about the Valorous Unit Award presentation