By Sgt. Maggie Booker, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
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Kentucky's officer Candidate School Class 59-17 became the newest officers in the National Guard during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 23, 2017. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Maggie Booker)
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The Kentucky National Guards’ newest officers were commissioned during a ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 23. Members of Kentucky’s Officer Candidate School Class 59-17 recently completed an 18-month training program.
“Commissioning is an extremely important day in a candidates life,” said Lt. Col. Bobbie Jo Badgett, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 238th Regiment. “It culminates months of hard work and achievement, and signifies a new beginning as an officer in the Kentucky Army National Guard.”
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Before receiving the rank of second lieutenant, candidates completed a six-mile run, nine mile and 12 mile foot marches, and a 48-hour field training exercise.
“The OCS training program is designed to tax the candidate’s physical and mental capabilities and stamina,” said Badgett.
Four soldiers were commissioned as second lieutenants, while one, Staff Sgt. Patrick McCoy received his certificate of eligibility and will accept his commission when his full-time position is decided.
McCoy was recognized for his outstanding performance during OCS and received multiple awards including the Army Achievement Medal, the Association of the United States Army Excellent Leadership Award, and the Erickson Trophy. The Erickson Trophy is awarded to the distinguished graduate from each of the States OCS.
Following the commissioning the newly promoted officers participated in the time honored tradition of returning their first salute to a non-commissioned officer.
2
nd Lt. Stella Hundley, the class’ only female candidate, rendered her first salute from her brother, Marine Corporal William Everett Hundley, making this tradition even more memorable for the Hundley family.
Class 59-17
2nd Lt. Brandon Garvey
Engineer - 206th Engineer Battalion
2nd Lt. Jeremy Hall
Signal Corps - 149th Signal Company
2nd Lt. Stella Hundley
Medical Service Corps - HHC 1-149th Infantry
SSG Patrick McCoy
74D CBRN Specialist - 41st Civil Support Team
2nd Lt. Ross Rigsby
Engineer - 149th Vertical Construction Co.