Story and photos by Capt. Andi Hahn, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
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Lt. Col. Fred W. Bates V gets help from his sons, David (left) and Tyler as they pin new lieutenant colonel ranks on their father's uniform during a promotion ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 13, 1013. Bates serves as the commander of the Kentucky Guard's Recruiting and Retention Command. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Capt. Andi Hahn)
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion Commander Fred W. Bates V, was pinned the rank of lieutenant colonel at a promotion ceremony held in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 12.
Soldiers, family and friends of Bates gathered together at the Kentucky Guard’s Recruiting and Retention office to see Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Adams III promote the newest lieutenant colonel.
Taking part in the traditional ceremony of pinning the rank was Bates’s wife, Beth and his mother Carole and his three sons Andrew, Tyler and David.
“I have to thank my wife and my family for always supporting me and this career path,” said Bates. “It’s kind of funny because when I joined the Army, I didn’t like my recruiter that much, nor did my mother! Now, I work in recruiting and couldn’t be more proud and thankful of my staff and colleagues that I get to work with every day.”
Bates had been in command of recruiting since 2011. He helped orchestrate the Kentucky Guard’s ninth year in a row of successfully meeting the state’s recruiting goals. Bates has called the year hard fought but rewarding, and the Kentucky Guard leadership has taken notice of Bates’ efforts.
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New ly promoted Lt. Col. Fred W. Bates V enjoys a moment next to his wife, Beth and son, David during a promotion ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 13, 2013. Bates was joined at the ceremony by his wife, three sons, mother and father. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Capt. Andi Hahn)
“Fred has been performing at this rank for years and has been a tremendous success,” said Adams, “This was a long time coming and I couldn’t be more proud to stand here and promote him to the well-deserve rank of lieutenant colonel."
A proud father may have summed the ceremony up best for all in attendance.
“I didn’t get the pleasure of serving in the Army but as I stand here today and watch my son be honored and climb the ranks, I see how much he is loved and cared for in this organization," said Fred W. Bates IV. "I want to thank all of you for allowing me to be here today to witness such an occasion and congratulations again to my son.”
To see more photos from the promotion ceremony, click here.