Story by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
(See all photos from today's event
HERE.)
[caption id="attachment_10658" align="aligncenter" width="553" caption="The Kentucky National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion gathered together on the steps of the Frankfort Capitol to celebrate their unprecedented eighth year in a row of making mission Oct. 25. (photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)"]
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The Kentucky National Guard's Recruiting and Retention Battalion was recognized today on the front steps of the Frankfort Capitol for an unprecedented accomplishment, surpassing its recruiting goals eight years in a row.
[caption id="attachment_10661" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Maj. Fred Bates, Recruiting and Retention Commander, addresses the command and the senior leadership at the recruiting and retention announcement making mission eight years in a row on the front steps of the Frankfort Capitol Oct. 25. (photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)"]
"Despite the aggressive pace of our deployments, we continue to recruit and retain the finest Soldiers year after year," said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky. "These troops provide a wealth of knowledge that can't be quantified."
(See WDRB's story on the announcement
HERE.)
The Kentucky Army National Guard's end strength for the 2011 fiscal year was 7,310 members.
[caption id="attachment_10659" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Sgt. 1st Class Lloyd Renfroe and Staff Sgt. Kristofer Serna received top honors this year for winning a regional recruiting conference encompassing 10 states and territories. Serna will go on and compete for recruiter of the year at the national level in December. (photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)"]
With the Kentucky Air National Guard, the total strength of the Commonwealth's force is more than 8,500 troops.
(See WKYT-TV's story on the announcement
HERE.)
Since 9/11, nearly 14,000 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have mobilized in support of the Global War on Terror. The Kentucky National Guard currently has more than 1,400 troops deployed worldwide.