FRANKFORT, Ky. –
Eleven second lieutenants raised their right hands and swore an oath of office to become the Kentucky National Guard’s newest officers at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 25.
Officer Candidate class 54-12 endured a rigorous 18-month training program in order to graduate as the new group of Kentucky National Guard leaders. The officer candidates were tested in key areas such as physical fitness, leadership abilities, land navigational skills, and operational orders.
“The hardest part of the OCS program is definitely the mental aspect,” said distinguished honor graduate 2nd Lt. Martin A. Goldey.
Goldey was presented with the Erickson Trophy for attaining the highest overall standing in leadership, academics and the Commandant’s evaluation in the class. The Erickson Trophy is awarded in honor of retired Maj. Gen. Edgar C. Erickson, former Chief of the National Guard Bureau. Each state’s officer candidate school grants the trophy annually.
Other awards included:
Physical Fitness Award
Second Lt. Donald Prysi for the highest score on the Army Physical Fitness Test
National Guard Association of Kentucky Award
Second Lt. Carson Gregory for the highest academic average
Association of the U.S. Army plaque
Second Lt. Christopher Cook for leadership standards
Class 54-12 President 2nd Lt. Scott A. Hill said finishing the OCS program meant a great deal for him. While he’s held leadership roles as a teacher and volleyball coach, he said but nothing compared to having the opportunity to lead his fellow soldiers in the Kentucky National Guard.
“I can’t think of anything more honorable than serving one’s country as an officer in the United States Army, especially the Kentucky National Guard,” said Hill.
The traditional custom of having friends and family pin the newly promoted officers was observed and each soldier designated one non-commissioned officer to render their first salute.
Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general, served as the keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony, while the 202nd Army Band participated by playing both the National Anthem and “My Old Kentucky Home.”