Kentucky Guard > News - Category Recruiting and Retention

Kentucky National Guard hosts job shadow event in Bardstown
March 31, 2026 — The Kentucky National Guard hosted a job shadow event for ten local high school students at the National Guard Armory in Bardstown on March 24. Organized by the Recruiting and Retention Battalion and Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery, the event provided students with a firsthand look at military careers such as combat medicine, field artillery, signal support, and equipment maintenance through interactive stations... MORE

Students don protective masks during a timed event to apply Mission-Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear during a cumulative skills challenge at a job shadow event in Bardstown, Kentucky, March 24.

Kentucky surpasses expectations through ‘KEEP’, a non-traditional National Guard recruiting program
March 18, 2026 — In response to nationwide recruiting struggles, the Kentucky National Guard has implemented a successful new strategy. The Kentucky Enlistment Enhancement Program (KEEP) incentivizes its own Soldiers and Airmen—not professional recruiters—to find new enlistees. This approach has proven highly effective, bringing more than 600 new members into the Kentucky force since its inception in February 2023... MORE

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Withers, Kentucky's state command sergeant major, presents a check to Pfc. Iram Sosa during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Nov. 19, 2025. The presentation is part of the Kentucky Enlistment Enhancement Program, an initiative that pays Soldiers for enlistments that they refer to the Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Milt Spalding)

Oldham County students gain hands-on medical experience during visit to Boone Center
January 13, 2026 — The Kentucky National Guard hosted a medical-focused recruiting open house at Boone National Guard Center, welcoming nearly 200 students in the Nursing, Biomedical and Sports Medicine program from the Arvin Education Center and offering them an inside look at medical career opportunities and pathways available through service in the Guard... MORE

The students visited from Oldham County to explore military careers the medical field.

Recruiters sign mission commitments for upcoming fiscal year
November 22, 2025 — Leaders from the Kentucky National Guard's Recruiting and Retention Battalion signed recruiting mission commitments for the upcoming fiscal year at Joint Force Headquarters, Sept. 30, 2025... MORE

The signed commitments set on the table during the Recruiting and Retention Battalion’s signing of mission commitments for FY26 at Joint Force Headquarters, Sept. 30, 2025

Honoring Commitment on Sacred Ground
July 14, 2025 — Twenty-three Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers reaffirmed their commitment to serve the Commonwealth during a memorable reenlistment ceremony held on the court of the University of Kentucky men’s basketball program July 14., 2025... MORE

The twenty three Soldiers were there to have a reenlistment ceremony on the practice floor.

Kentucky Recruiting Battalion Gets New Commander
May 21, 2025 — Lt. Col. Jason W. Mendez relinquished command of Kentucky's Recruiting and Retention Battalion to Lt. Col. Stephen T. Strack during a change of command ceremony at the Wellman Armory on Boone National Guard Center, May 20, 2025... MORE

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Stephen Strack, incoming battalion commander, holds the unit guidon after it was passed to him signifying the exchange of command during the Recruiting and Retention Battalion’s change of command ceremony at Wellman Armory on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort May 20, 2025.

Kentucky Guard partners with Morehead State
May 19, 2025 — Leaders from Morehead State University and the Kentucky National Guard met on the university’s campus on May 5, 2025 to sign an agreement, formally entering a partnership. The memorandum of understanding establishes the conditions agreed upon by both organizations to support veterans and their family members in pursuing higher education... MORE

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Haldane Lamberton (left), Kentucky’s adjutant general, and Dr. Jay Morgan, president of Morehead State University (MSU) signs the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between MSU and KYNG at MSU in Morehead, Ky. on May 5, 2025. KYNG and MSU signed the MOU to give more educational benefits to Soldiers and Airmen of the KYNG. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Andy Dickson)

Kentucky Guard enters agreement with EKU
March 28, 2025 — Leaders from the Kentucky National Guard and Eastern Kentucky University met on the Richmond campus to establish a formal partnership to support Guardsmen and their family members pursuing higher education, Mar. 26, 2025. The MoU represents a shared commitment between the Guard and the university to ensuring those who serve are able to meet their educational goals... MORE

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Hal Lamberton, Kentucky's adjutant general, delivers remarks before signing a memorandum of understanding with Eastern Kentucky University, Mar. 26, 2025.

Kentucky NCOs augment active component drill sergeants
March 21, 2025 — Four drill sergeants from Kentucky’s Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) augmented active component drill sergeants from the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, July 21-Aug. 4, 2024. Not only was the experience an excellent broadening opportunity, but it has also enhanced the effectiveness of RSP... MORE

U.S. Army drill sergeants Clayton Robinson, Brandon Ferguson, Celia Murphy, and Caelin Taylor augmented active component drill sergeants at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, July 21-Aug. 4, 2024.

Kentucky’s first Retention Course graduates twenty leaders
March 21, 2025 — Twenty Soldiers graduated the Unit Retention Non-Commissioned Officer Course conducted by the Mobile Training Team from Professional Educational Center’s (PEC) Strength Maintenance Training Battalion at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center (WHFRTC), July 29-Aug. 9, 2024. The two-week course equipped Unit Retention NCOs with the knowledge and skills to assist commanders with managing retention and attrition... MORE

Twenty Soldiers graduated the Unit Retention Non-Commissioned Officer Course conducted by the Mobile Training Team from Professional Educational Center’s (PEC) Strength Maintenance Training Battalion at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center (WHFRTC), July 29-Aug. 9, 2024.

Kentucky National Guard honors top recruiters and mission makers at ceremony
December 30, 2024 — Soldiers from the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion were honored during the battalion’s Mission Makers ceremony in Louisville, Dec. 14, 2024... MORE

Soldiers from the KYARNG RRB were awarded various honors at battalion’s 2024 Mission Makers ceremony

Enhancing readiness, building relationships in Alaska
June 27, 2024 — The 201st Engineer "Workhorse" Battalion made significant strides in enhancing their readiness and building valuable relationships through their participation in the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program in Cordova, June 2024. ... MORE

The 201st Engineer "Workhorse" Battalion made significant strides in enhancing their readiness and building valuable relationships through their participation in the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program in Cordova, June 2024.

Kentucky Army National Guard, Amteck forge strategic partnership benefiting all Army Soldiers through PaYS Program
May 21, 2024 — The Kentucky Army National Guard hosted the signing of a partnership agreement between Amteck and the U.S. Army Partnership for Success (PaYS) program at Amteck headquarters, May 20, 2024. Maj. Gen. Hal B. Lamberton, Kentucky's Adjutant General signed the memorandum of agreement and spoke on the connection between the PaYS program and the military. “Whether you’re in the Army National Guard, active duty, or a Soldier in the Army Reserves, and even when you end your time in service or retire, you are still a Soldier,” said Lamberton. “So, for the Army PaYS Program, it really kind of mirrors that dynamic, and it’s a dynamic of taking care of our folks while they are currently serving in uniform and beyond their service.”... MORE

The Kentucky Army National Guard hosted the signing of a partnership agreement between Amteck and the U.S. Army Partnership for Success (PaYS) program at Amteck headquarters, May 20, 2024. This program provides America’s youth with a unique opportunity to serve their country while preparing for their future simultaneously. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Destini Keene)

Number one specialty branch recruiter named by NGB promoted to CW4
January 24, 2024 — This promotion ceremony highlighted Collins and his career accomplishments. He was recognized as the number one specialty branch recruiter by the National Guard Bureau (NGB) across all 54 states and territories... MORE

Chief Warrant Officer Four Timothy Collins' children pin on his ranks during his promotion ceremony at the Wellman Auditorium on the Boone Center in Frankfort, Kentucky Jan. 22, 2024

Kentucky Guard Recruiters awarded for hard work
December 19, 2023 — Soldiers with the Recruiting and Retention Battalion awarded their top mission making Soldiers during an award ceremony held at the Galt House hotel Dec. 16... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class Heather York, this year’s Directors 54/Recruiter of the Year received her Meritorious Service Medal during the Mission Maker award ceremony held at the Galt House hotel Dec. 16, 2023. As Kentucky’s selection for Directors 54, she went on to compete in the regional competition. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Crane)

Recruiters Sign commitments
September 29, 2023 — Kentucky National Guard state leadership joined senior leaders from the Recruiting and Retention Battalion for the signing of their mission commitments yesterday at the Bowman Field Readiness Center in Louisville, Kentucky... MORE

Kentucky University opens doors for Guardsmen
September 27, 2023 — Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Hal Lamberton, was joined by NKU’s Interim President Bonita Brown, in signing the Memorandum of Understanding... MORE

Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Hal Lamberton, was joined by Northern Kentucky University's Interim President Bonita Brown, in signing the Memorandum of Understanding at the University Center building on NKU's campus Sept. 27, 2023.

New Command Team ushers in a new era for the Recruiting and Retention Battalion
May 25, 2023 — The Kentucky Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion changed its leadership team during a ceremony held May 22, 2023, at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort. Lt. Col. Jason Mendez took charge of the battalion, headquartered in Frankfort, from Lt. Col. Jacob McKinney, while Command Sgt. Maj. Johnnie Parton turned over his responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Reed... MORE

Lt. Col. Jacob McKinney relinquished command to Lt. Col. Jason Mendez, and Command Sgt. Maj. Johnnie Parton turned over responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Reed.

Kentucky's H2F conducts first ever Performance Course aimed at helping recruiters
March 28, 2023 — For two weeks in February 2023, the Kentucky Army National Guard Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) team conducted their first performance course at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort as part of a push to help Soldiers perform at their best... MORE

H2F holds Performance Course for KYARNG recruiters

Sgt. 1st Class Lori Lawson wins state and region Recruiter of the Year
February 15, 2023 — Sgt. 1st Class Lori Lawson earns the Army National Guard Recruiter of the Year award for the state and region competition... MORE

Kentucky Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Lori Lawson, a member of Bravo Company, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, poses for a photo at the Kentucky Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention headquarters building in Frankfort, Kentucky, on February 15, 2023. Lawson won Recruiter of the Year for the state and region for fiscal year 2022. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Reno)

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