Kentucky Guard

END OF AN ERA: Boone Center shoppette set to close after 24 years
September 15, 2023 — After more than 24 years of service to patrons visiting the headquarters for the Kentucky National Guard, the AAFES Post Exchange will close its doors for good. ... MORE

The store had opened in 1999 and will be closing its doors for good Sept. 15, 2023.

More than 100 attend Kentucky National Guard Youth Camp
September 12, 2023 — More than 100 children and youth from Kentucky Army and Air National Guard Service members gathered for this year’s Kentucky National Guard Youth Camp in Nancy, Kentucky, from July 30 to August 4... MORE

Kentucky National Guard Youth Camp at Lake Cumberland 4-H Education Center in Nancy, Kentucky, July 30, 2023.

New captain leads top artillery battery
September 7, 2023 — She recently took over as commander for the battery and during this year’s annual training, her Soldiers won the title of ‘Top Gun’ in May... MORE

Army Capt. Graciela Arias Tharp, commander of Charlie Battery of the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery, loads a round into the weapon system prior to firing it downrange during their annual training.

Departure Ceremony for Kentucky Guardsmen deploying to Southwest Asia
August 14, 2023 — Friends, family, and the community gathered to bid farewell to more than 100 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 138th Field Artillery Brigade, “Kentucky Thunder,” at the Clive M. Beck Center on the Transylvania University campus Aug. 13... MORE

Col. Steve Mattingly speaks to Soldiers with the 138th Field Artillery Brigade during a departure ceremony in Lexington, Ky., Aug. 13, 2023. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 1st. Sgt. Scott Raymond)

Transforming Lives: Kentucky Youth ChalleNGe Program empowers the next generation
August 10, 2023 — The National Guard ChalleNGe Academy is a nationwide program designed to help at-risk youth. For 22 weeks, the cadets live, eat, and learn at the academy. Through the highly structured, quasi-military program, emphasis is placed on self-discipline, personal responsibility, and positive motivation. Students must meet military grooming standards, wear military-style uniforms and observe standard military customs and courtesies. ... MORE

Cadets visited the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky on May 8, 2023 where they got the opportunity to ride in a Blackhawk helicopter.

Kentucky Guard completes 120-county initiative
August 8, 2023 — Soldiers and community leaders met in Oldham County July 27, for the final installment of a statewide initiative gauging interoperability of state resources to respond to emergencies. Only three states in the Nation have more counties than Kentucky. Making it to each of the 120 in the commonwealth should be considered a tall feat; but that did not stop the Kentucky National Guard’s County Outreach team... MORE

1st Sgt. Jason Rhodes, County Outreach non-commissioned officer in charge, speaks to leaders in Oldham County July 27, during the final installment of a statewide initiative gauging interoperability of state resources to respond to emergencies. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by 1st Sgt. Scott Raymond)

Guardsman assumes command, embarking on new active-duty leadership role
August 8, 2023 — History was made when Kentucky Army National Guard’s Maj. Gen. Bryan Howay took command of the active component’s First Army Division East at a ceremony held at Fort Knox, June 14. Prior to the change of command and change of responsibilities dual ceremony, Howay has been serving as acting commander of Division East since February 2023 while dual-hatted as the KYNG's director of the joint staff. ... MORE

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Bryan M. Howay takes command of First Army Division East from Maj. Gen. Mark H. Landes during a ceremony held at Fort Knox, Kentucky, June 14, 2023.

Kentucky National Guard honors U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers in armory renaming
August 3, 2023 — The Kentucky National Guard held a ceremony at the armory in Monticello, Kentucky, to honor U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers by renaming the armory in his honor on July 24, 2023. Speakers during the ceremony included Maj. Gen. Hal Lamberton, Mr. Rocky Adkins, and U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers... MORE

U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers is recognized in a ceremony in Monticello, Kentucky, July 24, 2023.

More than flying: One Kentucky officer's story
July 31, 2023 — As a first-generation Soldier and aviator in her family, she is pioneering an Army career while also balancing her civilian career as a nurse. After speaking with a friend from nursing school who was also in the Guard, Frederick decided to join the Kentucky National Guard in 2018. ... MORE

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Cassandra Frederick, platoon leader and UH-60 Black Hawk pilot assigned to Bravo Company, 2/147th Assault Helicopter Battalion, inspects the rotors of a UH-60 Black Hawk on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., July 27, 2023

Kentucky Infantry officer promoted to brigadier general, receives first salute from his son
July 27, 2023 — Kentucky Army National Guard Col. Joseph D. Lear was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in a ceremony held at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, July 26... MORE

Brig. Gen. Joseph D. Lear speaks to friends and family during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., July 26, 2023

Flynn concludes 28 years of service to Air Force, Air National Guard
July 21, 2023 — Col. David Flynn retired from the Kentucky Air National Guard during a ceremony at the 123rd Airlift Wing in Louisville, Kentucky, May 20, concluding a distinguished career that spanned more than 28 years... MORE

Col. David Flynn, outgoing director of air operations for Joint Force Headquarters—Kentucky, speaks during his retirement ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., May 20, 2023. Flynn is retiring after 28 years of military service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Horton)

Field Artillery participate in XCTC
July 15, 2023 — Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery Brigade, conducted numerous training events during their Exportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise June 16-30... MORE

A round gets fired off out of the M109 Paladin as part of the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery Brigade's training events during their Exportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise June 16-30.

Air Defender 23 provides joint training for 123rd Contingency Response, German Luftwaffe
July 6, 2023 — A 123rd Contingency Response Element from the Kentucky Air National Guard deployed to Wunstorf Air Base, Germany, in June to provide base operations support and cargo distribution for exercise Air Defender 2023... MORE

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky National Guard practice refueling operations in an austere environment, transferring fuel directly from one aircraft to another at Lechfeld Air Base, Germany, during exercise Air Defender (AD23), June 19, 2023. Exercise AD23 integrates both U.S. and allied air-power to defend shared values, while leveraging and strengthening vital partnerships to deter aggression around the world. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph R. Morgan)

KYARNG Judge Advocates complete Basic Trial Advocacy Course
July 5, 2023 — Eight Kentucky Army National Guard Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) recently completed the Basic Trial Advocacy Course (BTAC) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia from May 7-15, 2023. The course, hosted by the Trial Counsel Assistance Program (TCAP), marked the National Guard's first training session at TCAP. This move reflects the Judge Advocate General of the United States Army’s commitment to promoting Active Duty, Army Reserve and National Guard integration. The integration efforts were set in motion by Lt. Col. Richard Couch, the newest military judge in the Kentucky National Guard JAG Corps. ... MORE

Eight Kentucky Army National Guard Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) recently completed the Basic Trial Advocacy Course (BTAC) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia from May 7-15, 2023. The course, hosted by the Trial Counsel Assistance Program (TCAP), marked the National Guard's first training session at TCAP.

Kentucky National Guard Chaplain Provides support at Cybersecurity Training Event
July 5, 2023 — Col. William Draper, chaplain with the Kentucky National Guard, provided spiritual guidance and counseling services during the Cyber Shield 2023 training exercise held at the Professional Education Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, 2-16 June. The demand for cybersecurity experts continues to surge, along with the stress of evolving threats and technology. In recognition for holistic support, Draper has taken a proactive approach to ensure the well-being of its cyber warriors during this year’s event... MORE

Col. William Draper, chaplin, Kentucky Army National Guard, prepares to deliver a sermon for attendees of the Cyber Shield Training exercise at the Camp Robinson chapel, Little Rock Ark., June 2-16, 2023. More than 800 National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian cyber professionals from around the world gather during this year’s Cyber Shield Training exercise. More than 25 states and territories will participate in the event and will make a signifiacnt milestone as members from five State Partnership Programs join forces with the National Guard cyber teams for the first time during the event. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeffery Reno)

Aviation Brigade Demonstrates Combat Readiness and Integration During Warfighter 23-05 Exercise
July 3, 2023 — Acting as a combat aviation brigade at the corps level, the 63rd TAB successfully executed large-scale combat operations, showcasing their proficiency and tactical expertise in a realistic simulated battlefield environment. The exercise aimed to identify strengths and areas for improvement, enabling the units to fine-tune their tactics and ensure seamless integration with ground forces... MORE

The Watering Hole was open for lunch daily during the warfighter and was a moral boostSpc. Connor Ridings builds links on the ADSI (Air Defense Systems Integrator) to provide Command and Control data and track friendly and enemy forces activity within the airspace of the unit’s area of operations during the warfighter exercise May 27-June 13 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa.

Kentucky Logistics Director Promoted to Colonel
June 30, 2023 — Army Lt. Col. Phillip Robinson was promoted to the rank of colonel by his wife and children during a ceremony at the Wellman Armory auditorium June 28,... MORE

Robinson is the director of logistics for the Kentucky National Guard on the full-time side and is the commander of the 238th Regional Training Institute on the M-DAY (traditional Soldier) side.

Kentucky Air Guard strengthens ties with NATO allies in Air Defender
June 24, 2023 — More than 130 Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard arrived in Germany in early June to participate in NATO’s largest-ever multinational air force redeployment exercise, Air Defender 23, joining with more than 10,000 personnel and hundreds of aircraft from 25 partner countries... MORE

Airmen from the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky National Guard, marshal a German aircraft tug towing a C-130J Super Hercules at Wunstorf Air Base, Wunstorf, Germany, June 12, 2023. Exercise Air Defender integrates both U.S. and allied air-power to defend shared values, while leveraging and strengthening vital partnerships to deter aggression around the world. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)

Hartman retires after 23 years of service
June 23, 2023 — Chief Master Sgt. Donald J. Hartman, chief enlisted manager for the 123d Force Support Squadron, retired from military service during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base May 21, 2023, ending a career spanning more than 23 years... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Donald Hartman, right, outgoing senior enlisted leader for the 123rd Force Support Squadron, receives a certificate of retirement from Lt. Col. Kevin Krauss, 123rd Contingency Response Support Squadron commander, during Hartman’s retirement ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., May 21, 2023. Hartman is retiring after 23 years of military service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Horton)

1-149th Infantry get back to basics at their annual training
June 22, 2023 — During their two weeks of training, the infantry Soldiers went through a round-robin of refresher classes on combat life-saving techniques, reacting to contact on the battlefield, observation and mapping, radio basics, concealment basics, and weapon familiarization. ... MORE

During their two weeks of training, the infantry Soldiers went through a round-robin of refresher classes on combat life saving techniques, reacting to contact on the battlefield, observation and mapping, radio basics, concealment basics and weapon familiarization.

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