Brig. Gen Andy Bates and his step son, Brett Ashley, helps him unsheathe his one-star flag which was presented to him during the promotion ceremony at Metro Hall in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 7, 2024. Bates has served 33 years in the Active Army and the Kentucky National Guard and on the civilian side, his's worked for Louisville Metro Government for 26 years. Brett is also a Louisville Metro employee as a medical first responder. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st. Class Benjamin Crane)