Kentucky Guard

Profile: Keeper of the shop Alice: 26 years of service with AAFES
September 21, 2023 — With the closure of the PX Express closing down for good in Frankfort, annex manager Alice Wilson will be retiring from AAFES and moving on to look for work elsewhere... MORE

Wilson managed the store for almost 8 years and will be retiring from AAFES with the closing of the store.

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

Campers raise the U.S. flag during the 2023 Kentucky National Guard Youth Camp.

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.

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 and Rocky Adkins, the senior advisor to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, meet with Kentucky Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Hal Lamberton during a ceremony at the Kentucky National Guard armory in Monticello, Kentucky, July 24, 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

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.

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.

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.

Gold Star Families cruise the Ohio River
June 15, 2023 — Gold Star family members of fallen U.S. military service men and women came together for a riverboat ride on the Ohio River June 11. More than 350 family members of those who passed away in the line of duty were in attendance. This year was a little different though, with Survivor Outreach Services coordinating nine additional locations for departures on the same day: Harrisburg, Pa., Pittsburgh, Pa., Nashville, Tenn., Charleston, S.C., St. Paul, Minn., Portland, Ore., Hannibal, Mo., Brownville, Neb., and Cleveland, Ohio. Attendance at each location varied based on the size of the boat and the Owner’s agreement. Planning for attendees at these sites ranged from 50 to 500, with state military leadership in attendance at each event ready to greet Gold Star Families... MORE

The Belle of Cincinnati, owned by Gold Star spouse Terri Berstein, hosts the Survivors Outreach Services Riverboat cruise along the Ohio River near Cincinnati, Ohio, June 23, 2023. The day is designed to recognize the surviving family members of military service members who have given their lives in defense of our nation. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Matt Damon)

Legion Brigade refines skills with 38th Infantry Division
June 14, 2023 — The CPX is a “multi-echelon exercise focused on tasks supporting communications, command and control systems, and procedures”. The MEB set up their Current Operations Integration Cell (COIC) along with several other tents, replicating an operational environment using a tactical scenario... MORE

he 149th MEB staff and supporting elements participated in the exercise to set up and operate command and control systems, which increases the brigade’s readiness.

Kentucky Military Police take training to the ‘Show Me State’
May 29, 2023 — The 198th Military Police Battalion, and its subordinate units, conducted their annual training at the home of the United States Army Military Police Schools (USAMPS) May 12-26... MORE

The 198th Military Police Battalion, and its subordinate units, conducted their annual training at the home of the United States Army Military Police Schools (USAMPS) May 12-26.

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.

First KYNG Signal Chief Warrant Officer 5 signs off the net
May 23, 2023 — Chief Warrant Officer 5 David Barker retired during a ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center, in Frankfort, Kentucky on April 27, 2023, culminating a distinguished 39-year-long military career. Barker joined the Army in 1984 as an enlisted Soldier and in 1993 commissioned as a warrant officer, specializing in electronic maintenance. His career at Boone National Guard Center began before he enlisted into the Kentucky National Guard as a groundskeeper... MORE

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jennifer Ritchie, Recruiting and Retention Battalion officer strength manager, presents a retirement gift to Chief Warrant Officer 5 David Barker, Joint Forces Headquarters, Kentucky National Guard, during his retirement ceremony in Frankfort, Ky, April 27, 2023. Barker is retiring after 39 years of service. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Carla Raisler Kentucky National Guard)

Guard County Outreach Team meets with local officials, discuss emergency contingency plans
May 2, 2023 — The newly formed Kentucky National Guard County Outreach Team has been meeting with officials of each of Kentucky’s 120 counties since January. The idea for the team came after the tornadoes ripped through western Kentucky in December of 2021, but the formation of the team got kicked into overdrive following the flooding of eastern Kentucky last year. ... MORE

1st Sgt. Jason Rhodes and other members of the Kentucky National Guard County Outreach Team speak to Harrison County emergency services and elected officials May 2nd in Cynthiana, KY to discuss emergency planning and identify any shortfalls in resources where the Guard can assist. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Milt Spalding)

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