Kentucky Guard

Soldiers push mental, physical toughness in Norwegian Foot March
May 22, 2025 — More than 200 National Guard Soldiers, along with several ROTC cadets from the University of Kentucky, took on the Norwegian Foot March during a recent event hosted by the 206th Engineer Battalion, with 90 of them successfully completing the rigorous 18.6-mile course at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center May 12, 2025... MORE

2nd Lt. Darian Huff with the 2061st Multi-Role Bridge Company, Kentucky Army National Guard, completes the Norwegian Foot March at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., May 12, 2025.

Simpson, Thomas Qualify for 2025 CrossFit Games, Championing Army's H2F Program
May 21, 2025 — Col. Eddie Simpson and 1st Lt. Erik Thomas, both members of the Kentucky Army National Guard, qualified for the 2025 CrossFit Games. Competing in August in Columbus, Ohio, they credit their success to years of dedication and the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program... MORE

U.S. Army Col. Eddie Simpson (left) and 1st Lt. Erik Thomas pose for a post-workout photo at CrossFit Frankfort in Frankfort, Kentucky, May 15, 2025.

Kentucky National Guard leaders brief new civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army during Frankfort visit
May 20, 2025 — Kentucky National Guard leaders met with retired Col. Lance O’Bryan, newly appointed civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA), on April 30 at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort. The visit allowed Guard leadership to brief O’Bryan—who previously served as Fort Knox garrison commander—on the Guard’s mission, structure and state-federal partnerships. CASAs serve as key liaisons between the Army and civilian communities, offering insight on regional issues and strengthening public support... MORE

Kentucky Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA), retired U.S. Army Col. Lance O’Bryan, listens to presentations from Kentucky National Guard directorates at Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, April 30, 2025. Kentucky National Guard senior leadership along with directorates met with O’Bryan to highlight the Kentucky National Guard and the organization’s capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Milt Spalding)

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)

National Guard answers the call as near-historic flooding isolates Nelson County community
May 9, 2025 — Heavy rainfall between April 2–6, 2025, caused near-historic flooding in Kentucky, with Boston, Ky., in Nelson County among the hardest-hit areas. Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard’s Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery Brigade, joined local firefighters and Georgia Task Force 6 to rescue 32 people and dozens of pets. The Guard later delivered critical supplies to the isolated town. Residents praised the support and unity shown during the disaster, while Guard members emphasized their commitment to serving communities in crisis... MORE

Spc. Nathan Ashworth unloads supplies to help the residents of Boston, Ky., Apr. 7, 2025. Soldiers with Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery Brigade based in Bardstown, work with local officials to aid Nelson Countians stranded because of flood waters. The catastrophic flooding is the result of several days of heavy rainfall across the commonwealth. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Milt Spalding)

Kentucky National Guard members gather for National Day of Prayer
May 8, 2025 — Service members gather to pray during the service at the Kentucky National Day of Prayer event at the Wellman Armory in Frankfort, Ky. on May 1, 2025. The Kentucky National Guard held its 15th annual National Day of Prayer for service members, civilians, fallen warriors and their families at a breakfast ceremony... MORE

U.S. Army Chap. (Col.) Angela White, Kentucky National Guard state chaplain, gives a prayer for fallen Service members and their families at the Kentucky National Day of Prayer event at the Wellman Armory in Frankfort, Ky. on May 1, 2025. The Kentucky National Guard held its 15th annual National Day of Prayer for service members, civilians, fallen warriors and their families at a breakfast ceremony. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Andy Dickson)

Kentucky National Guard supports the 151st Kentucky Derby
May 7, 2025 — Soldiers and Airmen of the Kentucky National Guard augmented local law enforcement, assisted in guarding the Derby Trophy, and participated in the Finish Line detail during the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, May 3, 2025... MORE

Sgt. 1st. Class Joshua Urbanowski of the 438th Military Police Company, 198th Military Police Battalion, guards the Kentucky Derby Trophy during the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, May 3, 2025. Urbanowski volunteered for the duty, which has been carried out by Kentucky National Guard service members for 119 years. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Caleb Sooter)

Kentucky Army National Guard command chief warrant officer changes hands
May 3, 2025 — Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jennifer Ritchie was appointed as the Kentucky Army National Guard command chief warrant officer during the ceremony, held previously by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Rickey Skelton, at the State Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, Ky. on April 29, 2025... MORE

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jennifer Ritchie smiles as Maj. Gen. Haldane Lamberton, Kentucky’s adjutant general, places the command chief warrant officer insignia on Ritchie's uniform at the command chief warrant officer change of responsibility at the State Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, Ky. on April 29, 2025. Ritchie was appointed as the Kentucky Army National Guard command chief warrant officer during the ceremony, held previously by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Rickey Skelton. (U.S. Army photo by Andy Dickson)

Kentucky National Guard Soldier commended for heroic rescue following storm-related crash
April 28, 2025 — Kentucky National Guard Spc. Brandon Pollard rescued a driver from an overturned vehicle during a storm on Mar. 15 while driving home from drill. The crash occurred on I-64 near Simpsonville. Pollard was later honored with challenge coins for his quick, lifesaving actions... MORE

Col. Steven Engels, 75th Troop Command, pins Spc. Brandon Pollard with an Army Commendation Medal following his heroic actions following an accident in Shelby County, March 15, 2025. Pollard helped a driver from her overturned vehicle following a weather-related crash. (U.S. Army National Guard courtesy asset)

Kentucky MEDEVAC prepares for deployment to Europe
April 28, 2025 — Detachment 1, Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation MEDEVAC held its departure ceremony with friends and family in attendance at the Army Aviation Support Facility on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. on April 25, 2025. Charlie Company will be heading to Kosovo to provide intra-theater aeromedical evacuation for the Army health system... MORE

Capt. Corey Oney, 2-238th MEDEVAC commander, speaks to those in attendance of the deployment ceremony on April 25, 2025 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Approximately 30 Soldiers from the 2-238th are deploying to Europe in support of intratheater aeromedical evacuations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. First Class Ryan Wilhoit)

Kentucky Silver Star recipient retires after 22 years of service
April 27, 2025 — U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shannon Ison retired in a ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. on April 18, 2025. Ison served 22 years and was awarded the Silver Star for actions under fire during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan... MORE

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shannon Ison receives the Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal from Lt. Col. John Barger at his retirement ceremony at the Joint Forces Headquarters building on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. On April 18, 2025. Ison, a Silver Star recipient, retired after 22 years in a ceremony with friends and family present. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Andy Dickson)

Kentucky governor signs proclamation for April as month of the military child
April 22, 2025 — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed the Commonwealth Proclamation for April 2025 as the Month of the Military Child in the Kentucky State Capitol Rotunda on April 17, 2025... MORE

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear shows the pen he uses to sign proclamations to the daughter of a Service member at the Kentucky State Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, Ky., on April 17, 2025. Beshear signed the official proclamation that April is the month of the military child to show appreciation for Service members’ families. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Andy Dickson)

Ronnie Barnes promotes to brigadier general
April 21, 2025 — Friends, family, and fellow Soldiers packed the Wellman Armory auditorium to honor newly promoted U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Ronnie Barnes’ April 17, 2025. He has served in the Kentucky National Guard for more than 30 years and has shown strong leadership and commitment to the Commonwealth... MORE

U.S. Army Col. Ronnie Barnes, flanked by his wife Sabrina (right), and daughter Makenzie, was promoted to brigadier general.

Guard engineers continue working in eastern Kentucky
April 10, 2025 — Engineers continue to strengthen county roads in Knott and Leslie Counties after heavy rains and flooding in eastern Kentucky on April 1, 2025... MORE

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Micheal Holtgraver uses his radio to talk with his skid steer operator to repair critically damaged county roads in Hindman, Ky. on April 1, 2025. Holtgraver and members of Detachment 1, 149th Vertical Construction Company, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade have been working for over a month to help counties repair critical roads since flooding in February. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Andy Dickson)

Shawnee Navy Cadets Tour Fort Knox, Explores National Guard Opportunities
March 28, 2025 — Students with the Academy at Shawnee Navy JROTC toured the Kentucky National Guard’s MATES facility at Fort Knox, March 12, 2025. They explored military equipment and learned about career opportunities in the National Guard. Instructors emphasized the benefits of service, while students considered future career paths... MORE

Shawnee Academy JROTC cadets look at electronic equipment during a tour of the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site (MATES) at Fort Knox, Mar. 12. The students took part in a hands-on tour of the facilities. They explored maintenance shops, logistics areas, and got up close with military equipment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Milt Spalding)

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 staff briefs lawmakers on operations and readiness
March 18, 2025 — Command Staff of the Kentucky National Guard (KYNG) hosted Kentucky lawmakers at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, March 10, 2025, to provide updates on current KYNG operations and readiness... MORE

The Kentucky National Guard hosted lawmakers from the Kentucky congress to learn about the KYNG operations and readiness. (U.S. Army photo by Andy Dickson)

Leadership group visits Boone National Guard Center
March 14, 2025 — Members of the Leadership Jessamine County class visited the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Feb. 13, 2025, to learn about the Kentucky National Guard and its resources. The group, composed of local business and community leaders, explored the Guard’s role in state government and emergency response efforts, including disaster relief in Western and Eastern Kentucky... MORE

Sgt. Maj. Jason Rhodes speaks to members of Leadership Jessamine County about Kentucky National Guard's functions and capabilities, Feb. 13. The current class of the organization visited the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort to learn about the Kentucky National Guard and the organization’s role in state government. (U.S. Army photo by Milt Spalding)

Kentucky musicians perform at national-level workshop
March 14, 2025 — Four Soldiers from the 202nd Army Band performed at the Tuba-Euphonium Workshop, hosted by The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," Jan. 29-Feb. 1. Military musicians from across the country attend the workshop each year for world-class performances, lectures, and masterclasses... MORE

Soldiers of the 202nd Army Band's Tuba-Euphonium Quartet perform at the 2025 Tuba-Euphonium Workshop, hosted by The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," Jan. 30, 2025. Military musicians from across the country attend the workshop each year for world-class performances, lectures, and masterclasses. (Photo courtesy of Alexander Rogge)

News Search

Narrow Search

Expand Articles by Year and Month

Kentucky National Guard Links