Kentucky Guard

Kentucky National Guard Supports 150th Kentucky Derby
May 6, 2024 — Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard augmented Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) and Churchill Downs to assist with security and traffic for the historic 150th runnings of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, May 4-5. Military Police of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade were positioned alongside LMPD Officers at more than 20 key intersections and checkpoints around Churchill Downs to assist traffic direction and provide additional safety, lightening the demand on local law enforcement agencies. With over 260,000 spectators in attendance, 149th MEB’s presence at Churchill Downs eased the workload on local law enforcement... MORE

Soldiers of the 940th Military Police Company, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade guard the winner’s trophy at the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky, May 4, 2024. The Kentucky Army National Guard carries a long tradition of escorting the winner’s cup dating back decades. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sergeant Caleb Sooter)

Kentucky, Tennessee emerge victorious at 2024 Region III Best Warrior
April 30, 2024 — Soldiers from Kentucky and Tennessee earned top honors in the 2024 Army National Guard Region III Best Warrior Competition in Greenville, April 14-19, 2024. Hosted by the Kentucky National Guard, the event put Soldiers from ten states and territories through a week of grueling challenges to see which Soldier and which NCO would finish with the most points. Spc. Noah Green, a combat engineer assigned to 890th Sapper Company, Tennessee Army National Guard, earned the top honor as Region III Soldier of the Year, while Sgt. Robert Buck, a horizontal construction engineer assigned to 130th Engineer Support Company, Kentucky Army National Guard, was named NCO of the Year... MORE

Nineteen competitors from 10 states and territories competed for the titles of Soldier and NCO of the Year for Region III.

Kentucky Guardsman’s child picked to have Easter egg represented in DC
April 26, 2024 — One Kentucky National Guard family was invited to represent the Kentucky National Guard at the White House for a special tour and honorary showing of personal artwork during the White House Easter Egg Roll, April 1. This year's annual event, hosted by the First Lady and celebrating the theme of National Guard families, invited children in National Guard families to submit colored drawings of Easter eggs that would be recreated on actual eggs and displayed in the White House East Colonnade... MORE

Eli Willingham, son of Sgt. 1st Class Vincent Willingham, readiness Non-commissioned officer for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1792nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, poses with the egg he submitted to the White House for First Lady's Egg Roll design contest that was later picked to be displayed in the White House East Colonnade

Kentucky Guardsmen, Ecuador's special forces unite in urban warfare exchange
April 10, 2024 — Kentucky infantry soldiers and Ecuadorian military special forces exchanged urban operations tactics in Latacunga, Ecuador, from March 18-22, 2024, enhancing interagency relations and military readiness through the Kentucky National Guard State Partnership Program... MORE

Ecuadorian Army Col. Gustavo Iturralde, commander of Ecuador's 9th Special Forces Brigade, talks with Kentucky Army National Guard in Latacunga, Ecuador, March 18, 2024.

Enduring state partnership strengthens leader development through exchange
April 10, 2024 — Members of the Ecuadorian military visited the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, February 24-28, 2024, for a leadership exchange focused on military officer development. This engagement, part of a long-term strategy to foster relationships and share tactical insights, underscored the commitment of both nations to continue building a strong partnership through shared experiences and learning, with a focus on officer development, cultural exchange, and overcoming operational challenges... MORE

Kentucky Army National Guard officer candidates mix with Ecuadorian Army, Navy, and Air Force cadets for a group photo at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Kentucky, Feb. 24-28, 2024.

Army Lt. Col. Todd Reed was honored during a retirement ceremony
March 7, 2024 — Army Lt. Col. Todd Reed was recognized for his distinguished military career during his retirement ceremony held at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, March 1, 2024. Reed served in the Army for 37 years, where he spent the past five years as the inspector general (IG) for the Kentucky National Guard... MORE

Army Lt. Col. Todd Reed was honored during a retirement ceremony at the Wellman Armory auditorium on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort March 1, 2024. He has served in the military for 37 years. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st. Class Benjamin Crane)

Military children recognized at Kentucky General Assembly
February 29, 2024 — Approximately 80 children of Kentucky military service members were recognized by the Kentucky General Assembly for Kentucky Military Kids Day at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex in Frankfort, Kentucky on Feb. 27, 2024. Children of servicemembers from almost all branches were first introduced to the House Committee for Veterans, Military, and Public Protection (VMAPP). They also participated in demonstrations from the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, scavenger hunts in the Capitol, and ended with serving as a page to their senator or representative from their home counties in a legislative session... MORE

Approximately 80 children of Kentucky military service members were recognized by the Kentucky General Assembly for Kentucky Military Kids Day at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex in Frankfort, Kentucky on Feb. 27, 2024. Children of servicemembers from almost all branches were first introduced to the House Committee for Veterans, Military, and Public Protection (VMAPP). They also participated in demonstrations from the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, scavenger hunts in the Capitol, and ended with serving as a page to their senator or representative from their home counties in a legislative session. (Kentucky National Guard photos by Andy Dickson)

Retired Guardsman donates missing KY National Guard magazines
February 16, 2024 — In January 2024, a retired public affairs officer donated forgotten pieces of Kentucky’s military history to the Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office in Frankfort. Retired Army Col. Tom Little was preparing his belongings for a move into a new home when he came across his old military documents. Among those documents were copies of previously published issues of The Kentucky Guardsmen and The Bluegrass Guard. These printed newsletters were under his responsibility when he served as the commander of the 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD) during the 1970s and 1980s... MORE

Retired Army Col. Tom Little looks through old issues of the Kentucky Guardsman at a local restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky on Jan. 17, 2024. Little, former commander of the 133rd Mobile Public Affairs detachment, donated almost 40 issues from his personal collection to the Kentucky National Guard to help preserve it's history. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Andy Dickson)

Bridging Two Worlds: Kentucky ESGR hosts civic leaders to improve lives of citizen-Soldiers
January 10, 2024 — Maj. Gen. Haldane B. Lamberton, Kentucky's adjutant general, and retired Brig. Gen. Mike Richie, the Kentucky ESGR committee’s state chairman, addressed business and civic leaders during the 2023 Leadership KY Conference hosted in Frankfort, Dec. 14, 2023. Their dual purpose was to highlight the Kentucky National Guard's roles and importance of supporting troops... MORE

Kentucky National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Haldane Lamberton speaks with local business owners at the Wellman Auditorium on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Kentucky on Dec. 14, 2023.

Legion Brigade welcomes first female commander
January 5, 2024 — Command of the largest brigade in the Kentucky National Guard changed hands during a ceremony at the armory in Richmond, Dec. 2, 2023. During the event, Army Col. J.B. Richmond handed the reins of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade over to Col. Brandye Williams... MORE

Col. J.B. Richmond relinquished command of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade to incoming Commander, Col. Brandye Williams during a ceremony held on December 2, 2023 at the Richmond, Ky. armory. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Joy Himmelsbach)

Kentucky’s Adoption Assistance Program expands growing Guard family
January 4, 2024 — The Military Family Assistance Trust (MFAST) Funds enables Guardsmen like Army Master Sgt. Michael Meredith, the senior human resources noncommissioned officer for the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade, to overcome challenges faced when adopting a new member into their family... MORE

Kentucky Guard honors late pilot held prisoner during World War II
December 22, 2023 — There can be little doubt that the spirit of U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jack Henry Owen is alive and well today, nearly 11 years after the former World War II bomber pilot passed away at the age of 92. On Nov. 13, the adjutant general of the Kentucky National Guard presented his family with a posthumous Prisoner of War Medal here, during a ceremony held in Owen’s long-time family home. Owen, who retired from military service in 1972 after more than 24 years with the Kentucky Air National Guard, spent 21 months as a prisoner of the German military during World War II. He was not awarded a POW Medal at the time because the honor did not exist until 1985... MORE

A ceremony to present a posthumous Prisoner of War Medal to the family of U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jack Henry Owen was held at this historic home in Cynthiana, Ky., Nov. 13, 2023. The structure, erected in 1858 and now operated as a bed and breakfast, was Owen’s home until his death in 2013. Owen, who served in the Kentucky Air National Guard for more than 24 years, rising to become assistant adjutant general for Air, was piloting a B-17 Flying Fortress over Hamburg, Germany, on July 25, 1943, when the aircraft was shot down, and he remained a POW for the duration of World War II. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Dale Greer)

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)

Drerup recognized by Supreme Allied Commander Europe for leadership
December 8, 2023 — Capt. Sarah Drerup of the Kentucky Army National Guard was honored in a ceremony for her achievements during her 2022 deployment in Kosovo. Recognized for her leadership and positive impact, Drerup’s efforts were recognized by U.S. Army General Christopher G. Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and contributed significantly to the success of her unit and the Kosovo mission... MORE

Capt. Sarah Drerup receives the Supreme Allied Commander Europe's Recognition Award

Kentucky Guard combat medic trains with MREP exercise
December 6, 2023 — Staff Sgt. Peter Fleming of the Kentucky Army National Guard served as a combat medic in the Military Reserves Exchange Program (MREP) in the UK and Estonia from June 27 to July 17, 2023. He volunteered for this three-week training alongside infantry companies from Virginia, Maryland, and Louisiana Army National Guards... MORE

U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Peter Fleming (left) talks with service members of the United Kingdom's 7th Rifle Regiment during Operation Baltic Fist in Tapa, Estonia between June 27 and July 17, 2023. Operation Baltic Fist is part of the Department of Defense's Military Reserves Exchange Program in which U.S. reserve forces train with joint NATO partners to share tactics and procedures in different joint environments. (U.S. Army National Guard photo courtesy of Staff Sgt. Peter Fleming)

Kentucky infantry wins national award for readiness
November 28, 2023 — The Kentucky National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry was recently honored with the 2023 General Walter T. Kerwin, Jr. Readiness Award. The unit received the award at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) national meeting and exposition October 9 in Washington, D.C... MORE

The MG Robert G. Moorhead National Guard and Army Reserve Breakfast at the AUSA 2023 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. (Carol Guzy for AUSA)

Honoring a legacy: a tribute to LTC Jeff Cole
November 20, 2023 — Leaders of the Kentucky National Guard, joined by over 100 attendees, dedicated the Middlesboro armory to Lt. Col. Jeff Cole, on Nov. 17, 2023. The ceremony in Middlesboro honored Cole's legacy as an exemplary Soldier, leader, family man, and man of faith... MORE

Christi Cole Pope speaks to attendees at an armory naming ceremony in Middlesboro, Kentucky, on Nov. 17, 2023.

Kentucky National Guard MP promoted to Sgt. Maj. through mentorship
November 14, 2023 — Kentucky Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Naarah Stallard has been promoted to the rank of sergeant major in Louisville, Kentucky on Oct. 15. Stallard has served 27 years in the military, with the last 22 years in the Kentucky Army National Guard (KYARNG)... MORE

Army 1st Sgt. Naarah Stallard (left) receives congratulations from Command Sgt. Maj. John D. Sallee, the retired sergeant major for the 198th Military Police Battalion at her promotion ceremony in Louisville, Kentucky on October 15, 2023. Stallard was pinned to sergeant major by Sallee at the ceremony. (U.S. Army National Guard photo courtesy of Command Sgt. Maj. Naarah Stallard)

Kentucky National Guard selects the Best Warriors of 2024
November 8, 2023 — The Kentucky Army National Guard announced the winners of the state-wide Best Warrior Competition at the awards breakfast held at Wendell H. Ford Training Center, Nov 5... MORE

Soldiers who competed in Kentucky's Best Warrior Competition received trophies during a ceremony held in Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Kentucky, November 5, 2023. From left: Spc. Jackie Zheng, Soldier of the Year; Command Sgt. Maj. Benzie Timberlake, 75th Troop Command; Sgt. Jerry Marksbury III, NCO of the Year Runner-Up; Sgt. Robert Buck, NCO of the Year; Command Sgt. Maj. Aaron Lester, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade; and Spc. Stephen Shelton, Soldier of the Year Runner-Up. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Cody Stagner)

Adoption benefits through Kentucky's Military Family Assistance Trust (MFAST)
October 16, 2023 — Lt. Col. John Harvey and his wife, Miranda, explain the benefits they received through Kentucky's Military Family Assistance Trust (MFAST) program, a program to help military families in emergencies and other needs at their home in Lexington, Kentucky on June 13, 2023. The MFAST program was created by Kentucky law to assist Kentucky service members in need of emergencies such as natural disasters and can also be used to help families in need of financial assistance. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Andy Dickson)... MORE

News Search

Narrow Search

Expand Articles by Year and Month

Kentucky National Guard Links