Kentucky Guard

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 — On Nov. 17, 2023, more than 100 attendees joined leaders of the Kentucky National Guard to pay tribute to Lt. Col. Jeffrey D. Cole by dedicating Middlesboro’s armory in his name... 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

National Guard Armory named after NCO who served decades to the Guard
September 25, 2023 — Kentucky Army National Guard leadership, veterans, and family of Alpha Co. 1-149th Infantry Battalion gathered at the National Guard Armory in Harlan, Kentucky for the renaming and dedication of the armory on Sept. 21, 2023. The name change from the Harlan National Guard Armory to the 1st Sgt. Ottis W. Capps National Guard Armory was in honor of a first sergeant who dedicated decades of his career and life to making the armory a community gathering area and a home to infantry Soldiers... MORE

The wife of 1st Sgt. Ottis W. Capps, Sherry [left] and their two sons, Jeff and Jason, unveil the new bronze plaque at the Harlan National Guard Armory in Harlan, Kentucky on Sept. 21, 2023. The National Guard armory was named after 1st Sgt. Ottis W. Capps who served as the Alpha Company, 1-149th Infantry full-time support for over 30 years and was a cornerstone of the Harlan National Guard community during his career. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Andy Dickson)

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)

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.

Army National Guard company evaluated in regional field feeding competition
June 15, 2023 — Soldiers with the Kentucky Army National Guard competed at the 56th Regional Philip A. Connelly Field Feeding Competition at the Harold L. Disney Training Center in Artemus, Kentucky, on June 14. Soldiers from India Company, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, 75th Troop Command, set up their containerized kitchen (CK) and field sanitation stations for evaluation and competed against Service members from nine other states and territories geographically located in the southeast United States. ... MORE

U.S. Army Spc. Adam Bwesi of India Company, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, 75th Troop Command, adds ingredients to a pot in a containerized kitchen during the Regional Philip A. Connelly Field Feeding Competition at the Harlold L. Disney Training Center in Artemus, Kentucky on June 14, 2023. Bwesi and the rest of India Company are competing against nine other states and territories National Guard field feeding units in the southeast United States for a chance to compete nationally against the other regions of the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Andy Dickson)

202nd Band Performs at State Capitol
June 13, 2023 — Five Soldiers assigned to the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 202nd Army Band performed at the Kentucky State Capitol rotunda in Frankfort, Kentucky, on June 10th, 2023. Soldiers of the 202nd Army Band provided music for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Act. The 202nd supported the community by performing a variety of music prior to the ceremony and after its completion... MORE

Five Soldiers assigned to the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 202nd Army Band performed at the Kentucky State Capitol rotunda in Frankfort, Kentucky, on June 10th, 2023. The 202nd supported the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Act by performing a variety of music prior to the ceremony and after its completion. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Danielle Sturgill)

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.

Firefighters respond to unique call
May 15, 2023 — Fire Chief Rondal Hambrick, Crew Chief Kyle Wade and drivers Tyler Henderson and Lincoln Miller, responded to the downed WWI aircraft that crash had landed on the training center May 15... MORE

All four responded to the downed JN4 Jenny that crash landed on the training center.

Kentucky engineer platoon leader wins outstanding platoon leader award
April 28, 2023 — A Kentucky Army National Guard platoon leader was awarded the 2022 Lt. Orville Munson Award at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri on April 28, 2023. 1st Lt. Jason Ball, a platoon leader with the 2061st Multi-Role Bridge Company, received the award from U.S. Army Col. Joseph C. Goetz, the commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer Regimental School. The Munson award is given annually to honor an engineer lieutenant or warrant officer platoon leader in the Active Army and Army National Guard in recognition of outstanding contributions to military engineering by demonstrated technical and leadership ability... MORE

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jason Bell poses with his wife, Dr. Michelle Baltam, after receiving the Lt. Orville Munson Award at the U.S. Army Engineer Regimental School at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri on April 28, 2023. The award is given annually to honor an engineer lietuenant or warrant officer platoon leader in the Active Army and Army National Guard in recognition of outstanding contributions to military engineering by demonstrated technical and leadership ability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Dickson)

Aircraft arrive at Kentucky Air Guard Base for Thunder air show
April 20, 2023 — Military aircraft began arriving at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base April 19 in advance of the 2023 Thunder Over Louisville air show... MORE

An aircraft from the U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II Demonstration Team arrives at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 19, 2023, in advance of the Thunder Over Louisville air show. The annual event, to be held along the banks of the Ohio River on April 22, will feature more than 20 military and civilian aircraft. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Dale Greer)

Kentucky Soldiers and Airmen awarded a new state ribbon for State Partnership Program
April 13, 2023 — Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were the first to receive a new joint state ribbon recognizing service with the State Partnership Program (SPP) in a ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Kentucky on April 13, 2023. As of the ceremony, 34 Soldiers and Airmen qualified for the new ribbon and those present were awarded their orders for record and the official ribbon. ... MORE

The Kentucky State Partnership Program (SPP) ribbon is the newest state ribbon to be awarded to Soldiers and Airmen of the Kentucky National Guard. The new ribbon was created to honor Soldiers and Airmen who enhance military-to-military relationships in subject matter expert engagement with one of Kentucky’s partner nations, Ecuador and Djibouti. (U.S. Army photo by Andy Dickson)

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