Kentucky Guard

Last C-130H rolls down the stretch at Kentucky Air Guard
September 24, 2021 — The last C-130H aircraft assigned to the 123rd Airlift Wing departed the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 24, 2021, for its new home at the Delaware Air Guard... MORE

The last of eight C-130 H-model aircraft departs the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 24, 2021, as the 123rd Airlift Wing prepares to convert to the C-130J Super Hercules. The unit is slated to begin receiving the most modern variant of the venerable transport plane on Nov. 6. In the meantime, the departing H-models — which the Kentucky Air Guard has flown since 1992 — are being transferred to the Delaware Air National Guard. Tail number 11233 has logged 9,967 hours of flight time all over the world, supporting every kind of mission from humanitarian airlift to combat resupply operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Horton)

Newly appointed first sergeant credits Kentucky National Guard for life success
September 22, 2021 — Carter recently reflected on his life and military service from a makeshift office near the U.S. Capitol grounds, where he joined more than 140 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers who volunteered to support civilian law enforcement, a mission that began in the lead up to the 59th Presidential Inauguration in January... MORE

The National Guard has been requested to continue supporting federal law enforcement agencies with security, communications, medical evacuation, logistics, and safety support to state, district and federal agencies through mid-March. For the security mission, Carter is acting in a command sergeant major capacity for Task Force Frontier, which consists of National Guard Soldiers from Kentucky, Guam, California and Wyoming.

Kentucky's Army 10-Miler
September 15, 2021 — This year's race was open to Soldiers and Airmen, their families, and the local community. The runners could run or ruck the entire ten miles or do shorter versions of 10k (6.1 miles) or 5k (3 miles)... MORE

About 200 runners, walkers and ruck marchers took part in this years event which opened up options to do a 5k. 10k or the full 10 mile course.

Kentucky Guard Soldiers take part in AXE fitness camp
September 15, 2021 — Around 30 Soldiers participated in the Kentucky National Guard’s Attack Exercise through Education or “AXE” camp, at Boone National Guard Center, Sept. 7-10, 2021. The ‘AXE’ camp is based off of the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness program (H2F) and ran by Lt. Col. Eddie Simpson, the camp officer in charge and deputy brigade commander for the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT). The cadre in charge of leading instruction during the week are Guardsmen who are master fitness trainers for their units and/or are civilian-certified fitness personnel... MORE

Master Sgt. Kristen Roles with the Kentucky Air National Guard 123rd Maintenance Squadron prepares to attempt an overhead press as part of an exercise drill at Boone National Guard Center on Sept. 7th, 2021. As part of the AXE Camp’s cadre team, her role is to instruct students on proper physical exercise techniques and holistic health strategies.

DCO takes charge of the 138th Field Artillery Brigade
September 14, 2021 — The 138th Field Artillery Brigade honored Army Col. Andrew Bates as he relinquished command to his deputy commanding officer, Army Lt. Col. Steve Mattingly, during a change of command ceremony Sept. 12, at Brigade Headquarters in Lexington, Ky... MORE

Lt. Col. Steve Mattingly, incoming commander of the 138th Field Artillery Brigade speaks during a change of command ceremony in Lexington, Ky., Sept. 12, 2021. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Scott Raymond)

Kentucky Air Guard supporting COVID fight at Louisville hospitals
September 14, 2021 — More than 40 members of the Kentucky Air National Guard reported to Baptist Hospital East in Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 14, 2021, to provide logistical support for medical staff fighting a rising tide of critically ill COVID patients... MORE

Staff Sgt. Keontay Curry, a communications specialist in the Kentucky Air National Guard, reports to Baptist Hospital East in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 14, 2021, to provide logistical support to medical staff struggling to keep pace with the rising number of critically ill COVID patients. He is one of 45 Airmen, all of whom volunteered for the mission, who will serve at the hospital as long as needed. The group is part of 310 Kentucky Army and Air National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who were activated last week by Gov. Andy Beshear to provide non-clinical support to 21 hospitals across the Commonwealth. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer)

TAG helps remember 9/11 after twenty years
September 13, 2021 — The event was held at Healing Field in Lawrenceburg City Park. Members of the official party included the master of ceremonies, Tim Martinez, Lawrenceburg Police Chief Bryan Taylor and State Representative James Tipton. ... MORE

Members of the official party included the master of ceremonies, Tim Martinez, Lawrenceburg Police Chief Bryan Taylor and State Representative James Tipton.

Adams takes command of 123rd Contingency Response Group
September 12, 2021 — With family and colleagues looking on, Col. Ryan Adams assumed command of the 123rd Contingency Response Group during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Kentucky, Aug. 7, 2021... MORE

Col. Ryan Adams (right), incoming commander of the 123rd Contingency Response Group, accepts the unit’s guidon from Col. David Mounkes (left), outgoing commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing, during a change-of-command ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Aug 7, 2021. Adams is replacing Col. Bruce Bancroft, who assumed command of the 123rd Airlift Wing during a ceremony later the same day. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Phil Speck)

Remembering 9/11
September 11, 2021 — Today we hold in remembrance those we lost in the attacks on September 11, 2001. Beginning at 8:46 a.m., Flight 11 crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center, and 17 minutes later, Flight 175 struck the south tower. A third flight, Flight 77, hit the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m. Passengers of the fourth and final passenger airplane, Flight 93, learned about the deliberate attacks and would take back control of the plane, forcing it to impact in a field in western Pennsylvania. The nation learned shortly after that these were terroristic attacks on Americans from 19 terrorists linked to al-Qaeda. In total, 2,977 people were killed because of the hijackings... MORE

Photoshop illustration by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alan Royalty for use in the Bluegrass Guard publication and historical summary of Kentucky National Guard on attacks of 9/11.

Kentucky Air Guard completes mission to receive 11,000 Afghan evacuees
September 10, 2021 — Airmen from the 123rd Contingency Response Group returned to the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 8 after completing an 18-day mission at Volk Field, Wisconsin, to receive more than 11,000 Afghan evacuees arriving aboard military and civilian aircraft... MORE

Airmen from the 123rd Contingency Response Group return to the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 8, 2021, after completing an 18-day mission at Volk Field, Wis., to receive Afghan evacuees arriving aboard military and civilian aircraft. The Airmen processed 87 aircraft carrying more than 11,000 evacuees as part of Operation Allies Refuge and the follow-on mission, Operation Allies Welcome. The evacuees were then sent to nearby Fort McCoy, Wis. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Horton)

“To Meet the Enemy on Any Element”
September 10, 2021 — On February 8, 1813, Oliver Hazard Perry was ordered to Sacket’s Harbor, New York, for duty on Lake Erie. Once he arrived at Erie, Pennsylvania, he began setting in motion his campaign on Lake Erie. Today, few Kentuckians know of the role Kentucky’s Militia played in Perry’s ultimate victory on September 10, 1813, at the Battle of Lake Erie. ... MORE

Battle of Lake Erie. , 1893. [New York:publisher not transcribed] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2018756278/

Klackner, C., copyright claimant.

Davidson, J.O., artist.

Kentucky Guard and affiliates celebrate Diversity and Inclusion Day
September 9, 2021 — The event's theme, "Diversity of Hearts and Minds," was an overall success. It featured a guest speaker, live music, a 5K run, service booths from across the organization, and a USO-sponsored lunch... MORE

The days event's theme, "Diversity of Hearts and Minds, featured a guest speaker, live music, the 5K run, service booths from across the organization, and a USO-sponsored lunch.

Kentucky Guard Engineers conduct Djibouti State Partnership training
September 8, 2021 — For over 25 years, through SPP, the National Guard has conducted military-to-military engagements in support of defense security goals, and leverages whole-of-society relationships and capabilities to facilitate broader interagency and corollary engagements; spanning military, government, and economic and social spheres. Kentucky maintains state partnerships with Djibouti and Ecuador... MORE

Kentucky Air Guard plays key role in Afghan evacuation
September 3, 2021 — More than 40 members of the Kentucky Air National Guard have played a key role in the reception of evacuees arriving at Volk Field, Wisconsin, from Afghanistan since Aug. 22... MORE

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 271st Movement Control Team and Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group receive a plane of Afghan evacuees at Volk Field, Wis., Aug. 29, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening and general support for up to 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric Cerami/ 55th Signal Company)

Putting first things first at 2021 Strong Bonds
August 30, 2021 — The Kentucky Army National Guard chaplains hosted Soldiers and their families at Great Wolf Lodge for the 2021 Strong Bonds event Aug. 13-15... MORE

Kentucky Army National Guard Strong Bonds 2021

Kentucky Soldier makes history as the state’s first National Guard drill sergeant
August 25, 2021 — Kentucky history was made on Fort Jackson in South Carolina when Staff Sgt. Mary Carter became the first Kentucky National Guard drill sergeant on June 25, 2021. ... MORE

Kentucky history was made on Fort Jackson in South Carolina when Staff Sgt. Mary Carter became the first Kentucky National Guard drill sergeant on June 25, 2021.

Kentucky top recruiter makes state history as the first female to hold the title
August 25, 2021 — Staff Sgt. Lori Lawson became the first female top recruiter in Kentucky National Guard history at recruiting and retention headquarters September 12, 2020. Currently based out of Richmond, and assigned to the Eastern Kentucky University Campus, Lawson has served the commonwealth as a recruiter for three years. ... MORE

Staff Sgt. Lori Lawson talks to Stephen Burger, a student at Eastern Kentucky University about joining the Guard. . (Courtesy photo)

Kentucky National Guard Mobile Vaccination Team supports Health Department at EKU Move In Day
August 13, 2021 — A small team of Kentucky National Guardsmen mustered on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University during “Move-in Day," Aug. 13 and 14, to assist the Madison County Health Department with administering COVID-19 vaccinations... MORE

EKU, Madison County Health Department, and Kentucky National Guard team up for COVID-19 vaccination site

Bancroft assumes command of 123rd Airlift Wing
August 8, 2021 — Col. Bruce Bancroft assumed command of the 123rd Airlift Wing during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville on Aug. 7, 2021, accepting the wing’s guidon before an audience of more than 50 socially distanced family, friends and fellow Airmen... MORE

Col. Bruce Bancroft (center) accepts the 123rd Airlift Wing guidon from Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Wilkinson (left), Kentucky’s assistant adjutant general for Air, during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 7, 2021, formally recognizing Bancroft’s assumption of command of the wing from Col. David Mounkes (right). Mounkes, who had served as wing commander since 2016, has been named director of policy for air operations, plans and programs at Joint Forces Headquarters—Kentucky. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Dale Greer)

123rd Airlift Wing earns 19th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
August 7, 2021 — The Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing received its 19th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award during a ceremony in Louisville, Kentucky, Aug. 7, 2021, maintaining a lengthy record as the most decorated airlift unit in the U.S. Air Force... MORE

Col. David Mounkes (right), outgoing commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing, pins a streamer representing the wing’s 19th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award to the wing guidon during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 7, 2021. The award, which is bestowed on the top 10 percent of all units, recognizes the wing’s outstanding achievement across a full spectrum of operations, from homeland disaster response to the war effort overseas, between October 2017 and September 2019. No other airlift unit in the United States Air Force — active duty, Guard or Reserve — has earned 19 AFOUAs. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Dale Greer)

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