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Arcane Thunder 26: Kentucky sets new benchmark leveraging Starshield with multi-domain live-fire
June 4, 2026 — Soldiers of Kentucky’s Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery, executed a trans-Atlantic live-fire event at the National Training Center during Exercise Arcane Thunder 26. Using the Starshield satellite network to receive real-time targeting commands directly from Germany, the event validated the Army’s global multi-domain capabilities... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Drury points at the designated impact zone from atop the observation point during Exercise Arcane Thunder 26 at Fort Irwin, California, April 24, 2026.

Kentucky Youth ChalleNGe cadets compete in intrastate field training exercise
June 2, 2026 — Cadets from Kentucky’s Appalachian and Bluegrass Youth ChalleNGe academies recently competed in a two-day intrastate field training exercise at the Harold L. Disney Training Center in Artemus, testing teamwork, leadership and program skills. The event featured athletic and academic competitions including softball, flag football, chess, a spelling bee, land navigation and an obstacle course. The exercise is designed to showcase cadets’ development and build confidence through friendly competition, and they plan to make it a recurring tradition held once per training cycle... MORE

Cadets from Kentucky’s Bluegrass and Appalachian Youth ChalleNGe Academies participate in athletic and academic competitions during the Kentucky Youth ChalleNGe Intrastate Field Training Exercise at the Harold L. Disney Training Center in Artemus, May 13-14.

Engineers strengthen readiness and adaptability through multiple projects
June 1, 2026 — Soldiers of the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 207th Engineer Company, 201st Engineer Battalion, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, completed several engineering projects across the commonwealth from May 17-20, demonstrating the professionalism, technical skill and teamwork of the unit’s horizontal and vertical engineers... MORE

The 207th Engineer Company completed three separate projects at the three separate locations for their annual training, utilizing both their horizontal and vertical engineers.

Engineer battalion bids farewell to family and friends
May 31, 2026 — Nearly 150 Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers gathered for a departure ceremony at the Boyd County Community Center in Catlettsburg, Ky., May 30, 2026, and will be deploying to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield... MORE

Soldiers of Kentucky's 201st Engineer Battalion, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, listen to remarks during their departure ceremony at the Boyd County Community Center in Catlettsburg, Kentucky, May 30, 2026.

623rd Field Artillery enhances lethality during annual training at Fort Irwin
May 21, 2026 — Under the desert sun of Fort Irwin, Calif., Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery, endure intense annual training designed to sharpen their combat readiness, April 8-15, 2026. Through demanding live-fire exercises using the M142 HIMARS, Soldiers learned to operate with greater speed, precision and coordination under realistic battlefield conditions... MORE

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Kentucky's Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery Regiment fire a rocket from a High-Mobility Artillery Tocket System (HIMARS) at Fort Irwin, California, April 24, 2026.

Kentucky Army National Guard Soldier promoted to master sergeant
May 20, 2026 — U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class James Troxell of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery, was promoted to the rank of master sergeant during a ceremony, April 14, 2026... MORE

U.S. Army Master Sgt. James Troxell of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery, is congratulated by his unit after being promoted in Monticello, Kentucky, April 14, 2026.

Kentucky general retires after nearly four decades of service
May 19, 2026 — U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Bryan M. Howay was honored during a retirement ceremony at Boone National Guard Center May 16, 2026, recognizing his 38 years of dedicated service to the Kentucky National Guard and the United States Army. Throughout his distinguished career, Howay served in numerous leadership roles, deployed overseas multiple times, and became one of the few Guardsmen to command an active-duty division. Leaders praised his lasting impact on Soldiers, his balanced leadership style, and his commitment to both state and federal missions. During the ceremony, Howay reflected on the importance of the people who supported him throughout his career and thanked his family, fellow Soldiers, and mentors for their unwavering support... MORE

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Bryan Howay receives a Distinguished Service Medal from Maj. Gen. Haldane B. Lamberton, the Adjutant General of Kentucky National Guard, during his retirement ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Kentucky, May 16, 2026.

Artifacts from 617th Military Police Company time capsule discovered at Fort McCoy now on display at Fort McCoy History Center
May 12, 2026 — Historic artifacts discovered in a hidden time capsule inside a Fort McCoy barracks building are now on public display at the Fort McCoy History Center following a new exhibit completed in April 2026 by the Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office. The exhibit features items that were hidden by Soldiers with the Kentucky National Guard’s 617th Military Police Company in 2004 before the unit deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The collection was unexpectedly discovered nearly two decades later during renovation work in a World War II-era barracks building at Fort McCoy... MORE

A full display of the 617th Military Police Company time capsule discovered at Fort McCoy is shown April 29, 2026, that is now on display at the Fort McCoy History Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. In November 2004, the 617th Military Police Company of the Kentucky National Guard was one of many military units completing their mobilization at Fort McCoy for deployment.

New plaque recognizes latest retirees at Kentucky Air Guard
May 8, 2026 — Fifty-three retired members of the Kentucky Air National Guard were honored in Louisville April 18 when a plaque bearing their names was unveiled in front of the 123rd Airlift Wing’s Lt. Gen. John B. Conaway Headquarters Building... MORE

Retired Brig. Gen. David Mounkes, left, former assistant adjutant general for Air in the Kentucky National Guard, and retired Master Sgt. Chris Tells, former senior enlisted leader for the 123rd Contingency Response Group, unveil a plaque containing the names of 53 2025 retirees during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 18, 2026. The plaque honors Airmen who completed at least 20 years of military service at the Kentucky Air Guard last year. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Angelee Barnett)

Stewarding Service: Protecting Kentucky Derby Tradition
May 7, 2026 — Staff Sgt. Jonathan Miller returned to the 152nd Kentucky Derby to lead the joint-service trophy detail at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 2, 2026. Transitioning from trophy carrier to noncommissioned officer in charge, Miller’s experience highlights a commitment to the Commonwealth’s traditions and exemplifies how NCOs steward the profession through developing the next generation of leaders... MORE

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Miller of the 617th Military Police Company escort the winner's trophy onto the Paddock at the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, May 2, 2026.

Kentucky National Guard community recognized during Heroes Day at Keeneland
April 30, 2026 — Volunteers, youth leaders and family support staff with the Kentucky National Guard were recognized during Heroes Day at Keeneland Race Course April 12... MORE

Pictured here is the winner’s circle after Race 1, featuring our dedicated Volunteers, Kentucky Teen Council members, and Family Programs staff—all of whom play a vital role in supporting our Soldiers and their families.

Kentucky welcomes newest officers
April 29, 2026 — Kentucky Officer Candidate School Class 68-26 commissioned in Frankfort, April 18, 2026, following 12 months of rigorous training. Kentucky's newest officers have been tested and are mission-ready leaders, prepared to serve the Commonwealth at home and the nation abroad... MORE

Officer Candidate School Class 68-26 poses for a group photograph following their graduation ceremony at Kentucky State University’s David H. Bradford Hall Auditorium in Frankfort, Kentucky, April 18, 2026.

Kentucky Native Col. Franklin (Shaune) Jones Promoted to Brigadier General
April 28, 2026 — Brig. Gen. Franklin “Shaune” Jones, a native of Owingsville, Kentucky, was promoted by Lt. Gen. Jon Stubbs, director of the Army National Guard, in a ceremony at the National Guard Memorial Museum, April 3, 2026... MORE

Lt. Gen. Jon Stubbs, director of the Army National Guard, administers the oath of office to Brig. Gen. Franklin “Shaune” Jones during a promotion ceremony at the National Guard Memorial Museum in Washington, April 3, 2026.

Mayor, city council recognize Air Guard firefighters for plane crash response
April 24, 2026 — Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and members of the Metro Council paid tribute April 20 to firefighters from the Kentucky Air National Guard and emergency responders from more than 40 other agencies for their coordinated efforts to extinguish a massive blaze after a cargo plane crashed near Grade Lane on Nov. 4... MORE

Members of the Louisville Metro Council present Master Sgt. Ty Allen, left, fire chief for the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing, and Assistant Chief William Weinstein, right, with a proclamation in Louisville, Ky., April 20, 2026, on behalf of eight Guard firefighters who responded to a deadly cargo plane crash last year. The firefighters were among the first emergency responders to arrive at the crash site and worked with dozens of others to bring a raging fire under control. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Phil Speck)

Kentucky welcomes its newest targeting officer
April 21, 2026 — Friends and family gathered to celebrate U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Elijah Johnson’s appointment to warrant officer during a ceremony in Lexington, Feb. 10, 2026. Johnson is Kentucky’s newest field artillery targeting technician, assigned to the 138th Operational Fires Command... MORE

U.S. Army Warrant Officer Elijah Johnson with his wife, Samijo, and daughter, Mallory after his appointment, Feb. 10, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Aircraft arrive at Kentucky Air National Guard Base for Thunder air show
April 16, 2026 — Military aircraft began arriving at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base on April 16 in preparation for this weekend’s Thunder Over Louisville air show... MORE

A U.S. Air Force F-16 from the Viper Demonstration Team at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., flies over the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 16, 2026 in advance of this weekend’s Thunder Over Louisville air show. The Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing is serving as the base of operations for military aircraft participating in the show. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Dale Greer)

Ecuadorian military team visits Kentucky Guard to share disaster-response techniques
April 14, 2026 — Seven members of the Ecuadorian armed services visited Kentucky recently to learn more about how the Kentucky National Guard responds to emergencies and to share their own techniques for disaster operations... MORE

Members of the Ecuadorian military examine a forward-looking infrared radiation isotope detector while observing an emergency-response training scenario involving airmen and soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard’s 41st Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team and civilian emergency responders at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Ky., March 10, 2026. The Ecuadorians were visiting as part of the National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program to learn more about the Kentucky Guard’s emergency-response capabilities and interagency cooperation across the state, and to share their own techniques for responding to emergency contingencies. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Phil Speck)

Kentucky Air Guard firefighters honored for civilian plane-crash response
April 10, 2026 — Eight firefighters from the Kentucky Air National Guard were honored here recently for their role in subduing a massive fire after a United Parcel Service cargo jet crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in 2025... MORE

Eight firefighters from the 123rd Fire and Emergency Services Department are honored with Kentucky Distinguished Service Medals during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Dec. 14, 2026, for their efforts in subduing a massive fire after a United Parcel Service cargo jet crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in November. Receiving the medal were (left to right) Assistant Fire Chiefs William Weinstein and Kyle Miller; Firefighter Ethan Howay; Crew Chief Logan Ramsey; and Firefighters Mark Shultz, William Daniels, Alan Smith and Robert Holmes (not pictured). Joining the firefighters for the ceremony were Fire Chief Ty Allen and Kentucky’s assistant adjutant general for Air, Birg. Gen. Bruce Bancroft. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Josh Horton)

White House Honors National Guard-Supported Counterdrug Operations
April 9, 2026 — The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy recognized National Guard counterdrug programs for support to 10 award-winning law enforcement investigations during the National Drug Control Awards Ceremony, April 2... MORE

National Guard members stand alongside law enforcement and community partners during the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, or HIDTA, National Awards Ceremony hosted by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, April 2, 2026.

Kentucky National Guard Soldiers Support Army Reserve Best Squad Competition at Fort Knox
April 8, 2026 — Approximately ten Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard’s 2061st Multi-Role Bridge Company (MRBC) supported the 2026 U.S. Army Reserve Combined Best Squad Competition at Fort Knox March 26, while simultaneously conducting their own annual training... MORE

They assisted with the the Salt River Live Fire Exercise that challenged the Reserves Soldiers to shoot while in a moving Zodiac boat.

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