Fort Knox dedicates new facility for Wounded Warriors
Story by Maureen Rose, Editor, The Gold Standard
Del Sumner, Col. Bruce Jenkins, commander of U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Knox and Bill Sumner Jr. unveil a dedication plaque naming the warrior transition unit facility after the late Sgt. Maj. William Sumner in Fort Knox, Ky., Sept.5, 2012. (Photo by Stephen Moore, courtesy of The Gold Standard)
FORT KNOX, Ky. — Fort Knox dedicated its new Warrior Transition Battalion facility by naming it after a former U.S. Army Armor Center noncommissioned officer, Sgt. Maj. William Sumner, Sept. 5 with an audience of nearly 300, comprised of Soldiers, civic leaders and representatives of local veterans’ service organizations.
The new facility includes the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, administrative buildings, a dining facility, barracks and a turf field for exercising. Located across the street from Ireland Army Community Hospital, the complex is designed to be convenient as well as modern.
“We now have a quality campus for our wounded warriors,” said Col. Bruce Jenkins, garrison commander of Fort Knox, “and it’s very appreciated. It’s almost a one-stop shop for our wounded warriors.”
The ceremony did more than introduce the audience to the amenities of the complex.
“We’re equally proud of Sgt. Maj. Sumner who served more than 30 years in a career that spanned World War II, Korea, and Vietnam,” Jenkins said, reading details of Sumner’s biography provided by Sumner family members, the guests of honor at the day’s festivities. “He was awarded the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster as well as the Purple Heart. He was obviously a Soldier and a leader who set the example for others to follow. Even after his retirement, he remained active by volunteering with the Disabled American Veterans, staying focused on taking care of troops.
“Sumner’s daughter, Sherry Brinegar, is a nurse case manager at this very complex, so Sumner is the perfect name for this facility,” he said.
After the unveiling of a portrait of Sumner and plaques that memorialized Sumner, Maj. Gen. Jeff Smith, commander of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, told the audience what an honor it was to pay respect to a hero like Sumner.
“But let me say this up front, it’s not really about the bricks and mortar,” Smith said. “It’s the human beings — the care providers, counselors, chaplains — who will help these Soldiers recover from their illnesses, injuries, wounds; $46 million has been invested in this complex, but it would be worth nothing if not for them.”
Smith invited a round of applause to thank health care providers who rarely receive enough thanks for all their hard work.
While the facility contains many state-of-the-art technologies, Smith said it was due.
“The Army recognizes that service to our country can take a toll; this has been a long time coming, but it’s what we owe our Soldiers,” he said. “You will marvel at the resources we provide for Soldiers to recover, but our Soldiers deserve this more than you can imagine. They deserve the best.”
Wounded warriors, Smith explained, have one job while they’re assigned to a WTB.
“Soldiers will work to heal their bodies, their minds, their souls; their sole mission is to recover,” he explained for those visitors to the installation. Addressing the complement of WTB Soldiers, Smith reminded them, “It’s your job to get healthy; it’s our job to resource that recovery.”
After the ribbon cutting, leadership declared the Sgt. Maj. William E. Sumner complex was officially open for business. Visitors were invited to tour the new buildings and talk with Soldiers and civilians who man the complex.
The Kentucky National Guard directly assists with the command and operation of the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Knox. In addition to the battalion commander, Lt. Col. Dwight Lewis, several Kentucky Guardsmen serve the unit in a variety of roles to provide the proper care to Soldiers utilizing the facility. According to the battalion command staff, the Kentucky Guard is in an appropriate and strategic position to support and maintain the program as it also supports Citizen-Soldiers who have been wounded and injured in the global war on terror.
Air Guardsmen return home from Southwest Asia
Photo essay by Master Sgt. Phil Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A Kentucky Air National Guard member is welcomed home by loved ones Sept. 11, 2012 after his deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Several Kentucky Air National Guardsmen with the 123rd Airlift Wing returned home Sept. 11, 2012, after the unit’s six-month deployment to Southwest Asia. The 21 members were primarily aircraft operators and maintainers as part of an air expeditionary force supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They have been overseas for two months. The returning airmen were replaced by a second rotation of Kentucky Air Guardsmen who are expected to stay in Southwest Asia until mid-December.
Kentucky Air National Guard Col. Greg Nelson, 123rd Airlift Wing Commander, welcomes home Kentucky Air Guard members Sept. 11, 2012 after their deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
A Kentucky Air National Guard member is welcomed home by loved ones Sept. 11, 2012 after his deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
A Kentucky Air National Guard member is welcomed home by a loved one Sept. 11, 2012 after his deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
Kentucky’s Assistant Adjutant General for Air Brig. Gen. Mark Kraus welcomes home Kentucky Air Guard members Sept. 11, 2012 after their deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
Ride to Remember Photo Essay
Photo essay by Sgt. David Bolton, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Travis Adkinson performs during the Ride to Remember bike rally at the Healing Field in Lawrenceburg, Ky., Sept. 2, 2012. The bike rally sought to raise funds for the proposed Kentucky National Guard Memorial that will be erected in Frankfort, Ky. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office.)
LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. — Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, family members, and motorcycle enthusiasts of all types converged on the Healing Field in Lawrencburg, Ky., Sept 2, 2012 for the second Ride to Remember.
The motorcycle rally sought to raise funds for the proposed Kentucky National Guard Memorial that will be erected in at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky.
The all-day event began with a classic car cruise in and military vehicle display. Sponsored booths offered food and refreshments while participants had the chance to bid on donated items in a silent auction. Motorcycles from all over the commonwealth arrived throughout the day. The day was capped off with music concerts featuring several acts including the Kentucky Headhunters.
The proceeds of the Ride to Remember will go to the planning and construction of the memorial, which according to Kentucky Guard officials is closer to becoming a reality because of events such as the rally.
Though private financial support from Kentucky citizens, corporations and foundations, those who have perished in the line of duty will be recognized and cherished at the Kentucky National Guard Memorial.
For more information on the memorial, please visit www.kyngmemorial.com.
See the following photos — or click here for the complete set.
Firefighting team returns from Afghanistan on 9/11
Story and photos by Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Six of the seven members of the 176th Engineer Firefighting Team stand at attention during the unit’s welcome home ceremony in Greenville, Ky., Sept. 11, 2012. The unit spent a year deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
GREENVILLE, Ky. – On the eleventh anniversary of 9/11, the Kentucky National Guard welcomed home the Soldiers of the 176th Engineer Firefighting Team during a ceremony in Greenville, Ky. The unit deployed to Afghanistan exactly one year ago on September 11, 2011.
Friends, family members and the Greenville Fire Department greeted the Soldiers at the Muhlenberg County Airport, and then accompanied them to the unit’s home at the nearby Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center.
The escort took on a parade-like atmosphere in Greenville, and the patriotism of small-town America was evident as citizens took to the streets and proclaimed their support. Soldiers of the 176th said they had the best seat in the house, sitting atop two fire trucks as they wound through the city streets. Kentucky State Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Armstrong called it an amazing and dynamic community response in welcoming the Soldiers home.
To see more photos from the 176th’s return home, click here.
Spc. Matthew Stevens from Cedar Hill, Tenn., was awe-struck at the number of people that came out to welcome his unit home.
“What a great entrance for coming home,” he said. “For such a small town, they were so energetic. It was amazing.”
Sgt. Aaron Watts of Versailles, Ky., holds his son, Cameron, during the 176th Engineer Firefighting Team’s welcome home ceremony in Greenville, Ky., Sept. 11, 2012. The unit was welcomed home by friends, family members and a parade through Greenville, thanks to the city’s fire department. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
School children from Muhlenberg North Middle School lined the fence of their playground and waved American Flags and welcome home signs. People of all ages packed the sidewalks of Main Street and cheered and waved to the Soldiers as they rode by.
Greenville Fire Chief, Jerry Aders remembered sending the unit off a year ago to a small parade, and was thrilled with the out-pouring of support for the Soldiers’ return.
“It is so great to have everyone back,” he said. “They are still our ‘angels in camouflage’ as I have called them. The Guard is such a blessing to our community.”
On the tenth anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks, the 176th deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During their departure ceremony, it was said how important it was to honor Guardsmen deploying to the combat zone where it all started.
September 11 now permeates through the 176th like it does for many Americans, but now for a new reason.
Spc. Logan Brumit was 13-years-old in 2001, now he is a combat veteran from the war on terror.
“I’m proud today to help commemorate the lives of the firefighters that were lost that day,” said Brumit. “And I’m glad to do my part in serving my country and my community.”
“This gives the memory of that day a new meaning and sheds a positive light on it,” said the Bowling Green, Ky., native.
A Soldier with the 176th Engineer Firefighting Team embraces a family member during the unit’s welcome home ceremony in Greenville, Ky., Sept. 11, 2012. The unit returned to a parade through the streets of Greenville and a small ceremony at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center before being released to their families. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The 176th’s deployment was the unit’s first overseas tour. The seven-member unit was responsible for protecting the lives of their fellow Service members and their equipment at airfields and forward operating bases.
Staff Sgt. Wesley LaFortune, 176th non-commissioned officer in charge said in addition to fighting fires, the unit also trained Afghani fire departments and provided OSHA classes at various locations.
“Team Seven, as we liked to call each other, did an outstanding job,” said LaFortune. “They stayed motivated, stayed productive regardless of the training or duty.”
Brig. Gen. Mike Richie, Deputy Adjutant General for the Kentucky National Guard was on hand to greet the 176th. Richie said the unit, while small, held a large responsibility overseas and executed their mission in the high standards of the Kentucky Guard.
“The Soldiers of the 176th represented the United States Army, the Kentucky National Guard and the Commonwealth of Kentucky with professionalism, honor and a sense of duty that we can all appreciate.”
“And no day can be more fitting for Soldiers to come home than this day,” he said
Since 9/11, more than 14,000 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have mobilized in support of the Global War on Terror.
Kentucky Guard, high school football gear up early for upcoming Border Bowl
Story and photos by Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Sports broadcaster, Larry Glover speaks during a press conference at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 5, 2012. The event announced the first 12 high school football players to represent Kentucky in the 2013 National Guard Border Bowl. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky high school football fans received a unique early look at the 2013 Border Bowl during a press conference hosted by the Kentucky National Guard at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 5, 2012.
For the first time, a select group of players were announced to the “Be The Elite” Team Gridiron, months prior to the playing of the interstate all-star game that is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2013.
To see more photos from the “Be The Elite” Team Gridiron press conference, click here.
Brig. Gen. Michael Dornbush, Kentucky National Guard Chief of Joint Staff (left) and Maj. Gen. Lonnie Culver, Deputy Adjutant General, congratulate players on their selection to the 2013 National Guard Border Bowl during a press conference in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 5, 2012. The players were among the first to be chosen for the sixth annual all-star game to be played in January 2013. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The Border Bowl, in its sixth year, is sponsored by the National Guard and pits some of Kentucky’s best high school football players against the best from state neighbor and rival Tennessee.
Officials from the Kentucky National Guard worked with state high schools to coordinate the countdown to the Border Bowl with the Kentucky Guard’s new “Be The Elite” campaign. The goal was to tie in the star football players selected with the recruiting push to find the best and brightest to wear the uniform of the Kentucky National Guard.
The “Be The Elite” program was set up to qualify only the strongest on candidates that represent Kentucky’s finest and runs through September.
“Today was a significant step to make the Border Bowl a year round event,” said Freddie Maggard, Kentucky National Guard Community Outreach Coordinator. “The professionalism displayed sends a distinct message that the National Guard Border Bowl is a first class operation and I’m very proud of all those involved.”
Local sports broadcaster and radio show host Larry Glover was the guest speaker. He spoke of the tradition of the Border Bowl and the continued rivalry between the two states, calling it an amazing opportunity for young players to be apart of something bigger than themselves.
Twelve players were selected to the team, including four on hand for the event. Clay County High School senior, Jacob Hyde was in awe of the press conference, and the excitement built by the media in attendance and the location in a helicopter hangar on the National Guard base.
Clay Co. High School senior, Jacob Hyde is interviewed by media from the pilot’s seat of UH-60 Blackhawk during a press conference in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 5, 2012. The Kentucky National Guard sponsored the event to tie in the high school football all star Border Bowl and the “Be The Elite” recruiting campaign. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“I never expected to experience something like this,” he said.
Hyde even had the chance to sit in the pilot’s seat of a UH-60 Blackhawk, which he said he could barely fit into to. The aircraft’s cockpit wasn’t designed or the 6-foot, 2-inch, 313-pound frame of the defensive tackle.
Hyde simply looks forward to finishing his season strong at Clay Co., and enjoying his moment in the Border Bowl. Hyde has committed to wear blue next year, playing football at Commonwealth Stadium.
“It’s really a great honor to represent Kentucky and the University of Kentucky,” he said.
ADT 4’s team-building process
Story and photos by Sgt. Paul Evans, KY ADT 4 Unit Public Affairs and Historian Representative
Members of Kentucky’s Agribusiness Development Team 4 gather up for a group photo on April 9, 2012. ADT 4 has been working to help educate local farmers in southern Afghanistan on improved farming and business techniques since their arrival in February 2012. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Maj. Teresa Rea)
FORWARD OPERATING BASE PASAB, Afghanistan – Over halfway through their mission, Kentucky National Guard’s Agribusiness Development Team 4 leaders seemed to agreed that their diverse assembly of Soldiers, Airmen, and Civilian Agricultural Specialists from across Kentucky—and a few from outside the state—had finally started to find its rhythm. ADT 4 has worked in southern Afghanistan to help educate local farmers on improved farming and business techniques since February 2012.
“Getting a diverse team, trying to find people that had experience with each other, it was a balancing act,” Maj. Walter Leaumont said of the initial selection process. ”You want to get a spread, but you’re looking for the same qualities in people. Are they willing to play as a team member? What kind of experience do they have? Do they have any agricultural experience?”
Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 4 Commander, Col. Tommy Barrier of Versailles, Ky. monitors unit training on March 10, 2012. ADT 4 has been working to help educate local farmers in southern Afghanistan on improved farming and business techniques since their arrival in February 2012. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Paul Evans)
“There were people that came on board that did not mobilize with us, that we realized shortly into the program that they were not going to fit into the team,” he continued. “A lot of that, no matter how much you do pre-vetting, some of that’s just got to be whenever you hit the ground.”“It’s a forming, storming, and norming process,” according to ADT 4’s Commander, Col. Tommy Barrier of Versailles, Ky. “We certainly went through that.”
“We formed together well,” he recalled. “Everybody was excited and motivated to come here, and we explained to them that this was not a kinetic (fighting) mission. We explained to them that this was an Agribusiness Development Team, and that we would be doing more technical stuff than we would be doing kinetic stuff.”
“I think some folks were a little disappointed in the beginning because you get hyped up, you go through the train-up, you go through Wendell H. Ford (Regional Training Center), and all they teach you is the kinetic piece of this,” Barrier discussed.
“So, it’s kind of when you get here, we’re not kicking doors, and we’re not doing combat patrols, but we are helping the Afghan government, the Afghan people, and the agricultural people,” Barrier noted. “Since they’ve (ADT 4’s members) understood the mission and what we’re doing, they’re starting to norm again.”
“I’ve seen deployments where it takes a little time, and I’ve seen deployments where it takes a little bit longer time (to get a unit working together),” Barrier continued. “This (ADT 4) one was one of those ones where it took a little bit longer to get everybody gelled together.”
“One of the differences about this unit and the unit that’s normally mobilized, this unit was completely made up from different (units)…different backgrounds, different MOS’s (military occupational specialties). It wasn’t a unit that worked together prior to this,” Barrier added.
“Since we are a nonstandard mission…I didn’t want to hamper by taking too much out of one unit,” Leaumont explained about his recruiting strategy. “Although we did take a lot out of the 103rd (Brigade Support Battalion) and the 138th Fires Brigade in general, also out of the 63rd (Aviation Brigade), there were other Units we looked at.”
Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 4’s Spc. Keith Stanley of Frankfort, Ky. provides security during a mission on June 8, 2012. ADT 4 has been working to help educate local farmers in southern Afghanistan on improved farming and business techniques since their arrival in February 2012. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Paul Evans)
Over halfway into the mission, Barrier and Leaumont both seemed to agree that ADT 4 had finally started to function as an effective team.“It took a little time to find everybody’s niche,” Barrier recalled. “Almost everybody in this organization has two or three talents that they can do, and that’s the kind of person that we need.”
“We need somebody who’s flexible, we need somebody who’s willing to be a part of the team, and to step up and say ‘yes, that’s not my MOS, but that’s a job that I can do.’ We’ve found that with several people in this organization,” he observed.
“Honestly, I feel like it’s been a little slow, but we anticipated that at the beginning. So all-in-all, I think it’s been a good mission,” said Sgt. Bobby Sizemore of Lawrenceburg, Ky. This is Sizemore’s first deployment overseas.
“We’ve had snags here and there,” Sizemore observed. “Altogether, I think we’re working through them, that things are getting better.”
“The people that you’re with, you won’t ever really forget them,” Sizemore added. “You’ll always have that connection because you served time together.”
At the end of the day, Leaumont summed up ADT 4’s accomplishments so far with a simple observation.
“When you sit there and see people succeeding, it’s nice to know that we had a little bit of a part in that.”
Are you noteworthy? Kentucky National Guard looking for musicians
Staff report, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Love music? Interested in the military? Looking for a way to turn your passion into progress? Then do we have a story for you!
The Kentucky National Guard’s 202nd Army Band is currently looking for musicians to join up and be part of a great professional organization with plenty of opportunity and a way to channel your musical passion. Positions include trombone, euphonium, French horn and keyboard.
The 202nd Army Band performs during the Great American Brass Band Festival In Danville, Ky., June 9, 2012. (photo by Sgt. KJ McAleesejergins, Kentucky National Guard)
“The experience of being a member of the 202nd Army Band is unique,” said Chief Warrant Officer Greg Stepp. ”This is one of the most professional and interesting military units out there, especially for those of us who are musically inclined.”
He should know; he’s not only the commander for the 202nd, but he also conducts them during practices and performances. The 202nd has a long history of excellence, having just celebrated its 65th anniversary with a concert at Kentucky State University. The band also plays at military balls, community events across the Commonwealth, and the inauguration ceremony for the governor every four years.
And they don’t just specialize in military music, either. You name it, they play it.
“We play a lot of martial style music for military ceremonies and public events, but we also cover the spectrum, from classical to Dixieland,” said Stepp. ”Our jazz band and rock band can play with the best of them.”
The Kentucky National Guard’s 202nd Army Band recently celebrated its 65th year of service. It is currently recruiting for new members to play trombone, euphonium, French horn and keyboard. (Photo courtesy of 202nd Army Band)
Being a member of the 202nd isn’t just knowing three quarter time and guitar riffs. There’s also the small matter of being a combat qualified Soldier and going through all the training that requires.
“Our band members go through the same training as all Kentucky National Guard and U.S. Army Soldiers,” said Sgt. 1st Class Angela Wilkins, readiness sergeant for the unit. ”We hit the range and train in tactics and survival skills along with our artillery and infantry counterparts. There is no such thing as a boring day in the 202nd Army Band.”
“This is a great opportunity for someone to serve his or her country, get world class training and have college costs covered,” Wilkins added.
The 202nd Band prepares to play during a Change of Command ceremony at Fort Eustis, Va., July 20, 2012. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Steve Baker)
For additional information about the 202nd Army Band please contact Sgt. 1st Class Angela Wilkins, 502-607-5331 or email her at angela.wilkins@us.army.mil.
