Awaiting the challenge

Even before it officially opened, members of the public lined up to participate in the Kentucky Air National Guard 123rd Airlift Wing's "Rise to the Challenge" tour at the 2010 Kentucky State Fair. The activities of the tour featured hands-on challegnes to educate the public, highlight the benfits of service, and identify opportunities that could help prospective Bluegrass Airmen achieve their educational and career goals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. D. Clare)

To the rescue

Cole Sherman of Morganfield, Ky., lowers a helocopter to "rescue" a stranded man in a scale model simulating a disaster torn city at the 2010 Kentucky State Fair, The Simulator was part of the Kentucky Air National Guard Base Louisville's 123rd Airlift Wing "Rise to the Challenge" tour. The activities of the tour featured hands-on challegnes to educate the public, highlight the benfits of service, and identify opportunities that could help prospective Bluegrass Airmen achieve their educational and career goals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. D. Clare)

Boss Lift participants

Kentucky civic leaders and employers pause before a Kentucky Air National Guard C-130 cargo transport plane from the 123rd Airlift Wing, Louisville, Ky., at Fort Knox, Ky., during "Boss Lift" Aug. 13, 2010. The event, sponsored by Employers Support of the Guard and Reserve, is designed to foster support and understanding of the duties, training, and military life National Guard and Reserve troops experience. (Photo by Army Spc. Scott Raper)

Mission Brief

Capt. Casey Clark, a pilot for the Kentucky Air National Guard 123d Airlift Wing, and other airmen attend a pre-deployment briefing prior to their departure out of Louisville, Ky., October 30, 2010. Approximately 160 members from the wing are scheduled to deploy in support of the Central Command's Air Expeditionary Force. (US Air Force Photo by MSgt. Phil Speck)

Partnership brings Ecuadorians to Kentucky

Master Sgt. Mario Romero, pararescueman for the Kentucky Air National Guard123d Special Tactics Squadron, jumps into Hollow Lake Sept. 17, 2010, during an training exchange with Ecuadorian military and civil authorities through Kentucky’s State Partnership Exchange Program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Ketterer)

Partnership brings Ecuadorians to Kentucky

Staff Sgt. Elmer Quijada, a pararescueman from the Kentucky Air National Guard 123d Special Tactics Squadron, Louisville, Ky., explains search and rescue tactics to Ecuadorian partners during a training exercise Sept. 17, 2010, at Hollow Lake. The exchange between the countries allows both nations to share experiences and knowledge. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Ketterer)