Civic Leaders get a taste of “Guard life”
Story and photos by: Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Civic leaders from across the state visited the Kentucky National Guard’s Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. to visit troops and view training Oct. 12, 2012. (Photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard)
GREENVILLE, Ky. – Civic Leaders from across the state visited the Kentucky National Guard’s Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. to visit troops and get a little taste of what it’s like to be a Citizen Soldier.
Click here to see more photos from this event.
“It was a privilege to not only watch the Kentucky National Guard train and see how much work and preparation goes into a deployment, but it was an honor to have the opportunity to interact with so many men and women serving our country,” said Larry Vaught, sports editor for the Danville Advocate-Messenger.
Civic leaders get a demonstration and assistance in how to properly eat a Meal, Ready to Eat or “MRE” from Kentucky Guardsmen currently conducting training at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center Oct. 12, 2012. (Photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard)
These 20 civic leaders were selected from a pool of educators, employers and influential community members to visit the pre-mobilization training for Agribusiness Development Team 5 .
Rick Rummel, who is the founder and President of Ohio Valley Surgical, saw the value of the training that Kentucky Guardsmen have to go through in order to be adequately prepared for the mission asked of them.
“I ended the day with the appreciation of how important, necessary, and how completely thorough the training is for those getting ready to deploy and also how necessary regular training is,” said Rummel. “Quite a day that I will remember for, well, as long as my memory works.”
Danville Advocate sports editor and Kentucky Wildcat fan Larry Vaught took part in a civic leader visit with troops at the Kentucky National Guard’s Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center Oct. 12, 2012. (Photo courtesy Vaught’s Views)
Rummel, along with the other civic leaders, traveled to the training site on a UH-60 Blackhawk in the morning and watched as the ADT5 troops practiced their urban operations training, clearing buildings and responding to would-be aggressors.
Additionally, WHFRTC has one of the premiere Humvee Rollover trainers in the country, also known as the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer or HEAT. These community leaders had the opportunity to see examples of the training as well as climb in and get a 30 degree tip demonstration themselves.
“This is also known as ‘turn three at Talledega’ for those race car fans,” joked Staff Sgt. Sandy Austin, HEAT Operator for WHFRTC.
Civic leaders from across the state get a demonstration of Kentucky National Guard troops going through urban combat training during a visit to the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. (Photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard)
After stepping off the helicopter, Vaught commented, “Probably the one thing that will stick out with me the most was learning just how skilled the National Guard troops are when they are called for service and what wonderful training facilities they have to prepare them for all sorts of operations.”
“I’m not sure any of us appreciate the Kentucky National Guard nearly enough.”
Fort Knox barracks named for Kentucky Guardsman
Story by Maureen Rose, The Gold Standard
Family members of Master Sgt. Morgan French, along with members of the Kentucky National Guard Command Staff and Fort Knox Garrison staff cut the ribbon to open the new barracks for the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Knox, Ky., Oct. 12, 2012. The building was named in French’s honor for his ties to Kentucky, Fort Knox and his service in U.S. Army Armor. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FORT KNOX, Ky. — “The namesake embodies the meaning of Soldier.”
The namesake being referred to was Master Sgt. Morgan French, for whom the Warrior Transition Battalion dedicated its barracks in a ceremony Oct. 12, 2012. The WTB serves Soldiers whose medical injuries or illnesses require six months or more of complex medical management or rehabilitation, and includes those from the active duty component as well as National Guard, and reservists and their Families.
Maj. Gen. Lonnie Culver, Deputy Adjutant General of the Kentucky National Guard, said French’s biography was better than any Hollywood story.
Culver related how French was a wounded warrior who served two more deployments after overcoming the cruel treatment he endured as a prisoner of war during World War II. French was the last survivor of the Harrodsburg Tankers, a Kentucky National Guard unit activated into federal service as the war loomed on the global horizon.
Shortly after the unit’s arrival at Clark Field in the Philippines in 1941, the Filipino-American forces were decimated by the Japanese attack on Manila airfield. French survived the Bataan death march only to be shipped to a POW camp in Japan where he spent three grueling years, and witnessed the mushroom cloud that spread over Nagasaki after an atomic bomb was dropped.
After recovering, French returned to active duty, completing two tours of duty in Korea as well as the U.S. and Germany. He received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart during his 20-year career. After his retirement, he served another 20 years as an instructor at the Armor School at Fort Knox. He died in February.
Family members of Master Sgt. Morgan French unveil a plaque during a barracks dedication ceremony at Fort Knox, Ky., Oct. 12, 2012. The new barracks named in French’s honor will house injured service members at the Warrior Transition Unit on post. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“He represented the thousands who served and paid dearly for the privilege,” Culver said. “My wish is that all who come into contact with this facility – Soldiers, family members, health care providers – will be inspired by Master Sgt. French’s story.”
Col. Bruce Jenkins, the Fort Knox garrison commander, agreed wholeheartedly.
“We got it right when we named these barracks for Master Sgt. French – he was an amazing hero and outstanding Soldier,” Jenkins said. “It only makes sense that he be honored this way.”
The $46.5 million barracks have 112 suites that can accommodate 224 Soldiers in the apartments that include bathroom facilities, walk-in closets, full service kitchens, laundry facilities and private sleeping quarters.
“What our Soldiers lived in before was good,” Jenkins added, “but these units are tailored specifically to their needs and most are handicap accessible.”
French’s son and granddaughter joined those cutting the ribbon to officially open the barracks, which were then open for tours. The barracks are conveniently located in the complex where the battalion headquarters are located, as well as the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, and just across the street from the hospital where most will receive their care.
“The Soldiers under our care will get what they need and get it quickly,” Jenkins vowed. “No one does it better than the U.S. Army.”
Military Families to be honored at Keeneland Racetrack this weekend
By David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Keeneland Race Track mascot “Buckles” played host to Military Appreciation Day to celebrate Kentucky military families on April 22. (Photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, PAO, Kentucky National Guard)
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Military families from all services are invited to attend Military Appreciation Day at Keeneland racetrack in Lexington this Sunday, October 21 from noon to 4 p.m.
“We are extremely grateful to the staff here at Keeneland for giving their time and effort to make this a special day for our military families,” said Kentucky National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Jennifer Maggard from State Family Programs. “This is just another wonderful example of how Kentucky values its military community.”
The Kentucky National Guard’s Family Programs will set up a resource table to provide assistance to military families, plus there will be a kickoff to this year’s Operation Military Cheer, a drive to provide for the needs of military children and youth for the upcoming holiday season.
Maggard wants to remind attendees to take advantage of the Military Kids Zone and a free lunch . Also, ceremonies will be held in the winner’s circle in honor of Wounded Warriors, deployed troops and the survivors of fallen service members.
“What better way for our military families to have fun than a day at the races,” said Maggard. “This is most definitely a new Kentucky tradition.”
Following is the day’s timeline of events:
12:00 p.m. Presentation of colors by the Eastern Kentucky University ROTC and the singing of the national anthem by the Kentucky Guard’s own Spc. Cheyenne Jennings in the Winner’s Circle.
Activities begin in the North Terrace – free lunch, music, children’s activities.
12:55 p.m. Winner’s Circle recognition of Wounded Warriors, just prior to Race 1.
1:26 p.m. Winner’s Circle recognition of families of the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery just prior to Race 2.
1:57 p.m. Winner’s Circle recognition of Survivors of American Heroes, just prior to Race 3.
2:30 p.m. Winner’s Circle recognition of Service for Peace, just prior to Race 4.
4:00 p.m. Activities conclude in the North Terrace.
4:17 p.m. Post time for 7th race with horses wearing camouflaged saddle towels, followed by a presentation of trophy following race.
Kentucky maintenance facility earns top regional honor
Story by Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Aerial view of the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site at Fort Knox, Ky. The facility received the 2012 Army Award for Maintenance Excellence for Region III, a competition with 13 other states. (Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Greg Scott)
FORT KNOX, Ky. – On the edge of the Fort Knox garrison, military vehicles and equipment sit in clean, straight lines next to ordinary maintenance buildings that line the roads. A majority of those vehicles are ready for service, thanks to the extraordinary work of the Soldiers in those buildings who maintain them.
One such building is the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site (MATES), whose Soldiers were recently recognized for running one of the best maintenance facilities in the National Guard.
In competition with 13 other states, the Kentucky facility placed first to win the 2012 Army Award for Maintenance Excellence (AAME) for their region, in the TDA (Table of Distribution Allowances) Small category.
“This award is a true measurement of everything this facility has accomplished, from maintenance to safety to community involvement,” said 1st Lt. Timothy Lee, Assistant MATES Superintendent.
In August, the site submitted its packet for consideration at the National Guard level. Shops across the country were graded on mission readiness, training, hazardous material management, resource management and recycling, to name a few categories.
Master Sgt. Aaron Young, a Surface Maintenance Mechanic Inspector with HHB 623rd Field Artillery, troubleshoots an electrical fault in a M1078 vehicle at the Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site at Fort Knox, Ky. The facility employs 51 Kentucky Guardsmen full-time supporting Kentucky units and neighboring states.(Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Greg Scott)
Lee said changes put into effect over the past year have really made an impact in the overall operation.“We have redefined our workflow process,” he said. “Redefined everyone’s jobs and job duties and implemented an inspection section for all aspects of work.”
Improvements in cost savings and site management have produced numbers worthy of national attention. The last eight months of the fiscal year saw a 300 percent increase in productivity per person over the previous year. All while 15 Soldiers of the 51-man workforce were deployed overseas.
Lee said they are working toward cost savings by changing the way they order parts. Instead of ordering whole repair kits for vehicles, individual parts were ordered. In complying with the Army Oil Analysis Program, which addresses the usage of vehicle and equipment fluids, Lee estimates that Kentucky saved $51,000 in man-power in just one year, while saving around $105,000 in products.
The site also has decreased its electrical needs thanks to installed solar panels that help provide power to the building. The panels contributed to a decrease of 31.5 percent in electric energy usage. Their inventory has nearly 400 less products on hand than last year.
“We have truly been able to do more with less in this fiscally constrained environment,” said Lee.
A number Lee said the whole MATES is proud of is its 96.6 percent organizational readiness rate from last year. This means that only 3.4 percent of the entire fleet was down for maintenance for more than one month consistently. This covers vehicles and equipment used in support of drill weekends, annual training periods or pre-mobilization training during the year for Kentucky units as well as National Guard units from Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Indiana and North Carolina.
“Our participation in the AAME competition has had great command emphasis and has been a critical ingredient to establishing an organizational culture that highlights the necessity of a rock-solid maintenance program,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Pickerrell, MATES Superintendent. ”I am honored to lead this facility and to be a part of this hardworking group of technicians.”
1st Sgt. Douglas Hall is also proud of his Soldiers at the MATES, and gives a lot of credit to the leadership for “keeping everyone on track”. He said his command’s collective effort to improve the operation and boost morale is well received in the building and increases the motivation of the Soldiers to do a better job.
“Because of the way everything is organized and flows so well, we have maintained productivity,” said Hall. “Each shop is seeking even more work.”
Hall isn’t shy about acknowledging the accolades, knowing he’s part of a special operation that represents the Kentucky National Guard on a national level.
“If you want to see what a successful maintenance operation looks like, look at us.”
In addition to the MATES facility, the Central City-based 307th Component Repair Company also won first place in their regional unit category and will participate nationally later this year in an Army-wide competition.
Strong Bonds “surge” designed to kick start relationships
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
The first Kentucky National Guard Strong Bonds family weekend was held at the Center for Courageous Kids at Scottsville, Ky. August 24-26, 2012. The 2013 goal is to get ten percent of the force to take part in the program. (Photo courtesy KYNG Strong Bonds)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Life got you down? Is your marriage just “okay”? Having trouble with personal relationships? These are questions we all face at one time or another. The answers often seem elusive, but thanks to a unique program offered by the Kentucky National Guard, help could be just a phone call — or email — away.
“The Strong Bonds program has recently gained attention as one of the leading programs that builds relationships and improves the resiliency of Soldiers, Airmen, and family members in the National Guard,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Jerry Shacklett, Strong Bonds program activity director for the Kentucky Guard.
“We’ve got a proven track record, having helped more than 400 couples over the past five years.”
What exactly is the Strong Bonds program? Well, it’s a unit-based, chaplain-led program which assists commanders in building individual resiliency by strengthening the military family. The core mission of Strong Bonds is to increase individual service member and family readiness through
relationship education and skills training.
Click here to find out more about the Army’s Strong Bonds program.
“Strong Bonds events usually occur over a weekend and utilize relationship enhancement programs that are nationally renowned and approved by the U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains,” said Shacklett. “Unit commanders have the option of allowing the Guard members to attend in lieu of drill or in a volunteer status.”
To make the offer even more attractive, Strong Bonds pays for two nights at the hotel, meals included, and recently added childcare to the mix.
“Childcare is an important element in this,” said Shacklett. ”We’re doing everything we can to encourage folks to attend.”
One of the myths about Strong Bonds is that it focuses on troubled marriages.
“We invite married couples, singles and even entire families,” said Shacklett. ”The program is set up to enhance healthy relationships across the board. We think we have something for everyone.”
The coming year represents a reenergized approach to the program, too: ”the surge.”
“With the surge our goal in 2013 is to train ten percent of the force,” said Shacklett. ”That includes both Soldiers and Airmen as well as their families. The command has pushed this as a high priority and we’re determined to get the word out far and wide on this.”
“This is a proven program that helps built resiliency, strengthens relationships and in turn reduces divorces and the number of suicides.”
The staff is particularly proud of the feedback they get from attendees.
“In our after action reviews we get a 99% approval rating with hardly any negative comments on our curriculum,” said Shacklett. ”That tells us we must be doing something right.”
Here’s the 2013 Kentucky National Guard Strong Bonds schedule:
January 11-13 Lexington (couples)
February 1-3 Bowling Green (couples)
March 1-3 Louisville (couples)
April 26-28 Cumberland Falls (couples)
July 19-20 Lexington (couples)
August 2-4 Lexington (singles)
August 23-25 Scottsville (families)
For more information contact Chaplain (Maj.) Jerry Shacklett at 502.607-1232 or the state chaplain office at 502-607-1729, or you can email him at jerry.shacklett@us.army.mil.
You can also contact us on Face Book for updates and information.
From the hangar to Afghanistan, mechanic fits in well
Story and photos by Sgt. Paul Evans, KY ADT 4 Unit Public Affairs and Historian Representative
Sgt. Bobby Sizemore of Lawrenceburg, Ky. (right) hangs out with Sgt. 1st Class Greg Dunning of Almo, Ky. before a mission in southern Afghanistan on March 26, 2012. The two Soldiers are members of the Kentucky National Guard’s Agribusiness Development Team 4, which works to provide agriculture and business education to farmers in southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Paul Evans)
FORWARD OPERATING BASE PASAB, Afghanistan – “I appreciate all the families back home that have supported us on this mission, because I know that a lot of them have endured a lot,” said Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team 4’s Sgt. Bobby Sizemore, a 33-year-old Richmond, Ky. native now residing in Lawrenceburg.
Sizemore, who has served with the Kentucky National Guard since 2008, is currently deployed to southern Afghanistan as part of ADT 4’s Security Team.
“My family’s been wonderful. My wife, she’s been the soul reason I’ve done as well as I have,” Sizemore said. “She kept everything together back home.”
“I’m able to contribute to the cause, so I just felt that it’d be a good opportunity,” he said of the deployment. “Ultimately, we’re all here for the better good, to serve our country, and protect those that we love.”
In Kentucky, Sizemore works as a crew chief and full-time Blackhawk helicopter repairman for C Co., 1st Battalion, 376th Security and Support Aviation Element, 63rd Aviation Brigade in Frankfort, Ky.
“Sgt. Sizemore is very detail oriented,” observed ADT 4 Commander and former 63rd Aviation Brigade Commander, Col. Tommy Barrier of Versailles, Ky. “He likes to be a perfectionist–he’s that way when he works on aircraft in our hangar.”
Sgt. Bobby Sizemore of Lawrenceburg, Ky. climbs into the back of a truck while on mission in southern Afghanistan on April 2, 2012. Sizemore is a member of the Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team 4’s Security Platoon. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Paul Evans)
“I specifically recruited Sgt. Sizemore about five years ago when I was the Aviation Brigade Commander,” Barrier added. ”He came to me and said ‘hey, I want to find out more about the National Guard.’ He wants to know all of the facts and everything up front, which is a good indication of someone that’s going to be a good Soldier.”
“It was probably about 11 months from the time that he first came and saw me till he actually got into the military. From that point on, he goes ‘I wished I had joined the first day I met you.’ But he came to me once this mission was on and said ‘hey, I want to go with you.’ We went through the proper chains with his commander,” Barrier explained. “I knew the quality of work that he did.”
“He has a great work ethic,” Barrier said. “He’s a professional Soldier. He displays a lot of honor and integrity, and is one of those Soldiers that you look for to be future senior leaders within the organization because of the character and the integrity that he possesses.”
Sgt. Bobby Sizemore of Lawrenceburg, Ky. (middle row, center) poses with fellow deployed 63rd Aviation Brigade Soldiers in southern Afghanistan on April 8, 2012. The Soldiers are members of the Kentucky National Guard’s Agribusiness Development Team 4, which works to provide agriculture and business education to farmers in southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province. Also pictured are: Spc. Samuel Woodson (front, kneeling) of Frankfort, Ky.; (front row standing from left) Chief Warrant Officer Scott Goode and Col. Tommy Barrier of Versailles, Ky.; Maj. Ben Singleton of Lakeside Park, Ky.; Chief Warrant Officer Scott McCauley of Versailles, Ky.; (top row from left) Sgt. Amanda Behling and Spc. Emily Baldwin of Louisville, Ky.; and 1st Lt. Craig Moline of Lexington, Ky. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Paul Evans)
“Not ever being on a deployment before and knowing that we’re in one of the top five most dangerous places in the world, as crazy as that may sound, this deployment’s been very easy,” Sizemore said. “It hasn’t been mentally exhausting, it hasn’t been anything like what people have told me before you leave to go on a deployment. I found it very easy, and that’s what shocked me the most.”
“The mission has been basically just flawless,” Sizemore said. “To be where we’re, everything’s gone very, very smoothly.”
During his deployment Sizemore has developed an appreciation for the culture of Afghanistan. “One thing that was very interesting that caught my attention was their architecture. I think it’s awesome. Their mosques and buildings and things, the kind of attention to detail and work that they put into building the structures…they have my utmost respect for that.”
“From what I’ve seen, some of the architecture and their skill, the way they work…it’s rather inspiring to see somebody that puts that much effort and work into something, especially when they don’t have the modern tools like we do,” he added.
“Overall, I think we’re making a difference,” Sizemore said, turning his attention back to his mission.
“The people that have had exposure, I think that they appreciate us and they know that we’re here to help.”
TAG Open benefits Kentucky National Guard Memorial
Story by Jason LeMay, Kentucky Department of Military Affairs
A golfer tees off on hole number three at the University Club of Kentucky in Lexington during the 2012 TAG Open, Oct. 1. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Through bouts of occasional sunshine with periods of rain and wind, more than 125 golfers braved the weather in the 2012 The Adjutant General’s Open at the University Club of Kentucky, Oct. 1. The annual event raised awareness and funds for the Kentucky National Guard Memorial. The early accounting showed the event grossed $12,157.00 toward construction of the memorial to be built in Frankfort, Ky. Despite the damp conditions everyone enjoyed the day of fun and fellowship for a good cause.
To see more photos from the event, click here.
A participant in the 2012 TAG Open tees off on a par-three hole at the University Club of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Oct. 1. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
TAG Open First Place: Jeremy Brummett, Ben Fuqua and Chris Ring
TAG Open Runner Up: Scottie Sloan; Dave Tharp, Chad Jones and Mario Cima
Chipping Contest: Chad Jones took home a 60” television courtesy of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association.
TAG Cup went to the Army this year and the team of Scottie Sloan, Dave Tharp, Chad Jones and Mario Cima.
The award for the longest drive went to Bill Tonini and for the women’s, to Natalie Lonkard.
Bryan McCoy’s drive was the closet to the pin.
The Kentucky National Guard Memorial will create a sacred space for families, friends, and comrades to reflect and remember. So far 464 potential names have been discovered that may one day be honored on the memorial and 145 have been confirmed for inclusion.
These numbers reflect only Kentucky National Guard members who died while in the line of duty from March 19, 1912 to present. That date is significant because it is when the state of Kentucky made an official name change from the “Kentucky State Guard” to the “Kentucky National Guard.”
The memorial is expected to cost and estimated $ 1,327,775 to construct. So far the fund has raised 36% of the required funds and needs another $850,000 to fund construction.
