Bluegrass Guard, September, 2020

Bluegrass Guard Vol. 23, Issue 3 - September 2020

Serving the men and women of Kentucky’s Army and Air National Guard

ALWAYS READY!

Guardsmen and women continue to support the needs of their communities.

EMPTY DERBY p. 16

STANDING POWER THROW TIPS p. 6

AROUND THE GUARD AND IN OUR PAGES

ON THE COVER - A child high fives Sgt. Eric Moore, with the 198th Military Police Battalion, after he gave him and his troops bottles of water while they guarded an entry point during the 146th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Sept. 5, in Louisville. Photo by Spc. Brett Hornback.

JFHQ - Adjutant General of Kentucky Brig. Gen. Haldane B. Lamberton, meets with officials from the Somerset community to celebrate the beginning phases for the new Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) facility. (Photo by Spc. Jesse Elbouab) 149th MEB - Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard’s 223rd Military Police Company receive a warm welcome home from friends, family and Guard leadership after their year-long deployment as they arrive at the Buechel Armory in Louisville. (Photo by Spc. Jesse Elbouab)

2 KENTUCKYGUARD.DODLIVE.MIL

BLUEGRASS GUARD 100 Minuteman Parkway Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: 502-607-1713/1898 www.kentuckyguard.dodlive.mil

COMMAND STAFF

22@2

176TH Fire Fighting Team

CSM Jesse Withers 1163RD ASMC 138th FAB/ 238th RTI - Soldiers from the 623rd Field Artillery Battalion linked up with Advanced Leadership Course students from the 238th Regimental Training Institute on Fort Knox, Ky., to conduct a live fire training exercise with M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) as a part of their annual training mission and the battalion’s certification process Aug. 5, 2020. (Photo

by Spc. Jesse Elbouab)

123rd AW - National Guard leaders break ground for a new $8.9 million Response Forces Facility at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., June 26, 2020.

The 28,000-square-foot, two-story structure will house the Contingency Response Group, Security Forces Squadron, base honor guard and a medical detachment for the state’s CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package. (Photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)

75th TC - Sgt. 1st Class Stone with the 617th Military Police Company oversees Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry on handling batons at the Harold L. Disney Training Center in Artemus, Ky., July 28, 2020. (Photo by Spc. Harrison Moore)

22@2 - September is Suicide awareness month and in recognition of this, we have rolled out the 22 at 2 campaign. Every day of the month at 2pm, we played a video of Kentucky Guard units and top leaders participating in the 22 pushup challenge to bring awareness to the 22 veterans who commit suicide a day on average.

All the videos are available on our social media platforms.

63rd TAB - Soldiers with the 617th Military Police and 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade collaborate on Casualty Evacuation training at Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond, Ky., Aug. 12, 2020. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan P. Snow)

IN THIS EDITION 7 11 18

Soldiers Continue to Support Food Banks

State Commander in Chief Gov. Andy Beshear The Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Haldane B. Lamberton Assistant Adjutant General, Air Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Wilkinson Assistant Adjutant General, Army Brig. Gen. Robert Larkin Chief of Staff, Air Brig. Gen. Charles Walker Director of the Joint Staff Brig. Gen. Bryan Howay State Command Chief Warrant Officer Chief Warrant Officer Dwight Harlan State Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Withers State Command Chief Master Sergeant Command Chief Master Sgt. Ray Dawson

STAFF State Public Affairs Officer Maj. Stephen Martin 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Det. Commander Maj. Robert Cooley 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Allison Stephens Editors 1st Lt. Cody Stagner Sgt.1st Class Scott Raymond Graphic Designers Staff Sgt. Benjamin Crane Master Sgt. Phil Speck Contributors 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

The Bluegrass Guard is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense.

The contents of The Bluegrass Guard are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Departments of the Army or Air Force.

The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office.

The Bluegrass Guard is distributed free to all members of the Kentucky Army and Air National Guard, retirees of the Kentucky National Guard and to other interested persons by request.

Guard members and their Families are encouraged to submit articles meant to inform, educate or entertain Bluegrass Guard readers.

Articles should be submitted in Word format, 10-point arial font and include the writer’s name, unit and contact information. Photos should be in .JPEG format with captions submitted via Word document, 10-point Arial font. Send submissions, photos and correspondence to pao@ kentuckyguard.com.

Payment will not be made for contributions. Paid advertising is not accepted.

Circulation: 11,500

Please report any corrections to: Bluegrass Guard 100 Minuteman Parkway Frankfort, KY 40601 KYNG.PAO@mail.mil

Air Guard Deploys Soldier Profile: Hometown Hero

BLUEGRASS GUARD VOL. 23, ISSUE 3| 3

Let me be clear, my intent is for all members to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect, irrespective of their race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.

LETTER FROM the

ADJUTANT GENERAL To all Airmen, Soldiers, and Civilians of the Kentucky National Guard.

The graphic and disturbing events that led to the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have triggered an unprecedented time of protest, reflection and a true reckoning that our Nation has not lived up to one of our fundamental promises that it owes each American citizen.

There is civil unrest all throughout the Commonwealth and the Nation.

Our citizens have the right to peacefully assemble when they see injustice. It’s part of what makes our country great.

We can see that cultural divide in our organization as well.

I’m not blind to the diversity of the Kentucky National Guard and some of the challenges and barriers that this diversity may bring.

Because of that, across all levels of our organization, we must work tirelessly to make the Kentucky National Guard a place where everyone of us feels included and we can maximize our talents and experience to the fullest extent.

An organization rich in this diversity is critical to both our national security and our domestic operations.

Let me be clear, my intent is for all members to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect, irrespective of their race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. There is no place in our formation for ideas that

4 KENTUCKYGUARD.DODLIVE.MIL

prevent us from achieving that basic promise to every Airman, Soldier, and Civilian in our formation.

Our diversity is what makes us so unique and strong as an organization and we need to embrace and celebrate it. We’re all on the same team. Remember that our words matter. What we share with our associates, our friends and our family - in person and on social media - shapes the perception of our organization.

From the Secretary of Defense through our ranks, you will hear the same message. We are steadfast in the belief that our population has the right to be heard when they’re frustrated and angry. At the same time, we have committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting life and liberty.

By doing so, we’re affording the opportunity for our fellow citizens to peacefully protest. We need to ensure that the violent actions of the few do not disrupt the ability for our citizens to peacefully assemble. We fully support this and fully support our fellow citizens. Going forward we must train and educate our forces on these topics if we’re ever to get a unity of purpose.

I am so proud of our force for the way we have responded to the needs of the Commonwealth.

We are here when our citizens call upon us and our legacy is a reputation of unparalleled trust amongst the populace - our neighbors, friends and family.

You are a part of that legacy and I’m honored to serve alongside each and every one of you.

FIGHT AS KENTUCKIANS!

BRIG. GEN. HAL LAMBERTON

ADJUTANT GENERAL

Checking Your Bias’ Story by Spc. Brett Hornback, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Pastor Edward L. Palmer Sr. with The Sign of the Dove Church in Radcliff, Ky., leads

aspects but interacting in a way that can make everyone a part of the team,” said Walker.

Soldiers present at the diversity training were challenged to emulate the training within their respective units.

“After he training we received from Pastor Palmer, I couldn’t wait to start working with my fellow EO professionals throughout the state to create a similar dynamic and interactive training that will give our Soldiers and Airmen the vocabulary, the facts and the platform to talk with each other and their loved ones about the issues our country, and in extension our organization, are facing right now,” said Sgt. 1st Class Rebecca Wood with the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

With the strategic education of diversity training, Kentucky Guardsmen will be better equipped to recognize and fight the enemy of racism. The future of the Kentucky National Guard is secure in the hope of unity and diversity. We are better together.

“We can’t change what happened in the past but we can change the dialogue now and create a better future,” said Wood.

diversity training for the Equal Opportunity Representatives from units across the state. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rebecca Wood)

BLUEGRASS GUARD

Equal Opportunity Representatives from units across the state participated in the Kentucky National Guard’s first ever statewide diversity and implicit bias training course the week of July 20.

The Kentucky National Guard is taking steps to unify its members through education and inclusivity.

Pastor Edward L. Palmer Sr. with The Sign of the Dove Church in Radcliff, Ky., led the training.

Pastor Palmer is a former Army Infantryman and a certified diversity trainer who has worked with leaders in the executive and legislative branches of Kentucky state government.

By informing others of cultural topics such as cultural competence and implicit bias, Pastor Palmer has helped facilitate conversations that led others to gain a greater understanding of the underlying issues of racism.

The Kentucky National Guard believes eradicating the issue of racism within its ranks will require leaders to designate times in which Soldiers are encouraged to learn and discuss cultural factors that can and have led to discrimination.

“Starting the dialogue is the first step, so we can take on the issue of racism in the same context that we do any other leadership challenge,” said Kentucky Air National Guard Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Charles M. Walker.

The diversity training provided leaders in the Kentucky National Guard with the education needed to participate in these dialogues. One of the main concepts taught in the training is the idea of implicit bias.

According to Pastor Palmer, implicit bias refers to assumptions or stereotypes that go

unnoticed in one’s thought life. These assumptions oftentimes unconsciously affect the way an individual treats another person whose culture is different from their own.

Palmer encouraged those present in the training to split into groups and answer a series of questions using their individual experience within their culture. He asked questions like ‘who was served first at supper in your family?’ and ‘what traditions and celebrations did your family practice during the birth of a child?’ Palmer began conversations about various ways of life among the Soldiers in the National Guard and made them aware of the dangers of implicit bias.

“Our own culture could create a barrier to gaining understanding, and a tolerance of others whose culture differs from ours,” said Palmer.

Palmer says when cultural barriers are maintained and an individual refuses to understand someone else’s culture, a cultural collision is created. These collisions are at the core of racist interactions.

However, not all misunderstandings between people of different cultures is intentional. Implicit bias goes undetected by many.

This is why the leaders of the KYNG have sought to protect and unify all Guardsmen through education.

As diversity training and open dialogues are encouraged among Soldiers, leaders anticipate a steady shift into a different atmosphere within the Kentucky National Guard, one of unity not despite but because of diversity.

“Acknowledging and understanding all these things are part of the responsibility of leaders, to appreciate not just the cultural

Photo By Spc. Brett Hornback Members of the Kentucky National Guard participate in a diversity and implicit bias training on July 20, 2020.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Crane

LETTER TO EDITOR POLICY

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

To comment, keep remarks under 150 words, include your name, rank and address and send them to:

All change of address requests should be made by the unit clerk using RCAS for all current Army or Air National Guardsmen. The Bluegrass Guard is mailed out via alert roster addresses at the unit level.

Army Retiree address changes should be made through “Retiree Services” at the Kentucky National Guard Personnel Services Branch. He can be reached at 502-607-1497 or patricia.d.smith16.mil@mail.mil.

Air Retirees should request changes through retired Chief Master Sgt. James Turpin at jturpin1945@gmail.com.

The Bluegrass Guard values opinions

Mail The Bluegrass Guard KYNG Public Affairs 100 Minuteman Parkway Frankfort, KY 40601 E-Mail KYNG.PAO@mail.mil •••• We reserve the right to edit letters for tone, length, clarity, and factual accuracy.

Don’t miss an issue

Kentucky National Guard

@kentuckyguard kentuckyguard

FITNESS FITNESS CORNER

CORNER

STANDING POWER THROW

with CW2 Richard Singleton

PRO TIPS: -Practice, Practice, Practice! This event relies more on technique and coordination than strength or fitness alone, and there is no one size fits all technique to succeed. Whether you have a 10-pound medicine ball or only have soccer ball laying around, going through the motions and practicing the throw will give you better results.

Play around with your technique to find out what works best for you and gives you the max linear distance. Some exercises that can help train you for this event are: Sumo Deadlifts, Clean and Jerks, Kettlebell Swings (single and dual handed), Medicine Ball throw and catches to a partner, and Shoulder Presses just to name a few.

This event applies overall body strength into a quick, efficient, and coordinated effort. The ACFT lists the equivalent tasks such as throwing equipment onto or over an obstacle, and assisting a buddy to climb a wall just to name a few. However, looking past the exercise itself, it ’s an applied individual lesson of knowing your own strengths and weaknesses and applying strengths into quick, coordinated efforts to overcome weaknesses to achieve an efficient positive outcome.

-Not everyone has access to ample space and a 10-pound medicine ball. Just work with what you have to simulate this event. Even if you have to do the power throw with a basketball and have a friend or family member to catch it in the middle of the street, it is still better than not doing it at all. Plus, the transition from something lighter (or heavier) to a 10-pound medicine ball is not difficult once you nail down your technique.

Photo by Spc. Brett Hornback

“WHY THE STANDING POWER THROW”

-Don’t expect your throws on your first ACFT to go well if you have never practiced the Standing Power Throw before. For those that have never done it before, (myself included) almost every one had a tendency to do one of two things: 1) release the ball too early and send it sky-high but go minimal distance, or 2) release the ball too late and just launching it straight into the ground.

Practicing your technique beforehand avoids the embarrassment of a bad throw.

Photos by Sgt. Ryan Wilhoit

Sp Am in

Spc. Zachary Curtsinger with the 301st Chemical Company helps to move boxes of food at the Feeding America Food Bank in Elizabethtown, Ky., July 22, 2020. The boxes will be distributed to 42 different counties in Kentucky. Photo by Spc. Brett Hornback.

entucky National Guardsmen continue to help local food banks package boxes of food to be sent to senior citizens in need.

From April 6 through the middle of June, Soldiers on orders were tasked with helping box food at a distribution facility in Elizabethtown. In July, another group of six Soldiers continue that mission.

“8,600 boxes are sent each month to senior citizens in 42 counties and we simply could not continue this mission without the help of the Kentucky National Guard Soldiers,” said Jamie Sizemore, Executive Director of Elizabethtown Operations.

The six Soldiers helping at Feeding America through the end of July are from two different units. Four of them, from 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and two from the 301st Chemical Company.

“There is no way we could have battled the storm of COVID-19 without the help of the Guard,” said Sizemore. “We usually have 12 full-time volunteers, so without them stepping in we could not fulfill our mission.”

Feeding America has already asked the National Guard to come back after this group leaves. Prior to the pandemic, volunteers mainly consisted of retirees and school groups who have not been able to come.

“This pandemic has created hard times for everyone, so it feels good to be able to give back and help at the package food knowing we are making a difference,” said Sgt. Rafik Applewhaite, NCOIC from the 149th MEB. Applewhaite is one of the four Soldiers who assisted at God’s Pantry, a Food Bank in Lexington, Ky. for three months. He and his team package thousands of boxes of food daily. Before joining the Kentucky National

the military, we are taught how to find out how to defeat the enemy and then never stop until the job is done,” said Applewhaite.

Photo by Spc. Brett Hornback

K

Guard, Applewhaite served for five years in the Navy.

“One of the many reasons I am proud to put on this uniform is because when disaster strikes the Guard is always there to help any way we can,” he said.

Applewhaite is the senior ranking member of the group of who is accompanied by three civilian employees. The group assembles food into boxes like a well-oiled machine and their system revolves around everyone doing their job.

“I would encourage any Soldier in the National Guard to step up and help in any way they can,” said Spc. Zachary Curtsinger, with the 301st.

Curtsinger was also with a group that helped with set-up at the Alternate Care Facility in Louisville and finds a similar camaraderie within the group at Feeding America.

“You always hear about the reactions of those who receive food from here and how much it touched them, but being the person assembling the care packages is just as important,” said Curtsinger.

“The Guard really came in and rescued us by allowing us to continue our mission and step back and breathe,” said Sizemore.

“Usually, during tough times like a natural disaster one of our other 200 sister locations can step in and help us, but because of the scale of this pandemic we truly relied on the Guard.”

Members of the Kentucky National Guard everywhere like this team of six are helping places like Feeding America. Whether it is wearing facemasks, staying properly socially distanced, or packaging food for those in need, the Guard is taking the right steps.

“COVID-19 is a unique enemy, but in

Pfc. Rosaura Gonzalez with the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade packs food for the elderly at the Feeding America Food Bank in Elizabethtown, Ky., July 22, 2020.

BLUEGRASS GUARD VOL. 23, ISSUE 3| 7

CIVIL UNREST

RESPONSE

Photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Crane

Staff Report

G

ov. Andy Beshear activated more than 500 Soldiers and Airmen to assist the community during a week-long stint from May 30-June 7.

Kentucky’s governor called upon the Kentucky Guard to help provide safety and protection to the citizens of Louisville and the surrounding communities. This action required the KYNG to augment the Louisville Metro Police Department during a civil unrest that sprung up in response to the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.

“We’re fully prepared to support the LMPD and other state agencies in protecting lives and preserving property,” said Brig. Gen. Hal Lamberton, Adjutant General of the Kentucky National Guard. “We were also there to ensure our Kentucky citizens have the right to demonstrate peacefully and safely.”

Guardsmen that augmented the LMPD included Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery in Lexington, 198th Military Police Battalion in Louisville, 761st Firefighting Team out of Greenville, Army Aviators from 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade out of Frankfort, Communications Specialists from Joint Forces Headquarters, and Airmen from the 123rd Airlift Wing in Louisville.

According to Kentucky Army National Guard’s G3 operations officer, Col. J. B. Richmond, the units were on hand to assist the police in maintaining peace and protecting 8 KENTUCKYGUARD.DODLIVE.MIL

critical infrastructure.

This year is a busy time for Kentucky Guardsmen. Many Soldiers responding to the civil disturbance in Louisville transitioned from

one mission to the next as they also played a part in supporting the fight against COVID-19.

The Louisville-based 2138th Forward Support Company (FSC) is a prime example.

Photo by 1st. Lt. Cody Stagner

rane

Photo by Maj. Stephen Martin

The unit’s commander, 1st Lt. Andrew Wilson said the unit is living up to their motto, “First to Serve,” as the 2138th was the first unit called up for COVID-19 response, and they were the first on the ground in Louisville to support LMPD. “I am so proud of the Soldiers of FSC. They have performed admirably during such adversity,” Wilson said. “These are unique times in their lives, and without hesitation, they have stepped up, answered the call and put everything on hold. Twice.”

From supporting local hospitals to standing face-to-face with protestors in the streets, every Guardsman of the 2138th was there to support the Commonwealth.

While clearing the streets, which was part of enforcing the imposed, citywide curfew, an unfortunate situation occurred.

During the early morning of June 1, two LMPD officers and two Soldiers from the 138th Field Artillery were involved in a shootout that left one person dead.

A statement released to the local media stated that while the KYNG

Photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Crane

was assisting LMPD at the corner of 26th and Broadway, local shop owner, David McAtee, fired approximately two rounds from his 9mm handgun while standing at the door of his shop. After receiving shots fired in their direction and into the busy streets of 26th and Broadway, two LMPD officers and two Guardsmen subsequently returned fire.

At the time of the writing of this story, LMPD was still investigating the incident, and the Kentucky National Guard is conducting their own, separate, internal investigation.

"We continue to support a full and independent investigation because it is the right thing to do and because we have high confidence in our Guardsmen," said Brig. Gen. Hal Lamberton, Kentucky's adjutant general.

"This civil unrest mission is one of the most difficult homeland missions they have asked us to support. The Soldiers and Airmen we call upon are of the highest caliber, and we believe the investigation will conclude that it was a measured response from the National Guard that night."

Photo by 1st. Lt. Cody Stagner

Photo by Senior Airman Clayton Wear

OPERATION FREEDOM’S SENTINEL KENTUCKY AIR GUARDSMEN DEPLOY TO PERSIAN GULF REGION Story by Master Sgt. Phil Speck

More than 70 members of the 123rd Airlift Wing here deployed to the Persian Gulf on June 24 in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

“A special thank you to the family members and civilian employers of these Guardsmen for their support; we could not do this without it.”

The Airmen departed from the Kentucky Air National Guard Base aboard two C-130 Hercules aircraft and are expected to be overseas about four months, said Col. David Mounkes, wing commander.

They will operate from an undisclosed air base while flying troops and cargo across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, which includes Afghanistan and the Middle East.

“The 123rd Airlift Wing has been supporting overseas operations for many years, and today we continue that support by sending the very finest of our service members overseas,” Mounkes said. “I know they will represent the Kentucky Air Guard and the commonwealth of Kentucky well.

Staff Sgt. Zachary Welsh, a crew chief with the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, takes a photo with his girlfriend at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Clayton Wear)

BLUEGRASS GUARD VOL. 23, ISSUE 3| 11

Sturgis and Clay: Showdown for desegregation in Kentucky Schools

-Excerpt from the full article

Story by John Trowbridge

In September 1957, Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, grabbed national headlines when white crowds protested black students’ admission into their all-white school.

The state’s National Guard was called in, and they blocked the black student’s entrance into the school. Oppositely, just one year before this mission, Guardsmen were brought to the same area to help the black students get into school.

On May 17, 1954, the landmark decision, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, the U. S. Supreme Court ruled segregation unconstitutional, thus desegregating public schools nationwide. This decision reversed the Supreme Court’s 1896 ruling, supporting the traditional concept of “separate but equal” facilities. However, there was much resistance to the desegregation of public schools. The full implementation of desegregating our nation would take many years.

Kentucky’s public schools proceeded with a minimum of difficulty; however, there were some trouble spots.

In 1956, at Sturgis, Ky., which rests in Union County, nine African American students attempted to attend the all-white high school.

Initially turned back by a jeering mob, they appealed to Governor A. B. “Happy” Chandler, who turned to the Kentucky National Guard and the Kentucky State Police for support.

The following morning, Guard and State Police personnel held back the crowd as nine black students entered the Sturgis school.

Simultaneously, a similar confrontation was taking place at neighboring Webster County, in Clay, Ky. There, almost all the white students boycotted the grade school when two black students enrolled. The Kentucky Guard and State Police kept order there, outside an almost empty school.

On Sept. 13, State Attorney General Jo M. Ferguson ruled for an orderly process of desegregation. Black students could not enter the all-white schools until the Webster County School Board made adequate plans.

For several days following this decision, the National Guard and State Police were still 12 KENTUCKYGUARD.DODLIVE.MIL

supporting black students attending classes in Sturgis. On Sept. 19, Ferguson’s ruling in Clay would also apply to Sturgis.

These two rural communities in Western Kentucky grabbed headlines across the country.

Louisville NAACP lawyer James A. Crumlin immediately sued Sturgis and Clay’s school systems in the Federal District Court. The suit asked the court to enforce the desegregation of these schools.

The following is the entire story that captured the nation’s interest in those eighteen days in early autumn, 1956.

On Dec. 12, 1956, U. S. District Judge Henry L. Brooks directed the two school boards to file their desegregation plans with the court

by Feb. 4, 1957.

Both school boards established desegregation procedures. The following September, Sturgis High School and the schools of Webster County were open to black students.

From Sept. 5 to Sept. 22, 1956, units of the Kentucky Army National Guard and Troopers from the Kentucky State Police restored and maintained law and order. They removed the peril to life and property. They guaranteed the right of all pupils to attend public schools in Sturgis and Clay, Kentucky.

On Tuesday, Sept. 4, 1956, a crowd of white farmers and miners confronted nine black schoolchildren at Sturgis Consolidated School and prevented them from attending classes.

At about 9 a.m. the next morning, Lt. Col. Taylor Davidson received a phone call from Governor Chandler. He was trying to contact Adjutant General J. J. B. Williams. Davidson referred the message to Somerset, where the General lived. Twenty minutes later, Williams called upon Davidson to alert Major William E. Hall of the 240th Tank Battalion. Hall was to take two jeep-loads of staff Soldiers to Sturgis and report to Colonel Paul Smith, Director of the Kentucky State Police.

The governor asked Williams to fly to Sturgis and survey the situation. Williams would meet Hall there, along with Mayor J. B. Holeman and other city officials. The meetings convinced Williams that local authorities could not guarantee the students’ safety, so he ordered four National Guard units to Sturgis.

Companies A, B, and C of the 240th Tank Battalion soon arrived from Owensboro, Livermore, and Henderson. Louisville’s Headquarters & Service Company joined the list of activated units. Company C was first to bivouac on the school grounds.

Major Hall made it clear to the alarmed townspeople that no martial law was declared.

His troops bivouacked only until local authorities needed their help.

The next morning, 210 National Guardsmen patrolled the small coal-mining town armed with M-1 rifles and fixed bayonets.

Additional weaponry included submachine guns, carbines, tear-gas guns, and 20-mm and .30-caliber machine guns mounted on M47 “Patton” tanks.

FOR MORE OF THIS STORY, GO TO WWW.KENTUCKYGUARD.DODLIVE.MIL

T

he new Individual Weapons Qualification (IWQ) for Soldiers is expected to begin Oct. 1, 2020, or fiscal year 2021.

In light of that, many Kentucky National Guard Soldiers were sent to a “Train the Trainer” course in order to instruct and prepare their units for the new requirements.

Among those Soldiers was Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Gimple with the 438th Military Police Company.

During a deployment in 2008, Gimple was influenced by a great mentor who was a weapons craft instructor.

“He really emphasized how important it is to effectively operate and handle your weapon in that type of environment,” said Gimple. “He would say the grass was greener on the other side once you really understand how to use your equipment with confidence.”

That is precisely the goal with the new IWQ. Gimple has served over 15 years and is currently a platoon sergeant with the 438th in Murray, Ky., and he strives to educate his troops on the changes they should expect.

“This IWQ will be a lot faster paced and will require Soldiers to be even more confident and comfortable with their weapons,” said Gimple.

The old qualification, “The Legacy Qual” as it’s called, in total took about 20 minutes from start to finish. The new test will only allow for just under four minutes.

Due to the increased speed of the new weapons qualification, physical fitness will play a larger role in how Soldiers can best prepare themselves.

“Soldiers must be even more physically fit, tactically competent, and situationally aware to successfully qualify,” said Staff Sgt. Zachary Kasey, a physical fitness instructor with the 238th Regiment.

Kasey attended the four-day “Train-the -Trainer” course which instructed leaders on how to prepare Soldiers in their units for the upcoming changes.”

“The emphasis with the new Army Combat Fitness Test and IWQ is similar in that they strive to make Soldiers more combat ready,” said Kasey.

Part of the change is that Soldiers will now be required to hit at least one 300-meter target

ARMY SET TO HAVE NEW RIFLE QUALIFICATION STANDARDS Story by Spc. Harrison Moore, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

to earn the title of expert. This effectively raises the standards of marksmanship which is a core skill for all Guardsmen.

“It’s imperative for units to train Soldiers during drill on warrior tasks and battle drills to give them the hands-on training they need,” said Gimple. “I think the real benefit will come about a year or so into it when Soldiers have had time to train and build confidence in their tactics.”

Just like physical fitness where some Soldiers lack in an area like running or lifting, when it comes to marksmanship, some struggle in areas like improper trigger squeeze or using a faulty sight picture.

“Every Soldier has at least one weakness, and they need to work on sharpening their dull axe to make them better fighters. You can’t just only rely on your sharp axes,” said Kasey. “The idea is to make our troops more well-rounded.”

Soldiers will now have up to four targets at once pop-up whereas the old qualification at most had two. This instills the need to react much faster and make accurate decisions on the fly.

There will no longer be communication from the upper towers to Soldiers mandating when they can change magazines or firing positions.

Rather, they will be responsible for maneuvering positions and acquiring targets on their own at a much faster rate.

Adjusting to shooting behind a barrier will also provide a learning curve. The barrier has notches like stairsteps that Soldiers will use to support their weapon.

“The biggest challenge will be accepting the change, but it creates the reps and sets we need among the force to maintain lethality,” said Kasey.

Soldiers need to prepare for the upcoming changes by continuing to train for the ACFT. They also need to execute weapons functions checks and become comfortable with handling their weapons.

“Overall, the new standards for IWQ will strengthen our force and help us to always be ready and always be there,” said Kasey.

“Soldiers should be proactive during drill and seek the expertise of those trained to teach the new qualification standards,” said Gimple. “I am proud to have the opportunity to teach the next generation how to operate their weapon and defend this country.”

Sgt. Joseph McClanahan with the 20th Military Intelligence, a Calvert City, Ky., native, and winner of the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year in 2019 participates in a weapons qualification table during the Best Warrior Competition at Wendall H. Ford Regional Training Center Oct 23-27, 2019.

14 KENTUCKYGUARD.DODLIVE.MIL

Photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Crane

ATTENTION HUNTERS AND FISHERS

WHFRTC Hunting and Fishing Permit Tiered Rate Structure Cost $20 $40 $60 $60 $80 $100 $20 $40 $60 $50

Rate/Status E1-E4 E5-E6 E7-E8 WO1-CW3; 2LT-CPT CW4-CW5; MAJ-COL E9, General Officer DMA State Employees up to Grade 4 DMA State Employees Grades 13-15 DMA State Employees Grades 16 & above All Civilian guests

1. Due to State COVID-19 guidance, hunters will be required to stay in vehicle and enter post through lane 2, sign in, and complete post hunting surveys.

2. Hunters will wear a mask and will be required to submit to temperature checks prior to access to post or hunting area.

3. All hunters in the field during the WHFRTC deer season will wear blaze orange vests and hats.

Jackets with orange pockets, orange camouflage vests, jackets, and hats are not acceptable.

[EMPTY] KENTUCKY DERBY 146 16 KENTUCKYGUARD.DODLIVE.MIL

Photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Crane

Photo by Spc. Brett Hornback

Photo by Spc. Brett Hornback

By Spc. Brett Hornback, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Kentucky National Guardsmen and Louisville Metro Police Department officers partnered to help keep the world-renowned tradition of the Kentucky Derby alive Sep. 5.

Guardsmen from the 198th Military Police Battalion assisted local law enforcement with pulling security in and around Churchill Downs.

The 146th Kentucky Derby was not a typical Derby. In an effort to mitigate COVID-19, only the race personnel, select television broadcasters, and owners and riders of horses participating in the Derby, along with their families, were allowed to attend this year’s Derby. The small attendance made for a nearly empty Churchill Downs.

In previous years, their duties assisting with the Derby have entailed traffic coordination, trophy security detail, and ground security. This year’s Derby conditions left Guardsmen and women with a slightly different role.

Due to various protests in Louisville that were concurrent with the Derby, many Soldiers were posted outside the walls of Churchill Downs, to assist in security of the entire perimeter. The diligence of the our Guardsmen and local law enforcement officers ensured the constitutional rights of those inside and outside of the Derby were protected.

According to Sgt. Lashawnte Smith with the 198th MP Battalion, many interactions between the Soldiers and people passing by Churchill Downs were positive. In one occurrence, Smith explained that one Soldier gave his flag patch to a local youth and left him with words of encouragement.

“There’s a lot of new Soldiers and I think for them, it’s

Photo by

Photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Crane

Photo by Spc. Brett Hornback

Photo by Spc. Brett Hornback

Photo by Spc. Brett Hornback

a good start,” said Smith. “Today was a good example of what they should be doing as Soldiers, as far as learning how to interact with the people. So I think it’s a positive situation.”

Inside the walls of Churchill Downs, the Derby was no less celebrated than in previous years. The event was broadcast globally so that people across the world could partake in the excitement of the long anticipated race.

Airmen from the 123rd Airlift Wing served as trophy security detail during the event. Air Force Master Sgt. Charles Wilding with the 120th Logistics Squadron was among those in the detail. According to Wilding, this year’s derby was a proud moment for all military personnel serving.

“I’ve known about this my whole life and been out here a couple times in the stands but never on this side of it though, this is far more rewarding,” said Wilding.

For many, the Derby can be recalled as a long history of celebration. With the help of Kentucky Service members, the Derby was able to provide a day of excitement and even a sense of normalcy in the midst of unusual circumstances.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Crane

Photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan P. Snow

BLUEGRASS GUARD VOL. 23, ISSUE 3| 17

FIGHTING HUNGER

KENTUCKY GUARDSMAN PROVES TO BE A HERO WHILE AT HOME IN INDIA DURING PANDEMIC

By Carrie Rogers, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office

I

n the Army, a culinary specialist is primarily responsible for preparing food in field or garrison operations.

For Spc. Jayendra Patel, learning this military occupational specialty became an opportunity to do more than feed his fellow Guardsmen.

“Making sure my brothers and sisters have the proper nourishment their bodies and minds need is a way for me to serve others so we can all serve our country,” said Patel.

Ultimately, service to others led him to join the Kentucky Army National Guard, and it inspired his recent trip to India.

In March, Patel received word that his father had fallen ill. If he wanted to see him, he would need to take an emergency trip home to Gandhinagar, the town where he was born. By then, the COVID-19 pandemic already spanned the globe, but the American borders were yet to be closed.

He booked a flight and headed to his father’s bedside.

Over the next few weeks, his father’s health improved, and the pandemic raged on. Nations shut their borders, and businesses closed to slow the spread of the virus. India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, performed the world’s most extensive shutdown. He ordered 1.3 billion Indians to stay home for 21 days.

While stuck in India for the shutdown, Patel found himself unfamiliarly idle and yearning to help others.

“For the first time, maybe ever, I found myself with nothing to do but watch the news. I couldn’t escape the images of the millions of people all across India who were without work, food, and clean water because of the shutdown.”

The restrictions in India limited where and when residents could venture outside the home. Limitations included trips to retrieve essential supplies and left many without the resources they needed to survive the pandemic.

“I spoke with my father, and I asked, what would happen if I fed these people?” he recalled.

At first, his father was concerned with his son bringing food to those less fortunate; the logistics of the effort would violate several lockdown regulations.

Despite concerns, Patel accepted the risk of potentially starting trouble with law enforcement.

“I knew I was risking our own safety, but I couldn’t sit

Courtesy photo

18 KENTUCKYGUARD.DODLIVE.MIL

Photo by Spc Jesse Elbouab

by and watch people starve in the streets.”

Patel served others precisely as trained. He requested special permission to coordinate food, water, and utensils.

Reaching for their first goal to feed 60 people, the group ended up feeding more than 100.

When others asked for food assistance, he again answered the call, growing the operation to serve more than 300 families. With just a little extra space on the terrace at his family’s home, he created a makeshift kitchen and then coordinated with others to deliver hot meals to those needing it most.

“I was feeling down about being stuck in India,” said Patel. “My brothers and sisters in the Guard were helping with COVID-19 efforts all across the country.

When I talked with my NCO about these feelings, he reminded me that living by the core Army Values makes us the Soldiers we are, not our uniforms.”

Out of uniform and away from his teammates, Patel embodied the Army Values. Even while stuck halfway around the world, he combined those values with a caring heart and a hot stove. He served his neighbors as only he could during an ongoing worldwide crisis.

“If you don’t do what you can’t do, that’s no problem. But if you don’t do what you can do, that is tragic,” added Patel.

ab

LAW & ORDER Top: Security Forces Airmen conduct riot control tactics.

Bottom: Security Forces members train in a traffic stop scenerio.

Story and Photos by Master Sgt. Phil Speck

About 40 Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Security Forces Squadron (SFS) traveled to Alpena, Mich., Aug. 18 to sharpen their skills during five days of field exercises at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC).

After arriving aboard a Kentucky Air Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft, the Airmen began classroom instruction on a broad spectrum of law enforcement subjects and combat skills to prepare them for domestic operations, said Lt. Col. Joshua Elwell, commander of the 123rd SFS. But the Airmen spent most of their time here executing hands-on training for military operations in a simulated urban setting.

They learned how to control civil disturbances by forming lines across streets to safely contain and disperse crowds of people and violent rioters, for example.

The Guardsmen also trained on law-enforcement scenarios such as simulated traffic stops and DUI incidents, domestic disputes, loud-noise complaints, fatalities and suicides.

“It has been great to get off base and use these facilities at the Alpena CRTC to add realism to our training that you can’t get back at home,” Elwell said.

Some of the scenarios included the use

20 KENTUCKYGUARD.DODLIVE.MIL

of firearms, which allowed Airmen to train with duty weapons using non-lethal ammunition — paintball bullets, aka simunitions — that will better prepare them for real-world situations, Elwell added.

The Airmen also gained experience with hand-to-hand skills, or combatives, which taught them how to deal with physical altercations when weapons systems have failed.

training location, aside from the better training facilities and the remote location, is that just getting off the installation allows us the freedom to focus solely on training. We don’t have to worry about manning the gate or the flight line.”

Above: Staff Sgt. Demitrius Brown, a fireteam member for the 123rd Security Forces Squadron, and other Security Forces Airmen clear hallways.

Below: Tech. Sgt. Alejandro Rendon, a fireteam member for the 123rd Security Forces Squadron, is handcuffed during a riot control scenerio.

“Not a lot of people practice rolling around on the mats, unless it’s your personal hobby,” Elwell said.

“We have some new folks out here, and they need that experience as well, realizing what it’s like when things go that wrong, and what you’re left with. It’s just you without any gear.”

“We were able to exercise some skillsets we haven’t been able to, fully, in the past.

We were able to more effectively simulate real-world scenarios through the use of simunitions that Alpena allows us to use,” said Master Sgt. Blake Nicholson, unit training manager for the 123rd SFS. “It’s a very unique training environment,” added Nicholson. “The great benefit of leaving the base and coming to an off-site BLUEGRASS GUARD VOL. 23, ISSUE 3| 21

THE LAST WORD FOR THE FULL STORIES, GO TO WWW.KENTUCKYGUARD.DODLIVE.MIL

CSM Withers becomes tenth State Command Sergeant Major Story and photo by Maj. Gus Lafontaine, JFHQ Public Affairs

Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Withers became Kentucky’s tenth state command sergeant major during an assumption of responsibility ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 16. He takes over for Command Sgt. Maj. David Munden who retires this month.

Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Hal Lamberton, presided over an event that was socially distanced and adjusted with considerations to COVID-19.

Withers has served 30 years in the Kentucky Army National Guard. He sees this new opportunity as a way to amplify his voice on behalf of the enlisted Soldiers and families in the Kentucky National Guard.

“That’s the one, true purpose of this job; to provide that feedback to the Commander on behalf of our Soldiers, Airmen, and their families.”

Withers’ career in the Kentucky Army National Guard includes posts as a battalion and brigade sergeant major. He has completed two deployments and a variety of state active duty missions as a member of Kentucky’s National Guard. He previously served as a combat engineer.

“I’ll always be an engineer at heart,” said Withers.

Withers expressed his desire to have meaningful interactions with the state’s enlisted force.

“I want them to be open and honest with 22 KENTUCKYGUARD.DODLIVE.MIL

me. At the end of the day that’s the only way we get better. We learn from our mistakes and how we can be better,” said Withers.

Withers assumes responsibility from Munden who retires this month after 39 years of service. Munden served as the state command sergeant major for three separate Adjutant Generals beginning with Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini in 2015. He reflected on his tenure in the Kentucky Army National Guard.

“It was all about service. I never really looked at the end. I really lived in the moment of whatever I was was doing.

Whatever training it was, wherever I was in that moment, that’s where I was and that’s what I wanted to do. It was all about serving.

I enjoyed being a Soldier and doing Soldier stuff,” Munden said.

Munden was pleased with the development of NCO’s in the Kentucky National Guard during his tenure.

Asked to give an example, Munden cited the improved pass rates of Kentucky Guardsmen in the sergeants major academy over the last five years. He added, “Not to brag or boast, but I think we made a great improvement in how our senior sergeants look at what it takes to get there and what it takes to stay there and do well. I think we made incredible strides in that area over the last five years.”

“My goal for the Kentucky National Guard is to continue our leader development,” said Withers.

Engineers update training site Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan P. Snow, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

The 201st Engineering Battalion made a lasting impact on Hidden Valley Training Site (HVTC) by utilizing their military occupational specialty skills across each company. The engineering experts built roads, cleared culverts, upgraded physical training areas, and established Fort Warhammer, an improved location for conducting field training, on TOC Hill Road during their annual training July 10-25.

While the 201st Forward Support Company launched Zodiac inflatable boats for casualty evacuation training, the 201st Combat Engineer Company (Sappers) conducted training missions involving laying concertina wire and breaching obstacles with exploding ordinance.

The 149th Engineering Vertical Construction Company fabricated barricades for use during the new individual weapons qualification beginning in October, and they constructed new concrete pads for landing UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.

201st Headquarters and Headquarters Company oversaw the project at TOC Hill Road. Their contribution allowed the 201st Engineer Construction Company to clear culverts on Hidden Valley Road, reinforce culverts at Copper Road, and improve the entrance to Fort Warhammer.

The 201st EN BN developed Fort Warhammer to conduct future missions and training. They developed gravel tent pads, a parking area, and an extended entrance and exit road with Warhammer Loop Road to connect it all. This new addition to HVTS was later used during a battalion ruck march as a path to showcase these Soldiers’ finished products and hard work.

Joint HIRAIN Mission Story and photo by Spc. Jesse Elbouab, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachemnt

Family Matters Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Crane, Pubilic Affairs Office

For two of the Soldiers you’ll see upon arrival to Boone National Guard Center, taking advantage of this opportunity to aid in the fight against COVID-19 has been a family affair.

Twins, Privates First Class Lakin and Logan Festervan are medics with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry. They both recently graduated from basic training and their Advanced Individual Training. They have been checking temperatures of those visiting BNGC, which was an opportunity presented to them from their leadership.

“Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Ashley texted me personally and asked if I wanted to help,” said Logan. “I’ve been working here for about six weeks now, and I’m enjoying it.”

It was sister Lakin who was more eager to work full time over the summer on orders for the Guard. She was working at a fast–food restaurant in their hometown of Bardstown, Ky., and decided she would be better off working for the Guard.

“I was working at Lee’s (Famous Recipe Chicken restaurant, in Bardstown) when Sgt. 1st Class Ashley texted us and asked if we wanted to do it,” said Lakin. I thought to myself, ‘Yeah, I’d rather do that.’ So, here I am!”

Due to the pandemic, the young Festervans have not attended an official drill weekend since returning to Kentucky. Getting a chance to work at the front gate gave them a chance to meet a lot of people and get to know others in the Kentucky Guard.

Two M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher crews from 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery successfully completed the joint force HIMARS rapid infiltration mission, Aug. 6, as a coordinated effort with the 123rd Airlift Wing in Louisville, Ky. “We loaded two HIMARS on a C-17 and flew to a determined location.” said, Maj. Jason Simpson, Administrative Officer and Operations Officer, 1-623d. “This training will allow us to move forward on the battlefield to range a target or conduct a raid mission where we would fly in to the front line of troops, land, conduct a quick raid-type fire mission, quickly load back up on the aircraft and return back to safety.”

Last year was the first time 1-623d completed this mission in its entirety. It is a complex operation that spans beyond the battalion. For this particular operation, the 1-623d collaborated with Airmen from the 123rd AW in Louisville, the 14th/3rd Airlift Squadron from Charleston, South Carolina, and an observer-coach/trainer team assigned to the 2-306th Field Artillery, First Army, from Fort Stewart, Georgia.

In addition to all of the challenges of getting so many moving parts together, the coronavirus pandemic did not make the training any easier. The Soldiers and Airmen had to adapt to the military’s fluid standard operational procedures for a safe and successful day.

Simpson reports that there have been zero positive cases for the battalion over the course of the Annual Training week.

“We feel strongly about the precautions we have in place so that we can still effectively train and be ready for anything that may happen.” Simpson said. “We’re still conducting the training, still conducting our missions, still doing all of our safety measures, and we’re not going let that [pandemic] stop us.”

206th Engineers Return home from Deployment

Story by Maj. Gus LaFontaine, photo by 1st Lt. Cody Stagner, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs

The 206th Engineer Battalion of Owensboro, Ky. recently returned from a nine-month deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

The battalion served alongside units from South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, and the U.S. Army Reserve. The engineering units formed Task Force Frontier. The task force provided construction management, planning, design, and resourcing support across Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and Iraq.

Battalion Commander of the 206th, Lt. Col. Michael Lawson, reflected on the opportunity to serve in a joint environment.

“It was incredible. Not only did we serve with other National Guard units but we served with the Navy, Air Force, and Marines, as well as our coalition partners,” said Lawson. “It was a tremendous experience to work with so many countries across 18 different forward operating bases.”

The 206th conducted more than 400 major construction missions and contributed around 38 million dollars of value to the operational effort.

Now that the unit has returned to Kentucky, Lawson feels the battalion is ready to serve even better due to their experience in the Middle East.

Command teams get resilencey training at horse park Story by 1st Lt. Grace K. Begovich, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Leaders from the Kentucky National Guard took part in a resilience-training demonstration at the Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington, Ky., Aug. 4. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of the many resources available to units throughout the year and share best practices for conducting resilience training at the unit level.

The event was a collaboration between the KYNG Resilience Program, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, and the Ready and Resilient Program from Fort Knox.

Per 2nd Lt. Brenton Abshire, resilience program coordinator for the KYNG, proper resiliency training “requires more than offering a three-day course. It takes active engagement with Soldiers and being included in an organized, monthly training plan that adds all resilience topics within a two-year period.”

To keep training activities engaging, the KYNG reached outside the organization and partnered with professionals that share the same passion for helping others.

BLUEGRASS GUARD VOL. 23, ISSUE 3| 23

100 Minuteman Parkway Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 607-1000 www.kentuckyguard.dodlive.mil

Celebrating

of publishing the feats and accomplishments of our Soldiers and Airmen

Bluegrass Guard