Story and photos by Sgt. Cody Stagner, 133RD Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky National Guard
Vision therapist Jessi Drawbaugh guides retired Col. Karlas Owens through a series of vision tests. Owens’ vision problems are related to injuries he incurred during a tour of duty in Afghanistan. (Photo by Sgt. Cody Stagner, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
SHELBYVILLE, Ky. — Dan Bowersox, doctor of optometry and owner of Bowersox Vision Center in Shelbyville, Ky., now offers free vision therapy for Kentucky military veterans suffering from symptoms of traumatic brain injury.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly 800 Kentucky troops had been diagnosed with TBI from 2007-2011.
Dan Bowersox, doctor of optometry and owner of Bowersox Vision Center in Shelbyville, Ky., now offers free vision therapy for Kentucky military veterans suffering from symptoms of traumatic brain injury. (Photo by Sgt. Cody Stagner, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
A variety of eye problems can be traced to TBI, such as lazy eye, crossed eyes, double vision, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and reading and learning difficulties. For many veterans, neuro-optometric rehabilitation – better known as vision therapy – can address these symptoms directly and hopefully bring them back to normalcy.
“In my opinion, TBI is often under diagnosed and goes untreated,” commented Bowersox. “The ability to work depends on the ability to see. With this program, our goal is to improve our veterans’ quality of life, so they can return to work and to their daily lives.”
Bowersox designed his vision therapy treatment outcomes for three types of patients: small children, athletes, and those suffering from TBI. As he describes it, small children learn visual and memory skills and often notice better grades in school; athletes in sports vision therapy can benefit from enhanced performance; and TBI patients’ success stories involve the remarkable return to their normal daily lives.
“A couple months ago, I came in for a regular eye check-up when Dr. Bowersox recommended me for his program,” said Karlas Owens, retired colonel from the Kentucky Army National Guard, 238th Training Regiment. “It was kind of funny – it was like he knew every problem I was having and I didn’t even say them out loud.”
Owens retired after 34 years of service and was injured in 2003 while on tour in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division.
“I struggled with memory lapse, reading comprehension, and headaches, mostly,” said Owens. “It was even hard for me to go into bright stores [like Wal-Mart] without feeling uncomfortable.”
“My wife was the first to notice the changes after about six weeks,” Owens said. “I used to forget some of the smallest things, like remembering why it was I walked into the other room. I would walk back and forth two or three times trying to remember. The memory exercises help a lot.”
Dan Bowersox, doctor of optometry and owner of Bowersox Vision Center in Shelbyville, Ky., now offers free vision therapy for Kentucky military veterans suffering from symptoms of traumatic brain injury. (Photo by Sgt. Cody Stagner, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Some common tools found in a typical vision therapy session might range from simple reading to challenging memory games, or from basic spatial awareness activities to using 3-D glasses, computers, and a space fixator. All tools work to address differently attained skills but share one thing in common: they train – or retrain – the eyes and mind to focus on working together.
When asked what the most noticeable changes are in their patients at Bowersox Vision Center, Jessi Drawbaugh, vision therapist from Pleasureville, Ky., said, “I’ve seen the largest improvement in the social interaction and confidence of our patients. You can tell just by the way they look when they walk in and their attitudes when they leave.”
Symptoms of TBI and post-traumatic stress are often a topic of controversy in military journalism as they share many characteristics. Both Drawbaugh and Bowersox agreed in all cases they found increased self-esteem a positive side effect. Bowersox also believes – with as many shared symptoms – therapy treatment methods for TBI “is a good thing to do if someone has PTSD, because I feel it can decrease anxiety and frustration with life.”
Bowersox has worked with several veterans in the past and all have had positive experiences. He and his staff offer a welcome and friendly environment.
Retired Col. Karlas Owens goes through a series of vision tests. Owens’ vision problems are related to injuries he incurred during a tour of duty in Afghanistan. (Photo by Sgt. Cody Stagner, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
“There has to be more health professionals out there taking lead as part of the solution,” he said. “Rather than worrying about how to pay for treatment, we keep it simple; it’s a free service with no strings attached.”
“I have always wanted to work with the military. Now is my chance to give back and show thanks. Rather than worrying about how to pay for treatment, we keep it simple; it’s a free service with no strings attached.”
Find Bowersox Vision Center on Facebook or visit their website at www.drbowersox.com. Information on the Veterans Vision Therapy program is not listed so please call (502) 647-3937 for details and to schedule an appointment.
Photos by Maj. Dale Greer and Senior Airman Maxwell Rechel, Kentucky Air National Guard
Story by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard
CLICK HERE for more pictures from the exercise.
A loadmaster from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing directs an all-terrain vehicle May 14, 2012, as its driver exits the cargo bay of a Kentucky Air Guard C-130 onto the flight line at Fort Campbell, Ky. The 123rd was participating in an exercise to test its response to a simulated earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a fault line that originates near New Madrid, Mo., and stretches southwest across four states. More than 30 Kentucky Airmen, all assigned to the 123rd’s Initial Response Hub package, assessed Campbell Army Airfield for earthquake damage, determined the kinds of airlift operations the facility could support and opened the ramp for incoming relief and aeromedical evacuation flights within five hours of being called to duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky (May 14th, 2012) — More than 30 Kentucky Guardsmen and two C-130 aircraft from the 123rd Airlift Wing mobilized and flew to Fort Campbell, Ky, during a no-notice exercise response to a notional 7.6 magnitude earthquake outside of St. Louis on Monday. Within three hours of the telephonic recall initiated by the Initial Response Hub Mission Commander, Col. Warren Hurst, the relief response personnel from the special tactics squadron, the contingency response group, security forces, maintenance, medical and public affairs were airborne to Western Kentucky.
“We threw the team a curve ball,” said Col. Gregory Nelson, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing. “Initially our Airmen were planning and preparing for a notional hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, as hurricane season is coming. At the last minute, we changed the entire mission and injected a New Madrid earthquake response exercise, requiring the crews to create new flight plans and prepare for a completely different scenario. This is how real life and real disasters work.”
See the video from Louisville’s Fox station, WDRB
Once at Fort Campbell, the Kentucky first air-responders assessed the runways, evaluated the air traffic routes, prepared for emergency evacuations and established voice, data and video communication with FEMA, Transportation Command, the National Guard Bureau and other vital national agencies.
“I’m a critical care nurse in the Air National Guard, and I’ve come down to help where air evac assets should be used,” said Lt. Col. David Worley from the 123rd’s medical squadron.
Col. Warren Hurst, commander of the 123rd Contingency Response Group, briefs members of the news media at Fort Campbell, Ky., during an earthquake-response exercise May 14, 2012. About 30 Airmen from the 123rd Contingency Response Group and 123rd Special Tactics Squadron deployed to Fort Campbell to demonstrate their preparedness for an initial response after a natural disaster. The Kentucky Air Guard’s Initial Response Hub team is the first of its kind in the nation. No other unit in the U.S. military has the same breadth of capabilities housed in one unit, with the C-130 aircraft to permit immediate response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maxwell Rechel)
Accompanying the Kentucky Air Guard were eight member of the Commonwealth’s civilian media, including Lexington’s Sean Moody from WKYT. “It was an eye-opening experience,” Moody explained. “I was amazed at how fast the 123rd packed up and flew out of Louisville, landed in Campbell and so quickly went to work on the airfield.”
The earthquake relief exercise tested several lessons learned from recent real-world relief missions involving Katrina, Haiti, Japan and Pakistan. The initial response hub is a unique first air response asset that the 123rd AW can provide FEMA during any state-side disaster, natural or man-made.
“Only in Louisville have we put these capabilities together along with the C130′s to provide a rapid response to a disaster in our country,” said Nelson. “We stand ready to do this mission when our nation needs us. We have proven we can do this mission.”
Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard use all-terrain vehicles to conduct an airfield assessment at Fort Campbell, Ky., during an earthquake-response exercise May 14, 2012. More than 30 Airmen examined all aspects of Campbell Army Airfield for simulated earthquake damage, determined the kinds of airlift operations the facility could support and opened the ramp for incoming relief and aeromedical evacuation flights within five hours of being called to duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maxwell Rechel)
Derby experience first for Soldier
Story by Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Click here for more Derby photos.
Click here for photos from the Oaks.
Kentucky National Guard Pfc. Kara Denise Bucklew, an MP with the 223rd Military Police Company stationed in Louisville, Ky., moves the winner’s trophy for the Kentucky Oaks race to the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs May 4, 2012. (Photo by: Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky Army National Guard).
LOUISVILLE, Ky.– Louisville’s legendary Churchill Downs hosted the Kentucky Derby May 6 for the 138th time – but for 19-year-old Pfc. Kara Denise Bucklew, a Military Policeman assigned to the 223rd Military Police Company, this was her first Run for the Roses.
“The experience has been quite enjoyable,” said Bucklew. “I had the chance to meet a lot of different people and see a lot of different things that I would not normally get the chance to see if it weren’t for me being here with the Kentucky National Guard.”
Kentucky Army Guardsman Pfc. Kara Denise Bucklew, an MP with the 223rd Military Police Company, guards the winner’s trophy for the Kentucky Derby in the Director’s Room on millionaire row at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. May 5, 2012.(Photo by: Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky Army National Guard).
As an MP, Bucklew was selected and charged with guarding the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby trophies on Millionaires Row. Valued at $200,000, according to Ronnie Dreistadt, educator at the Kentucky Derby Museum, the trophies are awarded to the owners of the Derby winner after what is known as the fastest two minutes in sports.
“I feel like it’s a great honor,” said Bucklew, “its something that a lot of people wish they could do but they haven’t been granted the opportunity, so I feel very lucky.”
Bucklew was in the Winner’s Circle as Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear presented the 18-karat trophy to the I’ll Have Another crew: J.Paul Reddam, owner, Doug O’Niell, trainer and Mario Gutierrez, jockey.
“It was awesome, I felt really important,” said Bucklew.
Bucklew also said Louisville’s Southern hospitality was in full force on Derby Day. “Everyone seems to want to come up and shake my hand and say ‘thank you for your service.”
Coming from a military background where both her father and grandfather served in the U.S. Navy, Bucklew, a JROTC graduate, was influenced by the prospects of joining the armed forces.
“I just fell in love with the military,” said Bucklew, “I’ve made a lot of friends in the National Guard and it’s definitely made me a more independent person.”
Bucklew said she is always enjoying new experiences in the National Guard.
“One thing is good and then the next time I’m doing something better.”
Profile of a Wounded Warrior: Brett Hightower
Story by Staff Sgt. Steve Tressler, 138th Fires Brigade Public Affairs
Master Sgt. Brett Hightower attends the slam-dunk competition at the 2012 Derby Festival Basketball Classic along with his wife Jana and his children Emma and Meredith. Hightower was a judge in the competition along with Darrell Griffith, the all-time leading scorer at the University of Louisville. (photo by Staff Sgt. Steve Tressler, 138th Fires Brigade Public Affairs)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Brett Hightower won’t tell you he’s a hero.
He won’t tell you he’s the recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Valor.
He won’t tell you that he almost had his head blown completely off during a fierce firefight with enemy insurgents in Schwak, Afghanistan in 2008.
Or that they were close enough to throw a hand grenade at him, which detonated and almost ended his life, when a large piece of shrapnel took out half his neck.
He won’t tell you that when he woke-up a few seconds after the initial blast from the grenade, his first thoughts were ‘I’m not going to die here, am I? No way, I am not going to die here! I have a wife and two little girls! Get up!’
But he didn’t get up; he passed out from traumatic blood loss.
He won’t tell you any of that.
Unless you ask him.
After observing Brett for the better part of three days during the 2012 Derby Festival Basketball Classic in Louisville you can see he has ‘a way’ about himself. He almost strolled, humbly, as if knowing he would never have to explain himself to anyone. He was comfortable with himself, at peace with his lot in life even.
He is not the stereotypical combat veteran the media wants to sell you on, one that shuts down when asked about or is reminded of their role in war. Instead, he carries himself with an almost effortless elegance.
Brett talks about it, not as a braggart, but as someone giving information about a horrific life event that happened to him.
Brett is a former Kentucky Guardsman and Wounded Warrior.
As a Wounded Warrior, he was selected to be the judge for the slam-dunk competition alongside Darrell Griffith at the 2012 Derby Festival Basketball Classic in Louisville April 4-6.
Darrell Griffith is the all-time leading scorer at the University of Louisville, 10-year NBA veteran, and better known as ‘Dr. Dunkenstein.’
Brett, a former eight-year Bowling Green Police veteran, knows he was lucky to survive the blast on August 16, 2008.
“I knew I was losing a lot of blood, I could see it come out of me onto the ground” said Brett “the Soldiers loaded me into a medical HUMVEE and it raced off to the casualty collection point where I was loaded into a Huey. While on the chopper there was an Air Force female medic that was sweeping my body for other injuries and treating me in flight, she looked at me at one point and smiled and then I passed out again” said Brett.
His next memory was being in a hospital where he said he awoke for a few seconds and then knocked right back out again only to wake up in a plane days later and see his wife of 14 years, Jana Chandler sitting in a cargo net, strapped in on the C-130 smiling at him, and then, yup, he passed back out.
It was only when he made it to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.,did he realize he was going to be okay.
Master Sgt. Brett Hightower attends the slam-dunk competition at the 2012 Derby Festival Basketball Classic along with NAT GUARD. Hightower was a judge in the competition along with Darrell Griffith, the all-time leading scorer at the University of Louisville. (photo by Staff Sgt. Steve Tressler, 138th Fires Brigade Public Affairs)
“Jana is so tough,” said Brett of his bride. “She immediately flew to Germany, calm and not panicked, when she got the news of my injury, and was by my side for almost two weeks before I even gained consciousness.”
He continued, “My jaw was wired shut and I couldn’t suck through a straw either, so Jana would blend cans of soup in a blender, then strain it, and I would drink it. That’s how I survived.”
It wasn’t long after that he was able to reunite with his two beautiful daughters, Meredith Claire and Emma Elizabeth.
“Tears flowed down all of our faces like a faucet that day, I missed my girls” said a smiling Hightower.
Brett is now doing great and works at Fort Knox as a Wounded Warrior Advocate for their severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers. He is their hero also and a shining example of what the Kentucky Guard means when they look for the best and the brightest.
He said he will do anything to help his fellow Kentucky Guardsman and any and all of the Wounded Warriors that served, “their all my heroes” said Brett.
He wouldn’t tell you that though, unless you ask him.
“Mr. Mom” carries on while wife serves overseas
Story by Staff Sgt. Steve Tressler, 138th Fires Brigade Public Affairs Officer
Sgt. Rob Corson, 138th Fires Brigade Supply Non-Commissioned Officer, is playing “Mr. Mom” to three children while his wife Sgt. 1st Class Catherine Corson, is deployed overseas. (photo submitted)
NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. — “Mr. Mom” was one of the more popular movies of the 1980’s that became a ‘catchphrase’ for stay-at-home dads and single fathers with children everywhere. It was the story of a middle class couple with three kids living in the suburbs of Detroit, Mi., during the early 1980s recession.
Sound like your life? No, it doesn’t?
Well it does to Sgt. Robert D. Corson, the 138th Fires Brigade supply sergeant.
His is the story of a middle class couple with, yes three kids, living in Nicholasville, Ky., and yes, during the recession of the last several years. However, their story is not quite the Hollywood version that is all wrapped up and ‘just swell’ in under 90 minutes.
For starters, it’s a true story. No Michael Keaton here.
Kentucky Agribusiness Team 4′s Sgt. 1st Class Catherine Corson, a resident of Nicholasville, Ky. visits with local children in southern Afghanistan on Feb. 20, 2012. (Photo by Beau Neal, Kentucky National Guard ADT4 civilian)
This sleep-deprived real world “Mr. Mom” has a wife, Sgt. 1st Class Catherine Corson, who’s on her second deployment in three years. When he’s not on duty this stay-at-home dad raises their three children, sons Hunter 14 and Logan 7, and daughter Brooklyn 5, aka ‘Angel’, de facto alone.
“It’s not an easy task, but when you love your kids like I do, it’s also not as hard as you might imagine” says Rob. “It has taught me a lot as well. I have learned to be a better parent and especially a better husband. No relationship is perfect.”
The thought of raising 3 children alone for a month scares me, three years would kill me.
“There are definitely days when you get a little, or a lot stressed. The toughest part for me was taking care of the day-to-day operations. I don’t like grocery shopping and I never set the appointments for the kids like the doctor, dentist, or whatever the appointment was for, so that took some getting used to,” Corson continued. “But I have some great neighbors and a fantastic babysitter I rely on to assist me when I can’t do it alone.”
“My oldest son Hunter is 14 now so I can rely on him for a few minutes here and there to watch the kids for a short time.”
However, it’s still no easy task. Free-time is not free. Babysitters still have to be paid.
“I don’t have a whole lot of free time anyway so it’s not a huge issue on the financial end.”
Sgt. Rob Corson and his wife, Sgt. 1st Class Catherine Corson spend time with their children, Hunter 14, Logan 7, and his daughter Brooklyn 5. (photo submitted).
Corson said another part that took some getting used to was being able to find an adult to talk to at the end of the day. “My oldest son hangs out with his buddies, and you can only talk in so much depth about anything with a five and seven-year-old.”
It was also hard at night Corson continued, saying that his wife being gone meant that he was alone in a bed meant for two people. “There were lots of nights I would reach over to just pull my wife close to me, and in that sleep-daze you realize ‘Oh wow, they’re not there.’ It hits you pretty hard sometimes.”
When asked what was the toughest part his reply was instant. “It’s the meltdowns from the kids. I know it hurts me that Catherine’s gone, so I can’t imagine how it feels to them that their ‘Mommy’s gone.’ I just try to continuously parent them the best I can, be a good dad and yet still try to be a nurturer as well.”
Although he got a little teasing from his buddies that she was heading off to war and not him they changed their tone when they realized his nights wouldn’t be filled with beer bottles, rock music and parties but baby bottles, lullabies, and chores.
Corson’s message to all the men reading this is “It can be done. Just love your family, do your best and,” — with the smallest of a laugh — “be all you can be.”
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Baker, 202nd Army Band
FRANKFORT, Ky. — On Sunday, May 20, 2012 the Kentucky National Guard’s 202nd Army Band will celebrate 65 years of musical service in a performance at Bradford Hall on the campus of Kentucky State University at 2:00 p.m. This free, hour-long concert will not only feature patriotic, military and contemporary music, but it will also include former members of this unique National Guard unit.
Several former members of the 202nd are coming from out of state to perform at this reunion concert. All former members are invited to participate in this special event.
“This concert is a tribute to all active and retired members of the military and a celebration of Armed Forces Day,” said 1st Sgt.Jim Wallace. “The 202nd is a great organization with a fascinating legacy, and we are eager to share our music with everyone, civilian and military alike.”
Rehearsals are to be held at the 202nd armory in Frankfort on May 19 at 2:00 p.m. followed by a social gathering. Another rehearsal is scheduled for May 20 at 10:00 a.m.
The concert is being held in partnership with the Frankfort Arts Foundation and local veteran’s organizations. Admission is free and open to the public.
If you are a former member of the 202nd or if you know one, give Sgt. 1st Class Angela Wilkins a call at 502-607-5331 or email her at angela.wilkins@us.army.mil.
Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 4 says farewell to civilian agricultural specialist
Story by Staff Sgt. Paul Evans, KY ADT 4 Public Affairs NCO
Carl Linderman (at left in civilian clothes), a native of Myrtle Point, Ore. poses with members of Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 4 just days before going home. Linderman was the last remaining Civilian Agricultural Specialist who’d worked previously as a member of ADT 3, staying behind to help ease the transition. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul Evans)
NOTE: Each week kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by or about Kentucky National Guard unit public affairs historian representatives, also known as UPAHRs. This is an additional duty taken on by a Soldier or Airmen with the intent of telling their unit’s story. This is one such story ….
FORWARD OPERATING BASE PASAB, Afghanistan — April 23, 2012 served as a relatively quiet milestone for the Soldiers of Kentucky’s Agribusiness Development Team 4, as they said farewell to their last remaining civilian agricultural specialist from the previous team.
“I was able to learn from what I experienced with ADT 3 and I hopefully shared some of that information and lessons learned with ADT 4,” said Carl Linderman, a 59-year-old native of Myrtle Point, Ore. “Really for me, it’s been just a great experience working with the Kentucky National Guard. That’s what I’ve enjoyed the most.”
“Carl was very detail oriented,” recalled Maj. Jim Rush, a Bowling Green, Ky. native who serves as ADT 4’s Agriculture Team Chief. “He was able to bring over some of the project management side (experience) that he had from ADT 3 to 4.”
Carl Linderman (right), a native of Myrtle Point, Ore. speaks with Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 4 Spc. Preston Perry of Lexington, Ky. during his last week before going home. Linderman was the last remaining Civilian Agricultural Specialist who’d worked previously as a member of ADT 3, staying behind to help ease the transition. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul Evans)
Linderman, a 34-year veteran of the U.S. Forest Service who also farms in his personal time, served as an agricultural consultant on ADT 3. According to Linderman, a lot of his time was spent dealing with issues such as watershed management, or water sustainment techniques along with common agricultural issues.
“Carl was a very big asset,” Rush noted. “He brought a lot of thinking outside the box as far as trees and plants.”
“Through ADT 3, we kind of transitioned into Agricultural Business and things,” Linderman recalled. “That’s a big focus on ADT 4 now, doing agribusiness development and adding value to products that are already being grown here and making it self-sustaining into the future.”
With a one-year contract as a civilian agriculture advisor beginning in April 2011, Linderman says it took some convincing with the help of ADT 3 to keep him around for the first few months of ADT 4.
“I wanted to stay with the Kentucky National Guard, because I’ve enjoyed working with them a lot,” Linderman explained. “They’re a lot like a lot of folks I hang out with back in Oregon. I’m from a very small town in the southwest part of the state, a very rural area. I think people are more open and straight-forward. People are here to do a job, not to show off or anything like that.”
For his outlook on his experience in Afghanistan, Linderman had mixed emotions, offering a sobering but honest opinion.
“I wasn’t naive coming over here, but you’re always hopeful that there’ll be a more united effort by folks to try to improve their situation,” Linderman noted. “I guess about 25 percent of the folks I see and meet around here are really putting a lot on the line…their livelihoods and the safety of their families. I have a great, utmost respect for those folks.”
“In the future when we leave, they have a lot of risks,” Linderman observed. “I think a lot of the other people, I’m sorry they don’t want to step up to the plate, because if more of them were willing to, I think the situation would change a lot over here.”
Linderman said his views toward family have changed some over the course of his year in Afghanistan.
“You appreciate that so much more. Things that were important before aren’t nearly as important anymore,” he observed. “I think more than ever, you realize you can live with a lot less than what you used to back home. That’s been very much reinforced, and you appreciate the little things. Just walking, having the freedom to walk wherever you want to without having to suit up and jump on a convoy some place and plan it several days in advance. That freedom is to be cherished.”
Since one of his sons has previously served two combat tours in Iraq, Linderman was able to experience deployments from multiple perspectives.
“Just the daily living conditions are not the big deal. The bigger deal is being away from the home and loved ones,” Linderman said. “That, you really don’t appreciate till you’ve experienced it…sacrifices they make (being here) and the families at home make.”
“It was certainly tougher for me to be at home when my son was in Iraq than it is for me to be here, so I certainly appreciate the sacrifices the families back home make,” he added.
For the difference between the two teams, Linderman noted that they weren’t really comparable since ADT 4 was starting work in a new area.
“It’s a new mission. Kentucky ADT 3 came down here solely for the purpose of trying to get things set up for (ADT) 4,” Linderman recalled. “When I was up with Kentucky (ADT) 3, our whole emphasis was with what we call ‘transitioning’ from the programs that we had there over to the local nationals and making it their programs.”
“Everything that’s going on now is all brand new, developed by Kentucky ADT 4 and built on the past experiences of Kentucky (ADT) 1, 2, 3…we each build on what the other people learn,” Linderman said. “Kentucky ADT 4 is actually a product of all of the other ones. The difference is we’re in a different geographic location.”
ADT 4’s mission is the first of its type to teach agriculture and business development in the Kandahar Province of southern Afghanistan.
As for future plans, Linderman has a few things in mind for the long-term.
“I’ll be retiring two weeks after I get home. And that’ll be 35 years of federal service, if you will, and 34 with the U.S. Forest Service,” he said. “The rest of the time, I do a lot of woodworking and we have our farm, so those things keep me pretty busy,” he added.
“A couple of folks have already sat down with me. We built an itinerary that I’ve got for a tour of Kentucky,” Linderman noted. “My hope is that I get to do that not this summer, but the summer of 2013 when ADT 4’s home too, so I can visit folks from both teams.”
“I have kind of a loop through the state, along with stopping and visiting some of the folks that I’ve met from the two different ADTs along the route,” he added.
In the end, Linderman had just one more thing to offer.
“Just my wholehearted appreciation from being able to work with the folks from Kentucky ADT 3 and 4,” he concluded. “I’ll never forget it, and I’m really appreciative of them taking in a guy from Oregon and making me feel like a part of the group.”
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Paul Evans, KY ADT 4 Public Affairs NCO
Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 4’s Staff Sgt. William Lile (right), a Louisville, Ky. native conducts a routine sweep for mines during a mission in southern Afghanistan on March 13, 2012 as Richmond, Ky. resident Capt. Brian Ink looks on. The two are currently deployed as Security team leadership on ADT 4, which seeks to improve the lives of Afghan farmers by teaching better farming and post-harvest techniques. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul Evans)
NOTE: Each week kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by or about Kentucky National Guard unit public affairs historian representatives, also known as UPAHRs. This is an additional duty taken on by a Soldier or Airmen with the intent of telling their unit’s story. This is one such story ….
FORWARD OPERATING BASE PASAB, Afghanistan—“The Army’s changed a lot since I’ve been in,” recalled Staff Sgt. William Lile, a 39-year-old Louisville, Ky. native during an interview at a small Forward Operating Base in the mountains of southern Afghanistan on March 13, 2012.
“The Soldiers, I think are smarter. They’re required to be because of all the equipment that we have, advanced technology…the battlefield is ever-changing, and you’ve got to be flexible with it. Clearly, I think the Soldiers we have today are maybe not better Soldiers, but more skilled than when I was a young Soldier. You kind of have to be in today’s Army. It takes a lot,” Lile added.
Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 4’s Staff Sgt. William Lile, a Louisville, Ky. native helps dispose of classified trash using a rag to help expedite the process on February 16, 2012. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul Evans)
Lile, who served thirteen years on active duty before becoming a member of the Kentucky National Guard eight years ago, is now a Team Leader on Kentucky’s Agribusiness Development Team 4. Altogether, this is his sixth deployment overseas, not counting time spent serving in Germany and Korea while on active duty. It is his second deployment with the Kentucky National Guard, after serving in Iraq from 2008 to 2009 with the 223rd Military Police Co.
“I’ve had the opportunity of working with, in my opinion, the best NCOs in the world in our Army, (and) some of the best Officers,” Lile recalled. “To have the opportunity to work with really good leadership affords me the opportunity to really go out and learn my job,” he added.
“The entire time I was active duty, it kind of seemed as though the military was my first priority. I’ve been married for 18 years,” Lile said before adding, “Angie’s put up with a lot. My wife’s the best wife in the world.”
“When I left active duty and I joined the National Guard, I think my priorities changed. My top priority was no longer the military—it was my family. And I’m very thankful for that. I think having a really strong relationship with my wife and my children… makes me a better Soldier and a better leader.”
Lile said he sees it as his goal to help create better noncommissioned officers for the future.
“In my opinion, the side you don’t see with the National Guard…for me, it’s easy to lead a Soldier on active duty because you’re with them 24/7,” Lile said. “In the National Guard, you only have them two or three days a month. So it’s really hard to mentor young folks in the Guard, but it is a highlight of mine to be able to see my young folks in the Guard get promoted,” he added.
“Sgt. Richmond, she’s one of my Team leaders back home…she was runner-up for NCO of the Year for the state,” Lile mentioned. “That shows a lot of hard work on her part.”
“She’s had an opportunity to work with a lot of good NCOs and I’m lucky enough to be one of them. I think she’s also on ADT 5,” he added.
Staff Sgt. Robert Foushee, a 29-year-old Bowling Green, Ky. native residing in Lexington, Ky. serving as a Team Leader alongside Lile, offered two words to describe Lile.
Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 4’s Staff Sgt. William Lile (right), a Louisville, Ky. native speaks with Bowling Green, Ky. resident Sgt. 1st Class Michele Owen (left) prior to departing Camp Atterbury, Ind. on January 29, 2012. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul Evans)
“Knowledgeable…experienced,” Foushee said. “I think he (Lile) brings an extensive background to the mission. He’s done things both with the 82nd (Airborne) and the infantry side of things. He’s got experience in just about every area of operations.”
“I think Lile’s experience has helped at all levels,” Foushee said. “He’s added operational knowledge to the Operations department since he’s served in that role. He’s obviously been a mentor for his Soldiers and his junior NCOs under him. Besides that, he’s also been kind of a leader for his leadership. They see what he’s done and see the roles he’s been in that bring knowledge, as well as to his counterparts and his colleagues like me who are Team Leaders with him. He brings a different viewpoint of the things we do,” Foushee added.
While Lile spent the majority of his active duty career serving as an Automated Logistical Specialist with the 82nd Airborne Division, he also served three years as an infantryman and two years as the Operations Section Air NCOIC and a Jumpmaster for the 82nd Airborne Division’s 82nd Forward Support Battalion. Since joining the National Guard in 2004, Lile has served as a Military Policeman.
As for his career highlights, Lile said there were a few.
“A highlight…everything Jumpmaster,” Lile said. “I mean, that’s what the 82nd is about if you’re a leader. Kind of being in control of all the Airborne operations, sling loads, I really enjoyed that. That was probably the best job I’ve had,” he recalled.
“I’ve had a lot of opportunities. Rappelling out of helicopters, jumping out of airplanes, everything about being in Korea…Korea’s a tough place to be assigned, but you learn so much there,” Lile mentioned.
“I really enjoy being in the Kentucky Guard back home, helping the community and the state. I’ve deployed as much with the National Guard as I did when I was active, and that’s because of the two wars,” he added.
As for what brought him to Afghanistan, Lile gives credit to Capt. Brian Ink, a 33-year-old native of San Jose, Calif. now living in Richmond, Ky. who was his platoon leader during his 2008 deployment to Iraq.
“Capt. Ink actually came to my office one day…and he told me he was coming to Afghanistan with ADT 4 and offered me an opportunity to come with him,” Lile recalled. “So I went home and I talked to my wife about it…she really doesn’t like that I volunteered to come on this deployment, but… this should be the deployment that’ll lock me into a 20-year active duty retirement. I’m pretty sure this will be my last deployment,” he noted.
“I guess my goals during this mission would be to assist in training and mentoring some really good NCOs, assisting in some really good Soldiers becoming NCOs,” Lile noted.
“Every other deployment prior to this one, I’ve had a set job with responsibilities and you just do that every day. This deployment gives me the opportunity to help many more Soldiers, many more NCOs to try to better themselves. And it’s a good opportunity because I think I mentor other Soldiers pretty well…I’m having fun, although we’re in Afghanistan and the mission’s still tough, it is a pretty decent mission where you can mentor fairly easy.”
Over 21 years of service, Lile said he’s seen a lot of change.
“When I got to (Fort) Bragg straight out of Airborne school, the military was very disciplined,” Lile recalled. “Very disciplined, very high motivation, a lot of teamwork…and we still have the discipline and the teamwork, but over the years, especially since 2001, the focus changed from being a garrison type Army to a combat Army. As a Soldier, you’re required to work one level above, sometimes two levels above (your rank) because we’re at war. In a peacetime military like when I joined, things were not as difficult.”
In the end, serving as a member Kentucky’s ADT 4, it seems Staff Sgt. Lile may have come full circle on what will most likely be his final deployment overseas before retiring in the next few years.
“I started my military career with the 82nd (Airborne Division), so in a weird kind of way to be able to possibly end my career with a deployment serving under them, it does bring back a lot of pride,” Lile said.
“Twenty-one years is a long time to be in the Army, but if the wars were to stop, I’d probably stay in the military longer. But I am getting tired, you know.”
Story and photos by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Conner and Savannah Morris check out a Kentucky National Guard Humvee as part of the Military Child Appreciation Day activities, April 28, 2012 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter)
View more photos from the event by clicking this link
LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. – The Kentucky National Guard sponsored a Military Child Appreciation Day for all dependents from all branches of the military on April 28 at the American Legion Post 24 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. More than 200 children of active duty, National Guard and reserve troops attended the free event, which included art and crafts activities, puppet shows, bean bag toss, archery, face painting, food and drinks.
Caiden, son of Staff Sgt. Aaron Halvorson stands in front of a Kentucky National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter shortly after it landed as part of the Military Child Appreciation Day activities, April 28, 2012 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter)
The day began with a Kentucky National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter landing at the Healing Field in Lawrenceburg, Ky. Children watched in amazement as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathon Tidei and his crew touched down on a beautiful Saturday morning.
After preparing the aircraft, the crew gave all the kids an opportunity to ask questions, check out the cockpit controls, and have pictures made in the helicopter.
“I want to be a pilot one day,” announced David Sommerfield, son of Lt. Col. Paul Sommerfield from the Army Reserve 95th Training Division, as he sat in the pilot seat and smiled for the camera.
Moving into the event, children registered then picked out a backpack donated by Backpack Angel, a Louisville-based service organization.
David Sommerfield, son of Lt. Col. Paul Sommerfield of the Army Reserves 95th Training Division gets a feel for the controls of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter shortly after it landed as part of the Military Child Appreciation Day activities, held on April 28, 2012 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter)
Angie Morris, wife of Staff Sgt. Christopher Morris, was ‘blown away’ by the offerings at the event.
“I have a four and a six year old, and was thinking that we would only be there for about 45 minutes,” she said. “I was so impressed and we all had a lot of fun. It was well organized and all of the crafts and activities were great for all ages. We ended up staying for more than three hours!”
After choosing their favorite color backpack Conner and Savannah Morris stopped to have their picture in front of a Kentucky Nation Guard Humvee, before picking up some popcorn donated by the Boy Scouts.
The souvenir of the day was the wax hand art project.
“That was my favorite,” said Morris. “I now have a keepsake to remind me of how tiny their hands are.”
Children enjoyed all kinds of activities including an opportunity to practice their archery skills. Scott Callahan, member of the Guard Teen Panel, insured the kids were safe and provided some useful coaching tips.
Jonathan Olmsted, son of Sgt. 1st Class Branden Olmsted from the 2nd Battalion 138th Field Artillery, receives an archery lesson from Pfc. Scott Callahan, member of the Guard Teen Panel at the Military Child Appreciation Day held on April 28, 2012 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter)
The kids had a great time creating sand art, coloring piggy banks, and visiting the face-painting booth.
“They had so much fun and were the envy of all the other children at the ballpark as they proudly maintained and displayed their face paintings during our afternoon games,” said Col. Brian Wertzler.
The opinion about the day could be summed up by Lt. Col. William Ewing who said, “Both of my six year old daughters thoroughly enjoyed the day and have already been asking when can we do it again?”
While the Military Child Appreciation Day was the capstone for the Month of the Military Child, more events are planned throughout the summer. Make sure you don’t miss a single opportunity and stay informed by following us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KentuckyGuard.
 Donna Campbell and Hayley Lay show off their face paint and enjoy some popcorn while standing in line for pizza and other treats at the Military Child Appreciation Day held on April 28, 2012 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter) |
 Sgt. Nat Guard getting a “high five” at the Military Child Appreciation Day, held on April 28, 2012 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Photo by 1st. Lt. Mark Slaughter) |
Staff report
Photos by 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter and Sr. Airman Maxwell Rechel, Kentucky National Guard
Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard, 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, return home in Louisville, Ky., on May 5, 2012. The 123rd STS returned home to family members and loved ones after being gone for six months in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maxwell Rechel)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A dozen members of Kentucky’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron returned from their six month mission to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Monday.
Special Tactics Squadron team members are elite USAF special operations Airmen who operate on the ground, often alongside other Special Operation Forces such as Rangers, Special Forces and Navy SEALs. These teams may call in air strikes, marshal special ops aircraft, recover downed operators or collect mission critical weather data.
“My primary job was to provide air-to-ground support as a liaison for special operations Troops there on the ground,” said Tech. Sgt. Harley Bobay, 123rd Special Tactics Squadron. “We train constantly to do our missions. We’ll start training again in about a month.”
STS personnel are part of the Air Force Special Forces Command and have played a role in the majority of US special operations in recent times.
Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard, 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, return home in Louisville, Ky., on May 5, 2012. The 123rd STS returned home to family members and loved ones after being gone for six months in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maxwell Rechel)
Tech. Sgt. Harley Bobay with the Kentucky Air National Guard, 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, returns home in Louisville, Ky., on May 5, 2012. The 123rd STS returned home to family members and loved ones after being gone for six months in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maxwell Rechel)
