Let’s talk about military kids and money!
Advice by Regina Harris, Kentucky National Guard Joint Family Support Assistance Program, Military Family Life Consultant, Personal Financial Counselor
FRANKFORT, Ky. — From the early years and beyond teach children these two truisms; keep in mind that you will likely repeat these fairly regularly (I know I do):
1. Money does not grow on trees
2. You don’t earn money just for breathing
It’s never too early to teach kids the importance of handling money. Well, almost never …. (Photo by Ellie Waters, Kentucky National Guard Visual Information)
With those two truisms firmly in mind, let’s get some general guidelines down. I like to be sure children know that while you can do lots of things with money they all fall in three (3) categories. The categories are in no particular order really, but conventional wisdom and some households do place more value on one category more than the others. They are Save, Give and Spend. If you all look at your own spending, you will see each item fits in one of these categories. While it would seem prudent to add a Waste or Blow category that is not necessary as those items fit in the spend category.
When children are young, I’d say up to at least 16 years old, you set the percentage for each category. The key is to help them form a habit of saving and giving. Let’s face it we don’t have to teach them to have a heart for spending; our culture helps us out on that front. The habit training around the spend category is to plan your spending. Yes, keep a list of things you want or need and always spend off that list. This training keeps children and dare I say adults from impulse buying or wasting money. On the spend list it is okay to add some blow money. You can even build a habit into that; chose an amount or percentage of money that belongs to no item in particular.
Another general guideline is that all money is up for division. This is true because we want to reinforce what we said earlier, that 1) Money does not grow on trees and 2) You don’t earn money just for breathing, right? I know the argument with this guideline, so let’s deal with it first.
1. Gifts of Money and Found Money Let’s face it; it happens birthdays, Grandparents, finding money and any other reason, sometimes strangers give them money just because they’re cute! Why you ask, must they Save and Give this money. In a word, consistency. To form a habit, consistency is a must. The goal is to train our children so they will never be broke (the save habit) and to never be selfish (the give habit). Moving on-
2. Allowance Refer back to truisms 1 and 2; money does not grow on trees and you don’t earn money for breathing. Allowance should not be granted but earned. On a personal note: our daughter does not earn money for regular household chores. We chalk chores up to you live here, so you help take care of the house. However, Always offer age appropriate opportunities for the children to earn some money. Some age appropriate activities are: for the very young: helping pickup after a younger sibling or delivering folded laundry to the appropriate bedrooms. A bit older children can clean out the car or organize a junk drawer. Much older children can do bigger jobs like wash and wax the car, clean out the garage or basement, make the grocery list or clean the outside of ground level windows on the house. There are a ton of activities that go above basic house cleaning duties to which a monetary value can be attached. Also, for those parents that are self-employed, they can actually employ their older children, which will allow that child to start an IRA. Woo Hoo!
While I am on the allowance subject I would be remiss not to mention paying for grades. This is a highly charged argument that is personal. My personal opinion, which by the way is not shared by my husband, is that I don’t agree with paying for grades because they only benefit the child. Let me soften that by saying that I do praise for hard work and good grades, by allowing my child to do things other than sleep, eat, do chores and go to school. When school is on-track (not perfect grades) just diligently working, doing her best; she is allowed extra curricula activities. As I said, this is a personal family issue, so you decide. My only advice: if you do decide to pay for grades is to be consistent. For example, don’t only pay if you have extra money or if they also had perfect behavior, unless that was part of the agreement already.
3. Living under your roof, but think they are grown-up Before, we pretty much directed their extra money for them. Now it is okay to loosen the reigns and teach responsibility about money. While you can still encourage and hope the habits of saving and giving formed, you could no longer require it. It may be time to open or allow them to now manage a savings account. Another, bigger responsibility is to give them their own clothing allowance to manage. Now they may negotiate or you may initiate saving for a class ring, Prom or a car. A checking account won’t be available without an adult until they are 18 years old, but they can manage a fictitious checkbook using their spend category money.
In closing, let me say that all the financial training in the world will be useless if the habits you are trying to teach are not modeled for them by the people they watch most closely, you the parent.
For more information email Regina at RHarris@MFLC.Zeiders.com or give her a call at 502-548-4836.
Kentucky unit gets new command sergeant major
NOTE: As often as we can, kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by 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 ….
Story by Spc. Vincent Willingham, 149th BSB Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Command Sgt. Maj. David Owens renders a hand salute to Lt. Col. Ruth Graves, signifying the end of the Change of Responsibility ceremony April 14, 2013 at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. Owens officially began his tenure as 149th Brigade Support Battalion’s command sergeant major. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Vincent Willingham)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — Members of the 149th Brigade Support Battalion and distinguished guests, including Col. Michael Abell and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Johnson, witnessed the Change of Responsibility Ceremony occur between outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Southard and incoming Command Sgt. Maj. David Owens, April 14, 2013. The ceremony was held at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky.
“It is a great privilege to again fill the role of a CSM. The 149th BSB has had a long line of outstanding leaders and history. I relish the opportunity.” said Owens, a 31-year veteran of the Kentucky Guard who served as the command sergeant major for an embedded training team in Afghanistan in 2008.
Lt. Col. Ruth Graves receives the Non-Commissioned Officer Sword from Command Sgt. Maj. Southard during the Change of Responsibility ceremony April 14, 2013 at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, KY. The commander then passed it to Command Sgt. Maj. David Owens, completing the traditional and symbolic transition. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Charles Miller)
During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Ruth Graves, commander of the 149th BSB, passed the non-commissioned officer sword from Southard to Owens, signifying the passing of the trust, responsibility, and authority of the unit’s outgoing top non-commissioned officer to the incoming senior NCO.
Capt. William Rice, acting as narrator, explained the significance and history of the non-commissioned officer’s sword as it relates to the ceremony. The sword was adopted by the War Department in 1840 and it remained in the Army’s inventory for over 70 years, seeing action through the Spanish-American War. Though strictly ceremonial now, the sword –a completely functional weapon- holds its symbolism. Much like the Non-commissioned officer corps, the sword remains razor sharp.
Southard returned to the 238th Regiment, where he will act as Command Sergeant Major for the schoolhouse in Greenville. Owens is also the G1 Sergeant Major, working full time in Frankfort, Ky.
149th VCC builds home in Afghanistan
NOTE: As often as we can, kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by 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 ….
Story and photos by Spc. John Rader, 149th VCC Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
1st Sgt. Grayden Colegrove and Sgt. Justin Stegall of the 149th Vertical Construction Company discuss changes over the blueprints inside the temporary command center during construction at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 7, 2013. The building is the largest project the unit has been tasked with according to the commander, Capt. Adam Evans. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. John Rader)
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – When the 149th Vertical Construction Company arrived in Afghanistan in March 2013, it was still undecided where the unit would establish its base of operations. A few options were discussed and the decision was made that the 149th would operate out of Bagram Air Field for the duration of their nine-month deployment.
Although Bagram Air Field is one of the largest areas in Afghanistan that the U.S. operates out of, it is very limited on space. The unit was given a five acre piece of land to begin the construction of a large two story structure that will house the unit’s office space, as well as that of the 122nd Engineer Battalion from South Carolina.
“While finding the five acres to build on was a task all its own, we now have a more satisfying task of finally settling in to a space that we can custom build to suit the needs of our company, as well as the South Carolina Battalion we are now a part of,” said Capt. Adam Evans, Commander, 149th VCC.
The 149th has been anticipating of the arrival of the 122nd South Carolina Guardsmen, who began their nine month deployment just one month after the 149th arrived. The 149th will fall under the command of the South Carolina Battalion and assist in missions as one of the two vertical construction companies in the Regional Command East Territory of Afghanistan.
Sgt. Jacob Estes of the 149th Vertical Construction Company applies sheeting to walls in a construction project at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, May 7, 2013. The building will be the home to the 149th as well as Guardsmen from a South Carolina engineer battalion. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. John Rader)
In order to house an operating command center for the four companies under the South Carolina Battalion, including the 149th, the two story structure will include more thn 60 offices. There will now be office space for all the sections of the Battalion such as supply, personnel, communications, and the Battalion Chaplin, along with many other sectors.
“This is the largest project the 149th has ever tackled. With a very tight construction timeline and many design changes, the Soldiers of the 149th have once again proven they can accomplish any mission. I am very proud of the work ethic and dedication our troops have displayed. This structure will be the enduring symbol of our engineering efforts and it will stand as the tactical operations command center for future Engineering Battalions operating in Afghanistan,” Evans proudly said.
The 14,000 square foot structure has each detail carefully planned out by the Senior Chief Warrant Officer in charge of planning and construction, Chief Warrant Officer Robert Woita. Woita temporally left his Nebraska National Guard Unit to fill an opening with the 149th as the Senior Chief Warrant Officer for the deployment. His accomplishments from his last deployment in Afghanistan include many large structures in the Regional Command East Territory such as a holding facility for detainees and a building material yard for lumber and other construction supplies.
“I believe all of our skill sets are coming together very well with this project,” said Woita. ”On the spot changes to the plans are coming in often and we are able to be flexible to suit needs of each individual office space. I’m very privileged to have a dedicated and experienced crew like the engineers of the 149th that seem to not mind the long hours and on the fly changes.”
The lumber and supplies for the project are coming all the way from Forward Operating Base Sharana where the 149th has a detachment that runs the building material yard that Woita constructed a few years ago. The inventory of the yard includes not only lumber, but a wide variety of plumbing and electrical supplies as well.
Sgt. Milford Adkins and Spc. Mary Early of the 149th Vertical Construction Company work together to cut sheets of plywood for the walls of a new 14,000 square foot structure on Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, May 7, 2013. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. John Rader)
“Having access to a supply yard in a centralized area within our range of operations makes for rapid and accurate shipments of any materials that we need to complete any missions we’re tasked with such as this one,” said Evans. “Having our own engineers filling orders means we know when the shipment arrives- it will be carefully filled and accurate down to the last bolt.”
Progress of the two story command center is just passed the midway point according to Woita.
“In just a couple more weeks we will be operating and tracking missions out of a permanent structure along with our horizontal construction counterparts from South Carolina. We know that we have built our space to suit every need so we can work very effectively and efficiently to ensure that highest quality of engineering our Soldiers in the field can achieve,” said 149th’s 1st Sgt. Grayden Colegrove.
“We now have a permanent place to hang our hats and call our home until we conclude our time here and begin our trip back to Kentucky.”
Kentucky MP not your average mom
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Schelee Riddell and her daughter, Lilee. (Photo courtesy Schelee Riddle)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Schelee Riddell is not your typical mom. A seasoned veteran of three deployments in an eight year span, this single mother of one has learned to blend her military duties with her professional and personal life; the result so far has made for an interesting life, to say the very least.
“It’s certainly been a life changing experience,” said Riddell. “But I wouldn’t have traded it for anything in the world.”
While she may be unique in comparison to your average mom, Staff Sgt. Riddell is just one of thousands of women in uniform who have children. It’s estimated that there are around 340 moms in the Kentucky Army National Guard alone.
“Being a military mom is the best of both worlds,” said Riddell. “Having a family and serving a greater purpose, what more could you ask for?”
One thing is for certain — being a mom has not held her back. Only recently Riddell was recognized by the Major Samuel Woodfill Chapter of the Association of the United States Army as an outstanding non-commissioned officer. In addition to the accolades by her fellow soldiers, she will be part of a team representing Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana at the AUSA national meeting this fall in Washington, DC.
“That’s pretty exciting,” she said. “It’s an honor and a privilege to represent my fellow soldiers.”
Then Sgt. Schelee Riddell on foot patrol in Iraq with the 223rd Military Police Co. in 2008. (Photo courtesy Schelee Riddle)
A member of the Kentucky National Guard for nearly 14 years, Riddell has been deployed three times with the 223rd Military Police Company, once to Bosnia, twice to Iraq. Her mission to Bosnia was an eye opener as she was right out of basic and military police school. Then came the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and a second assignment there in 2008.
“I turned 21 when we were shipping to Iraq. Except Bosnia, I’d never been that far away from home. There was a lot of anxiety and excitement that came during the push into Iraq. I’m surprise that it wasn’t more overwhelming. My training helped prepare me, of course, and my earlier deployment to Bosnia made it easier, if you can call it that.”
Easy is a relative term. Riddell’s platoon ran patrols along the main supply routes and worked security check points. Complicating matters was the issue of suicide bombings. Riddell said her experience in Bosnia gave her the confidence to do what needed to be done.
Then Sgt. Schelee Riddell with the 223rd Military Police Co. during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008. Female MPs played a crucial role in both saving lives of the troops and in building trust with local citizens. (Photo courtesy Schelee Riddle)
“Being able to interact with people from other cultures is important for soldiers, especially MPs,” she said. “Though it wasn’t a daily occurrence, troops everywhere were being seriously injured or killed due to suicide bombings, but people had to be searched. Being a female MP gave my unit an advantage that not all others had when it came to being a part of the cultural sensitivity of how the local females were to be treated.
“I believe that being able to not only meet our mission requirements by successfully search and secure areas in northern Iraq but also building bridges through respectfully dealing with the local cultures made for an ideal impact. We had to be certain one hundred percent of the time or risk someone getting blown up.”
Now that she’s home Riddell is a full timer with the Kentucky Army Guard’s recruiting command; she’s also a squad leader with the 940th MP Co. Her enthusiasm for both jobs is matched by the seriousness with which she approaches them.
“If you don’t make sure your soldiers are mentally, physically and spiritually prepared for what’s out there — whether they’re at home or deployed — you as a leader will fail,” she said. “Yes, my Soldiers may say that I am tough on them and at times they can’t see the point in the drills or the task preparations that I have them do, but without fail they are stronger and tougher than anyone of their peers because of it.”
Riddell’s love for the Kentucky Guard is pretty strong, enough so that she didn’t let something like geography keep her from being part of her unit.
“When I moved to Colorado to help my dad start up his own business for a year, I still flew or drove the 1,000 miles home for drill every month,” she said.
As if being the military and motherhood isn’t enough to keep her busy, she’s managed to find time to start her own small business.
“I recently partnered with my aunt making handmade quilts. We started out making baby quilts and now we do them for all ages. It’s a great stress reliever and a nice little money maker, too.”
Riddell says she’s lucky in that her family is supportive of her career.
“I couldn’t ask for a better support system,” she said. “whether it was my first deployment or my third, my family has been such a huge part of it all. I’ve been truly blessed with parents and so many family members that stand firmly behind me on my decision to serve my country.”
Every soldier needs a support system: Lilee Riddell with a message for her mother. (Photo courtesy Schelee Riddle)
Her number one priority, of course, is her daughter, Lilee.
“She is the absolute light of my life,” she said with a grin. “Words can simply not describe the joy that she brings me. We’ve heard the term stop and smell the roses — she makes me stop and dance. In the most random places she will hear a song and she wants her momma to stop and dance with her!
“She makes me a better person, she teaches me patience and unconditional love. I want to show her daily that anything is possible and that she is not limited in this world!”
Riddell is in the Guard for the long haul. One day she hopes to make sergeant major. Given her philosophy and determination, it’s a good chance she’ll make it.
“I continue to set goals and I achieve them,” she said. “I refuse to let anyone decide for me what I can and can’t achieve. Daily I prove to myself that anything is possible as long as you have the drive and determination to get what needs to be done, done…regardless of whether or not it is part of my job description. My peers trust me to uphold the standards and my leadership and my troops look at me with confidence, knowing that I will always lead by example.”
Spoken like a true soldier … and a great mom.
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| Medical Leader | TORIE FOWLER |
| TECHNOLOGY BRINGS FAMILY TOGETHER: Sergeant First Class Jason Rhodes looks on thanks to SKYPE as his wife gives birth to the couple’s first child. The Kentucky National Guard member was stationed in Djibouti, Africa. |
Courtesy The Medical Leader, Pikeville Medical Center
PIKEVILLE, Ky. — When Sergeant First Class Jason Rhodes and his wife Samantha found out they were expecting their first child, they were ecstatic.
Unfortunately, they were about to walk out the door to attend a conference in Lexington for families facing deployment.
“I had taken a test that came out negative, so I threw it in the trash,” recalled Samantha. “The next morning before we left I happened to look in the trash can and noticed a faint positive sign on the pregnancy test. When we got to Lexington, I took another test and set it on the bathroom counter. A few minutes later, Jason came out holding it in his hand.”
The couple was excited to grow their family, but Jason, an SFC in the Kentucky Army National Guard, would be leaving in less than two months for a deployment to Djibouti, Africa.
Samantha began seeing the physicians at Pikeville Medical Women’s Care Center for prenatal care and Jason was able to attend the first ultrasound before he left.
“Growing up, I always thought about my wedding day and the day I would have a baby,” Samantha said.
“I knew the delivery wouldn’t be what I dreamed about, because Jason wasn’t going to be a part of it. He never got to feel the baby kick, and you never get those moments back. It was so important for me to have him be a part of it.”
Even though Jason is more than 7,000 miles away, Pikeville Medical Center made it possible for him to be a part of the birth.
The hospital was able to set up a television used to SKYPE Jason the entire time Samantha was in the hospital.
SKYPE is a form of technology used to facilitate communication with others using a webcam.
Samantha said, “I arrived at Pikeville Medical Center to be induced on a Wednesday night at 10 pm. Within 30 minutes, we were talking to Jason. We were able to talk the entire time.”
When the decision was made to go to surgery, the hospital transferred the necessary SKYPE equipment into the operating room. PMC OB-GYN Dr. Rick Mcllelan was on-call and delivered the baby by c-section.
“Having Jason there, actually being able to hear him talk in the operating room put my nerves at ease. There are so many men who aren’t able to see their children until after they leave the hospital, and my husband was in Africa and witnessed the whole thing,” Samantha said. “He was speechless and we can’t thank the hospital enough for that moment.”
Caleb Michael Rhodes was born on April 5, 2013, weighing in at 9 lbs, 5 oz.
The SKYPE didn’t stop after the baby was born. Jason was able to stay connected with his new family during their stay at Pikeville Medical Center.
He watched as they brought his newborn son into the room for the first time, his first feeding and his first review from the pediatrician.
“It was something I will never forget. It was the best few days of my life,” Jason said via text-messaging.
“I can’t thank the hospital enough. The Information Systems department, Public Relations, Rita Crum, all the Labor and Delivery nurses, Dr. McClellan and the physicians at the Women’s Care Center, everyone was amazing,” Samantha added.
“We are so grateful, and the experience was more than I could imagine.”
Both mom and baby are doing well. Samantha says they SKYPE Jason at home every day. Jason is scheduled to return home at the beginning of June.
Samantha is the daughter of PMC speech language pathologist Camilla Damron and her husband Rick Damron. Her father is Bobby Davis. She is the granddaughter of PMC chaplain Kaminski Robinson and board member Jo Nell Robinson.
Jason is the son of Terry and Dan Rhodes of Mt. Sterling and the grandson of Karen and Pat Middendors.
Mothers’ pride with Morgan’s Men
Story by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 1/623rd Field Artillery Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery share a group photo while deployed to Southwest Asia. The Soldiers are the 11 of the unit that are currently deployed with another close relative. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe)
SOUTHWEST ASIA – Often times we use the phrase military family due to all of the members of a unit being a close knit group and looking out for each other. Deployed Soldiers have said that the bond of sharing experiences, in particular on foreign soil, are bonds that are often unspoken and often some that people can not relate too unless experienced firsthand.
This couldn’t be more applicable for several members of the 1st Battalion, 623d Field Artillery that are experiencing a deployment to the Middle East together. Although they are all Brothers in Arms, for 11 Citizen-Soldiers, it hits a little closer to home. And only mothers know how having their children in the military overseas puts strains on the family at home.
The 623d is not your average Battalion. Several of these Soldiers have had a family tradition of service in this Battalion that cover several decades. There are uncles, cousins, nephews and brother-in-laws, you name it.
But, for the following Soldiers, its immediate blood that counts. 1st Sgt. Bobby D. Boyles and Sgt. 1st Class Billy J. Boyles, Spcs. Phillip Lowery and Matthew Lowery, Staff Sgt. Joshua Hancock and Sgt. Seth Hancock, Staff Sgts. Aaron Tucker and Elliot Tucker and to wrap up the brotherhood we have a trifecta – 2nd Lt. Justin Cossel, Sgts. 1st Class Jedediah Cossel and Jeremy Cossel.
”Our family has a sense of pride as well as apprehension, but, supportive would be the key word as to how our family is,” said Jeremy Cossel. “My brother Jed and I served together in Iraq in 2005 and to have this opportunity again plus to add another brother is remarkable. This is something we will talk about on porches, in rocking chairs one day.”
Kim Lester shares a smile with her sons, Sgt. Seth Hancock (left) and Staff Sgt. Joshua Hancock prior to the Soldiers deployment to Southwest Asia. The brothers deployed together as part of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery. (Photo courtesy of Kim Lester)
Back in Kentucky, the mothers of these Soldiers may have other words than remarkable for having so many sons away from home, and after 10 years of war, its no wonder why.
“This is not the first time I’ve been through this,” said Suette Boyles. “In January 2005 I had two sons and a daughter-in-law in Iraq and my oldest son in Afghanistan at the same time. That was truly a hard time for me. But with a lot of prayer and being able to talk to them often on the computer, I made it and so did my soldiers.”
“We are a close family and visit and share good times and meals on a regular basis. So I really miss them not being available for those times,” she said However, I know they are doing the work they chose to do and I am very proud of the choices they made. They are helping others while leaving loved ones far behind.”
“They are in my prayers every night and that is what keeps me going day after day. I also know that when they are deployed, they are sending some other soldiers back home to their moms. I know how she will feel when they return.”
For Kim Lester, mother of Joshua and Seth Hancock, the experience of a deployed child has reoccurred several times since 2005. She said deployments don’t get easier for her like others have said, but hearing from them and knowing each day is a day closer to their return is reassuring.
“I have to say this deployment has been the hardest one having them both deployed at the same time but I do find some comfort in them being deployed together,” she said. ”I am always thankful each time they come home safe, it’s the best feeling in the world as a mom.”
“I honestly can’t describe how proud I am of my sons, of the sacrifices they make to serve our country to keep us free and safe, this is one proud momma. Staff Sergeant Hancock and Sergeant Hancock are my heroes!”
First Lady cuts ribbon at $19 million Kentucky National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini is joined by First Lady Jane Beshear, Maj. Philip Robinson, commander of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion and local officials in cutting the ribbon and opening the Kentucky National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington, Ky., May 10, 2013. The facility in Boone County will be the new home to the more than 300 Soldiers of the 1204th ASB. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
BURLINGTON, Ky. — First Lady Jane Beshear joined Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and local officials in unveiling the Kentucky National Guard’s newest readiness center in a ceremony today in Burlington, Ky.
The new $19 million facility will be the home of more than 300 men and women of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion and the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. With 86,000 square feet of space, it is a state-of-the-art training facility designed to train and support Soldiers and Airmen in their missions for the Commonwealth and the nation; support search and rescue missions in conjunction with Emergency Management and other agencies; and serve as a staging area to receive and/or deploy Soldiers and Airmen.
To see more photos from the ceremony, click here.
First Lady Jane Beshear stands with Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini following the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Kentucky National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington, Ky., May 10, 2013. Beshear joined numerous local officials and residents in attendance supporting the Kentucky Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
“This building will serve the members of the National Guard who serve our Commonwealth,” said Beshear. “My husband and I never cease to be amazed of our National Guard men and women. We appreciate the dedication of our Service members.”
The new center also serves as a Regional Emergency Operations Center, providing homeland security support in multiple arenas including augmenting law enforcement during civil disturbances, as well as hosting joint missions utilizing both Army and Air National Guard personnel and equipment. Its proximity to the Airport greatly enhances the rapid response capability and enables the Kentucky National Guard to better respond to emergencies such as natural disasters to better meet the needs of the citizens of Northern Kentucky.
“This facility marks a change for Northern Kentucky,” said Tonini. “We will now be able to cover the entire state and meet the needs of the Commonwealth daily. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a base for recruiting and shows Northern Kentucky what we are and have been capable of doing.”
The new $19 million Kentucky National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington will be the home of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion and the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. With 86,000 square feet of space, it is a state of the art training facility designed to train and support Soldiers and Airmen as well as support search and rescue missions in conjunction with KYEM and other agencies. (Photo courtesy Kentucky Department of Military Affairs)
The center will also be open to provide limited veteran support to all branches of service to include ID cards, family services, (financial, counseling, health benefits), TRICARE, Red Cross assistance and veterans benefits.
“I’m delighted that this site in Boone County was chosen,” said County Judge Executive Gary Moore. “I am very pleased with the finished product. It’s a great asset and we will have better prepared Guard units because this facility will help in training and recruitment.”
Maj. Philip Robinson, commander of the 1204th thanked local officials and residents, saying, “We appreciate their support and we are very proud to now call Burlington home.”
On April 25, the 1204th held an open house for local residents to get a sneak-peak at the new facility.
“That event was an overwhelming success,” said Robinson. “The attendance was more than expected.”
See photos from that event by clicking here.
The new building’s main purpose, of course, is to serve as a readiness center for the 1204th ASB, which deployed during 2011-2012. The 1204th was the last Aviation Support Battalion and the last Kentucky Army National Guard unit to serve in Iraq.
