Kentucky National Guard

06/06/2026

Today, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve of the Allied forces who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

D-Day marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe and stands as one of history's greatest demonstrations of teamwork, leadership, and selfless service. Thousands of brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines faced impossible odds to defend freedom and defeat tyranny.

As we commemorate the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, the Kentucky National Guard remembers the heroes who answered their nation's call and honors the legacy they left behind. Their courage continues to inspire the men and women who serve today.

We will never forget their sacrifice.

06/06/2026

06/05/2026

G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets — Episode 8 is LIVE!

The Kentucky National Guard is proud to present the latest episode of the G3 Fix Bayonets Podcast, featuring MSG Michael Meredith.

In this episode, MSG Meredith shares his expertise of the EPS board process and walks you through what it takes to advance your career in the National Guard.

🎧 Tune in now on your favorite platform:

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Don’t miss this inside look at the Soldiers who make our force strong.

In Episode 8 of Fix Bayonets, U.S. Army Master Sgt. Michael Meredit...

06/05/2026

FRESH FACE FRIDAY – Meet Pfc. Tristen Ward, 19, of Louisville, Kentucky, the newest Intelligence Analyst (35F) joining the Main Command Post-Operational Detachment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 75th Troop Command.

Ward recently graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and advanced individual training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, where she trained to become an intelligence analyst. She is also pursuing a degree in Homeland Security at Eastern Kentucky University.

Military service runs deep in her family. Her great-grandfather served as an Army medic during World War I, while her father served in the Marine Corps — both inspiring her decision to wear the uniform.

“My dad is one of the toughest guys I've ever met in my entire life,” Ward said. “He is one of my biggest role models and definitely a big reason why I'm here.”

When she’s not balancing military training and college classes, Ward works at a local coffee shop and spends time helping her grandfather with jobs like cutting down trees and painting gazebos.

Driven and ambitious, Ward hopes to one day pursue opportunities with agencies like the FBI, CIA or Secret Service, and eventually aims to earn a place with the Army’s elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), better known as the “Night Stalkers.”

Her advice to anyone considering joining the National Guard? Push through the tough moments.

“The hard times are worth it for the rewards and friendships gained.”

160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) Recruiting Team

06/04/2026

2026 Youth Camp registration is open for Campers and Volunteers!

Camp is an overnight event for currently serving Kentucky Army National Guard Service Member dependent(s) listed in DEERS. Youth will have the opportunity to bond while learning life, leadership, and resiliency skills. Activities include: zip-lining, swimming, rope course, team building, and more! Campers will also learn military customs and courtesies such as marching, calling cadence, and compete in a drill and ceremony showcase. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me! *Space is limited and dependent on budget and number of volunteers.

ELIGIBILITY: Dependents of currently serving Kentucky Army National Guard Members listed in DEERS. *Youth must be 10-16 years old by the start of camp.

To register, email [email protected]

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

Nearly 150 Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers from the 201st Engineer Battalion joined friends and family for a departure ceremony at the Boyd County Community Center in Catlettsburg, May 30, ahead of their deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Our motto is a promise," said Lt. Col. Jayson McDonald, commander. "A promise that we, the engineers, will confront every obstacle with a relentless resolve. That we will forge paths where none exist. Through sheer effort and unwavering commitment, we will deliver victory. That is the spirit of the engineer regiment and that is the spirit of the Workhorse Battalion. Workhorse Battalion, let’s get to work!”

149th MEB

Nearly 150 Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers gathered for a departure ceremony at the Boyd County Community Center in Catlettsburg, Ky., May 30, 2026, and will be deploying to Southwest Asia in

06/01/2026

For decades, SGM Darrell Brookins, and team Brookins, has embodied the values of selfless service, leadership and unwavering commitment to Soldiers, their Families and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Through countless missions, training events and challenges, he has led from the front, mentored generations of Soldiers and left a lasting impact on every organization fortunate enough to serve alongside him.

His dedication to readiness, professionalism and the welfare of Soldiers has strengthened the Kentucky National Guard and helped shape future leaders who will carry on his legacy.

As he closes this chapter of service, we extend our deepest gratitude for him, his wife Shelia, and their children, for their years of sacrifice, leadership and devotion to duty. The influence he leaves behind will continue to be felt throughout our ranks for years to come.

Congratulations on your retirement Brookins family. Thank you for your service, your leadership and your enduring commitment to the Kentucky National Guard.

06/01/2026

Great work by our 940th MP Company working with our partner nation of Ecuador during their recent Annual Training during Exercise El Gato.