Kentucky National Guard

06/13/2026

🎓 Congratulations to the 54th Graduating Class of the Bluegrass Challenge Academy!

Today, 68 cadets celebrated the successful completion of the Bluegrass Challenge Academy program during a graduation ceremony at Stithton Baptist Church in Radcliff, Kentucky.

Over the past 154 days, these young Kentuckians have demonstrated resilience, discipline, leadership, and personal growth while preparing for brighter futures in their communities.

Class President Cadet Jake Bland challenged his fellow graduates to carry the lessons they learned at BCA into the next chapter of their lives.

"Be teachable, be respectful, and be spiritual," Bland said. "You've proven to your family, friends, and yourself that you have the strength, courage, and dedication to accomplish something extremely difficult."

Guest speaker State Representative for District 25 Steve Bratcher highlighted the class's achievements, including more than 4,000 hours of community service, 81 units of blood donated, 290 high school credit hours earned, and six cadets who earned their high school diplomas.

These numbers are impressive, but they only tell a part of your story, said Bratcher. "The real achievement isn’t a measure in hours of credits or certificates. The real achievement is the person you become today."

The Bluegrass Challenge Academy continues to make a lasting impact across the Commonwealth, living its motto: "Building a stronger Kentucky, one youth at a time."

Join us in congratulating these graduates as they take the next step toward education, career success, and responsible citizenship.

MORE PHOTOS: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kentuckyguard/albums/72177720334184262/

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

This marked one of the first documented instances of a continental United States-based artillery unit employing Starshield to enable live-fire effects under the direct control of a European-based task force. The exercise demonstrated that Starshield can deliver the resilient, global connectivity required for future multi-domain operations, allowing U.S. forces to project fires with precision, regardless of geographic separation.

READ MORE HERE:

Soldiers of Kentucky’s Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery, executed a trans-Atlantic live-fire event at the National Training Center during Exercise Arcane Thunder 26. Using the

06/12/2026

FRESH FACE FRIDAY – Meet Pfc. Donnie McGuire, 20, of Irvine, Kentucky, the newest Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (91B) joining the 2123rd Transportation Company, 75th Troop Command.

McGuire recently completed basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and advanced individual training at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, where he trained to keep Army vehicles mission ready.

A graduate of Estill County High School, McGuire plans to continue his education at a technical school to pursue welding while building his military career in the Kentucky National Guard.

Inspired by his great-grandfather’s Army service, McGuire said joining the Guard was a way to continue his family’s legacy while creating opportunities for his future.

Outside of the military, he currently works at a local fast-food restaurant and is actively searching for a mechanic position to further develop his skills.

His goals while serving are simple but meaningful — continue improving, earn the rank of Sergeant and build a successful future both in and out of uniform.
When he’s off duty, McGuire enjoys riding his bike, fishing and working with his hands whenever he gets the chance.

06/11/2026

Honoring a Legacy of Service

The Kentucky Department of Military Affairs proudly honored the legacy of BG Larry C. Barker by dedicating the auditorium at Boone National Guard Center in his name on June 4.

Family, friends, military leaders, and state officials gathered to recognize Barker's extraordinary impact on the Kentucky National Guard and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Through nearly five decades of dedicated military and civilian service, Barker exemplified leadership, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to those he served alongside.

The naming of the BG Larry C. Barker Auditorium ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Soldiers, Airmen, and state employees who serve the commonwealth.

READ MORE HERE:
https://ky.ng.mil/News/Article/4514578/auditorium-dedicated-in-honor-of-former-kentucky-general/

06/11/2026

“Our role wasn’t just transport,” said Haubner. “We worked with Bosnian and Romanian forces to share knowledge, demonstrate hoist operations, and build a foundation for future joint missions.”

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During a recent deployment to Southeastern Europe, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Dustin Haubner and his MEDEVAC unit integrated with NATO forces to enhance regional medical support and interoperability. Through

06/10/2026

Welcome to the Guard!

Recently, MAJ Todd Porter, Commander of the Kentucky Army National Guard Officer Candidate School at the 238th Regional Training Institute, had the honor of administering the oath of enlistment to his son, Airman Cameron Todd Porter, as he joined the Kentucky Air National Guard's Security Forces.

With 27 years of service in the Kentucky Army National Guard, MAJ Porter has spent much of his career developing and mentoring Kentucky’s future military leaders. This occasion, however, was especially meaningful as he welcomed his own son into military service.

The Kentucky National Guard congratulates Airman Porter and welcomes him to the proud tradition of Kentucky’s citizen-service members.

Although father and son will serve in different components, both share the same commitment to serving the Commonwealth and the Nation.

06/10/2026

Airmen with the U.S. Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing are supporting a major NATO Allied Air Command exercise in Denmark through June 19, providing tactical airlift for an event spanning three

06/10/2026

Exercise EL GATO, or Ecuador Liaison Guard Annual Training Operation, held in Salinas, Ecuador, May 10-19, brought Kentucky Soldiers together with members of Ecuador’s army, navy and air force for combined training during the of the Kentucky-Ecuador partnership under the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program.

U.S. Embassy Ecuador Fuerzas Armadas del Ecuador

The 940th Military Police Company traveled to Ecuador May 10-19 for Exercise EL GATO, marking the 30th anniversary of Kentucky’s partnership with Ecuador through the National Guard Bureau’s State

06/09/2026

Might need a boat.

Be safe friends!

Tne National Weather Service in Louisville has issued FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS for:

Larue & Northwestern Taylor Counties until 1:15PM ET

Jefferson County until 1:30PM ET

Marion & Washington Counties until 1:45PM ET

Bullitt & Nelson Counties until 3:15PM ET

Franklin & Woodford Counties until 3:15PM ET

Fayette County until 3:45PM ET

WHEN ENCOUNTERING FLOODED ROADS:
TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!

Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Be aware of your surroundings; don't drive on flooded roads.