The Kentucky National Guard has been awarded the 2023 Association of the United States Army Trophy for the best National Guard command, Gov. Andy Beshear said at his weekly press conference last week.
“Our Guard received this award due to their heroic actions following natural disasters in our state,” Beshear said, “including Guard members helping to save more than 1,400 Kentucky lives during the flooding event, and the tornado event as well. The award also represents the Guard members who answered the call, in overseas missions and at the Southwest border.”
The governor added, “During my time in office, I have seen the outstanding work of this Guard firsthand. They have been there every time we needed them. They haven’t just completed their mission, they’ve done it better than any of us could have ever asked. We have faced unimaginable adversity, and every time the Guard has answered the call and served in such an amazing way.”
MG Hal Lamberton, The Kentucky National Guard Adjutant General, described the scope of the award: “This association addresses and is an advocate for the total Army—The Army National Guard, Regular Army, the United States Army Reserve—and not only were we, your National Guard, recognized in this capacity, it’s the first time the Association has ever recognized any National Guard entity.”
Lamberton pointed out that Kentucky National Guard members are also currently serving in the Central Command area of responsibility which includes the Middle East, and the European Command theater of operations in support of those entities involved in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
“These days,” he stated, “being in the Guard is a little more than just stacking sandbags in event of a flood, and it’s not just a community focus, a national focus, but an international focus towards the security of our Commonwealth, the communities we come from and the nation as a whole.”
The General noted that the Kentucky Air Guard has also recently been honored by the U.S. Air Force as the best airlift unit in the total Air Force, marking the 29th year that the 123rd Airlift Wing has been so honored.
Lamberton says the Kentucky National Guard currently has some 8,400 soldiers, airmen and civilian employees.
By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
