Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States Army

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The Director of the Army National Guard praised the Kentucky National Guard’s combat readiness, domestic response capabilities and international partnerships during remarks at the National Guard Association of Kentucky conference here, Feb. 28.

Lt. Gen. Jon Stubbs addressed Soldiers, Airmen, families and leaders during the joint business session, describing the Kentucky National Guard as essential to both national defense and homeland missions.

“It is an honor to be with the leaders, families and Soldiers who make the Kentucky National Guard what it is today,” Stubbs said.

Stubbs said his connection to Kentucky is personal. His father, Army Capt. James Stubbs served as a chaplain in the 149th Armored Brigade.

“He believed deeply in the citizen-Soldier — in ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things when their country calls,” Stubbs said.

This sense of heritage, Stubbs noted, remains a powerful force in Kentucky. He pointed to the state’s motto, “Fight as Kentuckians,” as a living testament to a reputation forged by courage, marksmanship, and unwavering resolve in the face of adversity.

As examples, Stubbs pointed to the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, which has twice earned the Army’s Walter T. Kerwin Award, and to the 138th Field Artillery Brigade’s recent redesignation as the 138th Operational Fires Command to support large-scale combat operations. He also cited the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade’s role in controlling terrain, protecting forces and enabling maneuver in complex environments.

“The Kentucky Guard makes a positive impact far beyond your borders,” Stubbs said.

Speaking of its impact on international affairs, Stubbs spoke of the Commonwealth’s state partnerships.

“International partnerships through the State Partnership Program with Ecuador and Djibouti strengthen alliances and improve interoperability with partner forces,” he said.

At home, he emphasized the Guard’s response to floods, tornado recovery, winter storms and other emergencies across the Commonwealth. He cited the 123rd Airlift Wing, engineer units and the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade for providing rescue, lift, debris removal and infrastructure restoration.

“These missions save lives and remind Americans why the Guard is such a trusted institution,” Stubbs said.

Stubbs warned that global security challenges are intensifying as adversaries modernize and contest multiple domains, including land, air, sea, space and cyberspace.

“Meeting those threats requires combat-ready formations, disciplined leadership and forces capable of rapid deployment alongside joint partners,” he said. “Kentucky delivers that.”

He also pointed to the 238th Regiment Training Institute and the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron as examples of how the state prepares Soldiers and Airmen for future operations.

Stubbs concluded by thanking all Kentuckians for supporting their hometown heroes in their service to the Commonwealth and the Nation, often at the expense of their families and communities.

“When America calls, the National Guard mobilizes from communities — not from isolated bases,” he said.

Stubbs said he is confident Kentucky will continue to answer the nation’s call.

“You answered it in the past. You are answering it today. And I have no doubt you will answer it in the future,” he said.

The annual conference brings together members of the National Guard Association of Kentucky and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Kentucky to address legislative priorities, professional development and issues affecting service members and their families.

Related Links

The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil

The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard

The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard

Source: United States Army

NEW YORK, New York – Eight hundred Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment will once again lead the world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday, March 17, when the annual New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 11 a.m.

Since 1851, “The Fighting 69th” has been the lead unit in the parade marking Irish pride. The regiment was organized in 1849 as a New York State militia regiment made up of Irish immigrants.

This will mark the 175th time the 69th Infantry will lead the parade.

“New York City’s Fighting 69th’ is always honored to lead the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Prior, the battalion’s commander. “This year carries special meaning as our battalion marks its 175th time leading the parade.”

“In addition, our nation is approaching its 250th anniversary, and our city will remember the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, which makes this parade especially significant,” Prior added.

During the parade, the battalion’s Soldiers will be joined by the 42nd Infantry Division Band and New York National Guard senior leaders.

The 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, supposedly earned the nickname “Fighting 69th” from Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. He is said to have referred to the Irish American unit as “that fighting 69th regiment” following the battle of Fredericksburg in 1863.

The unit’s Soldiers have distinguished themselves in the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and, since Sept. 11, 2001, deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa.

Because of the regiment’s roots in Irish American history, St. Patrick’s Day is also the 1st Battalion, 69th’s “Unit Day,” during which the battalion’s Soldiers are recognized for their accomplishments.

This year, the battalion will hold its recognition ceremony at the Park Avenue Armory after the parade because its permanent home, New York’s historic Lexington Avenue Armory, is being renovated.

The 69th began leading the parade in 1851 because of threats of anti-Catholic and anti-Irish attacks on the procession by nativist groups.

In 2021, when the parade was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of 50 69th Soldiers staged an informal parade along the route to keep the tradition alive.

And in the 1981 thriller “Cathedral” by Nelson DeMille, 69th Infantry Soldiers battle Irish terrorists in St. Patrick’s Cathedral on St. Patrick’s Day.

Traditions of the 69th Infantry and the St. Patrick’s Day parade include:

Soldiers place a sprig of boxwood on their uniforms because members of the Irish brigade put a boxwood sprig in their hat bands at the Battle of Fredericksburg on Dec. 13, 1862, to mark their Irish heritage.

Officers of the 69th carry a fighting stick made of blackthorn wood imported from Ireland because it is considered the mark of an Irish leader and gentleman.

Soldiers are accompanied on their parade march by two Irish Wolfhounds, the official mascot of the 69th Infantry. The dogs represent the regimental motto, “Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked”.

The battalion commander carries the “Kilmer Crucifix,” the religious icon once worn by poet Joyce Kilmer, who was killed in action serving in the 69th in World War I.

Before the parade, the regiment attends a special Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to honor its fallen and its Irish heritage.

Just before the parade starts, the head of the parade committee asks the commander if the 69th is ready. The response is: “The 69th is always ready!’

When the Soldiers return from the parade and begin their unit day ceremonies, they are cheered by the battalion’s officers, who render honors and pay tribute to the enlisted Soldiers and noncommissioned officers.