Photo By Staff Sgt. Caleb Sooter | U.S Army Sgt. 1st Class Caleb Tidei, Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Wilhoit and Spc. Kyle Clark,...... read more read more
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FRANKFORT, Ky. — More than 2,200 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and Airmen activated to support emergency operations across the state as Winter Storm Fern swept through the commonwealth in late January.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency as the storm moved through Kentucky from Jan. 24–28. With many units already scheduled to conduct their monthly drill weekend Jan. 24–25, leaders were able to mobilize personnel and equipment quickly. Within hours, 52 armories were staffed and ready to assist Kentucky Emergency Management partners across the state.
For Emory Kidd, the Kentucky Emergency Management area manager for Barren, Monroe, and Allen Counties, having Service members prepositioned to respond was critical because his area sustained the most severe reported damage.
“Without the Guard, there would have been essential personnel that would not have made it to their jobs and EMS transport times would have been greatly lengthened, which in turn could have cost lives,” said Kidd. “The recovery period would have taken weeks longer to get roads opened and residents transported.”
The southern counties saw significant accumulation that left more than 75,000 customers without power. Units from the 38th Infantry Division Artillery (DIVARTY) initially provided support in the area, but as conditions improved throughout the state, the Guard surged more personnel into the region.
KYEM officials and Guard leaders were able to work side-by-side out of a local armory, a move that enhanced communication and coordination.
U.S. Army Col. Jonathan Gocke, commander of the 38th DIVARTY, emphasized the importance of relationships to this level of collaboration.
“The biggest lesson I think we all take from this is how important it is to partner with the emergency management team in Kentucky,” said Gocke. “To know each other and build relationships with each other so that when these things happen, we’re prepared to support each other.”
Across the state, Guardsmen completed over 300 transportation missions, getting essential workers to their jobs and moving vulnerable residents to medical care.
Additionally, specialized "toss teams" worked alongside the Division of Forestry to clear roadways. Together, these crews completed nearly 90 route-clearance missions across the commonwealth, removing fallen trees and debris.
Teams also worked hand-in-hand with emergency partners to conduct nearly 600 health and welfare checks, delivering over 1,000 bottles of water and 300 meals to residents without power and water due to the storm.
In Eastern Kentucky, Soldiers helped ensure continuity of critical medical care by transporting dialysis patients to and from their appointments.
Among those responding was Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Wilhoit of the 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade. Wilhoit took part in multiple missions over the weekend, operating in Frankfort, Lexington, Corinth, Versailles, Georgetown and Paris.
“Serving during the winter storm reminded me why I joined the Kentucky National Guard,” Wilhoit said. “Helping essential workers and assisting stranded drivers isn’t just a mission—it’s taking care of our communities when they need it most. Making a real difference makes the long hours and sacrifices worth it.”
Reflecting on the work of his Soldiers, Gocke shared a similar sentiment.
“Our response during Winter Storm Fern was a true testament to the spirit of our Kentucky National Guardsmen and women to step up and support our fellow citizens,” said Gocke.
From devastating tornadoes to historic floods and severe ice storms, Kentucky Guardsmen continue to demonstrate an enduring commitment to serving the commonwealth. They adapt with every lesson learned, strengthening their response alongside community partners, demonstrating they are a critical force for the commonwealth—always ready, always there.
| Date Taken: | 03.12.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 03.12.2026 12:39 |
| Story ID: | 560357 |
| Location: | KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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