Awards
About The Awards
Both the NGAKY and NGAUS awards programs are excellent ways to recognize servicemembers within your commands — as well as those outside your organization who have contributed to the overall success of the Kentucky National Guard. The nomination process is simple and streamlined, but submissions must be accompanied by robust supporting documentation. In general, the more documentation you can provide to support, the better.
There are five different NGAKY awards, listed below.
Billy G. Wellman Award
To recognize exceptionally-outstanding service of a civilian or military member who has labored for the betterment of all members of the Kentucky National Guard and the NGAKY.
2026 - Lt Col Benningfield
NGAKY SERVICE AWARD
To recognize individuals for exemplary performance and outstanding service to the NGAKY
2026 - LTC Kenny Staley
2026 - Capt Woodson
2026 - 1st Lt Vance
George Rogers Clark Outstanding Young Officer Award
To provide recognition of a junior-grade officer who – as a member of the KYNG – performed exceptionally-outstanding service to his or her unit.
2026 - CPT Leonard
2026 - 1st Lt Greenert
Community Service Award
To recognize Guardsmen who donate their time and talent to the community as representatives of the National Guard
2026 - Maj Lasher
2026 - Capt Farc
The NGAKY Statesman Award
To recognize a legislator for exemplary contributions to NGAKY and the Kentucky National Guard
2026 - State Rep. Steve Bratcher
How to Nominate a Member:
Each Wing and MSC should select an overall nominee from subordinate submissions and submit NGAKY award nominations NLT 31 December. Please note that, while the criteria for these awards are vague by design, superior performance of normal job duties does not justify presentation of an award.
NGAUS Awards have multiple categories and submission restrictions and must be submitted to NGAKY for review NLT 1 February of the current award year.
Please review the attached description for each award and contact me directly with any questions or requests for assistance in submitting for these honors.
Please submit NGAKY awards nominations to nicole@ngaky.org
Joe Gardner
executivedirector@ngaky.org
Executive Director
502.564.7500 (office)
502.316.8126 (cell)
