ANG marksmen sweep 12th consecutive state competition

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. D. Clare
  • 123d Airlift Wing Public Affairs
For the 12th consecutive year, the Kentucky Air National Guard swept the Kentucky National Guard Combat Pistol Match at Fort Knox, Ky., Air National Guard Pistol Team 1 defeated 11 teams, 10 of which were comprised of Army guardsmen, to win the team pistol competition.

Kentucky Airmen also placed in rifle contests and as individual winners - including an Airman, Master Sgt. Darryl Loafman, being named the Commonwealth's "Top Gun" for achieving the aggregate top score in the competition. It was the sergeant's second consecutive top finish.

"It was a great honor - one I worked very hard for," said Sergeant Loafman. "We all really enjoyed representing the Kentucky Air National Guard. The training we received is passed along and will enhance the combat readiness of the Wing and the entire Kentucky National Guard."

Kentucky Airmen showcased their rifle skills by placing third in the competition.

The matches, sponsored by the Kentucky National Guard Recruiting and Retention Office, determine who will represent the Commonwealth in Guard-wide matches. As a result of the state competition, at least four Airmen will participate at the regional level this month at Camp Butner, North Carolina. The national competition will held in October.

"There's a bit of a rivalry between the Air and Army side of the house on the state level, but our focus now is on showcasing our skills against the Guard's top marksmen," said Sergeant Loafman, who was named captain for the Kentucky National Guard Marksmanship Team. "We work very well together as a team. It's a great group and we're looking forward to showing the nation what Commonwealth shooters are capable of."

"These Airmen performed very admirably in severe weather and under heavy competition among their fellow National Guard soldiers," said Col. Bill Ketterer, interim 123d Airlift Wing commander. "We're proud of the honors they took home and the warrior spirit they showed during the matches. They fought as true Kentuckians.

"More and more often, Airmen are being asked to perform 'in lieu of' taskings, augmenting soldiers and Marines on the battlefield. Marksmanship is a perishable skill and they show a special fitness and aptitude that should inspire us all to focus on our training. Obviously, these Airmen are proving we are up to the task. We're proud of their performance and wish them well in future competition."