LEXINGTON, Ky., - Kentucky National Guard members wearing thoroughbred shoulder patches are blending in here at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.
The patch is worn by member of the 138th Fires Brigade, sometimes known as the “Horse Head Brigade.”
Located at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, the World Equestrian Games are comprised of the world championships for eight equestrian sports. The games are held every four years and over 50 nations make up the list of this year’s competitors.
Members of royalty from Britain and the Middle East, celebrities and dignitaries are among the competitors, and tens of thousands of spectators bring the attention of the world to the Bluegrass State.
The 138th will support federal, state and local authorities in the security mission during the games, which are being held for the first time outside of Europe.
“The 138th Field Artillery provides a visual presence and acts as a third line of defense,” said 1st Lt. Daniel Van Horn, platoon leader of Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery.
“Our unit provides back up and support for civilian security, law enforcement and other emergency responders,” he said.
Van Horn said logistics is the hardest part of the unit’s mission.
“Once the Kentucky Guard mobile command post was set up and logistics details were worked out, everything started running smoothly,” said Van Horn.
1st Lt. Daniel Van Horn of Charlie Battery, 2nd 138th Field Artillery, works alongside representatives from various agencies in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Emergency Operations Center.
The FBI EOC is the main hub for emergency information for 2010 World Equestrian Games at Lexington, Ky.
“The experiences you are a part of with the National Guard allows Soldiers to see and do things others will miss out on,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Lyddane of the 138th Fires Brigade.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am glad to be here to see it,” said Lyddane, a Bardstown, Ky., native, who shows horses when he is not on duty serving with the Kentucky National Guard.
Most of the Citizen-Soldiers involved in this mission are volunteers.
Almost all of them expressed a love of horses and real interest in being part of Kentucky’s modern history.
“I have enjoyed seeing all of the celebrities and royalty coming through,”
said Pfc. Phillip Price of B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery.
“When I was younger, I used to do a lot with horses and I really enjoy seeing all of the different breeds coming through my post,” he said.