KYNG Memorial Fund

09/01/2026

🌟 MY GUADALAJARA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 🌟

The Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund is pleased to recognize My Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant in Frankfort, Kentucky, for supporting the Kentucky National Guard Memorial and our mission of Honoring Their Sacrifice and Preserving Their Legacy.

🌮 LOCAL BUSINESS • GREAT FOOD • COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Located on U.S. 127 in Frankfort, My Guadalajara offers traditional Tex-Mex and Mexican favorites in a casual, welcoming setting. The restaurant is a familiar part of the Frankfort dining community and is located just minutes from Boone National Guard Center and the Kentucky National Guard Memorial. Visit Frankfort lists My Guadalajara among the city's local Mexican and Latin American dining options.

Support from local businesses like My Guadalajara is especially important to the Memorial Fund. As a nonprofit organization receiving no government funding, we depend upon individuals, organizations and community businesses willing to stand behind our mission.

❤️ THANK YOU, MY GUADALAJARA!

We appreciate your generosity and your willingness to support the Kentucky National Guard Memorial. Community partnerships like yours help us continue remembering Kentucky's fallen Soldiers and Airmen and preserving their legacy for generations to come.

And we encourage our followers to return that support.

The next time you're looking for Mexican food in Frankfort, consider stopping by My Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant and tell them thank you for supporting the Kentucky National Guard Memorial!

📍 1232 U.S. 127 South — Frankfort, Kentucky
☎️ (502) 696-9164 Visit Frankfort

Follow My Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant on Facebook

🇺🇸 SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT US!

For event information go to www.kyngmemorial.org/events

08/31/2026

🖋️ SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT — BETH COTTER 🇺🇸

The Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund is proud to recognize our longtime friend and supporter Beth Cotter — award-winning journalist, storyteller, content creator and author of narrative nonfiction and fiction.

For more than 25 years, Beth has used words to tell stories that matter. Her work has appeared in newspapers, magazines and books, and her writing has earned recognition from organizations including the Kentucky Press Association and the Military Writers Society of America. Her background includes journalism, humor, military history, narrative nonfiction and fiction.

📖 TELLING THE STORIES BEHIND THE SERVICE

One of Beth's most meaningful connections to the military community is her award-winning book Gravity: Not All Die in War. Some Just Never Go Home.

Gavity tells the story of a small group of Tennessee National Guardsmen whose lives changed after September 11, 2001, when they were called from their civilian lives to serve in Iraq. At its heart, the book examines the people behind the uniform—their friendships, families, sacrifices and the lasting consequences of war.

Beth's work on Gravity earned a Silver Medal in Creative Nonfiction in the 2016 Military Writers Society of America Book Awards. Her journalism has also received honors from the Kentucky Press Association and other professional organizations.

A newly expanded 20th Anniversary Edition of Gravity continues that important storytelling tradition, introducing the story to another generation of readers.

🇺🇸 WHY STORYTELLERS MATTER

At the Kentucky National Guard Memorial, our mission is not simply to preserve names in granite. It is to preserve the people, service, sacrifice and stories represented by those names.

That makes friends like Beth especially meaningful to us.

A skilled storyteller can help future generations understand that behind every military photograph, every name on a monument and every folded American flag is a human story—a family, friends, dreams, service and sacrifice.

❤️ THANK YOU, BETH!

We are grateful for Beth Cotter's longtime friendship and support of the Kentucky National Guard Memorial and for her commitment to telling stories that might otherwise be forgotten.

We encourage our followers to learn more about Beth's work and support a writer who understands the importance of preserving the stories of those who serve.

Beth Cotter:
https://bethcotter.com
Beth Cotter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethcotterbooks/
Gravity — 20th Anniversary Edition on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FN4CPV16?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Support those who support us.

For event information go to www.kyngmemorial.org/events.

08/31/2026

🇺🇸 SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT — PATRIOTS LANDING 🇺🇸

The Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund is proud to recognize Joseph Montgomery, Founder and Board Chair of Patriots Landing in Williamstown, Kentucky, and the entire Patriots Landing team for their support of our mission and their extraordinary commitment to America's veterans.

Our organizations share an important belief: service does not end when the uniform comes off.

🪚 SAWDUST • SERVICE • PURPOSE

Those three words capture the heart of Patriots Landing.

Patriots Landing is a faith-based veteran nonprofit where veterans find purposeful work, spiritual support and the camaraderie of fellow veterans. Inside its woodshop, veterans create handcrafted American flags, flag cases, crosses and other meaningful pieces while working in an environment built around fellowship, confidence, pride and renewed purpose. Patriots Landing describes it simply and powerfully: “This is more than a workshop. It’s a mission in motion.”

That mission will be on full display this September with A Nation Remembers Weekend, Patriots Landing's Veterans Tribute Weekend, scheduled for September 16–20, 2026.

🇺🇸 A NATION REMEMBERS — THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

We especially encourage our Kentucky National Guard Memorial followers, veterans, military families and friends to support Patriots Landing and participate in A Nation Remembers on Thursday, September 17.

The broader Veterans Tribute Weekend provides an opportunity to come together around the principles that connect Patriots Landing and the Kentucky National Guard Memorial: remembering those who served, honoring sacrifice, strengthening the veteran community and ensuring their stories are carried forward.

Patriots Landing's event page currently includes registration information for its ANR Remembrance Ceremony and Breakfast with a Hero, both listed as free events.

❤️ THANK YOU, JOSEPH MONTGOMERY AND PATRIOTS LANDING!

We are grateful for your support of the Kentucky National Guard Memorial and, equally important, for what you do every day for veterans.

Patriots Landing reminds us that honoring service isn't something reserved for Memorial Day or Veterans Day. It is something we can do every day—through fellowship, meaningful work, remembrance and purpose.

We encourage our followers to support those who support us and learn more about A Nation Remembers.

Patriots Landing: https://patriotslanding.org
A Nation Remembers: https://patriotslanding.org/collections/anr-tickets

Patriots Landing is a rural, faith-based veterans complex located in Williamstown, KY whose mission is Enhancing the Lives of Veterans and their Families. We opened our doors for the first time on February 11, 2023.

08/30/2026

🇺🇸 FLAG ALERT | OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

The Kentucky National Guard Memorial joins the Commonwealth in recognizing Overdose Awareness Day and honoring the lives of Kentuckians lost to drug overdose.

🇺🇸 HALF-STAFF OBSERVANCE

Date: Monday, August 31, 2026
Time: Sunrise to Sunset

Governor Andy Beshear has directed that flags at all Kentucky state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 31, in observance of Overdose Awareness Day in Kentucky. He also encourages individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the Commonwealth to join in this tribute by lowering their flags in remembrance of those whose lives have been lost to overdose.

In addition to the half-staff observance, the Governor's Mansion will be illuminated in purple on Monday, the internationally recognized color of overdose awareness, to honor those we have lost, support their families, and stand with those whose lives continue to be affected by substance use disorder.

As Governor Beshear stated:

"As we recognize Overdose Awareness Day here in the commonwealth, we remember those we have lost, offer support to their families and stand with those still struggling. We've made a lot of progress, but we know there is always more to do. One life lost to overdose is one too many. And we're committed to continuing this progress until that number gets to zero."

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed each year on August 31 to:
- Remember those who have died from drug overdose.
- Support the families and friends they leave behind.
- Raise awareness about overdose prevention.
- Reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorder.
- Encourage hope, recovery, and compassionate support for those still struggling.

Please Note: Kentucky flags are already being flown at half-staff in honor of Dolly Parton. Monday's observance also recognizes Overdose Awareness Day, and the Governor encourages all Kentuckians to participate in this statewide tribute.

The Kentucky National Guard Memorial honors the memory of every Kentuckian whose life has been lost and stands with the families, friends, first responders, healthcare professionals, and recovery advocates working every day to prevent future tragedies.

🇺🇸 Honor. Remember. Inspire.

For current Kentucky flag status information, visit governor.ky.gov/flag-status.

08/30/2026

🌟 SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT — CW4 (RET.) DEWEY POPE 🌟

The Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund is proud and honored to recognize CW4 (Ret.) Dewey Pope, a longtime supporter, volunteer, and valued member of the Kentucky National Guard Memorial family.

🇺🇸 A LEGACY OF SERVICE — AND CONTINUED SERVICE

Dewey's commitment did not end when he hung up the uniform. Over the years, he has continued to give his time, talents, and support to the Kentucky National Guard Memorial and its mission of ensuring that Kentucky's fallen Soldiers and Airmen are always remembered.

As both a supporter and volunteer, Dewey represents something especially important to our organization. The Memorial exists not only because people believe in its mission, but because dedicated individuals are willing to step forward and help carry that mission forward.

His continued support of our annual Kentucky National Guard Memorial Golf Scramble is another example of that commitment.

❤️ THANK YOU, DEWEY!

We are grateful to CW4 (Ret.) Dewey Pope for his years of friendship, volunteer service, and steadfast support of the Kentucky National Guard Memorial. People like Dewey make it possible for us to preserve the stories and sacrifices represented at the Memorial and pass their legacy to future generations.

Please join us in thanking Dewey for his continued commitment to Honoring Their Sacrifice and Preserving Their Legacy. To learn more about Dewey's remarkable career and service go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqYzOw9m8-w

⛳ 13th Annual Kentucky National Guard Memorial Golf Scramble
📅 Monday, September 21, 2026
📍 Weissinger Hills Golf Course — Shelbyville, Kentucky

Our player field is filled, but sponsorship opportunities and donations remain available as we prepare for this year's scramble.

For event information go to www.kyngmemorial.org/events.

Brigadier General William R. Buster AwardJames Dewey Pope, Jr., Ch...

08/30/2026

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 STAR SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT🌟🌟🌟🌟

The Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund is pleased to recognize Alan Woodson of Somerset, Kentucky, as a new Annual Supporter of the Annual Kentucky National Guard Memorial Golf Scramble.

Alan, a former member of the Kentucky Army National Guard, continues a proud family tradition of military service through his support of the Memorial. Alan's generous support of our mission honors Kentucky's fallen Soldiers and Airmen and helps preserve their legacy for future generations.

🇺🇸 HONORING FAMILY • HONORING SERVICE • HONORING SACRIFICE

Alan's sponsorship carries a particularly meaningful family tribute: in memory of his father, Brigadier General (Retired) Ronald Pierce Woodson, and in honor of his mother, Mary Ann Woodson.

General Woodson devoted a lifetime to public and military service. After graduating from Berea College, he served in the U.S. Army before joining the Kentucky Army National Guard. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to Brigadier General in 1993, retiring from the Guard in 1994. His remarkable life also included five terms as Pulaski County Property Valuation Administrator, entrepreneurship, membership in the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame, and a lifelong love of golf, family and friends.

General Woodson is not only remembered for his distinguished military career but also his deep devotion to his wife Marry Ann, his family, and close connection to his golf friends. Alan's support of the Memorial and our annual Golf Scramble is a meaningful way to carry that legacy forward.

❤️ THANK YOU, ALAN WOODSON!

Your support represents much more than an annual contribution. It demonstrates a lasting commitment to remembering those who served, supporting our military community, and ensuring that the sacrifices represented at the Kentucky National Guard Memorial are never forgotten.

We are honored to have Alan as part of the KYNG Memorial family of supporters.

⛳ 13th Annual Kentucky National Guard Memorial Golf Scramble
📅 Monday, September 21, 2026
📍 Weissinger Hills Golf Course — Shelbyville, Kentucky

Sponsorship opportunities and donations remain available.

For event information go to www.kyngmemorial.org/events.

08/30/2026

🌟 SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT — FIVE YEARS OF SUPPORT! 🌟

The Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund is proud to once again recognize Lindsey Golf Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, as a 1 Star Sponsor of the 13th Annual Kentucky National Guard Memorial Golf Scramble!

This year marks an important milestone in our partnership—five years of continued support from Lindsey Golf Course. We are especially grateful for organizations that return year after year to help us honor Kentucky's fallen Soldiers and Airmen and preserve their legacy for future generations.

⛳ GREAT GOLF • STRONG COMMUNITY • PROUD SERVICE

Located on the historic Fort Knox Army installation, Lindsey Golf Course has been part of Kentucky's golf tradition since 1933. The course was named for Maj. Gen. Julian R. Lindsey, who was instrumental in its layout and design, and in 1943 it hosted the Kentucky State Open, won by PGA legend Byron Nelson.

Today, Lindsey is open to the public and welcomes military personnel, veterans, families and civilian golfers. The course offers year-round golf, individual and family memberships, a fully stocked pro shop, golf instruction, and opportunities for charity, corporate and military outings.

Perhaps most fittingly, Army MWR notes that spending a day playing Lindsey Golf Course helps support the quality of life of our nation's Soldiers and their Families—a mission that complements our own commitment to honoring those who have served.

🇺🇸 THANK YOU, LINDSEY GOLF COURSE!

Five years of continued support represents much more than a sponsorship. It represents a lasting partnership with the Kentucky National Guard Memorial and the military community we serve.

We encourage our golfers, veterans, military families and friends throughout Kentucky to support those who support the Memorial. Make plans to tee it up at Lindsey Golf Course!

⛳ 13th Annual Kentucky National Guard Memorial Golf Scramble
📅 Monday, September 21, 2026
📍 Weissinger Hills Golf Course — Shelbyville, Kentucky

Although all player and team positions are filled, sponsorship opportunities and donations remain available.

For event information go to www.kyngmemorial.org/events.

08/29/2026

🇺🇸 ROCKING OUT AT THE WOODFORD COUNTY MILITARY FREEDOM FESTIVAL! 🇺🇸

Yes folks we are “Rocking Out” with Distraxions Band at the Woodford County Military Freedom Festival at Falling Springs Park, 275 Beasley Road in Versailles, Kentucky.

The festival is ongoing through the day and admission is FREE! Bring your lawn chairs and spend the day enjoying live music, food, fellowship, a silent auction, and a community celebration honoring those who have served our nation.

Be sure to stop by the Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund tent while you’re there! We are sharing information about the Memorial and our mission of Honoring Their Sacrifice.🫡

We’ll are also featuring some wonderful handmade items, including:

🏺 Handcrafted pottery by Sharon
💎 Handmade jewelry by Macie

Come out, support our veterans, visit with your neighbors, and enjoy a great day in Woodford County.🥳

🇺🇸 We look forward to seeing you here! 🇺🇸

08/29/2026

🇺🇸 WOODFORD COUNTY MILITARY FREEDOM FESTIVAL — HAPPENING NOW! 🇺🇸

The Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund is proud to participate in today’s Woodford County Military Freedom Festival at Falling Springs Park, 275 Beasley Road in Versailles, Kentucky.

The festival ongoing through the day and admission is FREE! Bring your lawn chairs and spend the day enjoying live music, food, fellowship, a silent auction, and a community celebration honoring those who have served our nation.

We extend our appreciation to organizers Doug and Valerie Day, who have dedicated countless hours to honoring and recognizing our veterans, service members, and our American heroes. They travel throughout Kentucky organizing events and ceremonies that recognize the service and sacrifices of our military members, veterans, and their families.

🇺🇸 This year is especially meaningful as our community comes together during America250 to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary and honor the generations of men and women whose service and sacrifice have helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.

Be sure to stop by the Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund tent while you’re there! We’ll be sharing information about the Memorial and our mission of Honoring Their Sacrifice.🫡

We’ll also feature some wonderful handmade items, including:

🏺 Handcrafted pottery by Sharon
💎 Handmade jewelry by Macie

Come out, support our veterans, visit with your neighbors, and enjoy a great day in Woodford County.🥳

🇺🇸 We look forward to seeing you today! 🇺🇸

08/27/2026

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 STAR SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT — SIX YEARS OF SUPPORT! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

The Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund is proud to once again recognize Mark Wilson and Modern Woodmen of America as a 4 Star Sponsor of the 13th Annual Kentucky National Guard Memorial Golf Scramble!

This year's sponsorship represents something especially meaningful to us: six consecutive years of support from Mark and Modern Woodmen of America.

Year after year, Mark has answered the call and demonstrated a sustained commitment to the Kentucky National Guard Memorial and our mission. That kind of long-term partnership is invaluable. It allows our organization to continue honoring Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who gave their lives in the line of duty while helping preserve their stories and legacy for future generations.

🇺🇸 SIX YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP. SIX YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

Mark serves as a Managing Partner with Modern Woodmen of America, working with individuals and families throughout Metro Louisville. His professional focus includes helping people plan for the different stages of life, and he specifically identifies veterans, military personnel, first responders, young families, those approaching retirement and small-business owners among those he enjoys serving.

That commitment to service fits naturally with Modern Woodmen's broader philosophy. Since 1883, Modern Woodmen of America has worked to bring people together, support families and strengthen communities. As a fraternal financial services organization, its mission extends beyond financial planning to community involvement and local service. Modern Woodmen

Mark's own community involvement includes the Rotary Club of Louisville Suburban, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Boy Scouts Troop 366, further demonstrating his commitment to serving others.

👏 THANK YOU, MARK AND MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA!

We are tremendously grateful not simply for this year's contribution, but for six years of dependable support. Long-term partners like Mark Wilson and Modern Woodmen help make our annual golf scramble successful and strengthen the Kentucky National Guard Memorial's ability to carry out its mission.

We encourage our followers to remember and support the businesses and professionals who consistently support the Memorial.

Interested in learning more about Mark and the services he provides go to https://reps.modernwoodmen.org/markwilson

⛳ 13th Annual Kentucky National Guard Memorial Golf Scramble
📅 Monday, September 21, 2026
📍 Weissinger Hills Golf Course — Shelbyville, KY

Although all player and team positions are filled, sponsorship opportunities and donations remain available.

For event information go to www.kyngmemorial.org/events.