EANGKY

Fellow Enlisted and Non-Commissioned Officers,

It is an honor to serve as your president of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Kentucky. Unlike many who have held this position before, I write to you while still wearing the uniform. I know what it means to balance drill weekends, missions, families, and civilian careers because I am right there with you. That perspective drives me to ensure that our voices, as enlisted Soldiers and Airmen, are heard and respected at every level.

EANGKY exists for one reason: to represent you. Every policy that affects our pay, benefits, training, and retirement starts with having a seat at the table. The strength of that voice depends on membership. When more Soldiers and Airmen join, our influence grows, our message carries farther, and our impact becomes undeniable.
The enlisted make up the strength of the Guard, yet our voice is often the quietest in the room. Through membership in EANGKY, we can change that. With the numbers we have, we would not need to ask for a seat at the table. Our presence would be possible to ignore.

With that said, membership is not about numbers on a roster. It is about commitment, commitment to your peers, to your profession, and to the future of the Guard. Every member who joins gives us another voice in Frankfort and Washington D.C. Every membership renewal tells leaders that the enlisted force of Kentucky is active, engaged, and united. Without that support, our advocacy, scholarships, and community programs would not exist.

This association is also about growth and connection. Being part of EANGKY means building relationships across the force, gaining mentorship, and developing leaders. It gives our junior enlisted a chance to be heard empowers every member to help shape the Guard’s future.
As I begin this role, my focus will be on three priorities:
• Membership: Strengthening our foundation through active recruitment, renewals, and engagement across every Army and Air unit in Kentucky.
• Professional Development: Building opportunities for mentorship and leadership growth and every level
• Legislation: Fighting for policies and resources that support our Soldiers, Airmen, and their families.

This organization cannot succeed without you. Joining is more than signing up; it is taking ownership of the future of the Kentucky National Guard. I encourage every enlisted member to step forward, join us, and bring someone with you.

We are still serving. We are still standing strong. Together, we will continue to build a Guard that is ready, resilient, and respected.

Respectfully,
Michael L. Smith
SFC, Proudly Serving the Kentucky Army National Guard
President, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Kentucky