Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Crane | U.S. Army Col. Ronnie Barnes, flanked by his wife Sabrina (right), and daughter...... read more read more
FRANKFORT, Ky. —The Kentucky National Guard celebrated an important moment as U.S. Army Col. Ronnie Barnes was promoted to brigadier general during a ceremony at the Wellman Armory Auditorium at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, April 17.
Friends, family, and fellow Soldiers packed the auditorium to honor Barnes’ hard work and dedication. He has served in the Kentucky National Guard for more than 30 years and has always shown strong leadership and commitment to the Commonwealth.
During the ceremony, speakers talked about his many accomplishments and shared examples of ways Barnes places his troops before himself.
The adjutant general of Kentucky, Maj. Gen. Haldane B. Lamberton, spoke on how rare it is to see colonels get promoted to general. He said only 1.5 percent of those officers starting out as second lieutenants ever reach that milestone.
“That's rarefied air in itself, and just that alone is quite an accomplishment for the folks who are able to rise above that,” said Lamberton as he addressed Barnes’ wife and children directly. “I think you and the kids are already tracking, but it marks your husband, your dad, as someone who is a very special man and is special to us--not only the Kentucky National Guard, but of the entire National Guard enterprise.”
When Barnes spoke, he brought up his faith in God and how important that is to him. He claimed it drives him to strive for excellence in everything he does.
He also thanked his family and his fellow Guardsmen during his speech.
“I cannot say enough of how grateful I am to have everyone's support, mentorship, and friendship over the years. The good, the bad, and the ugly of all this has molded this general officer, and I'm truly appreciative,” he said.
He also encouraged others to live with integrity, do what is right when no one is looking, and not just talk the talk, but walk the walk.
The event ended with a standing ovation after Barnes received his new rank, his 1-star general flag, and his general officer’s belt that was presented to him by Lamberton. The belt serves as a visual symbol of rank and authority, especially for those who have risen to the rank of general.
It was a proud day for him, his family, and the entire Kentucky National Guard.
Barnes, who had worked as the Kentucky Guard’s United States Property and Fiscal Officer, will now take on greater responsibilities as the Vice Director for the National Guard Bureau J8 (Programs and Requirements) in Washington, as well as continue to serve with honor and dedication as a distinguished leader of the Kentucky Guard.
| Date Taken: | 04.17.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.21.2025 11:48 |
| Story ID: | 495747 |
| Location: | FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY, US |
| Hometown: | LANCASTER, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Barnes Promotes to Brigadier General, by SFC Benjamin Crane, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
