‘Long Time Running’: Kentucky Army National Guard graduates new warrant officers
FRANKFORT, Ky. – After months of training, study and preparation, seven candidates from the Kentucky Army National Guard Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) Class 26-001 officially graduated as the newest warrant officers in the Kentucky National Guard during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center Sept. 12.
The ceremony marked the culmination of a demanding training program that prepared the graduates to serve as technical experts and professional leaders within the Army Warrant Officer Corps.
Their class was given the moniker “Long Time Running,” a name chosen by their predecessors as a key part of WOCS tradition. With the completion of their training, the graduates will now share that legacy.
The Class 26-001 graduates are Taylor R. Evans, Stacy M. Hancock, Spencer G. Kencsan, Melissa M. Licavoli, Tegawende S. Ouedraogo, Eric L. Salley and Daniel White. While all seven Soldiers completed the course, some will be formally appointed later as authorized warrant officer positions become available within their respective branches.
For Hancock, who serves as a human resources specialist (42A), the transition represents more than standard career progression.
“Although I have not been appointed as a warrant officer yet, becoming a warrant officer means so much more to me than simply advancing in my career,” Hancock said. “It represents my commitment to continuously growing, challenging myself, and becoming the best version of myself both as a Soldier and a human being.”
Hancock hopes to build on her experience as a 42A and become a trusted resource for others.
“I want to deepen my knowledge and focus my skills so that I can become a true subject matter expert — someone others can turn to for guidance, knowledge, and support,” she said.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Haldane B. Lamberton, Kentucky’s adjutant general, presided over the ceremony and highlighted the elite nature of the Warrant Officer Corps.
“Less than 3% of our Army formation are warrant officers,” Lamberton said. “Not just anybody can do it.”
Unlike most commissioned officers, many warrant officers have experience as noncommissioned officers. That perspective, along with developing their expertise in highly specialized fields, makes them a critical link between the technical force and senior leadership during complex, real-world missions.
For Hancock, the significance of the achievement also carries personal weight, as she hopes her journey serves as a lasting example to her Family.
“I want to show my Family, especially my daughters, that growth comes from being willing to challenge yourself, persevere when things are difficult and never stop striving to become better,” Hancock said. “Becoming a warrant officer is another step in that journey, and I want to make them proud by showing them what dedication, resilience and believing in yourself can accomplish.”
The transition reflects a commitment to continued service and a specialized profession of technical trainers, advisors, and leaders. As Class 26-001 moves forward, the graduates carry with them the experience of enlisted service, the lessons learned through WOCS, and the responsibility that comes with joining one of the Army’s smallest professional cohorts.
For the Soldiers of “Long Time Running,” the graduation marks the end of one challenge and the beginning of their next run — this time, as newly forged warrant officers.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
