May 25 – Commissioner Whitney Allen, Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs, Memorial Day Program

LEXINGTON, KY – The Rotary Club of Lexington held its weekly meeting Thursday, May 25, at The Mane on Main, Chase Bank building on Main St. The program’s guest speaker was Commissioner Whitney Allen, Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs. This is the Rotary Club of Lexignton’s annual Memorial Day Program.

This meeting was also be on Zoom. For the Zoom link please email, trafton@rotarylexky.org.

If you would like to have lunch, please contact Jenny@rotarylexky.org  to reserve your meal.

On 4 August 2021, Governor Andy Beshear appointed Lieutenant Colonel, USA (Retired) Whitney Allen as the seventh Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs. Whitney Allen is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel with 25 years of combined military service. His has been Deputy Commissioner of KDVA and is an advocate for veteran inclusion in the workforce.

LTC Allen has served in various military organizations and military locations. His assignments include three combat tours in Afghanistan/Kuwait (2006-07, 2008-09, 2013-14), peacekeeping mission in Bosnia (1996), training exercise in Kingdom of Jordan (2003), tour in Germany (1995-1998) and various assignments throughout the United States.

LTC Allen military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, (OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (Silver OLC), Army Commendation Medal (two OLC), Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal (Bronze Star), Army Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan

Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Ribbon (#3 Device), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Medal (Bronze Star), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Airborne Badge and the Military Intelligence Association Knowlton Award. He also received an award from the Afghanistan Minister of Interior for his work with Afghanistan local police.

He is a Louisville Week of Valor 2020 Honoree, Humana’s Boots on the Ground Honoree, Louisville Business First 2019 “Salute to Veterans” honoree, Kentucky Colonel, and holds membership/leadership positions in local and national veteran organizations to include Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville (VCAL), the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, and the NAACP Louisville Chapter’s Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. He and his wife Yolanda have two daughters and currently reside in Louisville.