The CSM Harold L. Disney Training Center was officially formed in April 1979 (although used for many years prior to this) in support of a need to provide a local training area for units in East Kentucky. The site was originally TVA property that deeded to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and permanently licensed to the Kentucky National Guard in August 1994. The site presently covers 558 acres with many support facilities (Marksmanship Trainer, Rappel Towers, Maintenance Facilities) utilized by units in Eastern Kentucky including the Infantry, Chemical and Engineer Battalions.
CSM Harold L. Disney
CSM Harold L. Disney was inducted in the United States Army in 1958 and had a long and distinguished career that spanned the next 38 years. After serving his first five years on active duty and with the Army Reserves he joined the Kentucky Army National Guard in Barbourville in December 1963 and went on to serve his entire career with the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry. He distinguished himself as a true Guardsmen throughout his career and was promoted to CSM in March of 1977.
CSM Harold L. Disney also became the face of the Eastern Kentucky Training Site when he began his career with the Kentucky National Guard as a Federal Technician in October 1974. During that time he was the spearhead in getting the proper authorization from TVA and the Army Corps of Engineers to allow the Kentucky National Guard to train and develop the Eastern Kentucky Training Site.
He retired from the Kentucky Army National Guard and from federal service in 1997. Awards and decorations from his military career include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Kentucky Service Ribbon, and Kentucky Merit Ribbon.
Although retired from the National Guard, CSM Disney never truly left the ranks. In May of 2006, he stepped back up to the plate to serve his country and fellow guardsmen as he backfilled the EKTS training site NCOIC who deployed to Iraq. The 18 months after his return, the EKTS had seen significant growth and increased usage that was a direct result of his expertise and dedication to duty. His expertise was critical in the construction of 4 KSPAN facilities that will house 160 soldiers and the site's first classroom facility. He was also instrumental in the training of several National Guard soldiers in the KSPAN construction techniques and supervised the construction of a new Administrative/Shower house facility. Most importantly he supported the units in East Kentucky to ensure they met their mission requirements and were prepared for deployments around the world.
CSM Harold L. Disney retired once again on December 7th 2007 where he will rejoin his wife, Louise, his two sons, Greg and Jimmy and his four grandchildren.
CSM Harold L. Disney's service to the Kentucky National Guard can never be over-stated and he truly epitomizes the tradition of the "Fighting Kentuckians."