LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky's adjutant general has been appointed as an adviser for a National Guard program that mentors
at-risk youngsters by using military values and discipline.
Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini was appointed with four other adjutants general to the board overseeing the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. The appointments announced Wednesday were made by Gen. Craig McKinley, director of the National Guard Bureau.
The program has helped more than 100,000 youth nationwide receive high school diplomas and GEDs and become members of their communities' work force.
Kentucky is one of 28 states with a Youth ChalleNGe program. The Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox has graduated more than 1,600 students since it opened in July 1999. Kentucky will open a second academy next July in Harlan to better serve youngsters in eastern Kentucky.
