Sergeant Major retires after three decades of service to the Kentucky National Guard
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Family, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate the career of U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Darrell Brookins during a retirement ceremony at the Barker Auditorium on Boone National Guard Center, Sept. 25.
Brookins culminates a career spanning more than four decades, which includes service in the U.S. Army Reserve, a deployment to Iraq and various leadership positions throughout the Kentucky Army National Guard.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Haldane B. Lamberton, Kentucky’s adjutant general, delivered remarks during the ceremony, praising Brookins’ dedication to the organization.
“I encourage everybody to thank Sergeant Major Brookins for his service and thank him for the example that he's led for many of us over not just years, but decades of service,” said Lamberton. “You made a difference. It may sound kind of simple, Sergeant Major, but it's sincere — I think we're a better organization by virtue of your efforts and your service to the Kentucky National Guard, and I'm greatly appreciative of it.”
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Brookins began his military career in 1991 with the U.S. Army Reserve. He enlisted as a wheel vehicle repairer, completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and advanced individual training at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
Brookins joined the Kentucky Army National Guard in 2005 after a break in service, assigned as a chaplain’s assistant with the 149th Brigade Support Battalion. In 2007, he entered the Active Guard Reserve program as a human resources noncommissioned officer.
Brookins deployed to Iraq in 2011 in support of Operation New Dawn. Following the deployment, he served as the senior human resources NCO for the 198th Military Police Battalion from 2012 to 2018.
In 2018, Brookins transitioned to Joint Force Headquarters, where he served as an equal employment opportunity specialist. From 2019 to 2023, he served as first sergeant of the 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment before assuming his final position as G-1 sergeant major for the Kentucky Army National Guard.
Throughout his career, Brookins dedicated himself to developing Soldiers, supporting Families and helping build the next generation of military leaders.
Reflecting on his career and the opportunity to serve others, Brookins noted that his greatest fulfillment came from serving others.
“I’m lost for words, but I am grateful,” Brookins said. “I am grateful that the Lord blessed me enough to follow the things that he gifted me with, and that's helping people.”
Brookins continued his professional and civilian education throughout his career, completing numerous military leadership and specialty courses. He earned degrees in social science and management, along with certificates in workforce development and leadership and strategic leadership. He is currently enrolled in a Doctor of Strategic Leadership program.
His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and numerous other federal and state awards. He was also commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in 2016.
For Brookins, the relationships built throughout his career remain among the most meaningful parts of his service.
“I’m so grateful for every one of you that's here,” Brookins said. “All I want to do is help people, and I’m thankful for the leadership here in the Kentucky Army National Guard for allowing me to do the thing that I love to do. Thank you all.”
Brookins and his wife of 27 years, Shelia, have six adult children and five grandchildren, who are affectionately referred to by many as “Team Brookins.”
As the leader of ‘Team Brookins,’ Shelia was also recognized for her contributions to the KYARNG and presented with a certificate of appreciation. Their two children who were present also received tokens of appreciation.
Shelia was also a recipient of the National Guard’s prestigious Spouse of the Year award in 2018, honored for her extensive community outreach, community support structures and dedication to Guard unit Families.
Brookins’ retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished military career, but the impact of his leadership, mentorship and commitment to helping others will continue through the Soldiers and leaders whom he developed.
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