Bayonet Brigade NCO receives prestigious Order of Saint Barbara

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Jeremy Simmons, 3rd Battalion, 393rd Field Artillery operations officer, bestows the Saint Barbara’s Medal on Sgt. 1st Class Jesse English, of Kaunakakai, Hawaii, during the annual Saint Barbara Ball hosted by 41st Fires Brigade on Killeen, Texas, recently. (Courtesy photo)  

KILLEEN, TX, UNITED STATES

02.25.2015

Courtesy Story

First Army Division West

By Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ismael Rodriguez, 3rd Battalion, 393rd Field Artillery Regiment, 120th Infantry Brigade, Division West Public Affairs

KILLEEN, Texas – A 120th Infantry Brigade, Division West Soldier was recently inducted into the prestigious Order of Saint Barbara given to outstanding Soldiers from within the field artillery community.

Over 900 Soldiers and family members from units across Fort Hood attended the Order of St. Barbara award ceremony during the annual St. Barbara’s Day Ball, held Feb. 21 at the Killeen Civic Center.

Sgt. 1st Class Jesse English from Kaunakakai, Hawaii, 3rd Battalion, 393rd Field Artillery, 120th Infantry Brigade, Division West, was nominated by existing awardees and was selected by the Order of St. Barbara board from the Field Artillery Association.

A rigorous vetting process ensures the future integrity of the honor. English currently serves an observer-coach/trainer and an operations noncommissioned officer.

“To be considered and then awarded this award by very experienced and skilled field artillerymen is a great honor,” said English. “I am the kind of person who works hard at everything and then to be awarded this award is an honor beyond belief.”

English began his career in the Hawaiian National Guard as an infantryman, then transferred to Air Force Special Operations as a weatherman. In 2006, he transferred to the Army as a field artillery meteorologist.

The ceremony was hosted by Col. Patrick Gaydon, 41st Field Artillery Brigade commander, and featured guest speaker Lt. Gen. David C. Halverson, U.S. Army Installation Management Command and assistant chief of staff for Installation Management.

The honorable Order of St. Barbara is given to Soldiers and civilians who have served the field artillery community with distinction, made a significant contribution in support of the field artillery, and represent the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence, and dedication to duty.

• Date Taken: 02.25.2015
• Date Posted: 02.25.2015 18:39
• Story ID: 155414
• Location: KILLEEN, TX, US
• Hometown: KAUNAKAKAI, HI, US