10th Marine Regiment celebrates patron saint of artillery

Photo By Cpl. Fatmeh Saad | Marines toast to the health of the Marine Corps, the Field Artillery and Saint Barbara during 10th Marine Regiment’s Saint Barbara’s Day Celebration at Hilton Doubletree Oceanfront in Atlantic Beach, N.C., April 18, 2015. Saint Barbara has long been the patron saint of the Field Artillery, and the event included inductions of nine Marines into the Order of Saint Barbara and six spouses into the Artillery Order of Molly Pitcher, for their selfless service. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Fatmeh Saad/Released)  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

04.18.2015

Story by Lance Cpl. Fatmeh Saad 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - While traveling home after killing his daughter, Saint Barbara, Dioscorus is said to have been struck by lightning and consumed by flames. Saint Barbara’s name has long been invoked in prayer to protect those in danger of explosions, such as the artillerymen, because of her association with lightning and fire.

Marines from 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division gathered at the Hilton Doubletree Oceanfront in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, to celebrate the renowned patron saint of artillery April 18, 2015.

The evening’s guest of honor was retired Marine Corps Col. Henry T. Gobar. During his 30-year career, Gobar was assigned to the Regiment twice, serving as a commanding officer with Battery F, 2nd Battalion and later as the Regiment’s commanding officer.

Col. Clifford J. Weinstein, the commanding officer of the Regiment, and Gobar individually addressed the Marines, providing them with anecdotes of their experience in the Marine Corps and words of wisdom.

Following the speeches, nine Marines were inducted into the Order of Saint Barbara, an honor society within the Marine Corps and Army artillery communities whose purpose is to recognize Marines who exemplify the highest level of integrity and selfless service to Field Artillery. The honorees are:

Gunnery Sgt. Kenneth Castille, a native of Talladega, Alabama. Capt. Nicholas Gregson, a native of Prince William County, Virginia. Maj. Nathan Harvey, a native of Fairfax, Virginia. Gunnery Sgt. Brennan Kriner, a native of Riverside, California. Sgt. Joseph Lamberty, a native of Cook County, Illinois. Maj. Jonathan Marang, a native of St. Joseph, Indiana. Staff Sgt. Damen Rosenburg, a native of Calhoun County, Michigan. Sgt. Maj. Brett Scheuer, a native of Erie County, New York. Maj. Nickolas Whitefield, a native of Harris, Texas.

Six spouses were welcomed into the Artillery Order of Molly Pitcher, whose membership is limited to spouses who have served the artillery community with the spirit of Molly Pitcher, a historically prominent artillery wife, who was known for her volunteer work and selfless dedication to the cause during the Revolutionary War. The awardees are:

Mrs. Mayumi Baehr, Mrs. Silha Bess, Mrs. Julie Palka, Mrs. Kristine Pennington, Mrs. Heather Potting, Mrs. Laura Whitefield.

Continuing with tradition, Marines took part in skits, such as the “Genesis of the Field Artillery,” which is an anecdote of how artillerymen came to be. The actors received laughter and applause from the audience with lines such as, “Lord save us for we are afraid,” while playing the parts of infantrymen, tanks and aviators pleading for a stronger unit on the battlefield.

The Saint Barbara’s Day celebration ended with customary toasting. Whether it was to the United States of America, the 10th Marine Regiment or Saint Barbara herself, each proposed tribute was met with a raised glass and a resounding cheer from all in attendance.

“This is the leadership of the Regiment,” Weinstein said. “Keep in mind, among all the revelry and although it’s a very lighthearted night, it’s a very serious business we’re engaged in with artillery. That is why they call us the ‘King of Battle,’ because of the effect that artillery has had on the battlefield.’”

• Date Taken: 04.18.2015
• Date Posted: 04.22.2015 16:15
• Story ID: 160857
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US
• Hometown: FAIRFAX, VA, US
• Hometown: HARRIS, TX, US
• Hometown: RIVERSIDE, CA, US
• Hometown: ST. JOSEPH, IN, US
• Hometown: TALLADEGA, AL, US