Photo By Sgt. Chris Stephens | Specialist Brittany Kempfer, left, and Sgt. Eric Vogel, both members of the 116 Army...... read more read more
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SAVANNAH, Ga. - They came together to celebrate the camaraderie of artillerymen, but not without paying homage to the heritage of the Field Artillery Corps.
Artillerymen of the Georgia Army National Guard attended the 2016 Georgia Joint Fires Saint Barbara’s Ball at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah. celebration was not complete until they honored those that came before them and the ones that made the ultimate sacrifice.
“You have to remember where you come from,” said Capt. Juan Fernandez, commander of C Battery, 1-214 Field Artillery Regiment. “Otherwise, you lose a part of your identity.”
The annual Saint Barbara’s Ball gave members of the Georgia Army National Guard artillery community a chance to also have fun and honor the work of some of its members.
Brig. Gen. Thomas Carden, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard, said the artillery branch is one of vast importance that has helped shaped the mission in Georgia.
“The artillery organization is a leadership factory,” said Carden. “So many great leaders within the Georgia Army National Guard come from artillery. If you look at the 48th Brigade, which is an infantry unit, their commander comes from artillery. That makes two-straight commanders for the 48th that come from artillery.”
Special awards and honors were also given through the event, including the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. Recipients included Capt. Christopher L. Allen, Capt. Zachary A. Melda, Capt. Jared D. Smith, 1st Lt. Randall C. Moss, Sgt. 1st Class Randall S. Grier, Sgt. 1st Class James F. Patterson, Sgt. 1st Class Kyle A. Peyton, Staff Sgt. Tyler W. Jolissaint and Staff Sgt. William R. Patterson.
In addition, Col. Randall V. Simmons was awarded the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara, which recognizes members of the artillery community who have achieved long-term, exceptional service to the artillery, surpassing even their brethren in the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
“I’m humbled by this and extremely grateful,” Simmons said. “Many people in this room are responsible for me receiving this honor.”
Capt. Brian A. Foster, commander of B Battery, 1-214 Field Artillery Regiment, was honored with the Maj. Gen. Bilo Award which recognizes junior leaders for outstanding contributions to the Army National Guard artillery community. The purpose of the award is to continue to encourage exemplary service and leadership.
Brig. Gen. Keith A. Klemmer, deputy commanding general for Field Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, spoke to the group about coming changes.
“We need to renew our partnerships between active components and the National Guard,” said Klemmer. “There has been a top-down change in the attitude towards the National Guard, but we have to be communicating more. Battalion to battalion and brigade to brigade, we can’t go out separately. We have to be together in everything we do.”
Artillery punch was served for attendees to make toasts during throughout the evening.
Second Lt. Thien Nguyen, named the most expendable person in the unit, served as the taste tester for the meal. Reserved for the most junior officer, the honor bestowed upon Nguyen allowed him to taste the food and the punch bowl first to ensure it was safe for everyone to consume.
“This evening is all about building espirit de corps and sharing in the brotherhood of field artillery,” Fernandez said.
| Date Taken: | 01.09.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 01.15.2016 23:17 |
| Story ID: | 186444 |
| Location: | SAVANNAH, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 205 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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