Northern Kentucky cities support Strike Brigade's field artillerymen

Photo By Staff Sgt. James Hunter | Women from the America Supporting American's Adopt-A-Unit program listen on as members of the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, brief them on what exactly field artillerymen do to prepare for future combat operations during their visit here, Oct. 7.  

FORT CAMPBELL, UNITED STATES

10.12.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. James Hunter 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — Following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on American soil, and the U.S. invasion into Afghanistan and Iraq, a few northern Kentucky cities were looking to support a unit through the America Supporting American's Adopt-A-Unit program.

What they would find is a unit close to home at Fort Campbell, Ky. — the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

"The cities in northern Kentucky that we have worked with have been instrumental in supporting the battalion, the battalion Soldiers and their Families as they've deployed, come back from deployment, reset themselves and prepared to deploy again," said Capt. Elijah Ward, commander, Battery B, 1st Bn., 320th FA Regt. "There's nothing better for us then to hear from those cities while we're downrange deployed in combat operations and to know that there are Americans across the great country who are supporting our Soldiers and who are supporting their Families and what they do and understand the hardships they undertake."

To this day, they continue their support of the field artillerymen. On Oct. 7, they visited the battalion during the 2nd Brigade's combined arms Walk and Shoot exercise to witness firsthand the training that prepares these men for combat.

"We were invited by the commander, Lt. Col. David Flynn, to see what you all do," said Jane Terrell, a liaison between Villa Hills, Ky., and Fort Campbell. "Primarily, it lets us see what exactly Soldiers do in the field. It's amazing what is happening here. The Soldiers are just wonderful."

During their visit, they watched as leaders incorporated field artillery, mortar and aviation assets into their combat operations as they moved toward a known enemy objective during the Walk and Shoot exercise. They saw firsthand how field artillerymen receive a fire mission and ultimately fire from their M119A2 105mm towed Howitzer's on the enemy objective.

They also witnessed exactly what air assault field artillery Soldiers are capable of as Soldiers from Battery A, 1st Bn., 320th FA Regt., conducted an air assault artillery raid where they along with their Howitzers were air assaulted in and they quickly set up their guns to fire.

"It's absolutely great and a great opportunity for us to express our appreciations to the cities by inviting them to an event like this where they can see exactly what it is we are doing day-in and day-out when we are down-range in a foreign country," said Ward. "We are honored and privileged to have them down here. I hope the words gets up north of how honored we are to have their support."

These men and women — who represent the Kentucky cities of Villa Hills, Crescent Hills, Taylor Mills and Lakeside Parks — have a great appreciation for the Soldiers and they effort they give in forever ensuring freedom.

"I had family that served in Vietnam and I know what they went through especially when they came back home," said Terrell. "I think it's very important to know regardless of politics we are behind the Soldiers no matter what."

Through fundraisers, care packages, and even letters from children during the holidays, they have ultimately grown upon each other and become very dedicated to ensuring that Soldiers and Families are loved and supported.

"The bond between our cities and our Soldiers is very strong," said Terrell. "We hope to continue our support no matter where they are and provide any kind of assistance for whatever is necessary. We consider our Soldiers apart of our family too."

• Date Taken: 10.12.2009
• Date Posted: 10.12.2009 14:36
• Story ID: 39994
• Location: FORT CAMPBELL, US