Photo By Capt. Russell Shirley-Jones | U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Javier Casanova, command sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, delivers opening remarks during the battalion’s Organization Day at Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area on Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 6, 2026. The event brought Soldiers, Families and Fort Hood community resources together to build morale, strengthen esprit de corps and reinforce the battalion’s commitment to taking care of its people. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Russell Shirley-Jones) see less
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Strike First Battalion builds morale, family connection during Organization Day
FORT HOOD, Texas – Soldiers and Families assigned to 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, gathered for an Organization Day at Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area on Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 6, 2026, to build morale, strengthen esprit de corps and connect Families with resources across the Fort Hood community.
The event allowed Soldiers and Families to step away from the daily operational tempo and spend time together in a relaxed environment. Throughout the day, batteries competed in events including flickerball, a golf chipping contest and tug of war. Soldiers and Families also had the chance to throw balls at a dunk tank to dunk unit leadership and participate in a pie-in-the-face event.
Lt. Col. Candace J. Hill, commander of 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, said the event was about strengthening the relationships that support readiness across the battalion.
“Readiness is built on more than equipment and training calendars,” Hill said. “It is built on trust and strong Families and Soldiers who know they are part of a team. Today gave our formation a chance to come together, build morale and strengthen the bonds that help us accomplish the mission.”
The Organization Day also included representatives from Fort Hood support programs and community partners. Soldiers and Families were able to speak with representatives from the Army Substance Abuse Program, the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program, Holistic Health and Fitness, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8539.
Command Sgt. Maj. Javier Casanova, command sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, said connecting Soldiers and Families with resources is an important part of taking care of the formation.
“Our Soldiers work hard, and our Families carry a lot alongside them,” Casanova said. “Events like this allow us to build the team, recognize the importance of Family support and make sure our people know where to go when they need help. A strong battalion starts with strong Soldiers, strong Families and leaders who stay engaged.”
For those in attendance, the event provided an opportunity to meet other Families, interact with battalion leadership and learn more about the resources available to them. The day also helped reinforce the battalion’s identity through friendly competition and shared experiences across the formation.
While the competitions brought energy to the day, the larger purpose was to strengthen the battalion’s sense of community. Organization Day allowed Soldiers, Families, leaders and support agencies to come together in one place, reinforcing the connection between morale, readiness and mission success.
The event highlighted the Strike First Battalion’s continued focus on building cohesive teams, supporting Families and maintaining a ready formation capable of meeting future mission requirements.
