Battery Commander’s Summary
Like most in the Army, the strength of this battery lies not in its statistical performance, but in the individual and collective accomplishments amassed over time. I could not be prouder to serve and command this fine group of artillerymen and would like to use this opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of all the soldiers of Alpha Battery over the past 10 months.
q Three days following the half-day Christmas break, the battery air assaulted into the Makua Valley Military Range Complex (MMRC) to support three infantry company combined arms live fires. The MMRC had just recently been re-opened for military use and had a 180m x 240m impact area bounded on three sides by culturally protected sites. With no margin for error, the battery safely fired over 150 rounds in support of each CALFEX, firing many rounds danger close to friendly forces. During the CALFEX, SSG Kirklee Daubon and SSG Travis Baker were recognized for excellence by General Thomas Schwartz, Commander, US Forces Korea. Six more soldiers and NCOs were recognized for excellence by the Brigade and Division Artillery Commanders.
q As a result of the battery’s exemplary performance during these CALFEX operations, the battery was selected to participate in Pacific Bond - a 30-day company exchange exercise designed to reinforce the alliance between the United States and Australian armies.
q In February, SGT Donald Likens was recognized as the Battalion NCO of the Year for 2002. That same month, SPC Jeremiah Green won the Division Artillery Soldier of the Year board.
q In March, the battery was selected to fire a salute for the 25th Infantry Division Transformation Ceremony and was commended by the Assistant Division Commander for Operations, COL (P) John Woods, for its crisp execution.
q In April, the battery deployed off-island to the Pohakolua Training Area (located on the island of Hawaii) to participate in numerous training events, to include a battery and battalion external evaluation. Again, the overall performance of the battery was outstanding.
q Last May, the Commanding General for the Tripler Army Medical Center lauded the battery for its professionalism and attention to detail during a two-week gate guard security mission, during which the battery was responsible for the force protection of the hospital facilities.
q In May the 25th Infantry Division Commanding General recognized SFC Earnest Warner, our Chief of Firing Battery, as the Division Artillery’s Outstanding Trainer/ Maintainer.
q In June, our battery Fire Direction Center, led by 2LT Russell Lemler and SSG Travis Baker won both the Battalion and Division Artillery Best by Test Fire Direction Center for 2002.
q In June, this 105mm battery certified on the M198 howitzer in preparation for Pacific Bond 2002. Each of our sections had only four training days to prepare for the certification, and all scored above 85%.
q In July, the battery deployed to Darwin, Australia for Pacific Bond 2002. Highlights of the 35 day deployment include howitzer section competitions, marksmanship training, a 10 day FTX in the outback, a fire support CPX, a senior NCO and officer Dining Out and sports competitions. For the duration of the PACBOND deployment, the men of A/3-7 FA represented themselves extremely well as United States citizens and as members of the “Never Broken” battalion.
I do not know how the accomplishments of this battery will stack up with the other batteries selected to participate in the Knox Award competition. I do know that I am commanding some of the finest soldiers in our army and I am thankful for that fact everyday. I appreciate this opportunity to highlight our collective and individual feats. -- CPT Jon Sowards