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The current generation of Soldiers of the 14th Field Artillery
Regiment
"Steel Warriors Lead the Way"
Soldiers of the Steel Warrior Battalion:
Thank you for your service to our Nation. May God guide and protect you through challenging times.
************************************************************** 6 March 2018: "Steel Warriors" of 1st Battalion 14th Field Artillery Regiment,
on deployment, visited Sailors aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). More pictures of their visit can be viewed
at https://www.flickr.com/gp/153000439@N04/21v21t
************************************************************** A recent article from the Fort Sill Cannoneer regarding the Steel Warriors' field certification
exercise.
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1st Battalion 14th Field Artillery
Assumption of Command Ceremony
Fort Sill, Oklahoma
27 February 2013
LTC Jon Paul Maddaloni
Commander
1st Battalion 14th Field Artillery
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2-5 FA Live Fire Exercise
August 2012
The Steel Warriors' sister battalion, 2nd Battalion 5th Field Artillery conducted live
fire training at Fort Sill on 24 August 2012. 2-5 FA is an M109A6 155mm unit. David Laukat attended the training and provided
these photos.
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| MAJ Christopher Adams and CSM(R) David Laukat |
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| MAJ Christopher Adams, CSM(R) David Laukat, and LTC Seth T. Pilgrim |
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Steel Warrior Training Activities
November 2011
Air Load Training
at Altus AFB, Oklahoma
International training
with Singapore Armed Forces Artillerymen
*************************************************************** B Battery Change of Command 17 August 2011
*************************************************************** C Battery Deactivation 17 August 2011
*************************************************************** Steel Warriors in the News July 2011
Articles
from the Fort Sill Cannoneer describing an HHB 1-14FA training exercise and the Battalion's efforts fighting fires
in the Fort Sill and Medicine Park areas. (Articles
provided by LTC Rob Picht, Commander, 1-14FA)
****************************************************************** Alpha
and Charlie Batteries Training at Fort Bliss, TX February - March 2011
Alpha and Charlie Batteries, 1st Battalion 14th Field Artillery have
successfully returned to Fort Sill after extensive training at Fort Bliss, TX. The accompanying article outlines the training
event. (Article provided by LTC Rob Picht,
Commander, 1-14FA)
****************************************************************** 36th
Annual DoD Culinary Arts Competion 27 February - 9 March 2011 Steel Warrior Soldiers, SPC Fadden and SPC Howard, were members of the Fort Sill Culinary Arts Team in the Culinary
Arts Competition at Fort Lee, VA. SPCs Fadden and Howard won six of the 34 medals won by the Fort Sill Team. (Article provided by LTC Rob Picht, Commander,
1-14FA)
****************************************************************** 214th
Fires Brigade St. Barbara's Ball 28 January 2011 The 214th Fires Brigade annual Saint Barbara’s Day Ball was held 28 January
2011 at the Fort Sill Patriot Club with close to 500 Soldiers, spouses,
and guests attending.
Following
the social and dinner hour remarks were given by the honored guest MG Mark A. Graham, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7 (Readiness),
FORSCOM at Fort
McPherson, GA. MG Graham had served as Deputy Commander/Assistant
Commandant, U.S. Army Field Artillery Center and School, Fort Sill,
OK. MG David D. Halverson, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Fires
Center of Excellence and Fort Sill, OK also spoke. Soon
began the annual ritual of preparing the celebratory Artillery Punch
with each represented battalion commander and sergeant major bringing
forth their portion for the mix. The base charge was located and
brought from its Signal Mountain location and a pair of used socks were
added for good measure. Following the official sampling of the punch
it was set aside to brew as names of a select few were called of
Soldiers and their spouses for presentation of the Order of Saint
Barbara and Molly Pitcher awards. Following
the presentation of the Saint Barbara’s awards the floor was opened up
for casual dancing and further sampling of the Artillery Punch by those
brave Redlegs present.
****************************************************************** Bravo Battery Live Fire Exercise 25 August 2010
Bravo Battery, 1-14 FA conducted a live exercise at Fort Sill on 25 August.
The Soldiers of B Battery were featured in a front page, above the fold article in the Fort Sill Cannoneer. (Provided by LTC Rob Picht, Commander, 1-14 FA.)
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Alpha and Charlie Batteries Return to Fort Sill
On 8 June, at 2155 hrs, both Alpha and Charley Batteries returned from a successful fire
support mission within Iraq. While there, only 42 rockets were launched in anger from the new HIMARS system, but with
great effect.
These two batteries made such an impression on the maneuver commanders that they were
requested to have their tours extended for several more months. Fortunately for the Soldiers, their families, and us,
the Force Commander declined the request and they returned home on schedule.
After being bussed from the Lawton, OK airport and turning in their equipment, the units marched
into the Rhinehart Gymnasium at Fort Sill, where after a few words were said, they were released to their families.
The pictures show the many happy Soldiers & families. Several brigade commanders, CSM’s, the 77th Army Band,
a Lawton city councilman, and others were there to greet them home.
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News from FOB Hammer, Iraq
On 01 May 2010, SGT Aaron Lang of 2/A/1-14 FA was promoted to SSG. He is a 94P, Multiple Launch
Rocket System Repairer and currently serves as the Maintence Section Chief. SSG Lang has served in both the Minnesota National
Guard and the Active Army. He has submitted a Green to Gold packet and looks forward to becoming a Field Artillery Officer.
In his post promotion ceremony speech, he stressed the importance of higher education to his fellow Assassins. Congratulations
SSG Lang!
SSG Aaron Lang salutes Alpha Battery Detachment Commander 1LT Michael Lovett shortly after
receiving his new rank on 01 May 2010 at FOB Hammer, Iraq.
SPC Richard "Patches"
Adams re-enlisted recently at FOB Hammer, Iraq. Adams is currently a HIMARS Launcher
driver in 2/A/1-14 FA. He re-enlisted for MOS 13M, Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember. SPC Adams looks forward to continuing
his Army career in Korea with his wife Heaven and infant son Aydin, born 25 April 2010. Congratulations SPC Adams!
SPC Adams, a 13M in 2/A/1-14 FA poses with 2LT Chrysa Gumbs, Platoon Leader
of 2/A/1-14
FA after his re-enlistment at FOB Hammer, Iraq.
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Promotion Ceremony in Iraq
1LT Chrysa Gumbs and SFC Darvin Dickerson, Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant for
2nd Platoon, A Battery 1-14 FA were promoted on 23 Apr 2010 at FOB Hammer, Iraq.
23 April marked a special
day for Second Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1St Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment currently stationed at Forward Operating
Base (FOB) Hammer, east of Baghdad in Iraq.
Not even stormy weather could stop MAJ
Gordon Crawford (Task Force Leader Commander), CPT Douglas Hoer (Alpha Battery Commander) and MSG Bret Mellott (Task Force
Leader Sergeant Major) from attending the promotion ceremony of two Assassin Soldiers; Platoon Leader Chrysa Gumbs to First
Lieutenant and Platoon Sergeant Darvin Dickerson to Sergeant First Class. The ceremony was held besides two High Mobility
Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Launchers, the dedicated weapon system of 1St Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment.
1LT Gumbs, 24 is one of the few female
Field Artillery Officers (MOS 13A) in the Army. Despite their commissioning source (Officer Candidate School for 1LT Gumbs),
females cannot be force branched Field Artillery like their male counterparts. “1LT Gumbs is an extremely rare case
because she serves as an actual firing Platoon Leader,” remarked CPT Hoer at the beginning of the ceremony in front
of 31 Assassin Soldiers. “She has done a fine job thus far and we look forward to her continuing to work hard for our
unit.” MAJ Crawford “pinned” on Gumbs’s rank and solidified her as a 1LT by a handshake of congratulations.
CPT Hoer took a magic marker to her Patrol Cap and colored the gold bar black.
For SFC Dickerson, the promotion was
long awaited and much appreciated. “I’d like to thank 1SG White and CPT Hoer for giving me the opportunity to
lead this great Platoon,” he said after receiving his new rank from the Alpha Battery command team. SFC Dickerson has
served as a Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember (MOS 13M) at Fort Sill, OK and Camp Stanley, Korea as well as a Drill
Sergeant at Fort Jackson, SC. This is his second deployment with 1-14 FA to Iraq. Originally from Selma, AL, SFC Dickerson’s
wife and two children currently reside in Lawton, OK.
After the ceremony, the Assassins enjoyed
a pizza lunch and afternoon of camaraderie through sports competition and laughter. TF Leader, which is comprised of Alpha,
Charlie and elements of Headquarters and Headquarters Batteries, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment (-) and E-151
Target Acquisition Battery (TAB) has been deployed since November 2009 in support
of Operation Iraqi Freedom. TF Leader provides precision missile and rocket fires in support of coalition forces.
Task Force Leader Commander MAJ Gordon Crawford shares a laugh with 2LT Chrysa
Gumbs,
Platoon Leader 2/A/1-14 FA before he promotes her to 1LT on 23 April 2010.
SSG Darvin Dickerson, Platoon Sergeant 2/A/1-14
FA, later promoted to SFC that
same day, looks on. The ceremony took place at FOB Hammer, Iraq.
CPT Douglas
Hoer, Alpha Battery Commander speaks to the Soldiers of 2/A/1-14 FA before he
promotes Platoon Leader 2LT Chrysa Gumbs
and Platoon Sergeant SSG Darvin Dickerson at
FOB Hammer, Iraq on 23 April 2010.
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Reset After Multiple In-Lieu Missions
Reset After Multiple In-Lieu-of Missions is an article written by LTC(Ret) Geoffrey Buhlig,
former commander of 1st Battalion 14th Field Artillery Regiment. The article was published in the September/October 2008 edition
of The Field Artillery Journal.
   
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214th Fires Brigade
St. Barbara's Ball
19 February 2010
The annual Field Artillery Saint Barbara’s Ball was held at the Patriot Club at Fort
Sill, Oklahoma on 19 Feb. The ball was hosted by the 214th Fires Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, to which 1-14
FA is currently assigned. Despite the many current deployments, over 500 Soldiers and guests were present.
MG Arthur M. Bartell, Commanding General of the United States Army Cadet Command, was the
guest speaker. His background is solidly field artillery. MG Bartell spoke about the many nonstandard missions
artillery soldiers and units have been tasked to do during the Global War On Terror and spoke about the Soldier's Creed.
Pages from the St. Barbara's Ball program are shown below:
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1-14FAR ARTEP
5-6 May 2009
1st Battalion 14th Field Artillery Regiment conducted a battalion Army Training and Evaluation Program (ARTEP)
evaluation on 5-6 May. Soldiers from Headquarters, Alpha, and Charlie Batteries participated in the evaluation. The exercise included each
firing battery shooting a 19 round salvo fire mission
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D Battery 1-14FA Deactivation Ceremony
30 January 2009
Delta Battery, 1st Battalion 14th Field Artillery Regiment, was deactivated in a ceremony at Fort
Sill, OK, on 30 Jan 2009. The Battery was recognized for its recent deployment to Iraq.
Participating in the ceremony were LTC Anthony Gonzales, Battalion Commander; CSM David Carr, Battalion
Command Sergeant Major; CPT Layne Matthews, Delta Battery Commander; SFC Hall, Acting Delta Battery First Sergeant; and
members of Delta Battery.
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1st Battalion 14th Field Artillery Regiment
Volunteer Recognition Ceremony
18 November
2008
“Strong
Families, Strong Warriors” is a familiar motto used to describe the tremendous importance families are to the Steel
Warrior Battalion.
On Nov. 18, 1st
Battalion, 14 Field Artillery Regiment recognized 63 spouses during its Volunteer Recognition Ceremony at the Religious Support
Operation Center.
“We appreciate
them and the sacrifices they make everyday. Although our battalion mission is important, we could not accomplish our mission
without the support and service of our volunteers.” said Lt. Col. Anthony Gonzales, 1-14 FAR Battalion Commander.
The 63 spouses across the Battalion were awarded the Freedom Team Salute Award for their countless hours of work, selfless
service, and everyday acts of kindness to the Steel Warrior Soldiers, said Gonzales. The Freedom Team Salute Award exists
to recognize the enduring bond between Soldiers, family, community, and veterans and celebrates the sacrifices made by those
who support America’s Soldiers. Freedom
Team Salute honors the millions of Army Veterans who have served and is a living connection to the ideals of duty, honor,
and patriotism.
Of the 63 volunteers that
were recognized, 10 were awarded the Certificate of Appreciation for Patriotic Civilian Service by Gonzales. The award is
given to the most patriotic civilian service that contributes to the mission of an Army activity, command, or staff agency,
or to the welfare of Army personnel. Those recipients were Angela Wiggins and Lori Ludwig with Headquarters, Headquarters
Battery; Pam Cuffe, with Battery A, 1-14th FAR; Jessica Mullennix and Kendra Piasecki with B Battery, 1-14th FAR;
Angela Remington and Sharon Kedrowski from Battery D, 1-14th FAR; Tami Clark and Barbara Clark from the 578th Forward Support Company; and Christine Chapeau with Battery H, 26th Target Acquisition
Battery.
LTC Gonzales closed the ceremony by stating, “You are all ‘heroes of selflessness.’ And we
owe all of you a great debt of gratitude, appreciation and thanks,” said Gonzales in salute to the volunteers.
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BRAVO BATTERY 1-14 FA
HIMARS Live Fire Exercise
30 October 2008
Click here to learn more about the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.
Photos of the B Btry "Shoot":
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CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY
16 July 2008
LTC Anthony V. Gonzales assumed command of 1st Battalion 14 Field Artillery ("Steel Warriors")
from LTC Geoffrey P. Buhlig in a ceremony at Goldner Gym, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, on 16 July 2008. COL Peter R. Baker, Commander,
214th Fires Brigade presided over the ceremony.
Mrs. Everley Buhlig received several awards recognizing her efforts working with the
Battalion's families and the Fort Sill Community.
LTC Buhlig was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for the leadership and guidance
he provided to the Battalion during his tenure as Commander.
LTC Gonzales comes to the Steel Warriors from his assignment as Deputy Commander, 214th
Fires Brigade including service in Iraq.
The 14th Field Artillery Regimental Association welcomes LTC Gonzales and CSM David Carr,
incoming Command Sergeant Major of 1st Battalion 14th Field Artillery, to the regimental family.
 Steel Warriors assemble for the ceremony
LTC Buhlig receives the Meritorious Service Medal
LTC Buhlig passes the colors to COL Baker
LTC Anthony V. Gonzales, Commander, 1st Battalion 14th Field Artillery
**********************************
HIMARS Certification
1st Battalion 14th Field Artillery successfully completed certification
as a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) unit. Congratulations Steel Warriors!
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C Battery, 1st Battalion 14th Field Artilllery
Change of Command Ceremony
29 February 2008
CPT Stephen Alley assumes command from CPT Matt Hammons.
CPT Stephen R. Alley
Commander
C Battery, 1st Battalion 14th Field Artillery
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WELCOME HOME STEEL WARRIORS!
Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion 14th Field Artillery returned
home to Fort Sill, OK, on 1 September 2007.
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Alpha Battery, 1-14 FA
("Assassins")
Update
The Association received the following e-mail from 1SG Bret Mellott,
First Sergeant, Alpha Btry 1-14 FA, on duty in Iraq:
From: Mellott, Bret 1SG 1-14 FA Battery First Sergeant
To:
mpatrickmoomoo@yahoo.com
Sent: Tue, 5 Jun 2007 8:33 pm
Subject: [U] A big Hello from Alpha 1-14 FA
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Hello Mr. Maldonado,
This is 1SG Mellott
from Alpha. Just found the association website and figured I’d drop you a line and let you know how the “Assassins”
are doing.
We are now working
on our ninth month in country and have been really lucky in our success.
We now have sections
operating in eight different FOBs throughout MNC-I in all areas to include Multi National Division-Baghdad, Mutli National
Division-North, and Multi-National Forces- West. I actually got to leave in a few minutes to go sit on a board.
Seems that the administrations stuff never ends.
Our main Battery
is attached to 1st Cavalry Division and we have sections attached to the 25th Infantry Division, 82d
Airborne Division, 10th Mountain Division, and the 1st Marine Division.
Thank the lord,
we have had no casualties or injuries and have really been lucky in our dealings off the FOBs. The radar sections have
directly contributed to multiple captures of insurgent rocket and mortar teams, and our HQ platoon has conducted over
105 convoys in support of both 4th ID and 1st Cav.
Got to go, but
attaching a picture.
V/r
Bret
A. Mellott
1SG, USA
First
Sergeant
DSN:
318-847-2315
VOIP:
242-7877/4105
First Sergeant, you and the Assassins make us proud. Thanks to all
of you and to your families for what you do for the rest of us.
On Duty in Iraq
(Photo collage courtesy 1SG Bret Mellott, 1SG, A 1-14FA)
Bravo Battery, 1-14 FA
("Blackhorse")
Update
Bravo Battery is serving in both theaters with 4 radar sections and the Battery Headquarters in
Afghanistan, and 4 radar sections in Iraq. They operate three AN/TPQ 36(V)8 and one AN/TPQ 37(V)
8 in Afghanistan. In Iraq they have three Q36s and one Q37. The battery will begin redeploying back to Fort
Sill in early March with all Soldiers back home by August.
(The 14th Field Artillery Regimental Association salutes our fellow Artillerymen. We're proud
of all of you. We thank you and your families for all you do for the rest of us. God bless you. We
anxiously wait to welcome you home soon.)
On Duty in Afghanistan
(Photos courtesy CPT Bill McLin, Cdr, B 1-14FA)
Deployment Ceremony
Fort Sill, Oklahoma
16 March 2006
Mother Nature calls a Fire Mission
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| Click on Photo to go to the 1-14FA Family Readiness Group Website |
Specialist Blockmon, Soldier of the Quarter. Fire Direction Specialist assigned to Alpha Battery. Specialist Blockmon
is married and he and his wife have two daughters.
| M270A1 (Click on Image) |
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| Multiple Launch Rocket System |
| Steel Warriors in Iraq |
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| Steel Warriors in Iraq |
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| 02 Nov 05 |
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| MSG Therrien & LTC (R) John Eno. Regt Room |
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| Village Training Area |
| OCT/NOV 05 |
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| Training Briefing |
| OCT/NOV 05 |
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| Iraq Freedom Training |
| OCT/NOV 05 |
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| Live Fire Convoy-Ambush Training |
| OCT/NOV 05 |
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| C Btry Convoy Live Fire Training |
| Soldiers of C Btry |
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| 22 April 05 |
| Soldiers of C Btry |
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| 22 April 05 |
The warrior Creed
Of every one-hundred men,
Ten shouldn't even be there,
Eighty are nothing but targets,
Nine are real fighters....
We are lucky to have them,
they make the battle.
Ah but one,
One of them is a Warrior
.....He will bring the others back.
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