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Steel Warriors Newsletter
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Soldiers, Families and friends of the Steel Warrior Battalion, we hope you are enjoying your summer!
The past few months have been very busy and as always, the Steel Warriors accomplished every task of every mission flaw-
lessly. Whether it was providing training and preparing the 11 Security Force Assistance Teams (SFAT) going to Afghani-
stan, small arms ranges, air load training at Altus Air Force Base or a Company EXEVAL, you met each challenge ‘head on’
and executed every task to standard.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our fallen Warrior, 2LT Toby Alexander. There are no words that I can use to diminish
the impact of losing one of our own. We will never forget 2LT Alexander’s sacrifice for the freedom of others. He was a
true patriot and Warrior in every regard. Our Fallen and Wounded Warriors have an honored role in the Brigade’s history and
will not be forgotten. The tributes that you gave our brothers in arms were exceptional.
The Steel Warriors here in Afghanistan are doing well; our morale is high and we are mission focused. The 11 SFAT teams
from Fort Sill are already making an impact with their Afghanistan counterparts.
Since our last newsletter, there have been several changes to the team: CPT Sean Grevious and his wife Janine are now part
of the Assassin Command team, while CPT Brandon Martin and his wife Jessica became part of the Blackhorse Command
team. We also gave CPT Metoyer the opportunity to command for a second time, as she assumed command of HHB. We
welcomed 1SG Kevin Carter to the team as he assumed First Sergeant duties from 1SG Flowers who PCSd to Korea.
There will be several changes to the Battalion team in the month of June. After four years of selfless service, my battle buddy,
confidant, and friend, CSM David Carr, will hand the reins over to CSM William Nolen at the beginning of the month. CSM
Carr will assume duty as the Brigade CSM of the 428th FA Brigade at the end of June. Thanks for all you’ve done for our
Soldiers and their families. You’re one of a kind and we’re all very lucky to have served with you!
Then, at the end of June, the Battalion will welcome a new Battalion Commander. LTC Will Johnson is no stranger to the
Steel Warriors and the Leader Brigade. Please
welcome him just as you welcomed Kelly and
me two years ago. This is a bitter-sweet time
for us; the past two years have been truly in-
spiring and humbling to witness the sense of
community, family, and selfless service from
all of you…you are a precious resource to our
Army and the Steel Warriors. Thank you for
making this the most enjoyable and memora-
ble two years of my Army career.
Thank you and God bless you.
Steel Warriors!!
Robert G. Picht Jr.
Lieutenant Colonel
Commanding
Issue 2 May 2012
Steel Warrior
In This Issue:
Battalion Commander Page 1
Battalion Command Sergeant Major Page 3
Headquarters Headquarter Battery Page 4
Alpha Battery Page 5
Bravo Battery Page 6
578 Forward Support Company Page 7
Hotel 26 Battery Page 8
Warriors in Action Page 9
SFAT in Action
FRSA NEWS
Events from post, and pictures from events the Soldiers are involved in are posted
on the Battalion Face book page. Follow along and see promotions, what is going on
in MWR, and community events. ( http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/1-14
-FAR/145701958783389)
A Volunteer opportunity has arisen in the Battalion and the Brigade. If you would like
to be a part of a CARE Team, a team that helps out Steel Warrior Families during any
crisis, please think of joining. This is a separate entity from the Family Readiness
Group, although the team may call on the FRG for additional help. There is a need for
“replacement” members when members of the initial team need to be released.
Care Team members are placed on teams to help out. The areas that the team is bro-
ken into are Food, Child Care, Home Help, Other Family Help. If you would like to
help in ANY of these areas, please contact Mary or Sharon Kedrowski, the Care Team
Lead to share your information.
d
Greetings to all Steel Warriors, family members, and friends, I hope you are all
doing well. Make no mistake about it, Spring is here! With Spring having arrived we
can all expect to endure the crazy Oklahoma weather that Tornado Alley is famous for.
We haven’t had a Tornado touch down here at Lawton/Ft. Sill since 1999 but make no
mistake; the threat of severe weather is very real and should not be underestimated. As
long as you follow the “DUCK” rule we should be able to make it through the season
without injury. D: stay “D”ownstairs, U: get “U”nderneath something, C: stay at the
“C”enter of your house, and K: “K”eep away from windows. Additionally, it is helpful
to understand the difference between a Tornado Warning and a Tornado Watch. A Tor-
nado Warning is issued when an actual Tornado has been reported in the area. A Tor-
nado Watch is issued when conditions are likely. Understanding the difference is ex-
tremely important and can make the difference when reacting to severe weather. As
long as we make safety our priority we should all be able to enjoy the Spring Season.
As April turns into May, this will be my last month as Steel Warrior 7. I am mov-
ing across Post to assume responsibility as the 428th Field Artillery Brigade CSM. Now
that my time in the battalion is coming to an end, I can say that not only do I have great
memories, but this great battalion has given me much more than I could give it in return.
My greatest hope is that I leave the Steel Warrior Battalion after serving her for four
years better than I found her. Thank you for the privilege and honor of allowing me to
serve as the Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery.
Let me close with saying that we could not do all that we do without the out-
standing work that our FRG produces. You are a fundamental reason that our Battalion
enjoys success on a daily basis and you are critical to our survival. Liela and I thank
you for all that you do to support the Steel Warrior family. A special thanks and con-
gratulations to all of our recent Saint Barbara and Molly Pitcher recipients, the recogni-
tion is just a small token of appreciation for all that you continue to do.
STEEL WARRIORS LEAD THE WAY!
WARRIOR 7 OUT!
Battalion
Command Sergeant Major
H H B , 1 - 1 4 F A
This past quarter has been a time for change in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1-14
FAR as the Hellraisers welcome a new command team, CPT Wynter Metoyer and 1SG Kevin Carter.
As with all new beginnings so comes an end as we say goodbye to CPT Juan Burgos and his wife Ei-
leen. The Change of Command (COC) ceremony was conducted on 29 March and a Change of Re-
sponsibility was on 26 April, honoring CPT Juan Burgos and 1SG Flowers and their amazing contribu-
tions to HHB, 1-14 FAR. We wish CPT Burgos a safe tour in Afghanistan and 1SG Flowers a safe
journey to Korea.
The Hellraisers have been very productive in the last few months with COC inventories in Janu-
ary, an Annual Training Exercise in February and monthly overnight field exercise. In the upcoming
months the Battery will be doing a BN FTX.
Twelve Soldiers from our ranks will deploy to Afghani-
stan to support the SFAAT mission. HHB Soldiers have been
working diligently to provide support to our SFAAT personnel
by issuing equipment and helping out anyway possible as they
transition out of here. You will be in our prayers have a safe trip
and we will see you when you return home.
On May the 4th we will have an FRG meeting and a fare-
well party for 1SG Flowers, LT Caldwell and all the Soldiers
leaving HHB. I hope to see everyone there. I am honored to be
the Commander of this great Battery. To the Soldiers and fam-
ily, thank you for your continued support and keep up the good
work.
Promotions: CPL Jackson, PV2 Villalona, and PFC Weldon
Baby Births;
SPC Blesoe and His wife Kotarica had a baby girl Khi Aralei
Renee: 4lbs 9oz 17in.
LT Bracewell and his wife Sarah had a baby boy, Daniel
Hellraisers
A , 1 - 1 4 F A
On 20 April 2012, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regimental conducted our Change
of Command Ceremony. The guidon was relinquished from CPT Donnale L. Mann to me,
CPT Sean Grevious. The transfer of authority marked a change in leadership, as SFC Priddy and I take
the lead, but I would like to extend my thanks for a job well done to the previous command team. As
we all know, CPT Mann and MSG White are about to take on this upcoming deployment to Afghani-
stan. We wish them the best during this deployment and a safe return. Thanks again for the foundation,
as we will continue to build on the legacy and traditions of the Assassin Battery.
The Assassin Battery has an outstanding reputation. That is due to the Sol-
diers that make this battery go and the families who support them. I cannot
thank those individuals enough for the support of the Soldier, a person who
has dedicated his time to improve our country and to maintain its values. It is
a noble cause, and your deeds do not go unnoticed.
The Battery remains resilient in all endeavors. Despite change of command
inventories and a demanding schedule, which sent personnel and resources in
every direction, the Assassins never slowed down. They remained positive,
and kept on knocking down the next 25- meter target in their path. That
speaks volumes to me about the Soldiers’ character in this fine Battery. Over
the course of a couple months, Alpha Battery has certified its launcher crews,
soldiers on their individual weapon, and conducted a live hand grenade range. Impressive!
SFC Priddy and I are excited to lead this Battery. We look forward to emplacing systems that take care
of Soldiers, ensure Soldier readiness, and give them time to spend with their families.
Thank you and your families for the support of the Assassin Battery. Have a good one and keep on
course!
WHO DARES, WINS!
CPT SEAN GREVIOUS
ASSASSIN 6
ASSASSINS
A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"
Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you, but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the $20
dollar bill up. He then asked, "who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. Well, he replied, "what if I do this?" And he
dropped it on the ground and tarted to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now who still
wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.
"My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson," he said, "no matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did
not decrease in value. It was still worth $20."
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come
our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened, or what will happen, you will never lose your value.
Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless ... and especially to those who love you. The worth of our lives comes
not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE. "You are special - Don't EVER forget it." Count your blessings, not your
problems. Never be afraid to try something new.
There have been lots of changes around the Black Horse battery since the last newsletter. I would like to take this opportu-
nity to introduce myself as the new Bravo Battery commander. My name is CPT Brandon Martin. The change of command
between CPT Justin Smith and myself occurred on April 17th and I am truly honored to be server alongside the Officers,
NCOs and Soldiers of Bravo Battery. Although I am new to the battery I am no stranger to the battalion. Having served in
the Battalion S3 shop since last February I have had ample opportunity to observe this outstanding unit. My wife, Jessica,
son, Jackson and I have been in the Army about 8 years. The first 5 years were spent at Fort Bragg, NC with the last few
here at Fort Sill. Jessica and I are both excited about this new experience and look forward to getting to know the Soldiers
of Bravo Battery and their families.
The past few months have been extremely busy for the battery. Since early December the battery has been aiding
our battalions Soldiers that are deploying on the SFAT mission. Whether it be our Supply Sergeant, SGT Schultz, facilitat-
ing equipment transfers or our Soldier and NCOs running M4 ranges, we have met the challenge. A weaker unit would
have turned its attention solely to those deploying but we have pressed on with our training. In March a portion of the bat-
tery flew to Hurlburt Airfield in Florida in support of Operation Emerald Warrior, an extremely large scale Special Opera-
tions exercise. The Soldiers of Bravo Battery supported the 10th Special Forces Group in three different operations and con-
ducted invaluable “airload and flyaway” training with the 9th Special Operation Squadron stationed at nearby Eglin Air
Force Base. Although we were unable to shoot live munitions the battery professionalism and expertise are sure to pave the
way for a more robust role during next years exercise. Additionally, we have conducted small arms ranges, hand grenade
ranges, drivers training and close quarter battle training, ensuring our Soldiers are always proficient in necessary skills.
The number of promotions, awards and re-enlistments are too numerous to count. Suffice to say the Soldiers of
Bravo Battery have and will continue to set the standard across the battalion. I would like to invite all the Blackhorse Bat-
tery family members to our next FRG event on May 16 at Twin Oaks Bowling Alley here on post. The FRG will be provid-
ing pizza and soft drinks. The bowling alley has agreed to discount the cost of bowling so it will be a good opportunity to
enjoy a fun evening together. My wife and I are looking forward to meeting everyone and hope you can all attend.
Lastly, I would like to once again say how appreciative to have the honor of commanding the finest unit the Army
has to offer, Bravo Battery. Black Horse!
CPT Brandon Martin
Black Horse 6
B , 1 - 1 4 F A
BLACKHORSE
d
The last few months have been very busy for the Soldier’s of
Phoenix company as we continue our commitment of excellence.
Phoenix Soldiers have continued to excel both on and off duty, win-
ning multiple Soldier Boards, Commander’s Cup events and receiv-
ing accolades from across the Brigade.
As many already know the Battalion was tasked with a Secu-
rity Force Assistance and Advising mission in January. 578th FSC
Soldiers played a pivotal support role in preparing the SFAAT Sol-
diers for deployment; conducting weapons training, running ranges
and providing critical supply and arms room support. We wish all of
our Phoenix Soldiers participating on the SFAAT mission Godspeed
and a safe return.
While many of the Phoenix company’s senior leaders departed
to support the SFAAT we have remained true to our Phoenix mascot
and embraced the next chapter of our storied legacy. Over the last
few months we have prepared for an External Evaluation, conducted
multiple ranges and Field Training Exercises (FTX). The Officers,
NCOs and Soldiers alike have grown tremendously and look forward
to the next opportunity to highlight their Sustainment skills.
I would like to personally thank Mrs. Sheena Lang & Mrs. Ella
Jierels and all of the ladies of our FRG for their help in putting to-
gether our 578 Spring Organizational Day and Easter Celebration. I
was pleasantly surprised at the amount of Soldier & Family partici-
pation and know our FRG continues to grow and put together great
events for the company. Thanks to the Soldiers and families for your
continued support.
CPT Oliver Stolley
PHOENIX 6
5 7 8 F S C , 1 - 1 4 F A
PHOENIX
Easter Egg Hunt for
the 0-2 year olds
Everyone enjoyed the
face painting booth
A very Happy customer
Soldiers During
the Fort Bliss
Training
H 2 6 , 1 - 1 4 F A
WOLFPACK
FAMILY READINESS IS
TIED DIRECTLY TO COM-
BAT READINESS
Commanding Officer CPT Nate Dunk
580-442-0277
First Sergeant 1SG Robert Solis
580-442-0278
580-917-5951
Executive Officer Mr. Bobby Eastwood
580-442-0279
Point of Contacts
Mirtha Solis
FRG Leader
Rhonda VanVorst
Treasurer
Amber Eastwood
817-629-7249
Crystal McMahon
Jasmine Alderman
Command Team Corner **We have had a busy past few months for the Wolfpack battery. As the
Spring time brings new growth so the battery has added some new mem-
bers to the team. I want to extend a warm welcome to Mr. Eastwood and
his family and SGT Howard and his family too. I want to wish a happy
birthday and happy anniversary to all of you who celebrate for the month of
May. Best wishes to the Quintanilla family as you all move forward to Ft.
Carson, the Friley’s as they transition into civilian life, and lastly SPC
Rashid, as she PCS’s to be with her husband at Ft. Bragg, NC. I hope to
see you all at the next FRG meeting.
Godbless,
CPT Nate Dunk
F a m i l y R e a d i n e s s N e w s
We extend a sincere invitation for all family members and soldiers to join and
participate in the FRG. The purpose of these meetings will be to spend time together
and offer support as well as to share information of interest to families. In the event
of mobilization, you have others to lean on during the separation. Don’t miss out on
information, make sure the FRG has your phone number and email address. Please
send an email with your name and Soldier’s name to [email protected].
Phone Tree
We will soon have an updated phone tree. The phone tree will be used to help put out
official information. Each caller will be expected to reach out to 5-10 families.
If you have any ideas or suggestion for events or activities, we would love to hear
from you!
F A R E W E L L S
SPC Spies, ETS
SPC and Mrs. Friley
CW2 and Mrs. Quintanilla
SPC Rashid
Soldiers During
the Fort Bliss
Training
Pictures
Farewell 1SG Jeremy Flowers, may
our paths meet again
Soldiers During
the Fort Bliss
Training
Pictures
Emerald Warrior
2012
Soldiers During
the Fort Bliss
Training
April 6 Commander Cup 5K Run
H - 2 6
Pictures
April 12 Range Week
April 19 BN Prayer Breakfast
Mt. Scott
April 23 Battery Field Training
Exercise (FTX)
Soldiers During
the Fort Bliss
Training
SFAT
Pictures
