1. The Centaur Roll Call
MAY-JUNE 2012 SWIFT & BOLD
Centaur 6
Welcome to the sec- S1 shop is all over the be effective, you yourselves with the
ond edition of our paperwork for the have to be on our information you need
newsletter and I folks that are leaving. Facebook page, give to educate yourselves
wanted to say thanks FRGs are welcoming us a good phone on what is going on
to all of you for tak- and fare-welling peo- number and email, in your Soldiers lives.
ing the time to read it ple so these transi- and attend your Bat- If your soldier isn‟t
and learn a little bit tions, while having an tery FRG events! I bringing the informa-
more about the best impact, are not bad. realize we all have tion home give us an
Battalion in the different personali- email and we will
Army. I‟m going to Another area that is ties, some want to mail it direct. My
touch on change as changing and that participate, some wife, Pam, has as-
the Centaurs are go- morphs on a weekly maybe have had a sured me this is the
ing to see plenty of it basis is what our up- bad experience else- way it works best in
over the coming coming mission is for where and have our family!
months and I want to our next Climb to elected to pull out of
arm everyone with Glory. For those that the process, some We have an amazing
the information that have been in the just plain don‟t know. team, I‟m proud to
will allow them to be army for awhile this We have the best number among you
a little more comfort- is perfectly normal people working in and continue to be
able with what is go- and has occurred on this Battalion, the proud of our unit and
ing on within our or- every rotation I have best leadership, the our country. God
ganization. been on in 24 years best families and the bless each of you and
of service. I‟m not best Command cli- thank you for what
As many of you saying it isn‟t frustrat- mate, all you have to
know quite a few of ing - but when you do is participate to
our heroes who have realize the amount of the level you feel
been with the unit are people who are in- comfortable – the
in the process of volved in the timing information is there –
PCS‟ing or ETS‟ing and the decision for a please, help yourself.
Inside this issue:
which creates turbu- brigade to move it
lence within sections, isn‟t too hard to un- Angst is uncomfort-
batteries, and the bat- derstand. The way able, not knowing Redleg Day Flyer 2
talion. What I will we attempt to miti- things unnecessarily
tell you is that we are gate rumors is by increases frustration Thanks to our Volun- 6
managing that turbu- providing the best levels, both in your teers
lence to minimize the possible information families and in our Silent Ranks 7
amount of friction it regarding your sol- Swift and Bold fam-
causes. We have a diers through the ily. We are going to Birthdays & Anniver- 3
great sponsorship FRG chains, Face- continue to see saries
program managed by book, the newsletter change, it‟s part of
the CSM, 1SGs and and FRSA flashes. what we do as an
Commanders and our Of course, for this to Army. Please arm
3. Page 3 SWIFT & BOLD
Headquarters & Headquarters Battery
HHB began the month of who have been assigned in garrison. It is truly an
April with a superb to SFAAT Teams were honor to serve with and
Change of Command on the receiving end of lead such skilled and dedi-
ceremony, providing a that support on 19-20 cated Soldiers. As the
fitting sendoff for CPT APR when they con- Commander and FRG
Scott Elwell and his wife ducted a fire support fa- Leader, Mindy and I rec-
Kat. For almost two miliarization shoot, ob- ognize the indispensible
years, CPT Elwell and serving artillery, mortar, role our families play in
Kat have devoted them- and close air support fire the accomplishment of
selves heart and soul into missions. Our SFAAT our mission. Our Sol-
ensuring that the Soldiers members will continue to diers are the best at what
and families of the conduct intense, realistic they do because they have
Gladiator Battery were combat training in the strong, supportive fami-
cared for, and that HHB coming months to pre- lies. With our continued
continued to provide its pare for possible deploy- high operation tempo, it
crucial support to the 3-6 ment. The Battery had is imperative that we con-
FA and 1st BCT Mission. several leaders graduate tinue to keep our families
During their time as from schools, with SGT informed and empow-
Commander and FRG Carroll and SPC Busick ered, and that we take
Leader, HHB‟s perform- completing the Warrior time to thank them for
ance, both in combat and Leader Course, and SGT their steadfast support.
in training, has been Kellenbenz graduating Mindy and I look forward
nothing short of remark- from the Advanced to meeting you all at our
able. Scott and Kat will Leader Course as the Dis- first FRG meeting on 2
be missed and we wish tinguished Leadership MAY, where we will dis-
them all the best in their Award winner. cuss plans for family ac-
future endeavors tivities during the spring/
(especially parenthood!). As the new Commander summer months. We
of Headquarters Battery, I look forward to what is
Despite the change in would also like to take sure to be an exciting and
leadership, the Gladiators this opportunity to intro- rewarding season as part
did not miss a beat, ac- duce myself and my wife of the Gladiator family.
complishing a variety of Mindy to the Gladiator
challenging missions and Family. We could not be
continuing its exemplary happier to be back at Fort CPT
support to the Battalion. Drum as part of a re- Charles E. Thompson
As Alpha Battery de- nowned artillery battalion
ployed to the field for the like 3-6 FA. Having
1st BCT SFAAT Shoot, worked in the Battalion‟s
our 13Ts and medics pro- operations shop before
vided their unique skills taking command of
to help our firing battery HHB, I have been able to
brethren accomplish their observe our Soldiers at
mission. HHB Soldiers their best, in the field and
4. THE CENTAUR ROLL CALL Page 4
Rock 6 Corner
The Sons of Alpha con- gation to wholeheartedly Fort Sill
tinue to anneal their al- carry the ponderous re-
ready well wrought repu- sponsibility of training Noteworthy Accom-
tation as the best firing and readying the Sons of plishments:
Battery in the Division. Alpha to fight and win PFC Alobaidi won the
As most of you know, America‟s wars. My con- Brigade Soldier of the
Alpha Battery just re- fidence in the Junior Quarter Board in April.
turned from two weeks in Leaders is unwavering He decimated the compe-
the field successfully sup- and I know they will rise tition with second place
porting 31 Security Force to the occasion. being a “distant second.” The Sons of Alpha wish
Assistance Advisor Congratulations! You to say farewell and offer
Teams (SFAAT) with To the FRG and fami- represent the Rock Bat- our best wishes to the
fires in preparation for lies of the Rock; you con- tery in good stead. following Soldiers who
the upcoming deployment tinue to be the catalyst of have departed recently:
mission. During this success and high morale Additionally, two of SFC Jones, Arthur - Re-
time, the battery con- within our organization. the past three Brigade tirement
structed a virtually im- Your support and sacri- Soldier of the Quarter SSG Recore-Brown, An-
penetrable fire base and fices are estimable in and Boards have been won by thony - Recruiter
parried relentless OPFOR of themselves, and we the Sons of Alpha, and SSG Smith, Brian – Fort
attacks, while simultane- appreciate all that you do. the one we did not win, Stewart
ously delivering 662 Continue to make this we came in second place. SGT Lambert, Wesley –
105mm artillery rounds Battery the best in the There are nearly 4,000 Fort Stewart
which was vital to the nation. Finally, I chal- Soldiers in the Brigade. If SGT Potrikus, Bradley -
SFAATs fires integration lenge and encourage all that‟s not a metric to ETS
training. The completion the ladies of Centaur Bat- gauge the depth and pro- SGT Ross – PCS to Fort
of this field exercise talion to upstage their fessionalism of this or- Campbell
brought the battery‟s total husbands during the Red ganization, then I don‟t SPC Baker, Russell –
rounds fired count to Leg Day on 24 MAY know what is! Schofield Barracks
2150 for the fiscal year, 2012. This is your chance 1LT Corvese, William
bolstering the Battery‟s prove to your husband‟s Congratulations to the
efficacy and fidelity. that you can do what they following NCOs and
do! Soldiers on their recent
The coming months promotions:
present a unique chal- Welcome to the Rock: SGT Peraza, Miguel
lenge for the Battery. 1LT Andrew Brown- SGT Shelly, Kennie
With the majority of the Coming from 1-87
Battalion‟s leadership fo- 2LT Sam Robertson- Congratulations to fol-
cusing on SFAAT Train- Coming from Fort Sill lowing Soldiers being
ing, the battery will con- 2LT Jack Burke and Fam- “Rock
promoted:
tinue to train and support ily- Coming from Fort Sill SPC Cordall-Gonzales, Solid!”
the field artillery mission Jill Burke- FRG Co- -ROCK 6
John
in absence of its senior Leader SPC Townzen, Nicholas
leaders. For Junior Lead- PVT Bradley Ingle- SPC Zimmerman,
ers it‟s a calling and obli- Coming from AIT from Jedidiah
5. Page 5 SWIFT & BOLD
Rock 7’s Corner
Once again the Soldiers tion for future Afghani- sault School or support-
of Alpha Battery have stan operations. ing the West Point mis-
proven themselves as Red sion. However, there is a
Legs with their support of Future Operations light at the end of the
SFAAT (Security Force Over the next two tunnel. Upon completion
Afghanistan adviser months your Soldier will the Battery will enjoy a
teams) call for fire exer- be busy supporting the well needed block leave to
cise. The battery fired brigade on numerous recharge and refit in
662 rounds safely and tasking to include the Ex- preparation for recertifi-
accurately in support of pert Infantry Badge test- cation on basic artillery
the two week field exer- ing, the Expert Medical tasks in the late summer
cise aiding in the training Badge testing, and the early fall.
of over 350 1st BCT Sol- Global Response Team. We are looking forward
diers conducting call for Some of our Soldiers will to seeing as many of our
also be attending Air As- supporters during the first “We are looking
fire training in prepara-
annual forward to
REDLEG
DAY being seeing as many
held on
of our
Thursday,
May 24th supporters
2012. If you
have any during the first
questions, ask
annual REDLEG
your Soldier
and we will DAY …..”
see you there.
-ROCK 7
“Engineers establishing the Firing Point during
“SFAAT” support mission” -April 2012
Alpha-22 Chiefed by SSG Rose Fires in support of “SFAAT” mission.
-April 2012
6. THE CENTAUR ROLL CALL Page 6
Volunteers Are...
V - aluable is the work you do.
O - utstanding is how you always come
through.
L - oyal, sincere and full of good cheer.
U - ntiring in your efforts throughout the year.
N - otable are the contributions you make.
T - rustworthy is every project you take. Congratulations!!
E - ager to reach your every goal. April is the month of the Volunteer. We
E - ffective in the way you fulfill your role. applaud those who give back so much to
the community, unit, and families. Dur-
R - eady with a smile like a shining star. ing April there were many opportunities
S - pecial and wonderful-that‟s what you are. for us to recognize our volunteers from
3-6 FA. The following volunteers were
recognized for various awards given out
at Garrison and 1BCT.
Thank you to all our Volunteers in 3-6. Volunteer of the Month (This award is
You make a difference... given monthly at the Installation Volunteer of
the Month Ceremony for distinguished support
Genessee Brinker Pamela Oeschger to the unit and the Fort Drum community.)
Jill Burke Katie Parker Kathryn Peacock - Alpha
Lisa Carroll Patricia Patterson-
Tessa Conaway Navarro
Commanders Award for Public Ser-
Chelsea Dingbaum Erica Recore-Brown vice (Presented in recognition of broad-based
Melinda Thomas service or achievements that contribute signifi-
Beth Ann Donnelly cantly to the Fort Drum community by major
Katie Dougherty Mindy Thompson contributions to Soldier morale, unit readiness,
and/or community life.)
Kisha Elliot Amy Tiner
Myndee Ellis Allyson Smith
Wendy O‟Connor - HHB
Christina Hackler Emily Smith
Catherine Doughtery - Alpha
Rachel Hirons Ruthie Van Orman
Tessa Conaway - Bravo
Stephanie Hyer Kathryn Peacock
Patricia Patterson - Navarro - Golf
Michelle Mahaffey Susan Wallace
7. Page 7 SWIFT & BOLD
May is the month we celebrate and show appreciation to our Military Spouses
The Military Spouse
For all our 3-6 Field Artillery
When the good Lord was creating military
spouses, He was into His sixth day of overtime. An an- Spouses (husbands and wives),
gel appeared and said, “you‟re having a lot of trouble
with this one. What‟s wrong with the standard model? we stand and salute you. You
The Lord replied, “have you seen the regula- are the ones who keep the fires
tions? It has to be completely independent, but must be sponsored to get on the
base, have the qualities of both mother and father during deployment, be a per- burning while your soldier is
fect hostess for four to 40, handle emergencies without orders, cope with flu
and move around the world, have a kiss that cures anything from a child‟s torn away for a night or long
Valentine to a serviceman‟s weary day, have the patience of a saint when waiting
for the unit to return Stateside, and have six pairs of hands!” periods of time. We commend
The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands? No
way!” you for keeping the family unit
And the Lord answered, “Don‟t worry, we‟ll make other military
spouses help. Besides, it‟s not the hands that are causing the problems, it‟s the together and for helping your
heart. It must swell with pride, sustain the aches of separations, beat on soundly
when it‟s too tired to do so, and be large enough to say, „I understand‟ when it fellow military spouses.
doesn‟t and say „I love you, regardless.‟”
“Lord,” the angel said, touching His sleeve gently, “go to bed. You can
finish that tomorrow,” Just like Molly Pitcher did out
“I can‟t,” said the Lord. “I‟m so close to creating something unique. Al-
ready I have one who can heal itself when sick, feed unexpected guests who are on the battlefield, bringing
stuck in the area due to bad weather, and wave goodbye to its spouse from a
pier or runway and understand it‟s important to the country that the spouse water to the soldiers and then
leaves.”
The angle circled the model of the military spouse very slowly. “It‟s too taking up her husbands post to
soft,” she sighed.
“But tough,” said the Lord excitedly. “You cannot imagine what it can fire the cannons when he was
do or endure.”
“Can it think?” injured, you take up your posts
“Can it think! It can convert 1400 to 2PM in a wink.”
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the check. and fill the shoes of your
“There‟s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too
much into this model.” soldier while they are away. It
“It‟s not a leak,” said the Lord. “It‟s a tear.”
“What‟s it for?” asked the angel. is not an easy job, but it is one
“It‟s for joy, sadness, pain, loneliness and pride.”
“You‟re a genius,” said the angel that you all do so well. Thank
The Lord looked somber and replied, “I didn‟t put it there.”
you!! SWIFT AND BOLD!
Author Unknown
8. THE CENTAUR ROLL CALL Page 8
Bravo Battery
It has been a busy few nated with a two day field insurgency operations press as they consistently
months for the Soldiers exercise in which Soldiers among other things as perform at a high level. I
of Bravo Battery. March and leaders were given a they break off into their look forward to the
kicked off with a Battal- mission to execute facing teams beginning the 1st months ahead and I am
ion level field exercise an enemy force. Soldiers of June. proud to bring this Bat-
from the 5th-9th in which from the Battery acted as tery to West Point. They
Platoons were tested on role players ranging from The major upcoming will represent this Battal-
their ability to execute enemy fighters to civilians event for the Battery is ion and BCT with distinc-
field artillery fires as well on the battlefield in order our support for the tion. I again thank all of
as maneuver throughout to provide a realistic United States Military the family members who
the battlefield reacting to training environment and Academy at West Point as continue to support this
different scenarios similar to test the decision mak- they conduct their sum- organization. Your hard
to those faced in a de- ing and critical thinking mer training program work and dedication help
ployed environment. This skills of Soldiers on the from June 20 – July 22. to make this Battery the
was the first exercise of ground. Our Soldiers per- The Soldiers of the Bat- best on Fort Drum.
this type that many Sol- formed very well during tery will assist in training
diers of the Battery have the exercise and were able cadets on fire mission Ryan W. Graf
conducted in several to learn a great deal about processing in the fire di- CDR, B/3-6 FA
years, and they did so in conducting infantry op- rection center, occupying “Bulls Deep”
exemplary fashion. Sol- erations which many Sol- a position area for a how-
diers and leaders across diers have not done previ- itzer and conducting
the board displayed ex- ously. This type of train- howitzer fire missions.
pertise not only in their ing will be revisited later The Battery will continue
ability to provide field in the summer in order to to conduct its own inter-
artillery fires, but in criti- build on lessons learned. nal training while at West
cal thinking skills required Point in order to maintain
to react to contingencies Finally, select members proficiency on field artil-
on the battlefield. from the Battery have lery skills learned
begun to train for the up- throughout the past 8
The Battery switched coming deployment as months. This should be
gears a bit towards the members of a Security an outstanding training
end of March as we con- Force Assistance Team event which gives the
ducted training on dis- (SFAT). These SFAT Battery the ability to fire a
mounted and mounted team members initiated large quantity of rounds
infantry tactics similar to their training by conduct- and to help train the fu-
those utilized by the Bat- ing a live fire shoot utiliz- ture leaders of the Army.
talion in previous deploy- ing Air Force assets, West Point also offers a
ments. Soldiers partici- Army Aviation, artillery wide array of MWR ac-
pated in a week of classes and mortars on targets in tivities throughout the
which covered dis- the Fort Drum impact summer to include a pos-
mounted movement, area. SFAT teams will sible trip to Yankee Sta-
mounted movement and continue to conduct train- dium for a baseball game.
reacting to enemy con- ing on first aid, weapons
tact. The training culmi- qualification, counter- The Soldiers of Bravo
Battery continue to im-
9. Page 9 SWIFT & BOLD
From the Desk of Guardian 6
The men and women of including four gold and in order to qualify all Sol-
Golf Company continue all members were re- diers on their primary be leaving the Company
to provide excellent logis- warded with an impact weapon. Some Soldiers on their way to Germany
tical support to the Cen- Army Achievement from Golf Company have in July but they will al-
taur Battalion. The Com- Medal presented to them been selected to be mem- ways have a home here
pany started the month of by Brigadier General bers of the Battalion‟s with the Guardians. I am
March supporting the Kenneth Dahl, Deputy SFAAT teams. These extremely proud of all
Battalion‟s Table XII live Commanding General for teams have already begun that we have accom-
fire exercise with field Support, 10th Mountain training together and will plished as a Forward Sup-
maintenance and several Division (Light Infantry), continue to do so as they port Company and ex-
vehicle recovery missions at a ceremony at Hayes prepare for deployment cited for upcoming opera-
in the Battalion‟s training Hall. sometime in 2013. The tions within the Battalion.
areas. The Distribution Company will also be par- I am truly honored to be
Platoon supported the The month of April has ticipating in the mentally part of such an amazing
firing batteries with safely the Company played a key and physically challenging team of dedicated Sol-
distributing over 1,000 part in the Brigade‟s Battalion “Mungadai” diers and families.
gallons of fuel and deliv- Global Response Force from May 22-23 conclud-
ery of over 1,200 rounds rehearsal mission as well ing with the Battalion‟s
of live ammunition during as supporting Alpha Bat- first annual Red Leg Day
the five day exercise. The tery with logistical sup- on May 24th which is for
Guardian cooks once port as the Sons of Alpha the spouses in the Battal-
again proved to be the provided accurate fires ion which will include an
best in the Battalion by during the two week Bri- obstacle course, simulated
preparing over 3,000 gade‟s Security Force Ad- weapons trainer, and a
meals during the week in vise Assist Team howitzer crew drill. The
the Company‟s brand new (SFAAT) Walk and Shot Company will continue
containerized kitchen. Exercise. The Mainte- with company level train-
The month of March also nance Platoon worked ing in June as well as sup-
sent two Guardian Sol- hard on completing an- porting Bravo Battery
diers, SSG Nickesha Hib- nual vehicle and equip- during their one month
bert and SPC Markeeshia ment services for the Bat- mission to West Point, “Strength through Sup-
Neal, to the 37th Annual talion as well as providing New York. port!”
Military Culinary Arts field maintenance support CPT Keith Carroll
Competition in Fort Lee, to Alpha Battery‟s field Finally, we said goodbye Guardian 6
Virginia. SSG Hibbert exercise. In the weeks to Kathy Antepara, Golf
and SPC Neal and the ahead, the Company will Company‟s Family Readi-
other members of the be involved with various ness Group Leader as she New Soldiers to Golf
Fort Drum Culinary Arts platoon level training to stepped down after two Company:
team competed against include a record Army years of dedicated service. PV2 Matthew King-91F
teams from all branches Physical Fitness test and a Kathy worked countless (Smalls Arms Repair)
of the armed services dur- 12 mile Company road hours to make our FRG from Oswego, New York
ing the two week event. march. We will also be one of the best in the Bat-
The Fort Drum team conducting an M4 rifle talion. Kathy and her hus-
won a total of 36 medals qualification range in June band, SGT Antepara, will
10. THE CENTAUR ROLL CALL Page 10
May Birthdays Bravo Battery May Anniversaries
Headquarters Susan Wallace Kristopher Block Headquarters Clint & Svetlana Hauger
SPC Chavis PFC Whitney Alyssa Cole Michael & Nicole Billman Arthur & Antoinette Jones
SGT Duclos SPC Zima Brandon Deforest Michael & Kathleen Buchheit Bravo Battery
SGT Figueroa Alpha Battery Joshua Dozanti Wesley & Brandi Crutcher Brandon & Traci Deforest
SGT Parks SGT Alpart Matthew Gendron Jonathan & Stephanie Hicks Rudolph & Lashell Green
Michelle Pilgreen Sarah Baker Adam Guyor Richard & Susan Wallace Michael & Felicia Lomberk
SSG Reisinger Kenneth Bostwick Ruben Dario Her- Alpha Battery Eric & Jennifer Mason
nandez
Kim Shrestha Kelly Caulfield Luis & Sara Bapillo Danny & Jessica Norton
Caleb Jones
SPC Tiner Adam Codiroli William & Diana Corvese
Vincent Pineiro
SGT Vasseur Kevin Fuller Eric & Dawn Davis
James Richards
Seren Waters
11. Page 11 SWIFT & BOLD
June Birthdays
Headquarters
June Anniversaries
SGT Larson Bravo Battery Golf company
Headquarters Bravo Battery
Kantrell Cobbs- SPC Meneses Michael SPC Michael
Brown Conaway Christopher & James & Victoria
Katy Milligan Forrester
Myndee Ellis Meyer
Alejandra Car- Eric Graveline SGT White
roll 1LT Niemberg Guillermo Figueroa James & Kayla
CPT Pittman Ucok Hendri 2LT Williams & Mayra Huerta Richert
Pauline Coit
Angel Reed David Kwasnik Heath & Candace Cody & Seren Wa-
SPC Evers
Dakota Miles Heriger ters
Mayra Huerta PFC Shrestha
Victoria Meyer Brad & Kelley Ris-
PFC Garza Alpha Battery ley
Cynthia Leas- Mark Rudewicz
SPC Harris
ure Dinh Quang
Carmen John- Truong
son Chloe Knoll
