1. 1 July 2012
The Centaur Roll Call
From the desk of Centaur 6
As some of you know Pam and I recently bought a house and have
been in the process of moving, painting, renovating and the one thousand other
things that go along with this type of adventure. Along with the move and pur-
chase came a huge amount of paperwork, legal and otherwise, that both my
wife and I needed to be up to date on and aware of what each other was doing.
It also reminded me of how personally unprepared I was prior to starting this
fairly significant task. As most of you know we have a robust timeline coming
up; block leave, Mountain Peak, NTC, Christmas leave and deployment. In be-
tween the few free moments that do exist during the work week your Soldier
will be training on something.
I would ask that you as a family take a look at how prepared you are in your per-
sonal life with your finances, paperwork, schools for your children, wills, powers
of attorney, and medical paperwork, to name just a few. In many Army house-
holds the wife typically will handle most of these issues which is fine but for
married Soldiers who do this you need to ensure your wife/husband knows how
to access records and has the ability to take care of the family business. Single
Soldiers are not immune and need to ensure they go through the same process
and cover their bases as well.
I absolutely cannot stress the importance of keeping this aspect of your life in
order because when the need arises you do not want to be trying to figure
things out as problems present themselves.
Please enjoy this upcoming leave and as our great Battalion travels to the cor-
ners of the globe, please take care of yourselves and come back safely. I'm in-
credibly proud of our families and our Soldiers you are amazing people, thanks
for all that you continue to do.
LTC O
2. Headquarters & Headquarters Battery
Even with the mild winter we had this year, I still get taken by sur-
prise when the spring and summer months arrive here at Ft. Drum. The
North Country definitely puts its best foot forward this time of year and I
hope everyone in the Gladiator Family is taking advantage of what the re-
gion has to offer. We are fortunate enough to find ourselves just a short
drive away from some of the premier vacation spots in the Northeast, in-
cluding the 1000 Islands Region and the Adirondack Mountains. This time of
year also gives us numerous “Fests”, from Riverfest in Alexandria Bay to
Mountainfest here on post. If you and your family are staying in the area for
Block Leave, there will be no shortage of activities for you and I encourage everyone to get out and
see what’s out there.
May and June have not just been “Fests” and fishing for HHB however, we have continued
to operate at a high tempo to ensure that the Centaur Battalion and the Warrior Brigade receive the
support they need from us. T hose Gladiators selected for SFAATs (Security Forces Advise and As-
sist Team) have been focused primarily on predeployment training, including small arms and crew-
served weapons ranges, a Counterinsurgency Seminar, and a 10-day exercise at Ft. Polk, LA where
we learned how to build rapport with and advise our Afghan counterparts so they will be ready to
assume security for their country.
Other elements of HHB have kept up with our core artillery mission, with our Meteorologi-
cal and Survey teams providing support to Bravo Battery at the US Military Academy at West Point,
where 10th Mountain Soldiers are training the future leaders of the Army. As always our Medical
Platoon has stayed busy, providing support to our Infantry brethren in 1BCT during their Expert In-
fantryman Badge training and evaluation. Several of our medics tackled the formidable challenge
that is Expert Field Medic Badge testing, and while none were successful this time around the train-
ing and experience they picked up will be invaluable.
One of the most exciting events held this spring was the Battalion Mungadai and Redleg
Day. For two days teams made up of 3-6 FA Soldiers from different Batteries competed against one
another in a series of challenging and fun events. HHB ran the off-post portion of the Mungadai at
Payne Lake State Park, where teams were put through a course that included rappelling and Zodiac
boats. That these events were executed smoothly and safely is a testament to the skill and dedica-
tion of many Gladiator Soldiers, whose efforts made the Mungadai and event to remember.
Equally memorable were the Redleg Day events held following Mungadai, putting Centaur families
in their Soldier’s boots for a day. Participants had a chance to try the vehicle rollover trainer, the
weapons simulator, and an obstacle course. The final event had family members fall in on a
M119A1 Howitzer, where Soldiers from Alpha Battery coached them through crew drills and dry fire
missions. Followed up by a BBQ and awards ceremony, Redleg Day was indeed the perfect way to
close out a phenomenal week for the Gladiator team.
I wish you all a safe and fun block leave, thank you for the support you all give to Gladiator
Battery!
V/R
CPT Charles E. Thompson
Gladiator 6
3. HHB 1SG Corner
First I would like to say how proud I am of your Sol- in Northern New York. That may be taking a boat tour
diers. They not only work day in day out handling op- in Alexandria Bay or a trip to Lake Placid in the Adiron-
erations that keep this Battalion running. They often dacks. There are many things to see here in the North
times have to do so with limited manning. We have Country and I encourage any of you who are interested
many leaders that are attending training for the to swing by the MWR building on Iraqi Freedom Drive
SFAAT (Security Force Afghanistan adviser Teams) to see what opportunities are available.
mission and many other Soldiers have been required to
In closing, I just want to thank you for the support that
step up to the plate and take on additional duties.
you provide for your Soldiers, and stress how proud I
In the next few weeks we will be going on block leave am of this Battery.
and many Soldiers will be heading home for two
weeks. I wish all of you safe travels and hope you maxi-
GLADIATOR 7
mize the time you are taking to catch up with family
and relax. For those staying in the area, I encourage
you to get out and see the many things there are to do
Mungadai 2012
4. Rock Solid!!!!
The past couple through 12 August for those on the West Point training
months have continued to be mission. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the con-
a busy and productive time tribution to freedom you and your Soldier’s provide.
for the Sons of Alpha. In May, Relax and rejuvenate during this break because when
the battery participated in the we get back we will be hitting the ground running. Our
Battalion Mungadai, which next field exercise, Mountain Peak, is from 23 July
was a three-day physically through 1 August.
challenging event designed to
Congratulations to Jill Burke for taking on
strengthen bonds between both the FRG Co Leader and Treasurer positions. Also,
Soldiers and Families in the Battalion. The first two we have a new addition to the Sons of Alpha. Con-
days, Soldiers exclusively competed in a panoply of
gratulations to the Peacocks on their birth of their first
austere events to include 15 miles of road marching, a
child, Everett, born 25 May. Families and the FRG are
geo race, rappelling, and a zodiac boat race. The win- the cornerstone upon which Alpha Battery is built and
ning team, which predominately consisted of Alpha
your steadfast support is crucial to our success.
Battery Soldiers, was recognized for its physical and
mental toughness, and each member was awarded the Welcome to the Rock:
Army Achievement Medal. On the final day, family PVT Pinott
PFC Holcombe
members were put through the gauntlet of the Red
PVT Strickland
Leg Challenge, where family members negotiated sev- PVT Mabine
eral exciting and strenuous Army training events, PFC Hibbard
branding themselves genuine “Red Legs” upon com-
pletion. The entire event culminated with a Battalion Farewells from the Rock:
BBQ at Remington Pond, where fellowship and embel- SFC Dougherty (PCS – Fort Dix)
lished stories were shared over a plate of good ole SGT Ross (PCS – Fort Campbell)
fashioned American cuisine. SGT Lambert (PCS – Fort Stewart)
SPC Duffy (PCS – Schofield Barracks)
Even though we have not been to the field SPC Pointer (PCS – Fort Lewis)
since April, Alpha Battery has remained engaged, pro- SPC Minchew (PCS – Fort Lewis)
viding crucial external support to several momentous SPC Caulfield (PCS – Fort Riley)
training events. Alpha has provided support to the SPC Duignan (ETS)
Brigade for Soldiers earning the Expert Field Medical
Badge (EFMB) and the Expert Infantry Badge (EIB). Congratulations to the following NCOs and Soldiers on
We are also supporting a training opportunity for Ca- their recent promotions:
dets at West Point where they get to experience what SGT Codiroli
a Field Artillery Platoon and Fire Direction Center does. SPC Mahler
In addition, we provided the guns and manpower to PFC Scott
salute our Nation at Mountain Fest and to remember
Congratulations to the following Soldiers on their awards:
fallen Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division at the SFC Dougherty – MSM
Mountain Remembrance Ceremony. With most of its SGT Ross – AAM
senior leadership being tasked out for SFAAT training, SGT Lambert – AAM
the Battery and its junior leaders have stepped up and SPC Duffy – AAM
answered the call of responsibility for training and pre- SPC Pointer – AAM
paring the Battery to maintain a continual state of SPC Minchew – AAM
readiness. SPC Caulfield – AAM
As we head into summer, a well deserved “Rock Solid!”
break comes. Block Leave is from 29 June through 15 -ROCK 6
July for the majority of the Battery, and 28 July
5. 1SG Corner
Editors Correction to last
Time and sion. We have had Soldiers grad- May’s Newsletter
time again, the ing the Expert Field Medical
Sons of Alpha Badge lanes as well as Expert It was SPC McKay that
have proved, Infantry Badge lanes. We have won the Soldier of the
without a doubt, our second Platoon Fire Direction Quarter in April.
they are some of Center currently attached to
SPC McKay won the
the best, most Bravo Battery on temporary duty
Brigade Soldier of the
well trained, hard- to West Point for a training mis-
Quarter Board in
est working Soldiers in this Bat- sion with Cadets in order to show
April. He decimated
talion. In May, the Battalion them how a firing Battery truly
the completion with
broke up all the Soldiers into operates. Starting the week of
second place being a
squads and took part in a number the 25th of June, Alpha Battery
“distant second.”
of grueling events while partici- becomes the Salute Battery to
Congratulations! You
pating in the 3/6 Battalion Mun- remember our fallen Soldiers at
represent the Rock
gadai. After all was said and the Mountain Remembrance
Battery in good stead.
done, the winning team which Ceremony and the Mountain Fest
was comprised mostly of Alpha Salute to our Nation.
Battery Soldiers, were awarded
At the end of that week,
the Army Achievement Medals.
Alpha Battery will finally reach
Alpha Battery members included that point we have been looking
PFC Hughes, SPC Thompson, and forward to. Block leave, taking a
Specialist, now Sergeant, Codi-
well earned break to spend time
roli. After all the accolades our
with our loved ones. This is
Sons of Alpha received, we ended great time for our Soldiers to
this time honored tradition with
recharge their Batteries and relax
our first ever Red Leg day. This
with their families. Keep in mind,
day presented the family mem-
that while block leave is always a
bers of 3/6 with the ability to view great time for all of us, when we
firsthand what their precious Sol-
come back, we will charge into
diers go through on a daily basis.
battle harder than before.
With an outstanding display of
strength and fortitude the fami- - Rock 7
lies plowed through every obsta-
cle ending at Remington Pond for
an outstanding barbecue with the
whole Battalion.
Besides things like the
Mungadai, Alpha Battery has
been supporting a plethora of
other details throughout the Divi-
6. Bravo Battery
The Soldiers of Bravo Battery continue to set the standard as they continue to train and
prepare for a busy summer. The unit’s training over the past month has focused on Section level
certification and qualification of howitzer and fire direction sections in order to facilitate the sum-
mer training that will be conducted at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Our sec-
tions performed flawlessly as they conducted the dry and live fire training which resulted in all sec-
tions certifying. The Soldiers are currently packing personnel and section equipment as we prepare
to depart for West Point on 20 June. The summer training program will be a great opportunity for
our Soldiers to train future leaders in the Army as well as taking advantage of our closer proximity
to New York City. I look forward to a great summer at West Point and I am confident that our Bat-
tery will represent the Battalion and this Brigade with distinction.
Our Battery also participated in the Battalion Mungadi from 22-23 May. Our teams com-
peted in a two phase competition that consisted of on post activities to include howitzer occupa-
tion, treatment and evacuation of casualties, marksmanship and clearing a building as well as off
post activities which included rappelling, rafting and a road march. All of our Soldiers performed
outstanding throughout the event with SGT Robinson being a part of the winning team. The event
culminated with the Red Leg Family Day and a barbeque. Thank you to all of the families who par-
ticipated in this event.
Our Security Force Assistance Teams (SFAT) have been busy over the past month as well
as they continue to conduct training in preparation for their upcoming deployment. Our SFAT
members participated in driver’s training, crew served weapons ranges and an advisor academy at
Fort Polk, LA. The SFATs continue to build cohesion and develop their teams with every training
event and will be more than prepared to execute their mission down range. The SFATs are currently
completing a Counter Insurgency seminar as well as counter improvised explosive device (IED)
training which will only add to their readiness.
Finally, the Battery held an organizational day on 07 June at Remington Pond. The event
was a big success and we were able to raise some money for future events (at the expense of Bat-
tery leadership taking a plunge in the dunk tank). Again, I want to thank all of the family members
for taking part in this event. It was a much needed opportunity for us to get together before our
month at West Point.
I am continually impressed with the professionalism and hard work that your Soldiers put
forth every day. This Battery continues to succeed due to their efforts and your support. I look for-
ward to our next submission to the Battalion newsletter to highlight the great work your Soldiers
did while at West Point. I wish you all a safe and happy summer season and we will see you all upon
our return.
Ryan W. Graf
CDR, B/3-6 FA
Bulls Deep!
7. 2LT Dingbaum and PFC DeForest high crawling during the
Mungdai
SPC Gendron teaching PVT Ricker about the sight on the
M119A2
1st Sergeant Corner
Farewells would like to welcome the newly assigned members of
Even as the Battery continues to move forward, I our team : PVT Baker, PVT Garcia, PVT Galbraith, PVT
Hillshiem, PVT Housewright, PVT McQueen and PVT
would like to take the time to thank and say farewell to
Whitaker. These new Soldiers recently graduated their
a few Soldiers that contributed greatly to the suc-
Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma
cesses that Bravo Battery has achieved. Without their
hard work and dedication to duty and loyalty to the and are excited to be here and eager to learn.
Battery, the Battalion and the 1BCT, none of this
would be possible. Promotion
1 June 2012 we had the honor and privilege to promote
SFC Hendri- PCSing to Camp Shelby SPC Griswold to the rank of Sergeant. Getting pro-
moted is a great accomplishment especially to the
SGT Mason-ETS-moved back to Florida
Ranks of an NCO. It not only distinguished the individ-
SGT Turmel-PCS to Fort Campbell ual from their peers, but it comes with the responsibili-
SGT Caranay-PCS to Fort Campbell ties to teach, coach and mentor our nation’s greatest
resource; An American Soldier. With these newly given
SPC Baxter-ETS back to IOW responsibilities, I have no doubt that SGT Griswold will
accomplishment them all and even exceed expecta-
tions. Congratulation.
Hails
And as we say farewell to these outstanding Soldiers, I
8. July Birthdays!!! August Birthdays!!!
Headquarters Jamie Fechette Headquarters Bravo Battery
PFC Coit Katelyn Harrian WO1 Billman SPC Alvarez
SFC Heriger MAJ Brodany SPC Alvarez
PFC Julien Bravo Battery SSG Ellis PFC Cash
PFC Reed PV2 Baker PFC Elwood SSG Delozier
WO1Reed SGT Cole PFC Haughton SPC Kircher
SPC Sariano 2LT Dingbaum SGT Johnson SPC Lazorishak
PFC Thomas 1LT Mandel PV2 Owens SGT Lester
SPC Valencia SGT Mason PFC Risley SPC McCusker
Leigha Anderson SPC Wishork SFC Roop PFC Waters
Brandi Crutcher Shannon Fridline SPC Rivera Irasema Alvarez
Amie Duclos Megan Miles SPC Roasado Toni Guyor
Jennifer McSurdy SPC Spearman Brittany Czaplicki
Stacie Shelton Golf SPC Tesar
Megan Spence SPC Bohner PFC Vrobel Golf
SPC Bolt Kelly Hecker SFC Baker
Alpha Battery PFC Garibay Kristeena Whitney 1LT Carpenter
SSG Brinker SPC Hernandez Lin Zhang SSG Ellison
SSG Davis PFC Lemus SPC Gilmore
Genesee Brinker Sarah Southern Alpha Battery SGT Howard
Dawn Davis SPC Donnelly SPC Klotz
Stephanie Hol- SPC Moore
combe
SPC Ochoa