It was hot – good golly it was hot! The temperature was just
below the century mark at 0930 hours. From the perspective of a west
Texan, the heat along with the humidity made one feel like they were
fully clothed and standing in a sauna, yet undaunted, Soldiers and
civilians gathered to witness the “stand up” and uncasing of the colors
of the Air Defense Artillery (ADA) School, the 6th ADA
Brigade and its three battalions at their new home at Fort Sill,
Oklahoma, on 23 June 2009.
If ever there was a question of the brotherhood and esprit de
corps forged by Air Defenders past and present, the bond was evident by
the showing of support from those who came to witness the event. Past
ADA Commandants/Chiefs of ADA, Assistant Commandants and Deputy
Assistant Commandants, Directors and other well wishers reminisced with
the newest past ADA Commandant, Major General (MG) Howard B. Bromberg,
and the fledgling ADA Commandant Brigadier General (BG) Roger F.
Mathews.
In the audience were many Field Artillery (FA) and Lawton
representatives who suffered the sweltering temperatures as well,
bearing witness to this historical event and wishing ADA well as a new
member of the Fire Center of Excellence (FCOE).
The first order of business was to uncase the ADA and U.S. Army Air
Defense Artillery School (USAADASCH) colors. MG Bromberg and Command
Sergeant Major (CSM) Robert S. Rodgers uncased and unfurled the ADA and
USAADASCH colors adding them to the American and Army flags being
displayed by members of the color guard signifying the official transfer
of USAADASCH from Fort Bliss to Fort Sill.
Colonel (COL) Donald G. Fryc and CSM Lynwood Lewis Sr. uncased
and unfurled the 6th ADA Brigade colors. Simultaneously, the
three 6th ADA Brigade battalions also uncased and unfurled
their colors. Representing the Soldiers, Families and Civilians of the
respective battalions were LTC Kyle J. Foley and 1SG Kristopher L. Cook,
2nd Battalion, 6th ADA;
LTC James P. Payne and CSM
Thomas L. Eagan, 3d Battalion, 6th
ADA; and
LTC Michael D. Simley and CSM Louis J. Telly, 1st
Battalion, 56th ADA.
The final ceremonial mission was the Transfer of Authority. MG Bromberg
passed the Air Defense Artillery colors to BG Mathews, signifying
relinquishment and acceptance of the position and authority as the
Commandant and Chief of ADA.
In appreciation of the hard work that made the move of the schoolhouse
and brigade as smooth as possible, Major General Bromberg acknowledged
the dedication of the current Commanding General of Fort Sill, Peter M.
Vangjel, and his wife, Joanne; the Lawton Mayor, John Purcells, and the
citizens of Lawton and surrounding area.
“The support from the Lawton community has been absolutely
wonderful. I really can’t thank you enough for your support and your
genuine concern for our families and our Soldier. A change like this
doesn’t happen overnight and it doesn’t happen easily. There are so many
people who have been instrumental in getting this to where we are
today,” said General Bromberg.
He went on to indicate to his successor that he hated to be the bearer
of bad news, but that the tough work was just beginning.
It was a bitter sweet day for many Air Defenders. ADA had trained
and called Fort Bliss, Texas, home for the past 41 years. Pulling up
stakes and moving to a new home doesn’t come easy, but serving in the
Army means being transient and as Soldiers you never stay put very long
– new units, new installations and new missions are always right around
the corner. However, moving the branch doesn’t change the history or the
legacy of ADA. It allows us to add to it as we build and train alongside
our Field Artillery brethren at the FCOE.
As Brigadier General Mathews began his opening remarks, he
welcomed in a new chapter in ADA history. General Mathews added his
personal thanks to the leadership of the garrisons, the Soldiers,
civilians and citizens of both El Paso and Lawton, for their parts in
assisting in the very complex transition. Mathews continued by
expressing the knowledge that it won’t be easy.
“It’s more than moving people and equipment, its changing the
hearts and minds of folks,” Mathews said. “It is my pledge to you here
today, to bring this warfighting capability to the front, and continue
the legacy of providing superb, highly-trained, combat-ready Soldiers in
defense of our Nation.” General Mathews concluded by saying, “We hate to
say good-bye, but it’s so great to say hello – it’s a great day to be a
Fort Sill Soldier. Hooah!”
Click on
each
thumbnail
to see full
size photo. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Kathleen Doyle is
the Editor-in-Chief of Air Defense
Artillery Online. Ms. Doyle has been
with the Air Defense Artillery community
as a writer, editor and branch marketing
representative with the Office, Chief of
ADA, Air Defense Artillery School, Fort
Bliss, Texas, for more than 22 years. |
|
