Soldiers, Families and friends of the Steel Warrior Battalion, we hope you are enjoying a milder than usual winter and wish you a happy and healthy 2012! The first quarter of FY12 was very busy and as always the Steel Warriors met or exceeded every task put before them. For the second straight year, we participated in Operation Daring Warrior 2011, a joint and combined exercise with the Singapore Army and U.S. Marine Corps. This year’s two week exercise in October/November was a combined effort by Alpha and Bravo Batteries to provide rocket live fire as well as air load training at Henry Post Army Airfield. In November, members of 578 FSC participated in the 168 BSB sponsored “Best Logistics Competition” and as expected finished #1 among the Forward Support Companies in the Brigade. Well done, Phoenix! In December and January, we conducted the “Steel Warrior Best by Test” competition to identify the top launcher, ammo and FDC sections in the Battalion. Congrats to SSG Ziolkowski’s crew (Bravo Btry - best launcher), SGT Delorge’s crew (Alpha Btry – best FDC) and PFC Dicianno’s team (Bravo Btry – best ammo)! In January, we conducted a Change of Command Ceremony in H/26 TAB and welcomed CPT Nate Dunk and his wife, Elicia, to the Wolfpack team. MAJ Jason Kent will remain on the Steel Warrior team as we con-tinue our train up for the Security Force Assistance Advisor Team (SFAAT) mission in the spring. The next three months will be another busy time for the Steel Warriors as we will split our training focus by executing our Artillery Table VI certifications at Fort Sill while personnel on the SFAAT mission participate in training at Fort Polk. At the end of February, select personnel will participate in Emerald Warrior 2012, a U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) sponsored exercise which will provide us with multiple iterations of air load and movement training. On March 16th we’ll conduct our annual Saint Barbara’s Day Ball to cele-brate our patron saint and recognize those outstanding Redlegs and their spouses who have gone above the call of duty. Finally, on April 12th we will conduct a volunteer recognition ceremony to recognize those volun-teers who have made an impact and contribution on the Lawton/Fort Sill community. As always, Kelly and I thank you for all that you do in support of the Steel Warrior Battalion. We are truly blessed to be part of such a great organization. Your countless hours of work, sacrifice, support, prayers, and everyday acts of kindness to our Soldiers is greatly appreciated and admired. Steel Warriors!! Robert G. Picht Jr. Lieutenant Colonel Commanding

Issue 1 January 2012

Steel Warrior

In This Issue:

Battalion Commander Page 1

Battalion Command Sergeant Major Page 3

Battalion Chaplain Page 4

Headquarters Headquarter Battery Page 5

Alpha Battery Page 6

Bravo Battery Page 7

578 Forward Support Company Page 8

Hotel 26 Battery Page 9

Warriors 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. Brigade has a training on 23 February 2012 that shows

what is involved for a member of a team. This is a separate entity from the Family

Readiness Group, although the team may call on the FRG for additional help.

The most recent team trained from Steel Warriors want to build their ranks, and have a

large pool to request help from. If you would like to take the training just contact

Mary at 580-442-2382 for enrollment.

Speaking of Volunteers, be on the look out for the “official” invites for the Steel War-

riors Volunteer Ceremony that will occur 12 April 12.

Upcoming Events….. AFTB Level 1 8-9 February

Brigade Food Handlers 10 February

Post FRG leader training 22 February

AFTB Level 2 22-24 February

Brigade Care Team training 23 February

d

Happy New Year to the Soldiers, family, and friends of the Steel Warrior Battalion! I want to thank each and

every one of you that helped make 2011 such a successful year for our battalion. We could not have accom-

plished all that we did without the countless hours of work, sacrifice, support and prayers from each of you.

Liela and I want you all to know that we are truly grateful for all that you do on a continued basis. We hope you

had a wonderful holiday season and had time to relax and take a breather from the every day hustle and bustle.

With 2011 now behind us we can now focus on the great days ahead. Like most of you, I have made several

New Year’s resolutions to help make 2012 a great year. However, we might want to really explore what a New

Year’s Resolution truly is. According to Wikipedia, a New Year’s Resolution is a commitment that an individ-

ual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advan-

tageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year’s Day and

remain until fulfilled or abandoned. The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions goes all the way back to 153

B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar. With two faces, Janus could

look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many

Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of the year.

The Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and

entrances. He was always depicted with two faces, one on the front of his head and one on the back. Thus he

could look backward and forward at the same time. At midnight on December 31, the Romans imagined Janus

looking back at the old year and forward to the new. The Romans began a tradition of exchanging gifts on New

Year’s Eve by giving one another branches from sacred trees for good fortune. Later, nuts or coins imprinted

with the god Janus became more common New Year’s gifts.

I don’t know how many of you out there still exchange branches from sacred trees, nuts, or coins but if you still

do, your CSM prefers Pecans and Gold or Platinum Coins. All kidding aside, I challenge each of you to set and

achieve your own personal New Year’s resolutions. Some of you may choose goals that are health related like

quitting smoking or being more physically fit, while others may strive to spend more time with family or being

more financially savvy. You might want to choose resolutions that are in line with your duties as a Noncommis-

sioned Officer. Regardless of which resolutions you choose, I challenge each of you to work hard at fulfilling

those resolutions. I am confident that you will be successful and will be able to proclaim 2012 and one of your

best years ever.

Once again, Liela and I wish a fantastic New Year to each and every one of you. Please say a prayer for all the

Soldiers that are currently deployed and let us not forget that several members of the battalion will be deploying

soon. Thank you so much for your continued support of the Steel Warrior Battalion. We could not accomplish

all that we do without your efforts. Steel Warriors Lead the Way!!!

Warrior 7 Out.

Battalion

Command Sergeant Major

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 started 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.

Chaplains Corner—-10% RECONNECT

IN 2012

Spiritual fitness gets a boost through

“REconnect” when the new mid-week

religious education program begins

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012.

REconnect includes a free, simple fel-

lowship meal, and many classes and

groups for all ages. Although some are

faith- group specific, many classes are

supportive of all faiths. All troops, au-

thorized civilians, and Their families

will find a warm welcome. Childcare is

available

5:30 p.m.--6 p.m. Frontier Chapel.

Light meal and fellowship.

6 p.m.--7:30 p.m. Frontier Chapel.

Catholic religious education for those

preparing for confirmation.

6:15 p.m.--7:15 p.m. Graham Resil-

iency Training Center. Protestant and

inter-faith classes. Protestant studies

include children’s classes and electives

for adults. Some classes are open to all

regardless of religious preference; how-

ever, all classes affirm spiritual values

and will support the faiths represented

by the participants.

CLASSES OFFERED

Catholic: CCD and RCIA are required

religious education for Catholics prepar-

ing for confirmation. For information,

contact the Catholic religious education

coordinator at 442-2875.

Protestant: Protestant Youth of the

Chapel: Chap. (Maj.) Sean Moore trains

middle and high school teens in the

principles of the Christian faith. Kids

Bible Clubs are for Pre-K through sixth

graders. Classes feature Bible-based,

attention-holding curriculum.

All faiths: These group leaders will

speak from their faith perspective but

support participants of other faiths.

*Financial Peace University is taught

by a long-time resource manager. The

acclaimed radio host Dave Ramsey has

a powerful approach to financial free-

dom. Participants will better understand

principles of financial management to

gain peace of mind and a strong future

*All-Star Dads, led by Chaplain

(Maj.) Glen Scheib and Floyd Smith,

retired master sergeant. Men who are

excited about being dads meet to

discuss how to be the best father they

can be.

* Family Wholeness. Trained lead-

ers guide this group through topics

related to strong military families,

including communication within the

marriage, raising the military child,

and thriving in the military culture,

among others.

*New Testament Survey. Chaplain

(Capt.) Andrew Dressler provides an

overview of the books of the New

Testament.

*Experiencing God: Knowing and

Doing the Will of God, by Dr. Henry

Blackaby. A small group study to

help Christians experience the rich-

ness of God’s love.

*Women of Faith, peer-led studies

of strengthening topics such as Max

Lucado’s, Making Room for

Neighbors, and Beth Moore’s So

Long, Insecurity

Child Care:

Child care will be provided for class

participants. Children must be regis-

tered with the Child Development

Center. Parents must be at either

Frontier Chapel or the Graham Resil-

iency Training Campus. Children

should be taken to the “Kids on Site”

room at the GRTC by 6:00 p.m. They

must be picked up by 7:30.

Happy New Year everyone from the 1-14th UMT. I hope

everyone enjoyed there holidays and I am glad to hear that

everyone has made it back safe and sound. I have great ex-

pectation for 2012 and so should you. I believe that this year

is a year of “Suddenlies”. What do you mean Chap? Well,

the Bible speaks about how God used ordinary people to do

extraordinary things. Scripture tells the reader that when

God used people, “Suddenly the Glory fell upon them”, and

through his power they accomplished mighty works (Judges

14:6). I believe if you position yourself to hear and re-

ceive what God wants to do in your life; you too will experi-

ence the “Suddenlies of God”.

As I walk around the Battalion and converse with

many of you, it warms my heart to hear how many of you

have made a commitment to commit themselves and their

families back to the relationship they once had with God.

Though I applaud the thought, I can’t wait to experience the

action. A thought is something contained in the head, but

the action is that thought in motion. James 1:22 says “But

don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.

Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” I challenge

everyone to stick with commitments made to God because it

will cause a dramatic turnaround in your life.

As you look to the left of this newsletter, Ft Sill

has established some great programs and teachings called

“RECONNECT”. I encourage you and your family to par-

ticipate in these programs to help you as you “reconnect”

with God.

My prayers go out to our deploying soldiers. May

their safe travel there and back be made sure and complete

by the one true God. As you begin your journey, my prayer

is that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

I look forward to your return.

Great Expectations for 2012………Chap out.

Chirstopher.lynch.mil@mail.mil

YOUR WORTH.

NEW MIND SET FOR

2012

Hellraisers

H H B , 1 - 1 4 F A

Soldiers, families and friends of the Hellraisers battery. First of all I want to congratulate you in the new year 2012. I know

we had a lot of fun during the Christmas party and will like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the support pro-

vided. As I try to go back in time during my 17 months in command and think about all the time allocated towards the train-

ing executed in the Battery and only good memories come to my mind. I know for a fact that our Soldiers in HHB are one

of the best Soldiers in this Battalion and without them our mission would had been impossible to accomplish. From the

sweat spent on the softball fields here at Fort Sill all the way to the miles driven and the dust shared at Fort Bliss, these Sol-

diers had always been the best of the best on what they do and I’m proud to take my hat off to them.

As one Commander departs another one arrives and I will like to welcome CPT Metoyer to the Battery as the new HHB

Battery Commander. Please share your ideas and concerns with her in order to make this Battery, Soldiers and Family

members better everyday that goes by.

Myself and many other Soldiers within HHB are currently transitioning into training and preparation for a mission into

Afghanistan. As we prepare and depart for combat operations I will like you to keep us in your prayers.

There had been some long nights, a lot of research, meetings and decisions to make, but at the end it was all worth it. I

couldn’t be more proud of these Soldiers and their families, they deserve all the credit in the world, I wish you well and a lot

of blessings to go your way. Thank you, be proud and “Never Quit”. Hellraiser 6, signing out.

ASSASSINS

A , 1 - 1 4 F A

Greetings,

During the last quarter the Soldiers and Family members of Alpha Battery accomplished a lot. Alpha partnered with the Singapore

Armed Forces, culminating in a bilateral live fire exercise that ended a month long training event called Daring Warrior. The Soldiers of

Alpha Battery completed many things during the quarter but some of the highlights where air-load training with C17s at Altus Air force

Base, the Urban Assault Course/ Live Fire Shoot House, a Leader Charity Run, and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle drivers

training. Over the holidays we partnered with SFC Hill from AER to distribute over 400 boxes of food, personal hygiene items and toys

to needy families. To Maggie, Rachel, Astrid, and SGT Grody - thank you - your hard work made Alpha’s Christmas party a huge suc-

cess. And to the Fires Center of Excellence 2011 Family of the year finalist congratulations to the Masons' . Sheila, Jordan, Mara, and

SSG Maxson represented the Steel Warriors with great pride, just like Mrs. White, Mrs. Maxson, and SGT Grody when they received the

volunteer of the month award from MG Halverson during the last quarter. In closing I want to welcome CPT Grevious and his family as

they prepare to join Alpha Battery. Captain Grevious will assume command of Alpha Battery in March. And without further a due, I want

to thank everyone for their loyalty, inspiration and “TEAM” work; especially my battle 1SG Kevin P. White, his wife Rachel and their

son AJ.

Alpha Battery highlights for the 1st quarter include the following upcoming births- SGT Delorge and SGT Gallegos. Birthdays

include- SGT Ausmus October 7, PFC Esloon October 10, SSG Heinen November 2, PV2 Bishop November 14, SPC Yager November

19, SPC Abell November 25, SGT Whigham December 20, PFC Betham December 21, SPC Fondren December 23, SSG Valtierra Janu-

ary 3, SGT Aguirre January 8, PFC Rice January 8, SPC Pellegrini January 13, SPC Wagner January 24, SSG King January 28, and SPC

Rosa January 30. Alpha Battery wants to recognize PFC Benton, SGT Whigham, SGT Delorge, SPC Haase, SPC Dickson, SPC Holmes,

PFC Rondell, and PFC Betham on their recent promotion, and welcome our newest members to the Battery, SSG King, SSG Norville,

and PFC Whitaker. Assassins.

H. Gordon Selfridge

" The boss drives people; the leader coaches them. The boss depends on authority; the leader on good will. The boss inspires fear;

the leader inspires enthusiasm. The boss says I; The

leader says WE. The boss fixes the blame for the

breakdown; the leader fixes the breakdown. The boss

says, GO; the leader says Lets GO! "

.

PFC Betham and PFC Rodriguez show off their holiday

spirit in the Holiday Door Decorating Contest.

The past few months have been very productive for the Soldiers of the Blackhorse Battery. In November, the bat-

tery participated in the Brigade Command Inspection and passed with impressive results. SGT Newsome’s NBC Section

produced the best inspection that the Brigade Commander says he has ever seen and Bravo Battery’s Standard Operating

Procedures (SOPs) will be the benchmark for all future Brigade Command Inspections. SGT Schultz’s Supply Section was

also pointed out as another outstanding area for the rest of the Brigade to look to as the example.

Bravo Battery conducted a Reflexive Fire Range in November also. The purpose of the range was to take Soldiers

from the mindset of being stationary, firing off of sandbags at targets and move them into a more realistic environment.

Soldiers had to face in different directions from targets, orient their bodies in order to find the target, raise their weapon and

engage different targets. This involved following a very precise set of instructions for safety purposes that almost everyone

could follow. Those who were having a tough time were given some NCOs as help and safeties (See photos of LT Brace-

well).

Bravo Battery has also seen some changes recently. SSG

Vanston renamed his launcher to reflect his imposing stature and

personality. We are proud to welcome new babies from SGT

Martin, SPC Moriarty and SPC Davis. Congratulations to them

and their families and best of luck! Bravo is also losing 1SG

Dorman and CPT Smith. The Command Team is proud to have

served Bravo Battery and has enjoyed their time in Bravo im-

mensely. Top Dorman and I would like to welcome the new

command team of SFC Jesse Morrin and CPT Brandon Martin.

We wish them the best as we entrust our Soldiers to them and

they carry on the proud Blackhorse legacy.

B , 1 - 1 4 F A

BLACKHORSE

d

The last few months have been a great time for the 578th FSC

as we said goodbye to 2011 and welcomed the new year. I hope that

everyone enjoyed their block leave and had a chance to spend time

with family and friends. 2012 has already brought many changes to

the Phoenix Company starting with support for the battalions Secu-

rity Force Advise & Assist Team mission. Nine Soldiers from our

ranks will deploy to Afghanistan to support the SFAAT mission this

spring. Our Soldiers are working diligently to provide much needed

training and sustainment support to our SFAAT personnel running

various ranges and issuing equipment. Our SFAAT Soldiers will de-

ploy to the Joint Readiness Training Center for a training rotation this

spring gaining valuable insight on advising foreign military units.

As many of you may have heard our Off Post Training exer-

cise to Ft. Chaffee was cancelled and we will continue to train here at

Fort Sill. Spring 2012 brings lots of new challenges both in training

and our FRG. We are currently looking for volunteer opportunities

in the Lawton area and look forward to our next discussion during

our 21 FEB 12 meeting at the Twin Oaks Bowling Center.

I would like to introduce SFC Benjamin Logsdon and his wife

Amanda the “Acting” First Sergeant who is filling-in for 1SG Jerry

Smith as her prepares for deployment with the SFAAT. SFC

Logsdon brings a wealth of knowledge to the 578 FSC and has hit

the ground running .

As I close in on my six month mark as the Commander, I am

continually humbled by the sacrifices your Soldiers make daily in

support of the 1-14 Field Artillery mission. Thank you for your sup-

port and keep up the good work.

CPT Oliver Stolley

PHOENIX 6

5 7 8 F S C , 1 - 1 4 F A

PHOENIX

Promotions

January

1LT Chapman, Dasha

1LT Schwen, Chris

Birthdays

January

CW3 Garner, Darrin

SGT Albert, Jason SGT

Brahms, Sean SGT Var-

gas, Joshua SPC Black,

Jeremy SPC Greer, Na-

than SPC Hardy, John

SPC Mathews, Roosevelt

SPC Lopez, Sharika

PFC Ball, Solomon PFC

Becker, John PFC

Smith, Derrick

Soldiers During

the Fort Bliss

Training

Wolfpack Family, 27 January 2012

I hope you have all had a good start to the New Year and are not too worn out

from the holidays. Last year the battery successfully returned from Afghanistan and

completed the reset and is now preparing for section certifications during February and

March. The Holidays were a busy time for the battery with the Bowling party and the

battery completing the change of command inventories which lead to a new command

team, battery commander Captain Nathan Dunk and his wife Elicia and their three boys

and First Sergeant Solis and his wife Mirtha and their two kids.

Thank you to everyone who made our holiday party a success. We hope the kids

and adults alike had a wonderful time. Our last quarter was busy as we welcomed 3

new baby Wolfpack members. Congratulations to the Daynard, Garrett and Partridge

families on the additions to your families. I look forward to getting to know the sol-

diers and their families. My wife and I are excited to be a part of the team. I hope this

New Year will bring happiness and prosperity to all.

God bless,

CPT Nate Dunk

“Wolfpack 6”

Corporal Clay training soldiers in the MET section.

H 2 6 , 1 - 1 4 F A

WOLFPACK

Soldiers During

the Fort Bliss

Training

A L P H A P R O M O T I O N S A N D

C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E

Pictures

Soldiers During

the Fort Bliss

Training

A L P H A S H O O T H O U S E , S I N G A P O R E S H O O T ,

A N D P I E I N F A C E F U N D R A I S E R

Pictures