Community bids A Battery, 1-14th Field Artillery so long

By Sgt. Joe Dees, 214th Fires Brigade PAOJanuary 15, 2015

Good Luck!
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FORT SILL, Okla. (Jan. 15, 2015) -- The 214th Fires Brigade's family and Lawton-Fort Sill community members gathered Jan. 9 at Rinehart Fitness Center to bid farewell and good luck to Task Force Assassin, A Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery.

Soldiers and units across the "Leaders Brigade" pride themselves on being the best in the world and always strive for excellence. One marker of excellence is an ever-present readiness for any and all missions. Like in the Soldier's Creed, they "stand ready to deploy, engage and destroy the enemies of the United States of America."

This readiness was never more apparent than when a Quick Response Force from 1-14th FA was handed deployment orders with no time for the once standard deployment readiness rotation of National Training Center and Joint Readiness Training Center exercises.

The two short months, however, were used to the fullest refreshing skills and learning theater specific requirements. The smooth final preparation is testament to the importance of continual training and readiness before need and orders ever arise.

"These Soldiers are great examples of what is required in today's uncertain environment," said Col. Andrew Preston, 214th FiB commander. "The Army of today cannot wait for a deployment order to begin training, we must always be ready."

First Battalion, 14th FA has a long history of service overseas, from multiple campaigns in World War II and Vietnam to Iraq in 2003, 2008, 2009 and 2010, as well as a deployment to the United Arab Emirates barely one year ago. While the unit and many of Task Force Assassin's Soldiers are hardened veterans with overseas experience that gives them confidence going into this mission, a handful of Soldiers are leaving for their first deployment.

Pfc. Kevin McGalliard said quality training and veteran leadership boosted his confidence.

"This may be my first opportunity to deploy, but I know I, and all of us, are ready to go. We've trained hard to be the best at what we do, and no matter how challenging and life changing this will be, I know we will be successful," he said.

So with family and friends looking on, McGalliard and his comrades stood in formation saluting Old Glory as the 77th Army Band played "The Star-Spangled Banner." Those same Soldiers' booming voices recited the "Soldier's Creed" and sang "The Army Song" before being bestowed with the well wishes of peers and veterans. Smiles and handshakes were exchanged with the ever-present and much appreciated veterans of previous conflicts before preparing for the arduous task ahead and private, tearful farewells to family.

Before departing, Task Force Assassin's commander, Capt. Robb Myers, and 1st Sgt. Geoffrey Landon looked upon their Soldiers.

"This is a great group of Soldiers, as good as you can assemble, and it is an honor to be their commander," said Myers.

"The focus and determination I've seen to the mission both before and after receiving the orders have been impressive. This is the best there is and we are proud to take these Soldiers downrange," added Landon.