AUSA salutes field artillery battalion

By Staff Sgt. Jennifer BunnAugust 28, 2012

AUSA salutes field artillery battalion
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Cannoneers from 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division fire their M119A2 Howitzer for a live action demonstration Aug. 17 during an Association of the United States Army Northern New York and For... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
AUSA salutes field artillery battalion
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Tina Wildhaber, the president of the AUSA Northern New York and Fort Drum Chapter presents the Salute a Unit plaque to Lt. Col. Christopher Wendland, commander for 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain D... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT DRUM- Allons Soldiers and Family Members from 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team received a salute from the Association of the United States Army Northern New York - Fort Drum Chapter Aug. 17 during a ceremony at Division Hill on Fort Drum.

The Salute a Unit program recognized several Soldiers and Family Readiness Group leaders and volunteers for their outstanding contributions to their units, Families and the community.

"The AUSA Salute a Unit program is from your local chapter," said Tina Wildhaber, the president of the AUSA Northern New York and Fort Drum Chapter. "The program was developed to recognize and honor the exceptional individuals within your unit. The program is unique to Fort Drum and was created by one of our board members."

Wildhaber explained that the salute is one of the oldest traditions in the Army and holds special meaning.

"Today's ceremony is a Salute to a Unit," she said. "The salute is not simply an honored exchange it's a privilege and a gesture of respect and trust amongst Soldiers."

Some historians believe the hand salute began in late Roman times when assassinations were common. A citizen who wanted to see a public official had to approach with his right hand raised to show he did not hold a weapon. Knights in armor raised visors with their right hand when meeting a comrade. This practice gradually became a way of showing respect in early American history.

By 1820 the motion was modified to touching the hat and since then it has become a hand salute used today. The salute is to show respect towards an officer, countries and their colors.

"This afternoon the Northern New York AUSA carries the same great tradition as we show respect and salute the 2-15 FA," added Wildhaber.

The battalion set up several static displays throughout the grounds and gave a live demonstration to show what some Soldiers of 2-15 FA do for a living.

The Q-53 Radar was in position to track enemy indirect fire. Meteorological and Survey Team collected accurate weather data. The Colt Team, in their M1200 Knight Fire Support Vehicle accurately located and designated targets at a great distance.

Mathematical and ballistic computations were made by the Fire Direction Center to

provide line safe firing information.

As these teams stood silently in position, the real noise came from the M119A2 Howitzer. The cannoneers took up a hasty firing position and fired several loud rounds at their intended target.

Lt. Col. Christopher Wendland, the commanding officer for 2-15 FA proudly approached the podium and explained why the battalion was being recognized.

"Artillery is truly a team profession. Our cannoneers cannot fire their howitzers without the support of all the Soldiers in the battalion playing a role," he explained. "We wanted you to witness this today as a part of our salute to show that every Soldier has a pivotal role to ensure our rounds destroy their intended target on the very first attempt."

"From observing the target to analyzing the weather, to calculating the proper trajectory to pulling the lanyard as well as feeding our bellies, repairing our equipment, healing our cuts and bruises and even ensuring we get our monthly pay checks," he continued. "Each of these tasks must be accomplished by one of our Allons Soldiers and we thank them."

"Behind every one of these Soldiers today is a family member. Whether a spouse, sibling, children, parents and grandparents they are the bed rock and the motivation to keep our Allons Soldiers in the fight. Thanks again AUSA for giving this opportunity to salute our Allons Soldiers and their Families. Let's Go!" Wendland concluded.

After the demonstration awards were presented to the following: Sgt. 1st Class Chevalier Slaughter, Golf Company, 210 Brigade Support Battalion, food service NCO; Spc. Brent Schultz from Alpha Battery who volunteers as a FRG key caller; Heather Houck, a FRG volunteer for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery; Ashley Derossett, the co-leader for Alpha Battery FRG; Lauren Stephenson, a FRG volunteer for Bravo Battery; Casey Lynn Stanton, FRG leader for 210 BSB; and Wendland, accepted the AUSA Salute to a Unit plaque for the battalion.

Special thanks went to Mr. Guy Javarone, from Storage Made EZ, for being a corporate sponsor for the event and Mr. Ronald Thompson from Uncle Sam's Boat Tours in Alexandria Bay who presented the AUSA chapter with a check for $7114.25 to be used toward the Wounded Warrior Fund.

Tina Wildhaber reminded the battalion that the local AUSA chapter has many programs for Soldiers and Families on Fort Drum to participate in. They co-sponsor River Fest and the post Christmas party; supply refreshments at welcome home ceremonies; grant scholarships; and support Soldiers through the Adopt a Unit and Wounded Warrior Fund.

"We would like to remind you that AUSA is here as a resource for you," she explained. "Along with the Salute a Unit program, your local chapter provides many programs, events and educational opportunities for Soldiers and Families."

With the boom of the howitzers still resonating through the air, Wendland summed up the day with these words.

"The Allons battalion is honored to be recognized by the AUSA Salute a Unit program," he said. "Great weather made the day nice, but the sound of artillery made today outstanding."