Friends, family, Soldiers and veterans packed Rinehart Fitness Center here to welcome about 200 Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery who returned home after a nine-month deployment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Their mission consisted of training and protecting friendly forces and furthering relationships with U.S. allies. The ceremony marked the return of roughly half the battalion, with the rest scheduled to return in the next few weeks.
"The Soldiers in 1-14th should be very proud of all their accomplishments this deployment," said Lt. Col. J.P. Maddaloni, 1-14th FAcommander, who is currently in UAE set to return with the last of the remaining Soldiers.
The "Steel Warriors" made history in October 2013, as the first U.S. unit to live fire the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System in UAE, doing it alongside the 97th Heavy Artillery Regiment, the host nation artillery unit. Prior units had to convoy roughly 500 miles to Kuwait to live fire.
"The highlight of the deployment was our live fires in the United Arab Emirates," said Maddaloni. "The battalion also maintained its responsive force posture capability to protect U.S. interests and those of our allies for nine months. This incredible level of mission readiness could not have been possible without Soldiers committed to our Army profession."
The atmosphere was tense in the gym as the stands were packed shoulder to shoulder and people lined the gym floor.
The ceremony was rescheduled twice due to bad weather on the East Coast during the battalion's return.
"I haven't been this nervous since the day we got married," said Deana Righettini, spouse of Spc. Scott Righettini, as she anxiously awaited for the ceremony to start with their 12-year-old daughter and her in-laws.
Loud cheers and applause raised by the hundreds of people waiting boomed as the gym side doors opened and the Soldiers marched in step to the center court as the band performed. The national anthem played and a prayer was said, followed by brief remarks from Maj. Gen. Mark McDonald, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general.
As soon as the group finished singing "The Army Song" the battalion was put at attention. "Dismissed!" was ordered, and the crowd flooded the floor with hugs, kisses and handshakes accompanied by tears and smiles for the Soldiers.
"I am really looking forward to spending time with my wife and children," said Staff Sgt. Carl Schwander. "I learned a lot on this deployment, but now I am ready to take some trips and create some memories with my family."
"We are extremely thankful to all of our families and the Fort Sill community for their support during this deployment," said Maddaloni.
"We couldn't have done it without them and they are our strength that carries us through our commitment to defend our nation and way of life," said the 1-14th FA commander.
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