FORT SILL, Okla. -- The "Steel Warrior" Battalion welcomed veterans and active members of the 14th FA to a leader's professional development seminar at the battalion during the first week of May. The veterans shared the unit's history as a long-standing artillery regiment providing artillery fire in countless wars and battles and celebrates its 100th anniversary the week of July 21. The seminar brought together all the unit's officers and senior noncommissioned officers to expand their knowledge and leadership skills.
"It's a huge honor to have these veterans take their time to be with us, and to join us in celebrating the regiment's 100th year anniversary," said Lt. Col. Peter Sittenauer, commander of the battalion.
Retired 1st Sgt. Clem Smiley shared some insight on the value of the 14th FA Regimental Association, which works to keep the history of the organization alive by influencing and educating officers, NCOs and young Soldiers about the regiment they represent. He said its main purpose is to keep the history and accomplishments of the regiment alive.
"The association means everything to me," he said, "It keeps me in touch, and going forward, the association needs the support of the younger Soldiers to keep it going."
During the seminar, each battery and company formed teams to present the history of the six battalions in the 14th FA. Each team coordinated with veterans from the association, some were interviewed by phone and shared their living history, such as their many combat deployments, as part of the presentation.
An active association member and former battalion commander, retired Maj. Geoffery Buhlig, told the senior leaders what he misses most about the Army and the importance of the 1-14 FA Battalion.
"It's being part of a unit, a team and the association provides that," he said. "You are just one of the few (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) units in the Army, the legacy you learn here can be a positive influence on the units you go to, especially for the veterans."
David Termin, an Army veteran, said what it means for association members to meet with the battalion's Soldiers.
"It's extremely important to interact with the battalion now, it's special to us," said Termin. "Let's work together, it's nice to have a strong bond with your past."
The unit is the only FA regiment established on Fort Sill still residing here today.
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