FORT BLISS, Texas -- Several military and civilian members of the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade were inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, an honorary society of the U.S. Artillery Branches, as part of the Saint Barbara's Day Ball ceremonies at East Fort Bliss' Centennial Banquet and Conference Center Dec. 14.
In honor of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of the Artillery, Soldiers and spouses of the Fires community celebrate their heritage on Saint Barbara's Day with a gala ball. The celebration pays tribute to the history and traditions of artillery branches and to the people who have contributed to the betterment of Army air defense and field artillery.
"It certainly is an honor for those selected to be inducted into the order and to now be a part of an esteemed group of stonehurlers, catapulters, racketeers, gunners and missilers," said Col. Carolyn Birchfield, commander of the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade and a member of the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara, the most distinguished level of membership.
"Understanding our history and continuing to honor our traditions is important," Birchfield said. "Those recognized have made significant contributions to our formation and simply have made all of us better."
Eleven Soldiers and one civilian from the brigade were inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara: Lt. Col. Juan Saldivar, 3-410 Engineer Battalion; Lt. Col. Rodney Fischer, 2-356 Logistical Support Battalion; Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Shaw, 3-363 Training Support Battalion; Maj. Robert Wagner, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade; Maj. David Halen, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade; Maj. H. Marc Sinclair, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade; Edwin Traylor, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade; Capt. Kit La, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade; Capt. Cynthia Perez, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade; Capt. Jacquelyn Hollis, 2-362 Field Artillery Battalion; Capt. Julio Camarillo, 2-362 Field Artillery Battalion; Sgt. 1st Class Gidget Borst, 2-362 Field Artillery Battalion.
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