be effective, you have to be on our Facebook page, give us a good phone number and email, and attend your Bat-tery FRG events! I realize we all have different personali-ties, some want to participate, some maybe have had a bad experience else-where and have elected to pull out of the process, some just plain don‟t know. We have the best people working in this Battalion, the best leadership, the best families and the best Command cli-mate, all you have to do is participate to the level you feel comfortable – the information is there – please, help yourself. Angst is uncomfort-able, not knowing things unnecessarily increases frustration levels, both in your families and in our Swift and Bold fam-ily. We are going to continue to see change, it‟s part of what we do as an Army. Please arm

Welcome to the sec-ond edition of our newsletter and I wanted to say thanks to all of you for tak-ing the time to read it and learn a little bit more about the best Battalion in the Army. I‟m going to touch on change as the Centaurs are go-ing to see plenty of it over the coming months and I want to arm everyone with the information that will allow them to be a little more comfort-able with what is go-ing on within our or-ganization. As many of you know quite a few of our heroes who have been with the unit are in the process of PCS‟ing or ETS‟ing which creates turbu-lence within sections, batteries, and the bat-talion. What I will tell you is that we are managing that turbu-lence to minimize the amount of friction it causes. We have a great sponsorship program managed by the CSM, 1SGs and Commanders and our

S1 shop is all over the paperwork for the folks that are leaving. FRGs are welcoming and fare-welling peo-ple so these transi-tions, while having an impact, are not bad. Another area that is changing and that morphs on a weekly basis is what our up-coming mission is for our next Climb to Glory. For those that have been in the army for awhile this is perfectly normal and has occurred on every rotation I have been on in 24 years of service. I‟m not saying it isn‟t frustrat-ing - but when you realize the amount of people who are in-volved in the timing and the decision for a brigade to move it isn‟t too hard to un-derstand. The way we attempt to miti-gate rumors is by providing the best possible information regarding your sol-diers through the FRG chains, Face-book, the newsletter and FRSA flashes. Of course, for this to

Centaur 6

The Centaur Roll Call

MAY-JUNE 2012 SWIFT & BOLD

yourselves with the information you need to educate yourselves on what is going on in your Soldiers lives. If your soldier isn‟t bringing the informa-tion home give us an email and we will mail it direct. My wife, Pam, has as-sured me this is the way it works best in our family! We have an amazing team, I‟m proud to number among you and continue to be proud of our unit and our country. God bless each of you and thank you for what

Inside this issue:

Redleg Day Flyer 2

Thanks to our Volun-

teers

6

Silent Ranks 7

Birthdays & Anniver-

saries

3

Page 2 THE CENTAUR ROLL CALL

Page 3 SWIFT & BOLD

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

HHB began the month of April with a superb Change of Command ceremony, providing a fitting sendoff for CPT Scott Elwell and his wife Kat. For almost two years, CPT Elwell and Kat have devoted them-selves heart and soul into ensuring that the Soldiers and families of the Gladiator Battery were cared for, and that HHB continued to provide its crucial support to the 3-6 FA and 1st BCT Mission. During their time as Commander and FRG Leader, HHB‟s perform-ance, both in combat and in training, has been nothing short of remark-able. Scott and Kat will be missed and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors (especially parenthood!). Despite the change in leadership, the Gladiators did not miss a beat, ac-complishing a variety of challenging missions and continuing its exemplary support to the Battalion. As Alpha Battery de-ployed to the field for the 1st BCT SFAAT Shoot, our 13Ts and medics pro-vided their unique skills to help our firing battery brethren accomplish their mission. HHB Soldiers

who have been assigned to SFAAT Teams were on the receiving end of that support on 19-20 APR when they con-ducted a fire support fa-miliarization shoot, ob-serving artillery, mortar, and close air support fire missions. Our SFAAT members will continue to conduct intense, realistic combat training in the coming months to pre-pare for possible deploy-ment. The Battery had several leaders graduate from schools, with SGT Carroll and SPC Busick completing the Warrior Leader Course, and SGT Kellenbenz graduating from the Advanced Leader Course as the Dis-tinguished Leadership Award winner. As the new Commander of Headquarters Battery, I would also like to take this opportunity to intro-duce myself and my wife Mindy to the Gladiator Family. We could not be happier to be back at Fort Drum as part of a re-nowned artillery battalion like 3-6 FA. Having worked in the Battalion‟s operations shop before taking command of HHB, I have been able to observe our Soldiers at their best, in the field and

in garrison. It is truly an honor to serve with and lead such skilled and dedi-cated Soldiers. As the Commander and FRG Leader, Mindy and I rec-ognize the indispensible role our families play in the accomplishment of our mission. Our Sol-diers are the best at what they do because they have strong, supportive fami-lies. With our continued high operation tempo, it is imperative that we con-tinue to keep our families informed and empow-ered, and that we take time to thank them for their steadfast support. Mindy and I look forward to meeting you all at our first FRG meeting on 2 MAY, where we will dis-cuss plans for family ac-tivities during the spring/summer months. We look forward to what is sure to be an exciting and rewarding season as part of the Gladiator family.

CPT

Charles E. Thompson

Page 4 THE CENTAUR ROLL CALL

The Sons of Alpha con-tinue to anneal their al-ready well wrought repu-tation as the best firing Battery in the Division. As most of you know, Alpha Battery just re-turned from two weeks in the field successfully sup-porting 31 Security Force Assistance Advisor Teams (SFAAT) with fires in preparation for the upcoming deployment mission. During this time, the battery con-structed a virtually im-penetrable fire base and parried relentless OPFOR attacks, while simultane-ously delivering 662 105mm artillery rounds which was vital to the SFAATs fires integration training. The completion of this field exercise brought the battery‟s total rounds fired count to 2150 for the fiscal year, bolstering the Battery‟s efficacy and fidelity. The coming months present a unique chal-lenge for the Battery. With the majority of the Battalion‟s leadership fo-cusing on SFAAT Train-ing, the battery will con-tinue to train and support the field artillery mission in absence of its senior leaders. For Junior Lead-ers it‟s a calling and obli-

gation to wholeheartedly carry the ponderous re-sponsibility of training and readying the Sons of Alpha to fight and win America‟s wars. My con-fidence in the Junior Leaders is unwavering and I know they will rise to the occasion. To the FRG and fami-lies of the Rock; you con-tinue to be the catalyst of success and high morale within our organization. Your support and sacri-fices are estimable in and of themselves, and we appreciate all that you do. Continue to make this Battery the best in the nation. Finally, I chal-lenge and encourage all the ladies of Centaur Bat-talion to upstage their husbands during the Red Leg Day on 24 MAY 2012. This is your chance prove to your husband‟s that you can do what they do! Welcome to the Rock: 1LT Andrew Brown- Coming from 1-87 2LT Sam Robertson- Coming from Fort Sill 2LT Jack Burke and Fam-ily- Coming from Fort Sill Jill Burke- FRG Co-Leader PVT Bradley Ingle-Coming from AIT from

Fort Sill Noteworthy Accom-plishments: PFC Alobaidi won the Brigade Soldier of the Quarter Board in April. He decimated the compe-tition with second place being a “distant second.” Congratulations! You represent the Rock Bat-tery in good stead. Additionally, two of the past three Brigade Soldier of the Quarter Boards have been won by the Sons of Alpha, and the one we did not win, we came in second place. There are nearly 4,000 Soldiers in the Brigade. If that‟s not a metric to gauge the depth and pro-fessionalism of this or-ganization, then I don‟t know what is!

Congratulations to the following NCOs and Soldiers on their recent promotions: SGT Peraza, Miguel SGT Shelly, Kennie Congratulations to fol-lowing Soldiers being promoted: SPC Cordall-Gonzales, John SPC Townzen, Nicholas SPC Zimmerman, Jedidiah

Rock 6 Corner

The Sons of Alpha wish to say farewell and offer our best wishes to the following Soldiers who have departed recently: SFC Jones, Arthur - Re-tirement SSG Recore-Brown, An-thony - Recruiter SSG Smith, Brian – Fort Stewart SGT Lambert, Wesley – Fort Stewart SGT Potrikus, Bradley - ETS SGT Ross – PCS to Fort Campbell SPC Baker, Russell – Schofield Barracks 1LT Corvese, William “Rock Solid!” -ROCK 6

Page 5 SWIFT & BOLD

Rock 7’s Corner

Once again the Soldiers of Alpha Battery have proven themselves as Red Legs with their support of SFAAT (Security Force Afghanistan adviser teams) call for fire exer-cise. The battery fired 662 rounds safely and accurately in support of the two week field exer-cise aiding in the training of over 350 1st BCT Sol-diers conducting call for fire training in prepara-

tion for future Afghani-stan operations. Future Operations Over the next two months your Soldier will be busy supporting the brigade on numerous tasking to include the Ex-pert Infantry Badge test-ing, the Expert Medical Badge testing, and the Global Response Team. Some of our Soldiers will also be attending Air As-

sault School or support-ing the West Point mis-sion. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Upon completion the Battery will enjoy a well needed block leave to recharge and refit in preparation for recertifi-cation on basic artillery tasks in the late summer early fall. We are looking forward to seeing as many of our supporters during the first

annual REDLEG DAY being held on Thursday, May 24th 2012. If you have any questions, ask your Soldier and we will see you there. -ROCK 7

“We are looking

forward to

seeing as many

of our

supporters

during the first

annual REDLEG

DAY …..”

“Engineers establishing the Firing Point during “SFAAT” support mission” -April 2012

Alpha-22 Chiefed by SSG Rose Fires in support of “SFAAT” mission. -April 2012

Thank you to all our Volunteers in 3-6.

You make a difference...

Volunteers Are...

Pamela Oeschger

Katie Parker

Patricia Patterson-

Navarro

Erica Recore-Brown

Melinda Thomas

Mindy Thompson

Amy Tiner

Allyson Smith

Emily Smith

Ruthie Van Orman

Kathryn Peacock

Susan Wallace

Genessee Brinker

Jill Burke

Lisa Carroll

Tessa Conaway

Chelsea Dingbaum

Beth Ann Donnelly

Katie Dougherty

Kisha Elliot

Myndee Ellis

Christina Hackler

Rachel Hirons

Stephanie Hyer

Michelle Mahaffey

V - aluable is the work you do.

O - utstanding is how you always come

through.

L - oyal, sincere and full of good cheer.

U - ntiring in your efforts throughout the year.

N - otable are the contributions you make.

T - rustworthy is every project you take.

E - ager to reach your every goal.

E - ffective in the way you fulfill your role.

R - eady with a smile like a shining star.

S - pecial and wonderful-that‟s what you are.

Page 6 THE CENTAUR ROLL CALL

Congratulations!!

April is the month of the Volunteer. We

applaud those who give back so much to

the community, unit, and families. Dur-

ing April there were many opportunities

for us to recognize our volunteers from

3-6 FA. The following volunteers were

recognized for various awards given out

at Garrison and 1BCT.

Volunteer of the Month (This award is given monthly at the Installation Volunteer of the Month Ceremony for distinguished support to the unit and the Fort Drum community.)

Kathryn Peacock - Alpha

Commanders Award for Public Ser-vice (Presented in recognition of broad-based service or achievements that contribute signifi-cantly to the Fort Drum community by major contributions to Soldier morale, unit readiness,

and/or community life.)

Wendy O‟Connor - HHB

Catherine Doughtery - Alpha

Tessa Conaway - Bravo

Patricia Patterson - Navarro - Golf

The Military Spouse

When the good Lord was creating military spouses, He was into His sixth day of overtime. An an-gel appeared and said, “you‟re having a lot of trouble with this one. What‟s wrong with the standard model? The Lord replied, “have you seen the regula-

tions? It has to be completely independent, but must be sponsored to get on the base, have the qualities of both mother and father during deployment, be a per-fect hostess for four to 40, handle emergencies without orders, cope with flu and move around the world, have a kiss that cures anything from a child‟s torn Valentine to a serviceman‟s weary day, have the patience of a saint when waiting for the unit to return Stateside, and have six pairs of hands!” The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands? No way!” And the Lord answered, “Don‟t worry, we‟ll make other military spouses help. Besides, it‟s not the hands that are causing the problems, it‟s the heart. It must swell with pride, sustain the aches of separations, beat on soundly when it‟s too tired to do so, and be large enough to say, „I understand‟ when it doesn‟t and say „I love you, regardless.‟” “Lord,” the angel said, touching His sleeve gently, “go to bed. You can finish that tomorrow,” “I can‟t,” said the Lord. “I‟m so close to creating something unique. Al-ready I have one who can heal itself when sick, feed unexpected guests who are stuck in the area due to bad weather, and wave goodbye to its spouse from a pier or runway and understand it‟s important to the country that the spouse leaves.” The angle circled the model of the military spouse very slowly. “It‟s too soft,” she sighed. “But tough,” said the Lord excitedly. “You cannot imagine what it can do or endure.” “Can it think?” “Can it think! It can convert 1400 to 2PM in a wink.” Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the check. “There‟s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.” “It‟s not a leak,” said the Lord. “It‟s a tear.” “What‟s it for?” asked the angel. “It‟s for joy, sadness, pain, loneliness and pride.” “You‟re a genius,” said the angel The Lord looked somber and replied, “I didn‟t put it there.” Author Unknown

May is the month we celebrate and show appreciation to our Military Spouses

Page 7 SWIFT & BOLD

For all our 3-6 Field Artillery

Spouses (husbands and wives),

we stand and salute you. You

are the ones who keep the fires

burning while your soldier is

away for a night or long

periods of time. We commend

you for keeping the family unit

together and for helping your

fellow military spouses.

Just like Molly Pitcher did out

on the battlefield, bringing

water to the soldiers and then

taking up her husbands post to

fire the cannons when he was

injured, you take up your posts

and fill the shoes of your

soldier while they are away. It

is not an easy job, but it is one

that you all do so well. Thank

you!! SWIFT AND BOLD!

Bravo Battery

It has been a busy few months for the Soldiers of Bravo Battery. March kicked off with a Battal-ion level field exercise from the 5th-9th in which Platoons were tested on their ability to execute field artillery fires as well as maneuver throughout the battlefield reacting to different scenarios similar to those faced in a de-ployed environment. This was the first exercise of this type that many Sol-diers of the Battery have conducted in several years, and they did so in exemplary fashion. Sol-diers and leaders across the board displayed ex-pertise not only in their ability to provide field artillery fires, but in criti-cal thinking skills required to react to contingencies on the battlefield. The Battery switched gears a bit towards the end of March as we con-ducted training on dis-mounted and mounted infantry tactics similar to those utilized by the Bat-talion in previous deploy-ments. Soldiers partici-pated in a week of classes which covered dis-mounted movement, mounted movement and reacting to enemy con-tact. The training culmi-

nated with a two day field exercise in which Soldiers and leaders were given a mission to execute facing an enemy force. Soldiers from the Battery acted as role players ranging from enemy fighters to civilians on the battlefield in order to provide a realistic training environment and to test the decision mak-ing and critical thinking skills of Soldiers on the ground. Our Soldiers per-formed very well during the exercise and were able to learn a great deal about conducting infantry op-erations which many Sol-diers have not done previ-ously. This type of train-ing will be revisited later in the summer in order to build on lessons learned. Finally, select members from the Battery have begun to train for the up-coming deployment as members of a Security Force Assistance Team (SFAT). These SFAT team members initiated their training by conduct-ing a live fire shoot utiliz-ing Air Force assets, Army Aviation, artillery and mortars on targets in the Fort Drum impact area. SFAT teams will continue to conduct train-ing on first aid, weapons qualification, counter-

insurgency operations among other things as they break off into their teams beginning the 1st of June. The major upcoming event for the Battery is our support for the United States Military Academy at West Point as they conduct their sum-mer training program from June 20 – July 22. The Soldiers of the Bat-tery will assist in training cadets on fire mission processing in the fire di-rection center, occupying a position area for a how-itzer and conducting howitzer fire missions. The Battery will continue to conduct its own inter-nal training while at West Point in order to maintain proficiency on field artil-lery skills learned throughout the past 8 months. This should be an outstanding training event which gives the Battery the ability to fire a large quantity of rounds and to help train the fu-ture leaders of the Army. West Point also offers a wide array of MWR ac-tivities throughout the summer to include a pos-sible trip to Yankee Sta-dium for a baseball game. The Soldiers of Bravo Battery continue to im-

Page 8 THE CENTAUR ROLL CALL

press as they consistently perform at a high level. I look forward to the months ahead and I am proud to bring this Bat-tery to West Point. They will represent this Battal-ion and BCT with distinc-tion. I again thank all of the family members who continue to support this organization. Your hard work and dedication help to make this Battery the best on Fort Drum. Ryan W. Graf CDR, B/3-6 FA “Bulls Deep”

Bulls D

The men and women of Golf Company continue to provide excellent logis-tical support to the Cen-taur Battalion. The Com-pany started the month of March supporting the Battalion‟s Table XII live fire exercise with field maintenance and several vehicle recovery missions in the Battalion‟s training areas. The Distribution Platoon supported the firing batteries with safely distributing over 1,000 gallons of fuel and deliv-ery of over 1,200 rounds of live ammunition during the five day exercise. The Guardian cooks once again proved to be the best in the Battalion by preparing over 3,000 meals during the week in the Company‟s brand new containerized kitchen. The month of March also sent two Guardian Sol-diers, SSG Nickesha Hib-bert and SPC Markeeshia Neal, to the 37th Annual Military Culinary Arts Competition in Fort Lee, Virginia. SSG Hibbert and SPC Neal and the other members of the Fort Drum Culinary Arts team competed against teams from all branches of the armed services dur-ing the two week event. The Fort Drum team won a total of 36 medals

including four gold and all members were re-warded with an impact Army Achievement Medal presented to them by Brigadier General Kenneth Dahl, Deputy Commanding General for Support, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), at a ceremony at Hayes Hall. The month of April has the Company played a key part in the Brigade‟s Global Response Force rehearsal mission as well as supporting Alpha Bat-tery with logistical sup-port as the Sons of Alpha provided accurate fires during the two week Bri-gade‟s Security Force Ad-vise Assist Team (SFAAT) Walk and Shot Exercise. The Mainte-nance Platoon worked hard on completing an-nual vehicle and equip-ment services for the Bat-talion as well as providing field maintenance support to Alpha Battery‟s field exercise. In the weeks ahead, the Company will be involved with various platoon level training to include a record Army Physical Fitness test and a 12 mile Company road march. We will also be conducting an M4 rifle qualification range in June

in order to qualify all Sol-diers on their primary weapon. Some Soldiers from Golf Company have been selected to be mem-bers of the Battalion‟s SFAAT teams. These teams have already begun training together and will continue to do so as they prepare for deployment sometime in 2013. The Company will also be par-ticipating in the mentally and physically challenging Battalion “Mungadai” from May 22-23 conclud-ing with the Battalion‟s first annual Red Leg Day on May 24th which is for the spouses in the Battal-ion which will include an obstacle course, simulated weapons trainer, and a howitzer crew drill. The Company will continue with company level train-ing in June as well as sup-porting Bravo Battery during their one month mission to West Point, New York. Finally, we said goodbye to Kathy Antepara, Golf Company‟s Family Readi-ness Group Leader as she stepped down after two years of dedicated service. Kathy worked countless hours to make our FRG one of the best in the Bat-talion. Kathy and her hus-band, SGT Antepara, will

From the Desk of Guardian 6

Page 9 SWIFT & BOLD

be leaving the Company on their way to Germany in July but they will al-ways have a home here with the Guardians. I am extremely proud of all that we have accom-plished as a Forward Sup-port Company and ex-cited for upcoming opera-tions within the Battalion. I am truly honored to be part of such an amazing team of dedicated Sol-diers and families.

“Strength through Sup-port!” CPT Keith Carroll Guardian 6 New Soldiers to Golf Company: PV2 Matthew King-91F (Smalls Arms Repair) from Oswego, New York

Page 10 THE CENTAUR ROLL CALL

Headquarters

Michael & Nicole Billman

Michael & Kathleen Buchheit

Wesley & Brandi Crutcher

Jonathan & Stephanie Hicks

Richard & Susan Wallace

Alpha Battery

Luis & Sara Bapillo

William & Diana Corvese

Eric & Dawn Davis

Clint & Svetlana Hauger

Arthur & Antoinette Jones

Bravo Battery

Brandon & Traci Deforest

Rudolph & Lashell Green

Michael & Felicia Lomberk

Eric & Jennifer Mason

Danny & Jessica Norton

May Anniversaries

Susan Wallace

PFC Whitney

SPC Zima

Alpha Battery

SGT Alpart

Sarah Baker

Kenneth Bostwick

Kelly Caulfield

Adam Codiroli

Kevin Fuller

May Birthdays

Headquarters

SPC Chavis

SGT Duclos

SGT Figueroa

SGT Parks

Michelle Pilgreen

SSG Reisinger

Kim Shrestha

SPC Tiner

SGT Vasseur

Bravo Battery

Kristopher Block

Alyssa Cole

Brandon Deforest

Joshua Dozanti

Matthew Gendron

Adam Guyor

Ruben Dario Her-

nandez

Caleb Jones

Vincent Pineiro

James Richards

Seren Waters

Page 11 SWIFT & BOLD

Headquarters

Christopher & Myndee Ellis

Guillermo Figueroa & Mayra Huerta

Heath & Candace Heriger

Brad & Kelley Ris-ley

Bravo Battery

James & Victoria Meyer

James & Kayla Richert

Cody & Seren Wa-ters

June Anniversaries June Birthdays Headquarters

Kantrell Cobbs-Brown

Alejandra Car-roll

Pauline Coit

SPC Evers

Mayra Huerta

PFC Garza

SPC Harris

Carmen John-son

SGT Larson

SPC Meneses

Katy Milligan

1LT Niemberg

CPT Pittman

Angel Reed

PFC Shrestha

Alpha Battery

Cynthia Leas-ure

Chloe Knoll

Bravo Battery

Michael Conaway

Eric Graveline

Ucok Hendri

David Kwasnik

Dakota Miles

Victoria Meyer

Mark Rudewicz

Dinh Quang Truong

Golf company

SPC Michael Forrester

SGT White

2LT Williams