1. Page 1
OCTOBER 2012
The Centaur Roll Call
3-6 Field Artillery
Preparation for a deployment takes more than just pre- Things get rough around the house and at times it feels
paring the Soldier for the mission. Spouses, children, and like things are falling apart. From personal experience, my
parents need time and help understanding what the effects husband deployed and things just happened. The garage
of a deployment means to them. For a spouse and child, doors quit opening, my car started making noises that
this event can mean a parent relying on themselves to ac- sounded like it was going to croak over at any minute, loss
complish things around the house and the day to day of a dog, the lawn mower wouldn’t start, when it did start
events of the family. For a parent it may be not talking to the self propel belt tore off, and the list goes on. As spouses
their Soldier daily or weekly. One way or another in relation and family members of Soldiers, we all go through events
to that Soldier, deployments can take a change on a per- that feels like they will break us, but in reality can make us
sons psyche. stronger in the end. We all are tested, but it is how we buck
up and face these tests that makes us stronger. They hurt to
Anyone who’s been through multiple deployments will the core, and even anger you that you are dealing with this
tell you that each deployment is different; different mission, alone. But, remember you are not alone. Many before you
different place, different ways of communicating back have gone through their own set of tests. It is about reach-
home. However, sitting down with your spouse or loved ing out to that person; that battle buddy at 2AM and know-
ones prior to deployment and going through things can ing everything will be fine and you will make it through this
make a difference. First, attend the Predeployment Brief for hurdle.
your unit. 3-6 Field Artillery will conduct our brief on the 7th
of Nov at 10am & 6pm at the Main Post Auditorium (Post Spouses and parents, please get involved in your Soldier’s
Theater). Now, no one wants to go to a meeting to hear unit. Find out who the FRG Leader is, when there are FRG
about what you already know is coming up; a deployment. Meetings, and go to them or get the information from those
But, there is good information that can help make that Sol- meetings. Being active is a great way to meet new people
dier and their families life a little bit easier. Commanders whether you are local or far away. Meet other family mem-
brief on what they know about the deployment, conditions, bers going through what you are about to go through, be
mail, communication and so on to ease the families’ minds that voice to suggest meetings with other mommies or
and know that their Soldier is in good hands with their Com- forming a group to exercise together. Parents can volunteer
mand. Agencies brief what they can provide, financial plan- with the FRG as a key Caller or organizing morale packages
ning, where to find help and assistance, or someone to talk to send to the troops. The FRG is here to help provide ad-
to. Scenarios are brought up for your benefit to realize the vice, support, and referral on a problem you may have.
importance of getting things together, having a plan, and
then having a contingency plan for when plan A falls Kimberley Williams, FRSA
through. Don’t be that Soldier who leaves their family unpre-
pared for something that could have easily been prevented.
I cannot stress enough the importance of attending, no mat-
ter how many deployments you have been through.

2. Page 2
OCTOBER 2012
Headquarters & Headquarters Battery
Gladiators
Swift and Bold Soldiers and Families, I want to
start out by telling you how immensely awesome on. Then we redeployed to Ft Drum and haven’t
the Gladiator Soldiers are. In the last two months missed a beat. These Soldiers are awesome, and
they have supported the first Division Field I don’t get to tell them that enough.
Training Exercise that has occurred in the last
ten years. Not only did they support it, but they Things in the future are not slowing down
set the bar for other Battalions to aim for. Then though. A decent amount of us are preparing to
less than a month later we deployed to the Na- go to Afghanistan next year and that requires a
tional Training Center in Ft Irwin California. Most lot of training. We have identified the team that
units have 6 months to a year to plan for this will deploy and now we are preparing. While that
mission; well the Swift and Bold Battalion did it means a lot of training there is also a lot of time
in 4 weeks. Not only that but we got there and off on the calendar. I encourage all of you to
accomplished the mission with excellence. The make the most of this time off, because the time
Battery actually made the job of the Observer/ you have with family now is extremely valuable
Controllers (O/Cs) more difficult because they when you consider that we will be gone for nine
did such a good job in the field that it was harder months. We will have a lot of briefings also that I
for the O/Cs to find something for us to improve encourage families to attend. Some of you have
never had your husband deploy, or you weren’t
married during his last deployment. There is a lot
to know. I also encourage you to prepare for the
winter. If you have never experienced a winter in
Northern NY or last winter was your only experi-
ence, then you may be in for a surprise. Make
sure the kids are prepared as well.
In closing I would like to stress that if you
ever need anything from me or the commander,
our phones are always on, and our doors are al-
ways open. I would like to say a final thank you
SPCs Meneses, Spearman, and Tiner being pro- to the Gladiator Families for all that you do. I
moted to Corporal. know we ask a lot of you, but your support for
your Soldier is amazing.
GLADIATOR 7
A Huge thanks to the HHB FRG Volunteers: Mindy Thompson, Cindy Aldana, Ruthie Van Orman, Kathryn
Peacock, Myndee Ellis, Christina Hackler, Emily Smith, Amy Tiner, Kelly Hecker, Brenda Bejar.

3. Page 3
OCTOBER 2012
Alpha Battery The men of Alpha Battery displayed remarkable
Sons of Alpha resilience in this tumultuous period. Sections
transitioned from a light M119A2 105mm howit-
zer to medium M777A2 155mm howitzer. In a pe-
Over the past couple of months, the Sons of riod of two weeks, the sections took on the com-
Alpha trained more than most units train in an pletely new and complex weapon system that
entire year and did it with panache. The men of they have never seen before and mastered the
Alpha Battery vindicated their already well crew drills, culminating with a 54 round live fire
wrought reputation as empirically best battery in exercise that went off without a hitch. All the
the Division through their hard work, flexibility, while, sections were inventorying, packing, and
and outstanding performance over a multitude shipping out their containers to NTC, which is
of short notice and momentous training exer- onerous task in its own right.
cises.
With barely enough time to blink an eye, our
On 15 JUL 2012, the battery returned from men were on a plane destined Fort Irwin, Califor-
block leave and hit the ground running. After a nia, where the plane ride itself provided a wel-
week of rigorous preparations and certifications, comed five hour respite from the chaos. Once
the battery took to the field once again as the the entire battery had arrived, the training en-
premiere firing battery in support of Operation sued. The men of Alpha Battery geared up for the
Mountain Peak, which was the largest division “box,” conducting a panoply of logistical tasks
exercise in 11 years. Over the 10 day exercise, and prepatory training in the staging area, rightly
the men of Alpha Battery performed flawlessly, known as the Dust Bowl. Upon entering the box,
masterfully firing 1707 rounds in support of five the battery performed exceedingly well, firing
simultaneous infantry maneuver lanes, receiving over 100 105mm rounds and over 600 155mm
praise from the Commanding General and Dep- rounds in support of STX lanes and during Force
uty Commanding General of Operations for its on Force operations. Additionally, the battery
exemplary performance. During the operation, was lauded by the NTC trainers as being the best
the battery received fidelity that it would be tak- battery they have seen in years.
ing part in a National Training Center (NTC) rota-
tion in Fort Irwin, California, in August, and that The Sons of Alpha continue on its historic
half the battery would transition to the M777A2 journey, transitioning the battery in its entirety to
weapon system. M777A2s in preparation for an impending de-
ployment in support of OEF. In late October the
Immediately coming off of Mountain Peak, the battery will conduct a three-day LFX, where the
battery immediately jumped into simultaneous battery will certify its new M777A2s sections and
recovery operations, NTC preparation and con- conduct air assault sling load operations.
tainer outload, and M777A2 transition training.
Continued on page 4
A Huge thanks to the Alpha Battery FRG Volunteers: Jill Burke, Genessee Brinker, Katie Parker,
Michelle Johnson, & Stephanie Holcombe.

4. Page 4
OCTOBER 2012
Continued SSG Diaz of 1st Pla-
I just want to say thank you to families, toon, Alpha Battery,
friends, and FRG of the Sons of Alpha for all motivates his sec-
tion during STX live
their support during the high operational tempo
fire exercise at Fort
that we have endured. There is a method to Irwin, CA
madness, and the bottom line is that winning
happens in practice. Our goal is to prepare the
Most of you probably can’t remember when
battery to the utmost, so that it is combat ready
you were enjoying uninterrupted time with your
and will win in combat once it is called upon to
Service member. Since returning from some
do so. We couldn’t do it without your support.
time off after NTC the Sons of Alpha went right
“The strength of our families, is the strength of
into section certification for Mountain Peak
our Soldiers, is the strength of our nation.” The
where all your Soldiers excelled beyond expec-
good news is that there is substantial time off in
tations. This was about the same time most of
the near future, and your Soldiers will be avail-
you heard about the upcoming mission to Af-
able for some quality time, so plan accordingly. I
ghanistan and the more recent time spent apart
appreciate what you do! ROCK SOLID!
while your Soldier was in California. Busy isn’t
-Rock 6
even the word for our current OPTEMPO. The
Soldiers of Alpha Battery are currently conduct-
ing inventories for upcoming Change of Com-
mand while attending classes on the different
communication platforms, conducting weapons
qualifications, and preparing to go to the field
for the week of 22 October. That’s a mammoth
task, however all of your Soldier’s are taking it in
stride and continuing to perform at the highest
level. All is not lost; there is plenty of time off
coming in the near future, multiple four day
weekends and block leave. We will have a family
readiness group meeting today and I highly en-
2nd Platoon, Alpha Battery, conducts a training
courage all and any family members or friends
AIR MEDEVAC during NTC Rotation 12-10 at Fort
Irwin, California. of Alpha to attend. We will discuss the upcom-
ing deployment and the numerous training
events.
I would like to take this time not to recognize
any one Soldier, but to recognize the battery and
the Soldiers in the battalion for all the resiliency
they have shown over the past couple months.
All -
ROCK 7

5. Page 5
OCTOBER 2012
Alpha Continued...
Welcome to the Rock: SFC Newton
PV2 Baker PVT Owens
PFC Bertram SSG Pennington
PV2 Bolds 1LT Rinaldi 2nd PLT Prepares to fire the Excalibur Round at
SPC Boyle SGT Stevens Fort Irwin, CA.
PFC Breene PFC Walston
SPC Brown PV2 Whittaker
PFC Cash
PFC Day
Congratulations to the
PFC Deforest
following Soldiers on
PV2 Dixon
their awards:
PV2 Duarte
SSG Rhodus
PV2 Galbraith
SSG Rose
SSG Garant
SPC Johnson
PV2 Garcia
SPC Frechette
SPC Garibay
SPC Benson 2nd PLT, Alpha Battery, conducts M777A2 live fire
PFC Gomez
PFC Hughes training at FDNY in Aug 2012, marking the first time in
SSG Graham the Centaur Battalion’s history that it has fired
PV2 Owens
PVT Hall M777A2s.
SSG Hall
Congratulations to the
SPC Haughton
following families for 2nd PLT prepares to fire high angle during
SGT Hernandez
their new additions to M777A2 transition live fire training in AUG
SPC Herring
Sons of Alpha: 2012 at FDNY.
PFC Hibbard
SPC Brandon
PFC Holcombe
SPC McFarland
SGT Howard
SPC Towzen
PVT Jones
PFC Kundert
PFC Kwasnik
PV2 Mcqueen
CPL Meneses
PVT Mevissen
PFC Miles

6. Page 6
OCTOBER 2012
Bravo Battery fires, firing over 300 rounds in close coordina-
Bulls tion with dismounted Soldiers and aircraft. The
Battery was commended by the trainers at NTC
It has been a busy few months for the Sol-
for its performance as one of the best firing
diers of Bravo Battery. Since our past newsletter
units they have seen.
in June, the Battery commenced its busy sum-
mer schedule by supporting the Cadet Summer
The Battery has also undergone a lot of
Training Program at the United States Military
changes in the past few months. The Battalion
Academy (USMA) in West Point, NY. The Battery
has changed its task organization in order to
performed flawlessly as they trained over 1,400
support the upcoming deployment. As a result,
Sophomore cadets in fire mission processing,
the Battery has lost 25 Soldiers as they are now
advanced party procedures and howitzer crew
spread out between HHB and A Battery. I would
drills. The Bulls of Bravo supervised and as-
like to thank those who have joined other Batter-
sisted cadets as they fired 7,700 rounds without
ies for the deployment for all their hard work in
incident. The Soldiers of the Battery were com-
making Bravo what it is today and wish them the
mended on their performance by the Deputy
best of luck during their upcoming mission. The
Commanding General of Operations for 10th
remainder of the Battery will continue to train on
Mountain Division, the Commandant of Cadets at
key artillery skills in order to maintain profi-
USMA, the Commander of 4th BCT 10th Mountain
ciency and prepare for future operations. The
Division and the fire support cadre at USMA.
Battery will remain busy in the coming months
They represented not only 3-6 FA, but the 10th
with supporting pre-deployment training for the
Mountain Division proudly and I could not be
BCT and Battalion, to include a field exercise
more pleased with their performance.
from 05 – 09 November. The Battery will be firing
in support of the Brigade’s Security Force Assis-
The Battery was also tasked to support a Na-
tance Teams as well as certifying new section
tional Training Center (NTC) Rotation at Fort Ir-
chiefs in the fire direction center and on the
win, CA in August and September. The Soldiers
gunline.
performed above expectations during the rota-
tion given the short notice of the deployment and
Finally, there will be a change of command
minimum manning throughout the sections. The
ceremony on 01 November as CPT Rodney Bun-
Battery supported maneuver Situational Training
yan will take over as the new commander of
Exercises (STX) for the Brigade with indirect
Bravo Battery. Although it is difficult to leave
such an outstanding unit, I know that this Bat-
tery will continue to excel in accomplishing its
mission and that CPT Bunyan will be successful.
SGT Featherston super- It has truly been an honor to command this or-
vising cadets as they
load a 105mm round. ganization and I wish all the Soldiers and fami-
lies good luck in all their future endeavors.
Ryan W. Graf
Bulls Deep!
A Huge thanks to the Bravo Battery FRG Volunteers: Tessa Conaway, Chelsey Dingbaum,
& Brittney York.

7. Page 7
OCTOBER 2012
FIRST SERGEANT CORNER
The Soldiers of Bravo Battery participated in two have recently joined the Bulls team and are wel-
big events over the Summer, from the United come with open arms.
States Military Academy (USMA) summer train-
ing at West Point NY to the National Training SSG Odell, SGT Barilani, SGT Griffith, SGT
center (NTC) rotation at Fort Irwin, CA. The Sol- Glass, SGT Estep, SGT Bostwick, SPC Brandon,
diers performed superbly during both events SPC Dray, PFC Paiz
and proved once again that they are well trained
to perform their wartime duties if and when Promotion
called upon. I am proud and confident in the Sol- 1 August 2012 we had the honor and privilege to
diers of Bravo Battery and looking forward to promote SPC Alcantara to the rank of Sergeant.
continue building on this Battery already great Getting promoted is a great accomplishment es-
reputation. pecially to the Ranks of an NCO. It not only dis-
tinguishes the individual from their peers, but it
Farewell comes with the responsibilities to teach, coach
SSG Roy -Recruiting and mentor our nation’s greatest resource; an
SGT Abbate- Recruiting American Soldier. With these newly given re-
SGT Peterson- ETS sponsibilities, I have no doubt that SGT Alcan-
SGT Lester- PCS to Fort Benning tara will accomplishment them all and even ex-
ceed expectations. Congratulations.
Thank you for your service to our great nation
and especially to the BULLS, you will be missed.
Hails
As we say farewell to these outstanding Sol-
diers, I would like to welcome the newly as-
signed members of our team. I have no doubt
that they will be an asset to our team.
SFC Mullin, SSG Leiter, SPC Wolosyzn
The following Soldiers have been a part of the SPC Alvarez training a cadet on fire
Swift and Bold Battalion for a little while, but direction center operations at West
Point.

8. Page 8
OCTOBER 2012
Golf
Guardians
From the Commander:
The Soldiers of Golf Company have been
working hard to support the greatest battalion in
the Army. The majority of the Company deployed
to the National Training Center in September in pany. I am very fortunate to be a part of such an
support of the Battalion and during our time in outstanding organization and am thankful to all
beautiful Southern California, we supported the the Soldiers and their families who make this
Battalion with timely delivery of ammunition, Company the best Forward Support Company in
fuel, and other supplies in less than ideal condi- the Brigade!
tions. The distribution platoon had zero safety
incidents in delivering ammunition to the firing “Strength through Support!”
batteries over a two week period to include driv- CPT Keith Carroll
ing at night with no white light and with the use Guardian 7
of Night Vision Devices. The Maintenance Pla-
toon supported the fight at the National Training
Center by working countless hours keeping the From the First Sergeant:
Battalion’s vehicles and howitzers in full mission Over the past couple months Golf Company
capable condition. Our cooks worked tirelessly have had new Soldiers come into the Guardian
preparing and serving thousands of meals to the family and Soldiers that have been recognized
Brigade during the NTC rotation. Our Soldiers for overall duty performance by means of
who stayed at Fort Drum worked just as hard awards and promotions. We welcome PFC
keeping the Battalion’s rear detachment operat- Pereida, PV2 McQueen, and PV2 Gracia to Golf
ing flawlessly. Over the past couple of weeks, Company. We also had 2 babies born into the
the Company have enjoyed some well deserved Guardian Family: SPC Acevedo son (Stephen
time off with friends and family. The next coming Thomas) and SSG Hibbert daughter (Nyssa
weeks will have the Company supporting the Naomi) Soldiers have received awards for their
Battalion in various field exercises to include contribution to the mission of 3-6 FA during NTC
small arms ranges and Battery live fire exercises 10-12: SSG Southern, CPL Mahaffey, SPC For-
and anything else that is required to support the rester, and SPC Robinson. The following Sol-
Battalion. The months of November and Decem- diers have been promoted to the rank of Special-
ber will have the Company continuing support of ist: PFC Mitchell and PFC Marzett .
the Battalion as we prepare for the Battalion’s
upcoming deployment in January. The Guardi-
ans have lost some great Soldiers either due to “Strength through Support!”
PCS or end of army service recently but are ex- 1SG Toby Gibson
cited about the new Guardians joining the Com- Guardian 7
A Huge thanks to the Golf Company FRG Volunteers: Rachel Hirons, Patricia Navarro,
Kisha Elliot, Lisa Carroll, Shawna Robinson, Carol Natarelli, & Amanda Van Heel