402nd Field Artillery Brigade Members Join Elite Order of Saint Barbara

By Staff Sgt. Patricia Deal

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.

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.

Members of the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade pose with their medals and certificates after being inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, an honorary society of the U.S. Artillery Branches, as part of the Saint Barbara's DayBall ceremonies at East Fort Bliss' Centennial Banquet and Conference Center Dec. 14. Inductees are: (front row, left to right) Capt. Jacquelyn Hollis, 2-362 Field Artillery Battalion; Capt. Julio Camarillo, 2-362 Field Artillery Battalion; Edwin Traylor, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade; Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Shaw, 3-363 Training Support Battalion; Maj. David Halen, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade; Maj. Robert Wagner, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade; Capt. Cynthia Perez, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade; Capt. Kit La, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade; (back row, right to left) Maj. H. Marc Sinclair, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade; Lt. Col. Rodney Fischer, 2-356 Logistical Support Battalion; and (back row, second from left) Sgt. 1st Class Gidget Borst, 2-362 Field Artillery Battalion. Also pictured are brigade command team members: (back row, center) Col. Carolyn Birchfield, commander, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade; Command Sgt. Maj. Ernest Bowen, command sergeant major, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade; Lt. Col. Kenneth Jones, commander, 2-362 Field Artillery Battalion; and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Spinks, command sergeant major, 2-362 Field Artillery Battalion. Photo: Staff Sgt. Patricia Deal, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

"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.

For more information contact: First Army Division West Public Affairs First Army Division West (254) 553-5003 (254) 630-4944 Fort Hood, TX 76544 jay.r.adams3.civ@mail.mil