Bravo Battery Comments - July 2004

Bravo Bulls

Before I begin, I would love to take this time to say thanks to all the fine Soldiers, NCOs, Officers, family members, and friends of the Mighty Bull Battery. It's truly a blessing and a humbling experience to be a part of an outstanding and superior performing battery such as this. Never have I seen a better bunch of Redlegs in the Army.

As you all know, there has been some changes in the battery since the last newsletter. The Bulls conducted a Change of Command Ceremony on 3 June 04 in which the reins of the battery was entrusted to CPT Graham. He brings with him his wife, Sandra, and daughter, Shoncire'. The former commander, CPT Hodo and his family will surely be missed as he has been assigned to the Division Artillery S-3 shop in his quest to continue to do great things. 1LT Osewalt was promoted to Captain on the same day and is now assigned to TF 9E as the Fire Support Officer. He was replaced by 1LT Purcell, whom was handed an excellent platoon and has not lost a step in maintaining what his predecessor started. In addition, we're gaining another fine Platoon leader whose no stranger to the battalion, 1LT Bradley, who will continue the excellence of 1st Platoon at FOB Paliwoda. Once again, we're all thankful to be a part of this fantastic family.

As always, our workload has been heavy and shows no signs of letting up while we continue our mission of providing timely and accurate fires to the Dagger Brigade. In addition, the battery is conducting force protection, convoys, supervising MWR and DFACs, patrolling with PYSOPS, and still maintaining world-class artillery fires on a daily basis. We've got a world class maintenance team, signal team, and supply team that deliver like no other. Also, we have a Radar section and a METRO section that brings even more combat readiness to the Bulls and have fallen right in and are performing superbly.

We have started to focus once again on individual skills and section skills to keep our warrior edge. But we're not all work and no play; the battery recently was a part of a basketball tournament on LSA ANACONDA and will also be competing against the entire 9E battalion in a Decathalon. Wish us God Speed and good luck as we represent the Mighty Bulls.

The R&R and FMPP program is back again and in full swing. For the month of June, the Bulls have 4 FMPP slots and 9 R&R slots. All soldiers in the battery have been given a timeframe for the month they could expect to go on R&R. The dates are not set in stone and are subject to change due to mission requirements and arising demands that must be met.

1SG Carter and I would like to congratulate a few Soldiers and familes. Overall, we would like to thank the entire Bull family for the support and packages that has been sent to Iraq. We're deeply indebted to you for all the support. SPC Haney and his wife, Mrs. Tonja Haney are the proud parents of twins, Terrell and Anastasia, born 20 April. The two are doing fine and we welcome our two newcomers to the Bull Pen. SSG Perez and SGT Gregory have each won the NCO of the Month for TF 9E and will be competing for the NCO of the Quarter soon. SPC Itiliong reenlisted for 4 additional years to continue doing his part for his country. Last but certainly not least, the Bulls have some personnel that just recently been entrusted with increased responsibility with promotions. Promotions are a big event in a Soldier's life and his family and our congratulations go to the following individuals:

SPC Holder PFC Robinson PV2 Whitmeyer PFC Obiaka SPC Hill

In closing, I ask that the Bull Family continue to be safe and to be aware of your surroundings. Summer is here and along with it comes the fun, but also, unfortunately, the hazards. I beg that each of you be careful and safe during the following months and to have as much fun as possible. There are plenty of places to enjoy for families and I ask that you all take full advantage of them. It would make you feel much better and the Soldiers serving here in Operation Iraqi Freedom II, would feel better knowing that their loved ones are still coping with the deployment by having fun and travelling. Remember, that you, the family members, are the most vital asset to the Soldier.

Eric Graham
CPT, FA
Commanding

Comments

[jesse & patty ferrel]

hello and well wishes to our son ferrel hector and all the troops. we support you! be safe!

ferrel family

[Kea Glennon-Freds]

How often is your news letter posted on line?? I have a nephew in Bayji Iraq and I like to read about what's going on. I pray for all of you daily that God will let his angels surround you.