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2010 News Archive
Commander's December CommentsDecember 30, 2010
December finally arrived and as did our replacement unit, the 1-116th Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT),
Idaho Army National Guard. They immediately began the Relief in Place (RIP) Mission with all of our units
with the end state being a Transfer of Authority (TOA). All of the subordinate batteries and company of
the 1-141 FA BN had different TOA dates... Chaplain's Corner:
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| Location: |
6500 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA 70118 |
| Date: | December 5th |
| Time: | 9:30am - 1:00pm |
| Webpage: | Audubon Institute |
Event Organizer
Operation "Who Dat!" V
November 29, 2010
Operation "Who Dat!" continues this week with the New Orleans Saints vs the Cincinnati Bengals. We are currently still leading the pack in votes, but the "Bears VS Lions" are not far behind. Help us keep the streak going by voting at the link below.
AFN Fan's Choice: Where You Pick The Game!
Voting Ends On:
Nov 30th at 5 PM (New Orleans)
Dec 1st at 1 AM (Baghdad)
Microsoft Home Use Program (HUP)
November 29, 2010
The DoD has resumed the Microsoft Office Home User Program (HUP) with Office Professional 2010.
You can buy the entire office suite for only $9.95.
Go to the 'Software' page under 'Soldier Resources' for more details.
A Very Thankful Thanksgiving!
November 26, 2010
Our soldiers had extra reasons to be thankful this Thanksgiving as we were greeted with meeting
our replacements for the first time. It has been a long year and this only reminds us that it is
finally coming to an end. We miss you and can't wait until we are home spending the Christmas
Holidays with our loved ones.
Operation "Who Dat!" IV
November 16, 2010
Operation "Who Dat!" continues this week with the New Orleans Saints vs the Seattle Seahawks. We are currently still leading the pack in votes, but the "Raiders VS Steelers" are not far behind. Help us keep the streak going by voting at the link below.
AFN Fan's Choice: Where You Pick The Game!
Voting Ends On:
Nov 16th at 5 PM (New Orleans)
Nov 17th at 1 AM (Baghdad)
Chaplain's Corner:
Sex, Intimacy, and Reunion
November 15, 2010
Greetings 141 family!
We only have a few more days left and we cannot wait to get home. Soldier morale is high and we are
preparing to wind down our mission and hand it over to our replacements.
Read the Chaplain's Comments
FRG Family Meeting and Banner Day
November 10, 2010
Sunday, November 21st · 1pm - 4pm
1/141 Family Members only. Family meeting to discuss homecoming plans for the battalion. We will also be making banners posters, and decorations to decorate the armory for Homecoming Day!!! Daycare will be provided for infants and toddlers. Older Children will participate with the banners. See you all there!!!
BN FRG Leader
A Sunday at the Global Wildlife Center!
November 10, 2010
The 1/141st Kids and Moms get together for one last event before our loves come home! We are planning a trip to the Global Wildlife Center on Sunday, December 5, 2010. Please send me an e-mail or message if you are coming. If we get a group of 25 or more (including children), we can get a group rate. We will meet at the Global wildlife Center for 9:15. I have found that the earlier tours are better to see more of the animals.
I hope everyone can come and have a great day! I am also looking for a nice park where we could go have lunch just eat at the center. Don't forget to wear your 1/141st Deployment Strong shirts too! Feedback is welcome.
| Location: | 26389 Hwy 40 Folsom, LA 70437 |
| Date: | December 5th |
| Time: | 9:30am - 1:00pm |
| Webpage: | Global Wildlife Center |
Event Organizer
Commander's October Comments
November 07, 2010
Friends and Family of the Washington Artillery,
October was another busy month for the Soldiers of 1-141st Field Artillery Battalion
as we continued our mission of advising and assisting the 56th Iraqi Army. Our Soldiers
have developed close friendships with Soldiers of the Iraqi Army and will miss them
when they return home. Many of them hope that...
Read the Commander's Comments
Operation "Who Dat" Another Success!
October 13, 2010
Thanks to the strong support of the battalion, the soldiers will be able to watch the Saints game on the Armed Forces Network (AFN) again this Sunday. This is the 3rd time we were able to overwhelmingly beat out all other match-ups. The battalion continues to thank everyone for their continued support.
AFN Fan's Choice: Where You Pick The Game!
Enlisted Promotion System Page
November 05, 2010
We are continueing to develop our site by adding useful resources for the soldiers. Our latest page posted is the Enlisted Promotion System under Soldier Resources. Please send us comments on this page, the site, and any other content you wish to see in the future.
Enlisted Promotion System PageOperation "Who Dat!" III
November 02, 2010
Operation "Who Dat!" continues this week with the New Orleans Saints vs the Carolina Panthers. Help us get to watch the game live on the Armed Forces Network (AFN) on game day by voting at the below link and sending it to as many people as possible.
AFN Fan's Choice: Where You Pick The Game!
Voting Ends On:
Nov 2nd at 5 PM (New Orleans)
Nov 3rd at 1 AM (Baghdad)
Halloween at FOB Prosperity
November 02, 2010
Although a long away from home, the Halloween spirit still reached Iraq for our soldiers. Below are a few pictures of the dining facility's efforts to share in the holiday spirit.
Website Technical Issues
November 02, 2010
We have been experiencing some technical difficulties and have not been able to update the site in a few weeks. We apologize for the interruption in service, but will be catching up on posts over the next few days. Thank you for your continued support.
Saints game to show on AFN Sunday!
October 13, 2010
Thanks to the strong support of the battalion, the soldiers will be able to watch the Saints game on the Armed Forces Network (AFN) this Sunday. Through word of mouth and a few mass e-mails, we were able to raise the Saints from 8% to 28% in just 1 day. The battalion thanks everyone for their support.
AFN Fan's Choice: Where You Pick The Game!
Chaplain's Corner:
Practicing Good Communication
October 08, 2010
Greetings 141 family!
We have had a great month, but we are all certainly ready to be home with
all of you! These last few weeks may be the hardest as we have to wait and
wait and wait and wait some more.
Read the Chaplain's Comments
Boo at the Barracks Pictures
October 07, 2010
Boo at the Barracks pictures have been posted in the website's media gallery.
Upcoming FRG Events
September 28, 2010
- October 02 - Boo at the Barracks
- October 09 - Spouse's Social (Corks N Canvas)
Chaplain's Corner: Dealing With Stress
September 28, 2010
Dear 1-141 FA Families!
I hope all of you are doing well. Last time I wrote, I was heading off for
R&R in the States. I had a great time with my family and had a safe trip
back. I am glad to be back in Iraq…if for no other reason than to finish
out the deployment quickly and get back to my family!!!
Read the Chaplain's Comments
Commander's September Comments
September 27, 2010
Friends and Family of the Washington Artillery,
I have attached my September posting from Baghdad. I am a little bit
early this month because I am making up for being tardy last month.
God Bless the United States of America.
Read the Commander's Comments
FRG Parent's Social - September 25th
September 16, 2010
| Location: | Shades of St. Rose 11130 River Road; St. Rose, LA 70087 |
| Date: | Saturday, September 25th |
| Time: | 2:00pm - 4:00pm |
| Info: | Parents Meeting to visit and discuss
Thanksgiving Packages for Soldiers |
| Contact: | Pam Tapie |
256th IBCT Yellow Ribbon
Family Reunion Workshop
September 13, 2010
The LANG Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is hosting various one day Reunion Trainings for families of currently deployed Servicemembers. The intent of the training is to provide families with the tools they need to prepare for the return of their loved one and begin down the path of reintegration once their Servicemember returns from deployment.
Online registration is available at www.JointServicesSupport.org under the events section. Look for the event with REUNION in the title and select the location you would like to attend (i.e. New Orleans) to register for that specific event. *NOTE specific military units have been designated with this event for planning purposes but anyone can attend.*
Trainings will take place in New Orleans and Lafayette on September 18th and in Alexandria and Bossier on September 19th. Classes begin at 10am with doors opening at 9am. Specific training is available for adults and school age children along with provider booths and on-hand resources to address any questions or concerns you may have. Child care is provided for children ages 6 months - Pre-K. Lunch will be provided for all who attend.
Contact your Family Readiness Leader, your local Family Assistance Specialist or Danielle Trosclair, LA ANG Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist for more information @ 318-792-8510.
FRG Spouse's Social - October 9th
September 13, 2010
OK Ladies! Time for the spouses of the 1/141 to see who can paint the best! Surely won't be ME! On Oct. 9 at 1:00 we are getting together at Corks N Canvas to paint the NOLA Watermeter. The cost is 45.00 and asking for a $5.00 donation to go to the 1/141 coming home party. Donate only if you want too! A jar will be set up for you to place your money in and no one will know if you did or did not!
We can arrive one hour ahead of the time to paint to have a few drinks, talk, bring finger foods and have fun. If you want to come, I need to have a count by September 27. We are hoping to set something up online where you can pay ahead of time or you can pay that day with cash, check, or credit card.
| Location: | 4524 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA |
| Date: | October 9th |
| Time: | 12:00pm - 3:00pm |
| Webpage: | Corks N Canvas Facebook Page |
If you would like to also sign up to bring something please let me or your FRG Representative know. I don't have all the 1/141 wives / girlfriends / boyfriends on my facebook page, so please forward this info to anyone who is a part of the 1/141. Once I have count by the 27th (and space is available), we can invite others to come. Thanks so much and hope everyone can make it!
Event Organizer
Commander's August Comments
September 02, 2010
Friends and Family of the Washington Artillery,
The era of Operation Iraqi Freedom has passed and we are now in Operation New Dawn.
The Iraqis are doing a great job with security and we have no issues.
Thanks for your support.
Read the Commander's Comments
Iraq N' Bowl Pictures
September 01, 2010
Iraq N' Bowl - August 29th
August 18, 2010
FRG Family Day Pictures
August 18, 2010
Family Day pictures have been posted in the website's media gallery.
Commander's July Comments
August 08, 2010
Friends and Family of the Washington Artillery,
We have had a great month in July because we finally got everyone out of Tallil, Iraq. It took
us quite a while to get our Convoy Security Mission equipment turned in to a materials storage
facility. Typically, there is another unit that arrives in country and replaces you. All that
is required is a joint ...
Read the Commander's Comments
Family Day Tomorrow!!!
August 07, 2010
Sunday, August 8th - Family Day - Jackson Barracks at 10 am
We hope to see you tomorrow! There will be hamburgers and hot dogs, waterslides and spacewalks, music and activities. T-Shirts (pdf) will also be available for purchase. See the flyer (doc, pdf) for details.
Chaplain's Corner: Home for R&R
August 07, 2010
Dear 1-141 FA Family:
After 3 days of traveling I am finally home for two weeks of R&R! It is always interesting to
hear some of the traveling stories of soldiers when they come back to Iraq. I thought I would
share mine for everyone’s enjoyment, just to see what we go through to get home!
Read the Chaplain's Comments
WAVA Update
August 06, 2010
WAVA will be having their annual Barbecue Social coming up in October. Family and friends are invited. The reservation form is enclosed in the July newsletter and costs $15 for adults & $7.50 for children under 12.
Also, a donation has been made to the 1-141 FA BN Family Support Group to assist with their near term activities. The WAVA Board has personally agreed to donate a minimum of an additional $25 each to the group and ask that other members voluntarily do the same.
Next Meeting: 7PM on June 17th at Delta Lions Hall, 1725 Hickory Ave, Harahan
WAVA Newsletter (July 2010) www.WashingtonArtillery.orgRotolo's Event a Big Success
August 04, 2010
With only one week of advertising, the Rotolo's fundraising event went very well! Many if the customers that packed the resturant were our own military families, former 141 soldiers and plenty of friends - including "flat daddy", Jeff Nelson and Eric Chabert whom both welcomed everyone to the bar! In addition to the dine in crowd, I delivered over 40 take out orders to my office building in Kenner.
According to the owner, Mike Diaz, this was the most successful fundraising event in the past four years. Because of the success, he will allow us to do it again sometime in September. We're hoping (and working) to get a few more resturants involved, so be on the look out and get ready to spread the word to everyone you know. This was really fun and we're ready to rock and roll again!!
FRG Reps & Event Organizers
Family Day This Sunday!!!
August 03, 2010
Sunday, August 8th - Family Day - Jackson Barracks at 10 am
This is going to be a really fun event! There will be hamburgers and hot dogs, waterslides and spacewalks, music and activities. T-Shirts (pdf) will also be available for purchase. See the flyer (doc, pdf) for details.
Rotolo's to Donate Percentage of Sales
July 27, 2010
Rotolo's Pizza in Luling, LA will be donating a percentage of all sales on Monday, August 2, 2010 to the soldiers welcome home celebration. See flye and menu for details.
Flyer - Menu - Google MapFRG T-Shirts
July 25, 2010
Deployment Strong Battalion T-Shirts for Sale
Shirts will be available for purchase during the Family Day activities on August 8th. See flyers for details.
Family Day Flyer - Shirt Flyer
Website Updates
July 25, 2010
- Family Readiness Group
- Soldier Resources --> Pubs and Forms
- Soldier Resources --> Software
- Sitemap
- About This Site
- Contact Us
FRG Meeting Next Saturday
July 16, 2010
Saturday, July 24th - Jackson Barracks at 11 am
Meeting will involve an update on the battalion, introduction and sign up for the Spouse and Parent Social Groups. The spouse group will be led by Jessica Nelson, and the parent group by Pam Tapie. We are just trying to help some of the family members socialize with other family members that they can better identify with. Light refreshments and day care provided. We will need RSVPS for both children and adults attending.
Kids Receive 5 Days Off School
July 16, 2010
Louisiana House Bill No. 200-
A child whose parent is a member of the United States Armed Forces
or the National Guard of a state and such parent has been called to duty for or is on
leave from overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting shall
be granted excused absences, not to exceed five school days per school year, for the
day or days missed from school for the child to visit with his parent prior to the
parent's deployment or during the parent's leave and, upon returning to school, shall
be permitted to complete all class assignments, including all tests, missed while the
child was absent pursuant to the provisions of this Item.
- For the purposes of this Subparagraph, the term "parent" shall mean the person responsible by law for the child's school attendance.
Operation Dance Sponsors the 1-141st in
"Support Our Troops Poker Run"
July 09, 2010
Operation Dance is a local performance group who emphasizes on supporting the military.
They are currently sponsoring the battalion in a Poker Run on July 17th. Click on their
logo (left) to view their
Facebook
page or flyer (right) for more details.
DVIDSHUB.net Report
July 07, 2010
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May 28th Article
Washington Artillery Accepts New Mission Mid-deployment
(More about the 256 BCT on DVIDSHUB
http://www.dvidshub.net/units/207)
Commander's June Comments
July 05, 2010
Friends and Family of the Washington Artillery,
I have attached my post which highlights the battalion activities during the
month of June. I hope that everyone had a joyous 4th of July.
Read the Commander's Comments
Family Readiness Group Update
July 01, 2010
The below information is currently being sent through the battalion FRG phone tree.
Saturday, July 24th - FRG Meeting - Jackson Barracks at 11 amMeeting will involve an update on the battalion, introduction and sign up for the Spouse and Parent Social Groups. The spouse group will be led by Jessica Nelson, and the parent group by Pam Tapie. We are just trying to help some of the family members socialize with other family members that they can better identify with. Light refreshments and day care provided. We will need RSVPS for both children and adults attending. - Please RSVP by July 15.
Sunday, August 8th - Family Day - Jackson Barracks at 10 amDownload the flyer (doc, pdf) for more details. Please get RSVPS for both children and adults attending. This is going to be a really fun event! We will have hamburgers and hot dogs, waterslides and spacewalks, music and activities. - Please RSVP by July 24.
Commander's May Comments
June 04, 2010
Friends and Family of the Washington Artillery,
Here is my monthly posting for May 2010. I have gone into as much detail as
possible about what a Convoy Escort Mission is like without compromising Operational
Security (OPSEC). I hope it gives you a perspective a typical mission.
Read the Commander's Comments
Commander's Comments - MAJ Culver
May 27, 2010
The battalion mourns the death of Maj. Culver and it only serves to remind us of the dangers we face as soldiers. We've all heard that, "a Soldier is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life." Unfortunately, Maj. Culver and his family have paid that ultimate price when his check was cashed earlier this week.
Although this has been a less eventful tour than in 2005, we must and will remain diligent in our duties; always preparing for the danger that lurks behind every corner. The battalion has performed admirably over the first 3rd of the tour. We can only continue to work toward ensuring that no other needs to pay the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and count the days until we are home again with our families.
LTC Champagne
1-141st Commander
2-108th CAV - Major Ronald Culver
May 27, 2010
Major Ronald "Wayne" Culver" (El Dorado, AK) was killed in the line of duty on May 24th when his vehicle was struck by an impovised explosive device in southern Iraq. Maj. Culver was serving as the Executive Officer for the 2-108th Calvary (out of Shreveport) and on his second tour to Iraq with the 2-108th CAV and the 256th IBCT.
Spc. Kenneth Boyer (Pineville, LA) of B Co, 199th BSB sustained minor injuries while serving as the vehicle's gunner and will make a full recovery.
256th IBCT Press Release 20100526 (doc, pdf)
Related Articles: NOLA Article, Army Times Article
WAVA Meeting - May 18th
May 16, 2010
It is a general membership meeting and seafood social. The Annual Seafood Boil will be
located at the American Legion Hall at River Road and Causeway Blvd in Jefferson. There will
be a $15 per person and $7.50 for children under 12. Contact Ron Besson (504-347-5026)
for further details.
Next Meeting: 7PM on June 15th at Delta Lions Hall, 1725
Hickory Ave, Harahan
Times-Picayune Report on NOLA.com
May 14, 2010
In the Times-Picayune article " Louisiana National Guardsmen find Iraq more peaceful and prosperous the second time around," LTC Champagne provides insight into the battalions current mission and living conditions in Iraq compared to their last deployment 5 years ago.
Website Updates
May 14, 2010
- Fixed Broken Links
- Commander's Comments Pages
- Insurance Discount Regulation
- Added link to the 5th Co. W.A. Reenactors under Associated Links
Facebook Updates
May 08, 2010
- April 28 - New Orleans Pride
- April 28 - Mechanics Photos
- May 04 - More Mechanics at Work
- May 05 - Patrol Views of Iraqi Countryside Photos
- May 07 - MRAP Art (unit insignias on vehicles)
- May 07 - Commander's April Comments
Commander's April Comments
May 08, 2010
Friends and Family of the Washington Artillery,
The month of April was very busy. We completed our Transfer of Authority (TOA) from 1-186
Infantry, 41st Division, Oregon Army National Guard on April 10, 2010. On that day we
formerly cased the unit colors of the “Guardians” and un-cased the Washington Artillery
Battalion colors. We simultaneously uncased the colors for the 1-116th Infantry Battalion
“Stonewall Battalion”. They are the other battalion...
Read the rest of the Commander's Comments
DVIDSHUB.net Report
May 05, 2010
"NOLA's Washington Artillery Delivers the Goods " article features B Btry's SGT Gerard LaBorde and SPC Patrick Rigney (pictured right preparing for an upcoming mission).
(More stories on the 256 BCT at their DVIDSHUB page at http://www.dvidshub.net/units/207)
Care Packages for B Battery
May 03, 2010
/B_Btry_Jacobs_ Care_Package.jpg)
The soldiers of B Btry recently received a special care package from MSFOC
(a group of sub-contractors for NASA) at the New Orleans East Michoud
Assembly Facility. The package consisted of 6 large boxes filled with
over $1200 worth of snacks, books, CDs, DVDs, and games for our troops to
enjoy while they are away.
Auto Insurance Discount
April 11, 2010
The soldiers and families of active duty military personnel residing in the state of Louisiana may qualify for a discount on their auto insurance. This includes National Guard soldiers serving overseas with dependents residing in the state. Below are links for the application form and supporting documentation. Review the documents and check with your insurance company for their requirements.
**NOTE: The latest amendment of the law requires PCS orders. This should primarily affect active duty Army soldiers and not National Guard since we are already stationed here. However, please contact us to assist in resolving any issues you come across.
| Application Form | Chapter 95, Regulation 81 |
| Bulletin 05-01 | Regulation 81 - Amendment |
Unit Mailing Address
April 10, 2010
| Name: | PFC Joe Snuffy |
| Unit: |
HHB 1/141st FA BN A Btry 1/141st FA BN B Btry 1/141st FA BN G Co 199th B Btry 1/141st FA BN / 256th IBCT |
| Task Force: | Task Force Overload |
| Camp APO: | COB Adder APO AE 09331 |
Commander's March Comments
April 01, 2010
Friends and Family of the Washington Artillery,
The month of March has been a very busy time for the battalion. All of the units completed
their combat certification during the first week of March while simultaneously packing all
of their gear for shipment to Southwest Asia. There was a lot of moving pieces and a
tremendous effort by all of the Soldiers in order to complete all of our post mobilization
requirements in time for Tiger Day.
Read the rest of the Commander's Comments
2 Week Leave Starting in May
March 22, 2010
Our soldiers have only just arrived overseas and the battalion is already beginning to schedule leave for our troops. Leave will start in May and focus will be given to soldiers with significant events or school-age kids. CSM Daigle is managing the program to ensure soldiers are accomodated as much possible.
Website Update
March 22, 2010
We had some technical difficulties and haven't been able to update the site
in the past 2 weeks. Besides this site, the battalion has a new
Facebook site that everyone will be able to get updates on aswell.
We will be leaving a link to the
Facebook page on the right side of the main
page for quick access.
Latest Pages:
Media Gallery/Pictures
(Tiger Day images added)
Tiger Day a Great Success!
March 08, 2010
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Soldiers and families of the battalion gathered at Camp Shelby Friday for the 256th IBCT's 'Tiger Day'. This final farewell ceremony signified the successful completion of the battalion's mobilization training and their preparedness to carryout the future mission in Iraq.
The unit began the day by encasing their colors and performing a passing review for the families and VIPs present (such as LT Governor & New Orleans Mayor Elect Mitch Landrieu). Immediately following, everyone was treated to food and live music before soldiers were released on a final weekend pass before heading overseas.
Check back later this week to see pictures of the days events in the picture gallery.
Commander's February Comments
March 01, 2010
Friends and Family of the Washington Artillery,
In January the mobilization station training focus was on equipment validation and Soldier
Individual Warrior Training Tasks (WTT). We had to validate each piece of equipment to ensure
its function ability and dependability. We also re-enforced Soldier tasks that would be
essential in combat such as first aid, marksmanship, radio communications, navigation, etc.
Read the rest of the Commander's Comments
Website Update
March 01, 2010
We've added a few more pages to the site, but are continueing to build. This site will
only be as good as the feedback we get from you. Please remember to "
Contact Us" with general feedback on the site, a request for
content to be posted, or submissions of
pictures, videos, articles, or other information to be posted.
Latest Pages:
Media Gallery/Pictures
(click on the images to enlarge pictures)
Tiger Day Update
February 26, 2010
Here is some basic information about Tiger Day that will be coming through the FRG.
| Date: | March 5, 2010 |
| Timeline: |
10:00-11:30 - 256th IBCT Farewell Ceremony 11:30-5:00 - "Salute our Troops" Event |
| Downloadable Files: |
Camp Shelby Map (
pdf,
png)
General Info & Directions ( pdf) Vehicle Passes (See your FRG Contact) |
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Fox 8 Report
February 25, 2010
Check out this FOX News report about our training at Camp Shelby.
New *Unofficial* Unit Site
February 14, 2010
This is the official "Unofficial" site of the 1-141st FA BN (Washington Artillery) of the 256th IBCT, Louisiana Army National Guard. This site's goal is to help ensure the continued passing on of the history and heritage of the Washington Artillery. It will also assist in keeping the families of the soldiers and the general public abreast to the current units activites.
As of right now, most links have been disabled on this site. We are still working on the overall style of the site, but will be starting to implement the rest very soon. Please provide feedback (below) on what you like, dislike, or want to see on this site.
Click here to provide feedback.
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