Friends and Family of the Washington Artillery,

The Washington Artillery is in its final stages of post deployment tasks. Beginning next month, the Soldiers of the battalion will participate in Yellow Ribbon Training. This is a program that was instituted by the National Guard to ensure that all traditional reservist Soldiers and their families are made aware of all of the benefits and programs that they were now entitled to after deployment. The entire 256 Infantry Brigade is required to attend throughout Louisiana in March. The Soldiers of the Washington Artillery are scheduled to attend on 11-13 March at the Morial Convention Center. The Soldiers will have lodging accommodations in downtown hotels. This should be quite an event and serves as another indicator of how well our Soldiers are cared for by our great country.

All of the full-time staff has returned from their post-deployment leave and have begun the tasks of re-setting our equipment. We have been working closely with the Rear Detachment to ensure the smooth transition of property from their Property Books to ours. We are meticulously going through all of our equipment to ensure that it is fully mission capable. We are paying particular attention to equipment that would be used to support the State of Louisiana in an all hazards response. This is particularly important with Hurricane Season beginning in only three months.

Recently, senior members of the battalion receive orders for their new assignments. I will be replaced by MAJ Steven Finney, the current Battalion Executive Officer (XO) during a change of command ceremony on 22 May 2011. MAJ John Demartini will be re-assigned from his current duty as Operations Officer (S3) to XO. He will also replace me as the full-time Administrative Officer in the Battalion. I am excited that both of these fine Leaders will continue to move up through the ranks of the battalion. They are fine leaders, artillerymen and active in the Washington Artillery Veterans Association (WAVA). I will be re-assigned to the Joint Forces Headquarters serving as the J6.

WAVA will begin conducting their monthly meetings at the new Battalion Armory at Jackson Barracks in April 2011. The active battalion is extremely excited to be able to provide an outstanding venue for the members of WAVA. It will enable us to continue to grow as a family. We will also be hosting the social in May at the new armory. It will be a great opportunity for everyone to come out and tour the battalion’s first class facility. Jackson Barracks is the crown jewel of the National Guard.

It is with heavy heart that I write this report. COL Roger Bacon, a dear friend of the battalion and WAVA Board of Managers member passed unexpectedly this week. He was a fine artilleryman, gentleman and Soldier. He always went out his way to support the battalion and was present at our departure ceremony as well as welcoming the Soldiers home on their multiple return dates. I will miss his wit, charm and counsel.

Try Us!
LTC Champagne
1-141 Field Artillery Battalion
Commanding