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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By, Maj. Jimmie Warinner, 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery
A M142 High Mobility Rocket Launcher (HIMARS) from the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery fires during training at Camp Atterbury, Ind., July 21, 2015. The launch was the first live fire exercise conducted at Camp Atterbury. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Jimmie Warriner)
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. — Soldiers of the 1st Battalion 623rd Field Artillery recently completed an innovative and successful annual training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. The key training event for AT 2015 was a seven day field training exercise that concluded July 24 with all crews in the battalion conducting multiple live fires with the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
This was the first Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) or HIMARS live fire ever conducted at Camp Atterbury, and was made possible through close coordination with the 1/623rd and Camp Atterbury’s Range Control personnel. Not only did this coordination allow Morgan’s Men to successfully complete crew certifications, but it also demonstrated an increased training capability for Camp Atterbury confirming that they can support future live fire training for both MLRS and HIMARS units.
This was only one of three “firsts” that Morgan’s Men accomplished during this annual training.
Spc. Michael Fosso, Staff Sgt. Norman Schwartz, and Spc. Logan Green with the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery stand in front of their HIMARS vehicle, “Rebel 42” during their live fire exercise during annual training July 21, 2015 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. Green is the first female crew member with the 1/623rd. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Jimmie Warriner)
Among the crew members sending rockets roaring downrange was Spc. Logan Green, the first female MLRS Crewman to ever fire a rocket for the 1/623rd. With more combat arms military occupational specialties opening to women, females now have the option of becoming MLRS Crewmen (13M) or Fire Direction Control Operators (13P) within HIMARS units.
A HIMARS crew consists of a Gunner, Driver, and Launcher Chief. Green is the driver for Alpha Battery’s HIMARS nicknamed “Rebel 42”. She grew up in Florida and joined the Kentucky National Guard because she always wanted to be in the military and it allowed her to fund her college education.
“I am proud and excited to be the first female to live fire the HIMARS in the 1-623d and I want to set a good example for other Soldiers, males and females, who serve with me”. Green, a 2015 recipient of the Minuteman Scholarship, plans on continuing her military career by pursuing a commission as a Field Artillery officer through the University of Kentucky’s ROTC program.
Click here to read about Green’s enlistment into the Kentucky Guard.
The final “first” completed during Annual Training 2015 was support of a MLRS Crewmen (13M30) Advanced Leadership Course (ALC) conducted by 1st Battalion 238th Regiment. Nine Soldiers, including seven from the 1/623rd completed the first week of the 13M30 course at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Kentucky before traveling to Camp Atterbury to complete week two in the field. For the culminating event of the course, the ALC students were certified by the battalion’s Master Gunner and then participated in a HIMARS live fire.
This was the first time that a HIMARS live fire has been part of a MLRS crewman course, but something that Regional Training Institutes throughout the country are considering implementing as part of their course of instruction. The partnership between the 1/623rd and 1/238th proved that this concept of training is viable, allowing Soldiers to complete ALC while also participating in valuable training exercises with their assigned units and crews. This cooperative effort also resulted in the Soldiers completing the course with very little additional cost to the Kentucky Army National Guard beyond that of a normal annual training.
With Annual Training 2015 completed, Morgan’s Men are now preparing for future training operations and more “firsts” such as a planned training event with the Kentucky Air National Guard.
To learn more about Morgan’s Men and the great things they’re doing, follow them on Facebook.
Story by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 1/623rd Field Artillery Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery share a group photo while deployed to Southwest Asia. The Soldiers are the 11 of the unit that are currently deployed with another close relative. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe)
SOUTHWEST ASIA — Often times we use the phrase military family due to all of the members of a unit being a close knit group and looking out for each other. Deployed Soldiers have said that the bond of sharing experiences, in particular on foreign soil, are bonds that are often unspoken and often some that people can not relate too unless experienced firsthand.
This couldn’t be more applicable for several members of the 1st Battalion, 623d Field Artillery that are experiencing a deployment to the Middle East together. Although they are all Brothers in Arms, for 11 Citizen-Soldiers, it hits a little closer to home. And only mothers know how having their children in the military overseas puts strains on the family at home.
The 623d is not your average Battalion. Several of these Soldiers have had a family tradition of service in this Battalion that cover several decades. There are uncles, cousins, nephews and brother-in-laws, you name it.
But, for the following Soldiers, its immediate blood that counts. 1st Sgt. Bobby D. Boyles and Sgt. 1st Class Billy J. Boyles, Spcs. Phillip Lowery and Matthew Lowery, Staff Sgt. Joshua Hancock and Sgt. Seth Hancock, Staff Sgts. Aaron Tucker and Elliot Tucker and to wrap up the brotherhood we have a trifecta - 2nd Lt. Justin Cossel, Sgts. 1st Class Jedediah Cossel and Jeremy Cossel.
”Our family has a sense of pride as well as apprehension, but, supportive would be the key word as to how our family is,” said Jeremy Cossel. “My brother Jed and I served together in Iraq in 2005 and to have this opportunity again plus to add another brother is remarkable. This is something we will talk about on porches, in rocking chairs one day.”
Kim Lester shares a smile with her sons, Sgt. Seth Hancock (left) and Staff Sgt. Joshua Hancock prior to the Soldiers deployment to Southwest Asia. The brothers deployed together as part of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery. (Photo courtesy of Kim Lester)
Back in Kentucky, the mothers of these Soldiers may have other words than remarkable for having so many sons away from home, and after 10 years of war, its no wonder why.
“This is not the first time I’ve been through this,” said Suette Boyles. “In January 2005 I had two sons and a daughter-in-law in Iraq and my oldest son in Afghanistan at the same time. That was truly a hard time for me. But with a lot of prayer and being able to talk to them often on the computer, I made it and so did my soldiers.”
“We are a close family and visit and share good times and meals on a regular basis. So I really miss them not being available for those times,” she said However, I know they are doing the work they chose to do and I am very proud of the choices they made. They are helping others while leaving loved ones far behind.”
“They are in my prayers every night and that is what keeps me going day after day. I also know that when they are deployed, they are sending some other soldiers back home to their moms. I know how she will feel when they return.”
For Kim Lester, mother of Joshua and Seth Hancock, the experience of a deployed child has reoccurred several times since 2005. She said deployments don’t get easier for her like others have said, but hearing from them and knowing each day is a day closer to their return is reassuring.
“I have to say this deployment has been the hardest one having them both deployed at the same time but I do find some comfort in them being deployed together,” she said. “I am always thankful each time they come home safe, it’s the best feeling in the world as a mom.”
“I honestly can’t describe how proud I am of my sons, of the sacrifices they make to serve our country to keep us free and safe, this is one proud momma. Staff Sergeant Hancock and Sergeant Hancock are my heroes!”
Story by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Master Sgt. Aaron Young (left) and Sgt. 1st Class Robert Long (center) work on decompressing an air conditioning unit, while Sgt. Joseph Johnson watches the scale to determine the amount of freon that has been captured during the process. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Warrant Officer Melissa Propes)
SOUTHWEST ASIA — Maintenance of mission essential equipment is challenging and educational at an installation in southwest Asia that is currently supporting several hundred individuals and is looking to expand to more than double its current population.
Currently the Kentucky National Guard’s 1st Battalion 623rd Field Artillery is responsible for and maintains 68 different pieces of equipment. In addition to their own gear they are supporting incoming and transient units’ maintenance needs as well. With that scenario the Soldiers said it presents several challenges as well as educational opportunities.
“Our mission here in Southwest Asia is a critical one,” said Master Sgt. Aaron Young. “Our mechanics and the support team are excited about having this opportunity to demonstrate their current abilities as well as to expand their knowledge on equipment that they are familiar with, as well as not so familiar with.”
The eight regular members of the maintenance team keep the regular checks and services caught up, let alone the “surprises” that continually arise. Although they have scheduled working hours, some of this equipment runs 24 hours a day to help support the installation in operations. Due to that, it is not out of the ordinary for any member of the team to get a wake-up knock at their door, informing them that they are needed for support at any given location on the installation.
Members of the Kentucky National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery maintenance team erect a new maintenance bay tent in their current area of operation, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Warrant Officer Melissa Propes)
Spc. Shawn Masden has quickly become proficient in troubleshooting and repairing the facilities power generation equipment. Much of the generator powered equipment is essential to operations or life support and cannot be without generator power for long. Through Masden’s experiences here, he has learned to troubleshoot with accuracy and make repairs quickly. He has quickly learned the issues that he can fix on the spot or if it is an issue that requires more in depth attention, and if it requires replacement with one of the float generators that he also maintains to keep essential equipment operating. Although the generators are meticulously maintained, they are a high demand item and they continually require regular attention.
“Although this is his first deployment, he has the mind set and the abilities of a seasoned veteran in his areas of expertise,” said Warrant Officer Melissa Propes, the battalion automotive maintenance technician.
Staff Sgt. Nicholas Boller manages the Logistics Information Systems (LIS), an essential element in maintaining operations. All parts requisitions, readiness reporting and maintenance management tracking is conducted through the systems that Boller operates. Although he does not hold a logistical specialist MOS (military occupational specialty), he has become proficient in daily operations, maintenance and troubleshooting of computer and satellite equipment, and tracking the extensive process of getting parts to their remote location in southwest Asia.
Boller works closely with maintenance liaisons to communicate and track parts requests. In addition to being responsible for LIS operations, Boller’s technical expertise is a major asset to troubleshooting and repairing automotive equipment.
Most of the battalion’s equipment being maintained is available back in the states for familiarization and hands on training. But there is one piece that due to its cost and high demand in operational areas is not readily available stateside for training. The MRAP, or Mine resistant ambush protected vehicle, is a highly specialized piece of technically advanced equipment that the maintenance team is quickly becoming acquainted with.
“To have to opportunity to become familiar with the vehicle and get some real world hands wrench time on this vehicle is a privilege,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Long.
This particular vehicle has a level of protection for Soldiers that is unmatched in the type of situations that it is meant to endure. With the armor strategically placed on this vehicle, regular maintenance is more of an issue, due to the removal of plates and so on, just to be able to access the areas that require attention.
“Specialist Nichols is our go to guy, when it comes to the “knowhow” and knowledge of armor removal,” said Young. “He performs this task in a rapid, complete and safe manner. When Nichols is assigned to perform these duties, I have no worry. I can go on about my business knowing he’s in charge of that piece of equipment.”
Spc. Grover Nichols takes a moment to smile for the camera, while he and Spc. Timothy Firkins perform a regular service on a mission essential vehicle. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Warrant Officer Melissa Propes)
“Specialist Grover Nichols has demonstrated the skill and aptitude of a Soldier that has knowledge and ability well beyond what his rank reflects,” said Propes. “The eagerness that he tackles each job with, is one of his many fine traits as a Soldier.”
“Determination is of the utmost on a daily basis,” she said. “Equipment reliability and safety is our main concern. Without these two elements in place, the Soldiers cannot perform their daily missions.”
According to the leadership of the 623rd the unit is fortunate to have some of Kentucky’s best and brightest mechanics and operators on this mission.
“As professionals, our maintenance section understands that we must have well-maintained equipment to safely and successfully perform and accomplish the mission and they work daily to ensure that the standard of that, never waivers,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Fanter, battalion commander.
Story and photos by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Sgt. Maj. Robert Neathery and Lt. Col. Timothy Fanter case the 623d Battalion colors during a ceremony at Camp Shelby, Miss., Jan. 28, 2013. The unit finished their pre-mobilization training at the site and prepared for deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe)
CAMP SHELBY, Miss. — On a sloping grassy area in Camp Shelby, Miss. the nearly 200 deploying members of the 1st Battalion, 623d Field Artillery gathered in formation, broken down by their perspective firing battery with the 623d battalion colors leading the front of the formation. The battalion commander, Lt. Col. Timothy Fanter, and Sgt. Maj. Robert Neathery, took to the front of the formation and began the official ceremony.
The casing of the colors is an Army tradition that symbolizes the movement of a unit to a new theater of operation. At a ceremony at Camp Shelby Miss. the tradition and legacy of the 1/623d was carried out once again as Morgan’s Men prepare to move to Jordan. Once the battalion officially replaces the unit that is there now, the colors will be uncovered to represent their area of operation.
“This casing ceremony is as symbolic as it is historic,” said Col. Brian Wertzler, Brigade Commander of the 138th Fires Brigade. “The Colors of the 1/623rd Battalion have been home in Kentucky for more than 20 years since their last deployment, always standing ready to protect the Nation that it proudly serves.”
“As the Colors are furled and covered, the professionalism and high morale of the Soldiers is indicative of the successes that 1/623rd FA Battalion will attain when the Colors are unfurled and fly proudly in Jordan.”
Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery stand in formation during a color casing ceremony at Camp Shelby, Miss., Jan. 28, 2013. The colors of the battalion were cased until the unit arrives overseas for their scheduled nine-month deployment. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe)
As the colors began to become encased, each firing battery that was represented followed suit simultaneously. After all colors had were encased, Fanter and Neathery spoke a little about the history of the battalion as well as hit upon the expectations of the Soldiers for this mission they were about to embark upon.
“To the best of our recent memory, this is only the third time that the battalion colors have gone forward to fly on foreign soil,” said Neathery. “They include the Korean War, Desert Storm and now with Operation Enduring Freedom. Some of these Soldiers don’t realize it now, but they are making an impact of this battalion’s history because of this fact.”
To carry the battalion colors to foreign soil is a history making event. Although the firing battery guidons have gone forward in support many other times, for example in 2003 when the Unit mobilized and then again in 2005 when they deployed, this is only the third time for the battalion colors.
Story by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 1/623rd Public Affairs
Soldiers of the 1/623rd gather for an evening briefing during an exercise at Camp Shelby, Miss., Jan. 17, 2013. The unit is in the middle of their pre-deployment training prior to mobilization to Jordan this year. (KYNG photo by 1st Lt. Adam Jaggers)
CAMP SHELBY, Miss. — January 5 marked another milestone for the Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 623d Field Artillery, in their long lineage of supporting missions stateside and around the world.
As Morgan’s Men assembled and roll call was conducted, family members stood close by with tear filled eyes. The family members were about to see their Soldiers load buses and depart for the journey to Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Mississippi. The Soldiers will conduct training to prepare for mobilization to Jordan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
For many Soldiers this is their first deployment, but there is also a lot of experience going as well. This was very evident as the veterans comforted and reassured those “first timers.” Spc. Eli Dennis is one of those first timers. He said deploying overseas is a part of the job he enlisted to do to serve his country. Dennis is proud to serve with the 1/623rd family and said his own family back at home has helped him along the way.
“My family really supported me through the pre-mobilization process and with a strong network of friends and family, it has really enhanced my desire to serve,” said Dennis.
Members of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery conduct medical evacuations during training while at Camp Shelby Miss., Jan. 12, 2013. The Soldiers trained in a wide variety of tasks in preparation for deployment to Jordan.(KYNG photo by Capt. John Allen)
Once the Soldiers reached Camp Shelby, they hit the ground running. First they had to go through and verify that all of their administrative papers were correct, from powers of attorneys to their life insurance to verifying that their pay was correct. Once the SRP (Soldier Readiness Program) was complete it was time to become medically qualified to deploy. Soldiers were checked from head to toe and shots were given to protect the Soldiers from possible viruses and illnesses that some foreign countries harbor.
Now that the “hurry up and wait” is over, the Soldiers are ready to take the field to complete their field training exercises. The first is a three-day window, that will cover a variety of tasks that pertain to forward operating base operations that the Soldiers will be conducting while in Jordan.
“Although the weather has been cold and rainy…the levels of motivation, and morale are unmatched in any other deployment I have been a part of previously,” said Sgt. Patrick Hammer from Alpha Battery in Tompkinsville, Ky.
When asked about how things were going from a Commanders point of view, Lt. Col. Timothy Fanter said, “These Soldiers have all displayed a level of enthusiasm and drive that a person in my position rarely gets see many times in their career. I am fortunate to be a part of this unique organization and the history of it.”
“Although, the 1/623 is a field artillery unit, their last deployment as a field artillery unit was during Desert Storm in 1990-91. Our soldiers are experts at fitting to the needs of the Army including artillery, convoy operations, detainee operations and now military to military training,” said Capt. Kevin Massengill of Headquarters, Headquarters Battery in Glasgow, Ky. “The Soldiers are looking forward to the mission and the experiences it may include.”
Members of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery prepare to load buses in Glasgow, Ky., Jan. 5, 2013. The unit traveled to Camp Shelby, Miss., to conduct pre-mob training for their upcoming mission to Jordan.(KYNG photo by Sgt. Bryan Ploughe)
Maj. Larry Gearlds, administrative officer said, “The administrative and medical support planning and the training that was conducted, prior to the unit reaching Mississippi, played an important part in the flow and success, once we arrived here. The cadre and mobilization support staff have been a pleasure to deal with, and they display a level of care for our Soldiers that is unmatched at any mobilization site.”
Story and photos by Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Brig. Gen. Mike Richie speaks to Soldiers and their families and friends during a departure ceremony for the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery in Glasgow, Ky., Dec. 16, 2012. Soldiers sat with their families during the ceremony, part of the unit’s “family is first” philosophy. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
GLASGOW, Ky. — Nearly 200 Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery were honored during a departure ceremony in Glasgow, Ky., Dec. 16, 2012. Hundreds of supporters attended the event at Barren County High School to send off their loved ones. The unit is scheduled to deploy to Jordan and Africa in January.
Soldiers of the 1/623rd will assume an advise and assist role in the training of Jordanian troops as part of a partner nation alliance in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Known as “Morgan’s Men” due to their military lineage to Gen. John Hunt Morgan from the Civil War, the 1/623rd will be the first Kentucky Guard unit to add the country of Jordan to their deployment history.
To see more photos from the ceremony, click here.
Brig Gen. Mike Richie, deputy commander for Kentucky was on hand to speak to the Soldiers and their families and friends. Richie applauded the unit for “exceeding the standard” in their train-up for this deployment. He also reminded them of their past and current achievements of representing Kentucky overseas, regardless of their mission, “reflecting what American Soldiers should look like and act like.”
“This deployment will send you to three different countries with a variety of missions, and those aren’t artillery missions,” said Richie. “To me, that is an outstanding indicator of what kind of Soldiers you are, the capability you have and the way you go about conducting business.”
Spc. David Collins of the 1/623rd holds his daughter, Karsyn, during a departure ceremony for his unit in Glasgow, Ky., Dec. 16, 2012. Collins’ brother, Daniel is currently deployed to Africa with the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
According to Soldiers and citizens alike, the 1/623rd is a proud example in Kentucky of a Guard unit conducting themselves as a family, both internally as well as in their community. Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Timothy Fanter has always recognized this, insisting that the Soldiers sit with their families during the ceremony. He described it as “the way we conduct business around here - family is first.”
For Spc. David Collins, the intimate atmosphere was appropriate as numerous members of his “large” family were on hand. He said it was a great feeling to be able to be among his family at a time like this. He praised the unit’s leadership for “their understanding” in the importance of family within the 1/623rd.
Collins oldest brother Stephen said their family has carried on a military tradition for several generations. He said the Collinses proudly continue it today, not only with David, but with another brother, Daniel who deployed earlier this year to the Horn of Africa with Kentucky’s Task Force Longrifles.
“I know this is something both boys have always wanted to do, so we are behind them one hundred percent,”said Stephen. “Just like every other family member, we worry while they’re gone, but glad they’re doing something they both enjoy and that has a lot of meaning behind it.”
While Pfc. Collins won’t be home for the holidays, David, Stephen and many other family members plan to gather for a Skype call with him around Christmas. David said it’s important to make the most of time at home before the unit departs for Camp Shelby, Miss., then on to Jordan.
“I going to spend this time with my family, as close as I can and make many good memories, and keep a positive attitude before these two weeks come to an end,” said David.
The unit is scheduled to return home in the Fall of 2013.
