ADA Unfurls Its Colors at Fort Sill During Transfer of Authority Ceremony

It was hot – good golly it was hot! The temperature was just below the century mark at 0930 hours. From the perspective of a West Texan, the heat along with the humidity made one feel like they were fully clothed and standing in a sauna. Yet, undaunted Soldiers and civilians gathered to witness the posting of the colors and the “stand up” of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) School and the 6th ADA Brigade with its three battalions at their new home at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, on 23 June 2009.
If ever there was a question of the brotherhood and esprit de corps forged by Air Defenders past and present, the bond was evident by the showing of support from those who came to witness the event. Past ADA Commandants/Chiefs of ADA, Assistant Commandants and Deputy Assistant Commandants, Directors and other well wishers reminisced with the newest past ADA Commandant, Major General (MG) Howard B. Bromberg, and the fledgling ADA Commandant Brigadier General (BG) Roger F. Mathews.
In the audience were many Field Artillery (FA) and Lawton representatives who suffered the sweltering temperatures as well, bearing witness to this historical event and wishing ADA well as a new member of the Fire Center of Excellence (FCOE).
The first order of business was to uncase the ADA and U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School (USAADASCH) colors. MG Bromberg and Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Robert S. Rodgers uncased and unfurled the ADA and USAADASCH colors adding them to the American and Army flags being displayed by members of the color guard signifying the official transfer of USAADASCH from Fort Bliss to Fort Sill.
Colonel (COL) Donald G. Fryc and CSM Lynwood Lewis Sr. uncased and unfurled the 6th ADA Brigade colors. Simultaneously, the three 6th ADA Brigade battalions also uncased and unfurled their colors. Representing the Soldiers, Families and Civilians of the respective battalions were LTC Kyle J. Foley and 1SG Kristopher L. Cook, 2nd Battalion, 6th ADA; LTC James P. Payne and CSM Thomas L. Eagan, 3d Battalion, 6th ADA; and LTC Michael D. Simley and CSM Louis J. Telly, 1st Battalion, 56th ADA.
The final ceremonial mission was the Transfer of Authority. MG Bromberg passed the Air Defense Artillery colors to BG Mathews, signifying relinquishment and acceptance of the position and authority as the Commandant and Chief of ADA.
In appreciation of the hard work that made the move of the schoolhouse and brigade as smooth as possible, Major General Bromberg acknowledged the dedication of the current Commanding General of Fort Sill, Peter M. Vangjel, and his wife, Joanne; the Lawton Mayor, John Purcells, and the citizens of Lawton and surrounding area.
“The support from the Lawton community has been absolutely wonderful. I really can’t thank you enough for your support and your genuine concern for our families and our Soldier. A change like this doesn’t happen overnight and it doesn’t happen easily. There are so many people who have been instrumental in getting this to where we are today,” said General Bromberg.
He went on to indicate to his successor that he hated to be the bearer of bad news, but that the tough work was just beginning.
It was a bitter sweet day for many Air Defenders. ADA had trained and called Fort Bliss, Texas, home for the past 41 years. Pulling up stakes and moving to a new home doesn’t come easy, but serving in the Army means being transient and as Soldiers you never stay put very long – new units, new installations and new missions are always right around the corner. However, moving the branch doesn’t change the history or the legacy of ADA. It allows us to add to it as we build and train alongside our Field Artillery brethren at the FCOE.
As Brigadier General Mathews began his opening remarks, he welcomed in a new chapter in ADA history. General Mathews added his personal thanks to the leadership of the garrisons, the Soldiers, civilians and citizens of both El Paso and Lawton, for their parts in assisting in the very complex transition. Mathews continued by expressing the knowledge that it won’t be easy.
“It’s more than moving people and equipment, its changing the hearts and minds of folks,” Mathews said. “It is my pledge to you here today, to bring this warfighting capability to the front, and continue the legacy of providing superb, highly-trained, combat-ready Soldiers in defense of our Nation.” General Mathews concluded by saying, “We hate to say good-bye, but it’s so great to say hello – it’s a great day to be a Fort Sill Soldier. Hooah!”

Full report with pictures at ...

>>>http://www.airdefenseartillery.com/online/2009/June/ART%20DOYLE%20-%20TOA.htm

congrrats, however Fort Sill will always be Home of the Field Artillery first and foremost

quote:

Originally posted by Rocket_Redleg:
congrrats, however Fort Sill will always be Home of the Field Artillery first and foremost

And your point is?

Something tell me this rookie dose not know the histiory of FA and ADA were once one outfit back in the day. me thinks he needs to bone up on his history. JMHO.

I know they used to be one operation, and it seems they are moving back in that general direction...anyone around here read about the HIMARS launcher firing an ADA missile? Universal launcher anyone?

quote:

Originally posted by Rocket_Redleg:
I know they used to be one operation, and it seems they are moving back in that general direction...anyone around here read about the HIMARS launcher firing an ADA missile? Universal launcher anyone?

Got a link or a data link to provide that data?

quote:

Originally posted by Rocket_Redleg:
congrrats, however Fort Sill will always be Home of the Field Artillery first and foremost

Unfortunately I have to agree. ADA belongs at Bliss. I don't think I will ever get used to Ft. Sill being the home of the ADA.

quote:

Originally posted by C000lhandluke:

quote:

Originally posted by Rocket_Redleg:
congrrats, however Fort Sill will always be Home of the Field Artillery first and foremost

Unfortunately I have to agree. ADA belongs at Bliss. I don't think I will ever get used to Ft. Sill being the home of the ADA.

I agree COOOlhandluke, at least not what is left of my lifetime it will not be.

I've been talking about ADA being moved to Fort Sill for the last two years with 100's of retired from E-5 to Major General that are ADA and not one single person agrees with this consolidation.

Well fer all you ADA'ers,looking out my back porch, the transition to Ft Sill has been good so far. Ft Sill is growing in leeps & bounds, when it's all done it will be unlike any other installation in the Armed Forces.
During my day I had the opportunity to travel to many Army installations, one being Ft Bliss. We'd fly in & outa Biggs spend a week there did it way back in '86 & '87.

Ft Sill was one of few installations I had not entered until we retired and moved to the GREAT State of OKLAHOMA !, and subsquently moved to the greater Lawton/Ft Sill community 10 years latter 10/01.

We've watched Ft Sill adjust and grow over the past 8 years, as well as the Lawton community. There are many positve aspects to the installation and the community. And there are certain shortcomings, as there are anywhere.
Yet overall the transition of the Air Defense Artillery has been pretty smooth thus far, and would expect it to continue along with their pressence in a 1st, the establishment of an installation with a combination of Field Artillery & Air Defense.

Ft Sill has a huge mission, one you only appreciate and embrace by being here. Unlike Ft Hood, Ft Bragg, or Ft Benning, you can see hear, feel and appreciate the quality & quanity of training that this installation supports.

Yet Ft Sill is not a city nor is the Lawton community. They are both truly community's. And for the most part us Oakies are probaly the finest folks ya'll ever meet. Honestly, I've never met a finer bunch of people than those that live in OKlahoma.

Overall the quality of life in the Lawton/Ft Sill community is probably one of the finest for any Soldier and their family. Again, there are shortcomings that continue to be fixed.

Those in the Air Defense community should be proud in leading the way with the establishment of the Fires Control Center. Already the establishment of the Air Defense Museum is underway with new Artillery Museum. Everything so far points to Air Defense welcome to and belonging at Ft Sill. I have yet to meet a newly arrived Soldier that has indicated there regret at being at Ft Sill.

@daCat

I don't want you to think that I was insulting Sill in anyway. I spent my BCT in E 3/321 at Sill and loved it. But no matter how far around the world I traveled Bliss seemed to be my adoptive home. It just doesn't seem right. I kinda feel like I'm riding through my childhood neighborhood and seeing someone else living in my house.

Also daCat, if you don't mind keep us updated of what's going on at Sill. Thanks.

No problem, you guys are a special bunch. Had the opportunity to work with you guys in Fulda, , Bad Hersfeld , and Budigen 74-78. And again with yer HQ in Darmstadt 81&82. I can certianlly appreciate those with links to a homebase, regiment, or installation. What I had learned thru my years of traveling from one assignment to another, never the same. Was those in Air Defense & Field Artillery, for the most part returned to their home base, Sill for the Artillery & Bliss for the Air Defenders. Normally the cycle for the most part was Sill to Korea or Germany & return. Or fer you guys Bliss-Germany & return

I'll try to get an overview of all the good stuff happen' at Sill. Again, much of it is a result of the move of the ADA'ers to Oklahoma.
Along with consoldiation & centralization of certain Army Reserve & National Guard functions at the installtion, Ft Sill continues to move forward.

Another intresting bit of info is the univeristy here in Lawton, Cameron, is probably one of the finest in the Nation, no kidding. This year alone there are 60 cadets, 3 of which recently were recoginized by AUSA for the academic excellence. Our son's class ('09) was awarded GEN Douglas McArthur Award for their excellence in academics & training. The school's ROTC program has produced more GOs than any other ROTC program.

I can go on & on regarding so many of the opportunities available for Soldier's, their families & Veterans. This little burg has a wealth of those that have Served and contribute to the continued success of Soldiers and Veterans.

Awesome, I love those little nuggets of info. Give us an update when you see something new. I'm especially interested in the ADA museum.


I wonder if they have a project opening date. I bet Ihawker does, don't you??