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DIVARTY cases its colors for Army transformation

By Sgt. Stephanie L. Carl
July 8, 2005

OAHU, Ha., (Army News Service, July 8, 2005) – When the 25th Infantry Division (Light) Division Artillery cased its colors June 15, it became the first division artillery brigade to deactivate in the Army’s transformation.

Presently, there are 16 division artillery brigades, but after the transformation, only five or six will remain, said Col. Gary H. Cheek, DIVARTY commander.

The headquarters elements of his DIVARTY will be consolidated and restructured within other combat brigades. Units like Battery F, 7th Field Artillery, or FA, Regiment, are inactivating, while direct support battalions like 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment will fall directly under their supported brigades.

“This is a pretty tough thing to go through,” Cheek said. “It’s kind of like being cut from a team.”

Cheek has commanded DIVARTY for three years, preparing the unit for combat and leading them in a new role through battle. Now, along with his Soldiers, he is witnessing the end of an era, and the transformation of the Army. But instead of being downhearted, he encourages his “redlegs” to look upon the experience in a positive light. “[You] can be bitter and kick stones,” he said, “or [you] can take this on as a challenge. The Army is adapting to the future, and [you] can be part of that future.” DIVARTY is the first division artillery brigade to inactivate,” Cheek said.

Fully aware of the bitterness that some artillerymen may have been feeling during the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Eric T. Olson, 25th Inf. Div. (L) commander, reminded the

Soldiers of their strong heritage and stressed the importance of carrying that heritage with them.

“Your history has been filled with glory and honor,” Olson said. “You need to continue your proud heritage.”

For more than 60 years, the 25th fought thorough World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and most recently, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Division artillery was formed in 1941, then labeled the 11th FA Brigade, and was tasked with providing fire support to the newly formed 25th Infantry Division. Since then, its battalions have fought valiantly during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. In the past year, the two direct support battalions went their separate ways to accomplish their mission: 2nd Battalion, 11th FA Regiment, joined 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Iraq, while 3rd Battalion, 7th FA Regiment, served under the 3rd BCT’s Regional Command South in Afghanistan.

The Soldiers of each battalion adapted to a nontraditional role for artillerymen. They often left their howitzers and picked up their individual weapons, often taking to the streets on presence patrols and cordon and searches. But the mighty blow of the howitzer still came in handy at times. The headquarters of DIVARTY assumed command of Afghanistan’s Regional Command East, based out of Forward Operating Base Salerno. The maneuver elements they commanded looked to the howitzer sections for protection. “I know I will never forget when the big guns and the ‘Eyes of thunder’ came together and made history,” Olson said.

But combat is only one area where DIVARTY has written history. Since 1979, the Soldiers of the brigade have worked hard to foster a positive relationship with the people of Waianae on Oahu’s west side. From Veteran’s Day and Christmas parades to community cleanups and reading to schoolchildren, they’ve established a great presence in the community, said Waianae community leader Albert Silva.

“They’ve also developed an excellent relationship with the veterans who live in our community,” Silva added.

Now, other units will step in to fill the void that will be left after DIVARTY disburses.

Cheek said that the Soldiers of the two artillery battalions will hopefully maintain friendships within the community.

“With all the sorrow comes an undercurrent of excitement. The face of artillery is changing, and the Soldiers who proudly stood in formation on Sills Field are part of that change,” Cheek said. “Now, there’s only one thing left to do. Make the Army’s future great and keep the fire in your eye."