Field Artillery Soldiers welcome new inductees to the Order of Saint Barbara

Soldiers of Norfolk-based 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, gather Dec. 3, 2016, in Norfolk, Virginia, for the annual celebration of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillery. The event was hosted by Lt. Col. Jared Lake, commander of the battalion, and included distinguished guests Maj. Gen. Charles W. Whittington, Jr., First Army Deputy Commanding General-Operations and former 29th Infantry Division commander, retired Maj. Gen. Frank E. Batts, former 29th Infantry Division commander, Brig. Gen. Paul F. Griffin, the Virginia National Guard Director of the Joint Staff, and Col. E. Scott Smith, commander of the 116th IBCT. After a formal dinner, artillery Soldiers welcomed new inductees to the Order of Saint Barbara, an award for those that have significantly contributed to the promotion of the artillery in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient’s seniors, subordinates and peers alike. Spouses who have have significantly contributed to the promotion of artillery were presented with the Molly Pitcher award. After the ceremony, Capt. Kelly Sparks, commander of Company G, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, received the "Best Battery" award for her company’s superior support of the artillery unit. (Photos by Sgt. JoAnna Greene, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs)