Day - St Barbara's Ceremony

Tonight was EXCITING!  


I along with several others were inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Barbara.

Honorable Order of Saint Barbara

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The award authority for the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara is centralized to the Field Artillery commanders who are Lieutenant Colonel or above. Division artillery commanders, Field Artillery brigade commanders, Marine artillery regiment commanders or corps artillery commanders have approval authority. Such commanders may approve the award for those in or associated with their commands. When there is no such Field Artillery commander available, the Commanding General of the United States Army Field Artillery Center and Fort Sill is the approving authority for the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. The Honorable Order of Saint Barbara recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character; displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence; served the United States Army or Marine Corps Field Artillery with selfless­ness; and contributed to the promo­tion of the Field Artillery in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient's seniors, subordinates and peers, alike.

Me and MyCCM Markie

VillagePeople were there!!!

Me and MyBoss sporting our medallion

  

While I had to say goodbye to a great friend and even better leader, myCCM (Mark Villella) is boarding a plane and leaving us behind in the AOR.  He will be missed.  This is one CHIEF who took a chance on me and allowed me to serve in the AOR again.  Being in the war effort vs watching from afar...how blessed I am.  I never thought when I left Afghanistan in 2008 that I would have another chance to serve my country in a combat zone...However, Mark made it happen.  Just being asked to serve was a highlight...but getting to actually serve...NOTHING better.  While I do miss the family :( MrsBlue understands my need to serve (Airmen and the BigBlue).

Mark will be missed because of the friendship and fun we have had over the past 6 months.  Take care!!!!