Shane Fontenot

The 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment (2/3rd FA) traces its lineage back to its original constitution in 1812 as part of the U.S. Army’s longstanding field artillery tradition. Throughout its history, the battalion has served in numerous major conflicts, including the Civil War, World War I, World War II—where it provided crucial fire support in the European Theater—and the Korean War. In more recent decades, 2/3rd FA has participated in operations such as Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, adapting to new technologies and missions. The unit’s legacy is marked by its commitment to providing accurate and timely artillery support, earning multiple campaign streamers and commendations for its service.

The 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (1/79th FA) has a distinguished history in the United States Army. Constituted in 1916, the unit saw action in both World Wars, providing critical artillery support during major campaigns in Europe. During World War II, the 79th Field Artillery participated in the North African and Italian campaigns, earning several battle honors. In the modern era, 1/79th FA serves primarily as a training battalion at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, responsible for training new Field Artillery soldiers and officers for the Army. The unit’s legacy is marked by adaptability, excellence in artillery operations, and a commitment to preparing future generations of soldiers.