Washington Artillery marks 188 years at annual Pass in Review

Official Statements

• Louisiana National Guard, November 12: “By Capt. Peter Drasutis, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office New Orleans -The Louisiana National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment, Washington Artillery, commemorated 188 years of service during its annual Pass in Review ceremony in New Orleans, Nov. 8.”

• Louisiana National Guard, November 12: “The ceremony brought together current Soldiers, veterans, families and distinguished guests to recognize the battalion’s history, recent accomplishments and continued service to Louisiana and the nation. The 156th Army Band, based in Bossier City, provided ceremonial music throughout the event, including ruffles and flourishes during honors for Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana. The honors also included a 13-round artillery salute recognizing Friloux as the reviewing two-star general officer.”

• Louisiana National Guard, November 12: “For 188 years, this command has stood as a beacon of discipline, readiness and service to the state of Louisiana and the United States of America,” said Friloux. “Having watched this battalion over the past 12 months … I can say without hesitation that the 141 is always ready and always there.”

• Louisiana National Guard, November 12: “Over the past year, Washington Artillery Soldiers supported missions overseas, across the country and throughout Louisiana. Alpha Battery remains deployed to the Middle East, while battalion Soldiers also supported missions in Romania, the National Capital Region, Africa and New Orleans, which at its peak included more than 250 Washington Artillery Soldiers. “You’ve proven that, whether called by the president or the governor, the 141 delivers every single time,” said Friloux. “This formation is more than weapon systems and mission taskings; it’s a family forged in service.”

• Louisiana National Guard, November 12: “The ceremony also recognized outstanding performance throughout the battalion. Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, commanded by Capt. Drew Lege, received theTry Us Streamer, awarded annually to the battery or company demonstrating the highest standards of administration and maintenance. TheCol. Numa Avendano Awardwas presented to Spc. Micah Tran of Charlie Battery as the battalion’s Soldier Best Warrior Competition winner, while theLt. Col. Edward Benezech Sr. Awardrecognized Sgt. Devon Demars of Bravo Battery as the battalion’s noncommissioned officer Best Warrior Competition winner.”

• Louisiana National Guard, November 12: “Lt. Col. Michael Lacoste, commander of the 1-141st Field Artillery, reflected on the battalion’s operational tempo and the commitment he made when assuming command. “When I stood before you, General [Friloux], during my first pass and review as the commander, I made a commitment that the Washington Artillery will always be ready,” said Lacoste. “I believe we have lived up to that.”

• Louisiana National Guard, November 12: “Whether called upon overseas, across the country or right here in Louisiana, our Soldiers have answered the call,” he added. “They have adapted, deployed, sacrificed time away from their families and delivered.” Lacoste also recognized two members of the extended Washington Artillery family who died during the past year, Heidi Castaneda and former Washington Artillery Soldier Sgt. Clint Hotard, noting that the organization’s legacy extends beyond formations, missions and military accomplishments to the relationships built through service.”

• Louisiana National Guard, November 12: “Following the awards and remarks, the battalion conducted the traditional pass in review before Friloux and assembled guests. The 156th Army Band accompanied the formation with “The Girl I Left Behind” and “The Army Song” as the battalion’s batteries, color guard and supporting elements passed the reviewing stand. “There is no greater privilege than having the opportunity to lead this organization,” said Lacoste. “To the Soldiers of the 141, thank you for what you do. Thank your families for their sacrifice and the pride that you bring to this organization.”