An Artillery Tradition!

Earlier this year I blogged about Missile Defense and shared why the Air Defense Artillery branch of the US Army was a wonderful 24-year military career for me. I am a little biased, but one only has to read today’s headlines to appreciate how the deployment of US missile defense systems to a theater of operations sends a powerful message to any would be adversary.

This is one reason why I’ve tried to stay connected with the missile defense enterprise beyond my military years. I’m very fortunate to still be involved with an important part of our nation’s defense. This week, I am reminded of another reason I love being an Air Defender. I am speaking of the Order of Saint Barbara of course! This coming weekend a whole bunch of Air Defenders and Field Artillery folks from my local area will gather to induct several new members into both the Honorable and Ancient Orders of Saint Barbara.

Typically, these induction ceremonies are a formal military ball or dinner held annually in the December timeframe. Due to COVID, our local area has not held an induction ceremony since 2019! It worked out that we will finally be able to execute an event this summer. While it will be hot as heck going to a formal event in July, I’m very much looking forward to the evening. Allow me to share some insight into what exactly all this Saint Barbara stuff is about! 

First a brief explanation on Saint Barbara. According to legend, in the third century, somewhere near present-day Lebanon, Barbara secretly became a Christian. Unfortunately, she was the daughter of a rich pagan who persecuted her mightily. Eventually, her father had her put to death, personally beheading her. However, as he left the execution he was struck by lightning. Barbara was buried by Christians and according to legend, her tomb became the site of many miracles. 

Barbara was venerated as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches as early as the 7^th century. Specifically, she is venerated by those who face the danger of sudden and violent death at work. She is invoked against thunder and lightning and all accidents arising from explosions of gunpowder. For this reason, Saint Barbara is recognized as the patron saint of the Army’s Field Artillery (FA) and Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branches.

Within the FA and ADA communities, there are civilian ran associations whose mission is to support Soldiers, Families, units, and their history. One way the associations achieve this is by recognizing excellence within the FA and ADA community through induction into the Ancient or Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. Induction is open to Soldiers, industry partners, government personnel or anyone who meets the following criteria.

The Honorable Order of St. Barbara recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character, displayed outstanding competence, and served the Air Defense Artillery branch and Field Artillery Branch with selflessness. The Ancient Order of Saint Barbara recognizes those who have made extraordinary contributions through long-term service on behalf of the branches and whose careers have embodied the spirit, dignity, sense of sacrifice, and commitment epitomized by Saint Barbara.

As mentioned, the inductions usually take place at a formal event held in the winter. Oftentimes, if an active-duty Army unit is hosting the event, the audience may be predominantly Soldiers and their guests. In our particular community, government and industry personnel outnumber the active-duty military so the crowd is usually more civilian and military retiree than active duty. The night usually begins as most military formal events do with dinner and remarks from a senior ranking guest speaker.

After the formalities comes the induction. Part of the process includes the making of an “artillery punch”. There are several ingredients, some of which sound horrible, but upon mixing actually make for a tasty concoction. Once the inductees are recognized and presented with their St. Barbara medal (see picture), awardees partake of the punch. Always makes for a good photo opportunity!

Beyond the memorable evening and cool medal that looks sharp when worn in uniform or formal attire, earning the recognition of “order of Saint Barbara” is a well-respected designation in the FA and ADA communities. Inductees’ contributions support the important air and missile defense or field artillery missions. More importantly, like the patron saint for which the award is named, they’ve helped protect the young warfighters who are out there performing the sometimes-dangerous operations required to defend our nation.

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The views, opinions and biases expressed in this blog are the authors and do not reflect those of the U.S. Army or Department of Defense.

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