Welcome to 6/14 Arty, we hope you will enjoy the site. We further hope that you will find some items of interest as well as useful information. It is, and probably will remain, a work in progress and it's evolution and development is somewhat dependent on what items and information we can gather from you, the reader, and the members that bravely served the 6/14, this nation and it's people. This site is dedicated to all the noble men who served with the 6th of the 14th FA no matter when, no matter where. Let me say that another way...
Fort Sill, Fort Hood, Vietnam, Germany
The 6/14 anytime, all the time. Here, there, anywhere; we are all brothers.
So sit back, relax, and click around the site. Enjoy, learn something, and... remember.
"Ex Hoc Signo Victoria"
Memorial Day 2020
- Monday 5-25-2020 -
I am an American Soldier.
I am a warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy,
the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
Every Grave In Minnesota Military Cemetery Gets Flag For First Time In 35 Years
2020 Memorial Day Ceremonies
National Cemetery Administration will host Memorial Day ceremonies at VA national cemeteries across the country with the help of local communities. Each cemetery and community will add their own special touch of patriotism and "thanks" during the events. Memorial Day Ceremonies at VA national cemeteries across the country with the help of local communities. Each cemetery and community will add their own special touch of patriotism and "thanks" during the events. Your Memorial Day experience on the web won't be complete without a trip over to their website.
If you have not already done so, do check out the Memorial Day Ceremonies listed at the U.S Department of Verteran's Affairs website
"Ex Hoc Signo Victoria"
Memorial Day 2014
There is no deed more honorable than to join the ranks in military service.
There is no sacrifice greater than a life laid down for others.
One lays down and a million rise up... rest in peace.
"Ex Hoc Signo Victoria"
Veterans Day
- Monday 11-11-2013 -
Veterans, all of you forever carry some of the character of the lives you passed through and the lives that passed through you, not just memories, but the men and women themselves. Someone's father or mother, someone's daughter or son... someone's brother or sister; we can see their lives in you.
Thanks for coming home...
Thanks for bringing them "all" home... in you.
The mission of the American Veterans Center is to preserve and promote the legacy and experiences of America's veterans. Your Veteran's Day experience on the web won't be complete without a trip over to their website.
If you have not already done so, do check out the Veteran's Day Events listed at the U.S Department of Verteran's Affairs website
"Ex Hoc Signo Victoria"
Veterans Day
- Sunday 11-11-2012 -
You brought us safely to this good day, we are eternally grateful...
"Ex Hoc Signo Victoria"
"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."
- Albert Einstein -
This being the case then our wonderful brother Charles Maldonado certainly led a worthwhile life... and then some.
It is never easy saying goodbye to a friend, with deep regret we say goodbye to a great friend to us all, Charles Maldonado.
We received notice this morning from Brother Dennis Proulx that Charles had passed away.
Along with Dennis' message was the following from David Laukat
"It is with great sadness that I have to report that Charles Maldonado has passed away. SGT Maldonado was a former member of A Battery, 6th Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment while stationed in the Republic of South Viet Nam. Charlie was a life member of the 14th FA Regiment Association, a former Vice-President and former President. As an early member of the association he became closely involved with its many aspects and worked very hard to ensure its success and continued growth. A devoted husband and father he leaves his loving wife Linda and children, as well as many other close relatives. Always found at his side assisting him was his son Chuck, Charles Maldonado, Jr. Plans are for cremation and burial at Fort Sam Houston, TX. Services will be next week following Thanksgiving weekend."
- CSM (Ret) David Laukat - Honorary Sergeants Major of the Regiment -
We at the 6/14 Arty can not say enough good things about this tireless, wonderful, giving man. Charlie was the first person from the 6th Battalion 14th Field Artillery that we spoke to, which was back in 1996. It was the numerous conversations with Charlie and his gracious assistance that led to the creation of the 6/14 Arty website.
For so many of us life's experiences left a tremendous chasm, the struggles with the loss of so many friends but with Charlie's help and the growing ranks of 6/14 Brothers we have been able, not to fill this chasm but more to build a bridge over it. Walking together, we Brothers of the 6/14 Arty can with great ease, stride the length of this strong and beautiful bridge, pause along the way and take a long look into the depths, observe the grandeur and immensity in great detail and then cross on to the other side. We can return whenever we wish and see things missed, learn things unknown, find things lost and forgotten, held above it all by this wonderful bridge built through the strength and camaraderie of men like Charlie.
To Charles' wonderful family we send our heart felt condolences and thank each of you for sharing his life with us. Charlie lived a life worthwhile; we have been made better by it... He made a difference.
The lanyard retired and cannonade silent... rest in peace good friend.
"Ex Hoc Signo Victoria"
Veterans Day
- Friday 11-11-2011 -
The Veterans Day National Committee recently selected the National Veterans Day poster for 2011 designed by John Magine, a Vietnam Veteran who works as a visual information specialist at the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach, FL. It is the second time the committee has selected his artwork for the national poster -- his previous design won the 2008 contest. "It was a great honor to have my work selected again as this year's winning poster design. I attempted to create a design that reflected not only the unique year, month and day of the 2011 celebration, but the National pride, courage and sacrifice our Veterans represent: the guardians of our freedom and liberty," said Magine.
History of Veterans Day
World War I – known at the time as "The Great War" - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of "the war to end all wars."
Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities. This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:
Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.
An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation's history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."
President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From left: Alvin J. King, Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts
On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.
In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.
The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
It is with the greatest respect we do our part to honor the men and women all throughout the history of this great nation that have fought and given their lives to secure our place on this planet. The opportunities we have, the freedoms we enjoy, even the freedom to disagree with the systems and ideas that keep our nation and it's people free, we have our Veterans to thank.
Thanks from the 6/14 Arty to you all.
The Library of Congress Veterans History Project
Help the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and History Honor Service Members Memorialized on the Wall
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Day National Committee
"Ex Hoc Signo Victoria"
- Monday 5-30-2011 -
All gave some, some gave all...
Before you stands a humble nation.
You filled the ranks and took the line for our freedom and democracy. Your dedication and sacrifice have earned our greatest respect and we are eternally grateful.
To all who are now serving this great nation, God speed and thank you.
To all who have served, we thank you.
To those who will serve this great nation, we thank you.
To the family members of our men and women who do serve, have served and soon will, we send our support and sincere thanks.
Your lives and deeds define our nation, your metal gives us strength, your fire lights our way to a brighter future...
we thank you.
REMEMBRANCE & HEALING
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes
For 167 years, Americans have gathered together on Memorial Day to honor our fallen heroes. We honor America's broken hearts: the hearts that were stilled in the cause of freedom, and the broken hearts of the loved ones they left behind. As we honor their lives and their sacrifice, they live on in our memories. And in the hope that they died for that somewhere, someday, today's children and the children of tomorrow, can live in peace.
Each year Memorial Day provides an opportunity to bring our nation together in commemoration of the sacrifices our fallen soldiers and their loved ones.
Take comfort in the words and assistance of others in the spirit of remembrance and healing that marks this and every year's Memorial Day.
Today we honor our beloved soldiers who gave their all so that we might live in peace. On their day of magnificence the lives of those around them ment more than their own, so they stepped forward and gave their all to see the others home, home to a world of peace. Now the soldier is someones, son, daughter, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, mother, father, wife or husband. They fought not for a nation at war but for a world at peace.
Today, let's set aside any debate, welcome home the retuning soldier. Listen to the wave and whisper of flags in the warm breeze and reflect on those we love and have loved - and lost.
Thank you, thank you all for your bravery and dedication. We of The 6/14 Arty and all of America, honor your integrity and personal sacrifices.
Go in peace... rest in peace.
"Ex Hoc Signo Victoria"
- Thursday 11-11-2010 -
Remembering Veteran's Day
Nov. 11th is, as all of you are aware, Veteran's Day: a day set aside to remember those that served, fought, struggled, and died to protect and maintain the freedoms so often taken for granted.
It is with the greatest respect we do our part to honor the men and women all throughout the history of this great nation that have fought and given their lives to secure our place on this planet. The opportunities we have, the freedoms we enjoy, even the freedom to disagree with the systems and ideas that keep our nation and it's people free, we have our Veterans to thank.
Thanks from the 6/14 Arty to you all.
Veterans In Focus 2010
Yellow Ribbon America
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Day National Committee
A Ghostly French Field Where Veterans Day Was Born
Contact List Roster Update
It has been waaaaay to long since we had a roster update so let's say, " It's about time man!"
Look over the following list, we'll bet there are some Brothers you have been looking for and welcome to the 6/14 Arty our newly located Brothers.
Stop by the Interests Page to get their contact info and give them a warm welcome.
John H. Rowand - October, 1965 – February, 1966, Fort Sill, OK • USS Gen. WH Gordan Qui Nhon – Ankhe – Pleiku • F.O. – R.T.O. Boomer-boomer-33 Nickname: call sign Yuma boomer, by Peter T. Roache •F.D.C. “B” btry • Temp. Assignment – 1/9 air cav. “A” troop
Darwin David Carlton, Jr. (went by Carlton) B btry 6/14th artillery Ben Het first tour (69), second tour with 6/14th artillery Headquarters Pleiku (70) third tour with 1st/92nd artillery Artillery Hill Pleiku (71)
Bob Curtis - I was with the 6/14 in Vietnam • I came from the 5/22 Arty • I was a medic in HHQ • Attached to B & C Batteries.
Glen Belcher - I6/14 Arty S-4 from 1969-1970 • E5 Service Battery S4 • POL yard and water tanker/diesel
Gilbert L . Moreno - SP-5 • A Btry 6th Gun Bn • 14th Arty from Jan 66 to Jan 67 • I #2 man in the 2nd Gun Crew (Red Tepee II) and also spent time in the FDC.
Joe E De La Cruz
Jason P. Bigelow - B-btry 6-14/6-1 fa 87-89
Jose Heredia
Alvin J. Jackson
Steven J. Torre - SSG - 6/14 Aug 79- Mar 81, HHB • Survey section & battery mail clerk
We'll get all your contact info on the roster as the day goes by, if you don't see it right away... Hang-On Brother, we'll get it there before the day ends.
So...
Welcome Home Brothers, welcome all of you noble Brothers to The 6/14 Arty!
There now are 265 Warbonnets on or soon to be on the 6/14 list. All Right!
"Ex Hoc Signo Victoria"
Oh Heck Yeah!
Launch a few five star " illums ", yank off a round from the M107, and give the 1-million candlepower Xenon on Arty Hill a 360º so all will see we're here.
We first started having trouble in a good while back but the final siege fell (just coincidentally) on September 11th last year when we lost access to the host server and could not update or change any information on our beloved 6/14 Arty Website.
We won't go into all the details surrounding the whys and the wherefores of this real cramp in our keester we'll just move up and move on to the reopening of ...
So let's get right down to the most important part and without question our very favorite, welcoming all the absolutely wonderful newly located 6/14 Brothers that have contacted the site just before we went off the grid and since. We first want to say to each and every one of you noble comrades of the field how extremely sorry we are that it has taken so long for you to received a formal salute from your friends and brothers here at "Your Website"
Welcome Home Brothers
We whole heartedly welcome to the list of Brothers:
Theodore "Ted" Stachowiak - I was with A Battery 6/14 in 1968-69 at Plei Djereng , I was the #2 man and driver of an 8 in called MARY . We're the guys on the gun called the WIDOW MAKER
Dr. James L. Freeman - I was a 2nd Lt. in "C" Battery, later assigned as Battalion S-2. I served from Feb - June 1965. They were packing up to go to Vietnam when my discharge date came due
Willaim F. Baylor - A battery 6th/14th 1972-1976
Douglas "Earl" Williamson - April 1972-april 1975 Pinder Barracks, Zirndorf
Craig Danielson - Service unit: B btry 6/14th FA, June 1979-March 1981 E-4, Cannon crewman, armorer
John August Cisar - Medic with Battery C 6/14 Artillery between Oct. 1968 and May 1970. I served at LZ Mary Lou near Kontum, Dakto, Ben Het and other locations in the Central Highlands.
Ruben Lerma - B Btry 6/14 Arty Ben Het Period - Nov. 7, 1968 to Nov. 1969 Nickname "Pancho". I carried an M60 during the siege personally handed to me by Sgt Mjr Earl Hodge. Proud to have served with 6th of the 14th.
Thomas J. Littman - I served for just a few months with HHB 6/14 FA in Zirndorf, after being transferred from 2nd Bn 78th FA in Bamberg. I was transferred in on 31 Dec.1983 and ETSed on 06 April 1984. I was First Cook and a Food Service Specialist (E-4) for HHB 6/14 FA during those months. SSG Genco was my Food Service Sgt & Capt. Fleming was the Btry CO
Nick M. Roger - Assigned to 2/14 FA and 6/14 FA at Pinder Barracks and Merrill Barracks. 1971-1974. Service Battery, Battalion Maintenance Platoon, Battalion Dispatcher.
Steven Lowery - A btry 6th BN/14th FA Pinder Barracks Zirndorf, Germany 1984 1986
David E. Mastrorocco - C-Btry Fall 66' to May 67' FDO
(We met Brother David at Ft. Sill during the 40th OCS Graduate Reunion and FOB Kelly dedication May 2007)
Larry A. Conner - Was in the 6/14 HHB Dec. 67 to Mar 70. SP-4 36K20 Field Wire (RTO) I went to A, B, C and was in D Btry at LZ Oasis for 3 months
Homer L. Spaulding - A Btry 6/14 at Ft. Sill 1965 and went to Vietnam-Pleiku as E-5 FO, worked battalion operations and served as FO for Special Forces Ops with Plei Mrong, PleiMei, and Ducco forces, and Vietnamese Ranger units
This is not all the wonderful men that we have heard from and that we wish to welcome, it's just all we have marked up for now...
more noble 6/14 brothers to add to the current ranks of 256.
I don't know about you Redlegs but I spend quite a bit of time scouring the darkest corners and furthest reaches of the tangled web of the internet looking for anyone or anything "6/14 Arty" related. Well, it was a little over four years ago that I ran across a guy who had an interesting lighter on his military memorabilia website. It was listed as No Longer Available but being the "Nothing ventured, nothing hits you on the side of the head" kind of a guy I went ahead and gave him a holler anyway. When I got in touch with "Ol' Joel" I found out he was still active duty and living in Germany. He said he used to have the lighter I saw on his website but he didn't know where in the heck it was.
"I don't think I have that anymore but even if I do it would be in the bottom of one of the hundred boxes and footlockers I have spread all over state side cause I sure don't have it with me here in Germany. It might be back at my old house in the USA but I don't know. If and when I ever get back state side I'll dig around for it and see but like I say... I don't know."
Well, that was the end of that.
So here we are four years later and I hadn't had any comm with Joel that whole time but I thought, what the heck, I'll fire off an email and see if he's still around and how he might be doing. Low and behold he said was heading back to the "Real World" and though he had forgotten about that old lighter he said he would dig around and see if it might turn up. Well a few mini-storage units, a couple of basements and numerous footlockers later and danged if this choice gem didn't turn up and he asked if I would still be interested...
... can you say Hoo-ahh!
Click the images above for an enlarged view of both sides of this Flame'n Beauty
There were a lot of 6/14 engraved lighters but, anybody recognize this one... ?
Let us know...
FOB Kelly
We know that most of you could not be present for the Dedication of Forward Operating Base Kelly at Fort Sill and his installation into the Fort Sill Hall of Heros so we are going to bring a little recap of the event to the pages of The 6/14 Arty.
Drop on back by early next week (maybe sooner) and take a virtual tour along with all those who were. You would be proud of your past a present comrades in service as theygathered together to pay their lasting respect and honor to Brother 1st Lt. George Thomas Kelly and all of you gallant members of the 6th Batallion 14th Artillery.
"Ex Hoc Signo Victoria"
Memorial Day
All give, some give all...
You made it possible for those you saved to carry the war torn banner the final mile.
Your beleaguered brothers and sisters of the field and your nation at home have been given the gift of this beautiful day to share with our remaining loved ones through your selfless acts of valor and intrepidity.
We hear the laughter of children, the wave and whisper of flags in the warm breeze and reflect on those we love, have loved, and lost.
Your lives and deeds define our nation, your metal gives us strength, your fire lights our way to a brighter future.
One lays down and a million rise up... rest in peace.
The following is a great quote from the American Indian Veterans Memorial
Though this unidentified trooper was not a member of the 6/14 he is a Vietnam Veteran and just as the icon of the 6/14 Warbonnet Satanta (White Bear) this true Vietnam Brother was a Kiowa native American.
"My people honored me as a warrior. We had a feast and my parents and grandparents thanked everyone who prayed for my safe return. We had a "special" [ dance ] and I remembered as we circled the drum, I got a feeling of pride. I felt good inside because that's the way the Kiowa people tell you that you've done well."
-- Kiowa Vietnam Veteran --
"Ex Hoc Signo Victoria"
Hey, where have all the Homepage updates gone!?
Well they're right where they should be, in the Homepage Archives.
Once a year we move all the previous years updates to the archives just to clean things up a bit so if you would like to read any of the numerous interesting updates to The 6/14 Arty Homepage prior to this year
going all the way back to the websites beginnings in 2001
just hop on over to the:
- The 6/14 Arty Homepage Archives -
The 6/14 Arty proudly displays the Military.com Distinguished Military Site Award
Along with the Australian Gunners Associations Award of Excellence.
These are only two of the recognitions received for 2004 and represent only two of the many, commendations and recognitions that have been received in honor of the noble men of the 6th of the 14th through this website.
I direct all of these highly respected awards, commendations and recognitions to the Warbonnets of the 6th Battalion 14th Artillery. Without your generosity and spirit of sharing this website and these awards would not be possible.
"Ex Hoc Signo Victoria"
If you are a family member of someone who was with the 6/14 or a member of another unit and you have information, photos, or memorabilia relating to this fine unit, do not hesitate to contact us and let us know the nature of your information. We at 6/14 Arty recognize the importance and precious nature that these items have to you and to history and your gracious sharing of them for inclusion in this archive would be greatly appreciated. Let us assure you that all documents, photographs, and items that you send us for reproduction will be treated with the greatest respect. Every care and precaution will be taken to protect and preserve the integrity of these items and promptly return them to you.
As with any website, from time to time you will not be able to access this site due to web traffic or the server may be experiencing an outage. When this happens, be appropriately disappointed, but just allow some time to pass and return to the site later and the problem will more than likely be resolved.
If at anytime you find a linking error or you find any information that is incorrect please let us know.
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