Photo By Sgt. Michael Blalack | Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat...... read more read more
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FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, brought their families to Fort Wainwright’s first “Molly Pitcher” Day, Aug. 2.
The day allowed the unit an opportunity to highlight the importance of soldier’s families, which goes back to American Revolution, the root of the legend of Molly Pitcher. At that time it was not uncommon for soldiers’ wives to accompany them, serving in a variety of ways, including bringing pitchers of water to quench the Soldiers’ thirst and to pour over the cannon barrels as they overheated from extensive use.
The 2-8 FA Molly Pitcher Day gave family members a look into what their soldiers do, without having to deliver pitchers of water to the battlefield.
The day started with a run that took soldiers and family members of all ages, even some in strollers, on a two-mile course. After the run and a potluck breakfast, Family members watched an m777 Howitzer demonstration in action before participating in crew drills.
“I’ve never been to an event like this before,” said Janie Fields, wife of 1st Sgt. Johnathan Fields, senior noncommissioned officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2-8 FA. “Not only is this a lot of fun, but now we’ve seen the equipment and seen what they do, so when they come home from training, or just an average work day, we know what they’re talking about.”
Although wives today are not able to follow their husbands onto the battlefield according to legend, Molly was an affectionate nickname given to ladies named Mary, a common name at that time, and as the cannon would start to overheat one of the crewmembers would shout, “Molly, Pitcher!”
There are several similar tales of these brave women replacing a fallen crewmember at his post at the cannon, but one of the most famous is that of Mary Ludwig Hays. Mary joined her husband, William Hays, an artilleryman, at Valley Forge, Pa. and was part of a group led by Martha Washington. The group would bake and deliver food, wash clothes and blankets, and care for sick and dying soldiers.
At the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey, Mary was carrying water to soldiers on the battlefield when her husband was wounded. Mary took his place at the cannon and finished the battle.
Family members here didn’t get to fire a cannon, but they were shown a variety of small arms, and were taught how to disassemble and reassemble them before taking part in a timed competition, where the fastest person received an award.
“We wanted to find a way to get the families out here while the weather is nice, and just give them an idea of what it’s like to be an artilleryman,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Alexis Shelton, battalion senior noncommissioned officer.
An arctic tent included extreme cold weather clothing and equipment on display with instruction on how everything was used to keep soldiers warm, allowing them to operate in some of the most demanding conditions.
The activities wrapped up around noon with the presentation of awards s and recognition of the important role families play in soldiers’ lives.
“It’s important to keep the families involved to keep them interested,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Robinson, 2-8 FA commander. “Families are what keep our soldiers strong, and keep our Army strong.”
| Date Taken: | 08.02.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 08.05.2013 20:32 |
| Story ID: | 111387 |
| Location: | FORT WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 221 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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