Photo By Spc. Danny Hough | The Louisiana National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment, 256th...... read more read more
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NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, better known as the Washington Artillery, held its 186th annual Pass in Review ceremony at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans on Nov. 17. As the oldest field artillery battalion outside the original 13 colonies, the Washington Artillery proudly continued this time-honored military tradition, showcasing the unit’s strength, discipline and readiness before military leaders and distinguished guests.
This year’s ceremony also served as a change of command, marking the transition of leadership from Lt. Col. Christian Cannon to Maj. Michael Lacoste. The event highlighted not only the unit’s annual review but also celebrated the accomplishments of Cannon’s tenure and welcomed Lacoste as the new commander of the storied battalion.
The Louisiana National Guard’s 156th Army Band performed during the arrival of the official party, which included Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana; Cannon, the outgoing commander; Lacoste, the incoming commander; and Command Sgt. Maj. Clifford Ockman, command senior enlisted leader of the LANG.
In his remarks, Friloux commended the unit for its accomplishments over the past year, emphasizing the battalion’s contributions to emergency operations and its success during the 256th IBCT’s XCTC (eXportable Combat Training Center) exercise this past summer.
“To the Soldiers of the 1-141st, this ceremony honors your professionalism, technical competence, and tactical proficiency. Great work today and throughout the last year. You spent a great deal of time training and preparing for XCTC, and your success was indicative of that preparation,” Friloux said.
Friloux also praised Cannon for the battalion’s achievements during his command and acknowledged the dedication of Lacoste and his wife, Maj. Jessica Lacoste, who is currently serving in Poland. “Lt. Col. Cannon, under your command, your team activated more than 350 Soldiers in preparation for Hurricane Francine this year. Most significantly, you led the battalion to complete more training iterations than any other battalion in the 256th Brigade during XCTC, putting ‘steel on steel.’ Hooah!” Friloux said. “To Maj. Lacoste and Jessica, I know the sacrifices you and your family have made and will continue to make for the success of your battalion. Mike, you’re going to do a great job.”
Cannon, a New Orleans native who has served as the battalion commander since December 2022, reflected on his time leading the unit. “What do you say to a group of people you love dearly? Every time we’ve called upon you, you’ve risen to the occasion. We’ve continuously led the State as the premier battalion. Thank you for everything,” Cannon said in his farewell address.
Friloux presented Cannon with the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his dedication and service to the 1-141 FA Battalion.
Lacoste, also a New Orleans native, opened his remarks by welcoming attendees to the 186th Pass in Review ceremony. He expressed gratitude to his family, the families of his Soldiers, his command team, and the Soldiers of the 1-141st for their support and commitment. “General Friloux, thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime. I am humbled beyond belief that I am able to command a battalion that I started in as a Pfc. many years ago. I will not take your trust for granted, and I will ensure that every order is executed with your intent in mind,” Lacoste said.
“To the Soldiers of the Washington Artillery, it is my immense honor to stand before you today as I assume command of one of the most storied and historic units in our Nation’s military. Each of you carries the torch of that proud tradition,” Lacoste concluded.
| Date Taken: | 11.21.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.04.2024 09:21 |
| Story ID: | 485878 |
| Location: | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, US |
| Hometown: | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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