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214th FA Provides a Different Kind of Security

Story by Sgt. Jeff Lowry
124th MPAD

Staff Sgt. Larry Gresham  and Spc. Wayne Braswell  patrol the streets of Savannah in preparation of the Global Eight Economic Summit. (photo by Sgt. Jeff Lowry)

Field artillery, the proclaimed “King of Battle,” provides security during combat with 155mm self-propelled howitzers. In respect to an event such the Global Eight Economic Summit, however, howitzers aren’t always the most effective tools.

During the Global Eight Economic Summit at Sea Island Georgia ’s 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery did its part to provide security by being the eyes and ears of those determined to keep Savannah residents and G8 participants safe.

“We’re all here to do something for our country, and to do our part to protect people’s right to free speech as well as public property,” said Staff Sgt. Larry Gresham during a foot patrol along Savannah’s street in the days leading up to the summit.

Gresham is an ammunition sergeant for the 214th’s service battery. During the summit, though, he looked more like a police officer. This “constable on patrol,” though, wore an Army camouflage uniform instead of the familiar police blue and a badge.

While it may seem odd to some for artillerymen to do something like this, “force protection” it is part of any Soldier’s training.

Hours after the second Gulf War started, the Army mobilized the 214th for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The mission it was tasked with – destroying important enemy targets – didn’t last long though.

“We were originally scheduled to go to Iraq from Fort Campbell , Ky. , but the ground war ended before that happened and we were ‘remissioned,’” said the 214th’s battalion commander, Lt. Col. Craig McGalliard.

With their mission changed, the 214th retrained for Operation Noble Eagle and homeland security. The unit eventually was split, with one half guarding Fort Stewart near Savannah , the other conducting force protection at Fort Bragg , N.C.

“Having had the training on active-duty, made it a real easy fit for us when it came to G8,” said McGalliard. “We walked into the summit ready for whatever assignment we’d be given.”

The Soldiers on the ground, pounding the pavement, echoed the sentiment of their leaders.

“Considering we just returned from active-duty, I’d have to say the two missions are quite similar,” said Sgt. Gary Thomas, a service battery ammunition sergeant.

Thomas and his team were guarding and patrolling the Wright Square area.

“We know what we’re doing, we’ve done this before,” said Thomas while peaceful protestors riding a wooden, bicycle-style Humvee circled the square passed by.

All in all, Savannah citizens seemed to appreciate the soldier’s efforts. One resident even handed over a building he owns near Wright Square to the Guardsmen to use, said Sgt. 1st Class Bruce Bowers, another member of the 214th. The owner gave them carte blanche to use the edifice during the summit, he explained.

“He gave us the master key,” Bowers said,  “and told us ‘Anything you wanna do, you can while you’re here.’”

His Soldiers took advantage of the situation, but they didn’t abuse the privilege, he continued. Mostly, they used the building as a relief center from the day’s heat and to relax whenever time allowed.

A few days later at the corner of Broughton and Drayton streets, the 214th’s Citizen-Soldiers stood ready, watched and listened carefully as they prepared for the worst.

“ Savannah ’s heating up,” said Gresham as he stood in the hot sun and watched the protestor’s marching toward his position. As the two groups faced off, Gresham recounted, one could cut the tension in the air with a knife, but no arrests were made.

The next day, the 214th and other security forces returned to the same location. Things, however, went well as the protestors passed the through intersection and made their way to River Street .

 With the world situation what it is today, staying flexible and having the ability to adapt is the key to a unit’s success, said Capt. John McKenna, who commands the 214th’s Service Battery. Then, he said, it doesn’t matter what mission Soldiers receive, because they’ll always be ready.  

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