FORT SILL, Okla. May 2, 2014 -- Soldiers of 578th Forward Support Company in conjunction with the company's family readiness group, fulfilled a wish and promise of the command team: a welcome home and congratulatory barbecue April 25 to celebrate the unit's cohesion and successful mission in the United Arab Emirates.
The unit returned from its deployment three months ago, completing a security mission that required hard work in support of 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery's deployed mission.
From the time he took command of the 578th FSC, Capt. Adrien Flonnory and 1st Sgt. Benjamin Logsdon wished to build already strong esprit de corps by holding an event of this caliber. A successful mission overseas only strengthened the Phoenix team and added reason for celebration.
With great cooperation and fundraising by the FRG, the dream was fulfilled in an event that saw family members and Soldiers soak in spring weather and views of the lake and Mount Scott from the Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area Lodge. People in attendance enjoyed numerous games and activities, a leaders' dunk tank and barbecue ribs, hamburgers, hotdogs and many special side dishes crafted from secret family recipes.
"It's really great that everybody, including families, can get together like this," said Spc. Brandon Sutton, over a plate full of aromatic delicacies. "Having just got home and focusing on family and personal life, getting everyone back together to have fun in the same place like this really makes you realize that we are still one big family."
The scale, quality and dynamics of the unit barbecue demonstrated the strength of both the Phoenix team and what they see as one of the best FRGs on Fort Sill. By hosting an event that was more than just a meal or another meeting, the 578th FSC successfully bridged any gap that possibly existed between the unit and FRG by providing an atmosphere that was entertaining for family members, children of all ages, as well as single Soldiers who often grow bored and feel left out at family functions.
"We have always been a tight knit company," explained Pfc. Hector Baca, "but this is one of the best things I've seen for unit morale; we can all get together and enjoy a great day with something for everybody."
The festive atmosphere in the buffet line, over dinner tables and in the warm Oklahoma sun displayed the relief of a great homecoming and the company's laudable and successful efforts at creating a tight-knit group of Soldiers and families through the mix of fun, discipline, family and service.
Flonnory said putting on the barbecue was just part of his job, in a sense part of any leader's job.
"We take care of our Soldiers and care for our unit. This is not the work of any one person, this is the work of all of us, not just the leaders, not just the Soldiers and not just the FRG, but everyone. The fact that everybody is here together laughing, smiling and having fun with each other and with each other's families shows what this barbecue is for to solidify a cooperative and meaningful culture inside our company."
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