Sycamore artillerymen host family, community at open house

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SYCAMORE, IL (03/04/2015)(readMedia)-- Story by Capt. Dustin Cammack, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

For the second time in more than two years, the artillerymen of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment, opened the armory doors and hosted friends, family and members of the community at its open house, Feb. 22, in Sycamore, Illinois.

Visitors were given a presentation on the history and lineage of the unit and its involvement in various conflicts throughout history, as well as a chance to view informational displays, tour the armory and visit with Soldiers.

"We have displays of our equipment, the unit and armory's history and the background of field artillery," said Capt. Joe Geiselman of Minooka, Illinois, battery commander. "We also conducted a 'dry-fire' demonstration that will showed a fire mission in real-time."

Soldiers and leaders explained and demonstrated their duties, tasks and responsibilities as artillerymen during a full-speed demonstration.

Spc. Jeff Pantilla, of Lisle, Illinois, said the guests enjoyed the demonstration and learned about his job as an artillerymen.

"I had a few different people come and ask about the [charts] and graphic firing tables and what it is we do," said Pantilla. "Seeing how complicated [fire direction control] is and how much goes into it, I think they learned it's not as simple as point and pulling a trigger – there's a lot of math and work and people involved."

Guests saw firsthand the details of the technology, equipment and technical proficiency involved with modern-day field artillery.

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Thompson of Courtland, Illinois, howitzer section chief, said it is important to have community involvement and support.

"Without the support of your community you really can't function as a unit. Being citizen-Soldiers you take this stuff home with you and your family is a part of this community," said Thompson. "It's important to have community support during times of deployment – even during peace time – because their support allows us to perform to the best of our abilities."

Alysa Amy, wife of Sgt. Josh Amy, both of Hinckley, Illinois, said she enjoyed showing her son what his father does for the Army.

"Often people drive by and see the building from the outside, but they have no clue what goes on inside," said Amy. "It's great to finally see the equipment and have his duties as ammunition team chief explained. Our son, Elijah, is excited to visit and see and learn what his dad does. It's a great way to see what the Illinois National Guard is all about."

A testament to its strong relationship with the community, the unit was awarded the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce Champion Award, Jan. 29. The award, presented in front of more than 300 chamber members, recognizes those who have demonstrated outstanding contribution to the city of Sycamore.

"I think it's really important that National Guard units stay connected to and reach out and support the community just as the community supports us," said Geiselman. "Back in 1936 the community raised money to donate the land for this armory to be built, which I think says a lot about the ties between the armory, the community and the unit.

Photo 1: Sgt. Josh Amy of Hinckley, Illinois, ammo team chief with Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment, shows his son, Elijah, a .50-calibur machine gun at the unit's open house, Feb. 22. "It's great to finally see the equipment and have his duties as ammunition team chief explained," said Alysa Amy, wife of Sgt. Amy. "Our son is excited to visit and see and learn what his dad does." (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Capt. Dustin Cammack, Public Affairs Office, Illinois National Guard)

Photo 2: Staff Sgt. Aaron Miller of Steger, Illinois, helps a visitor put on an advanced combat helmet and body armor at the unit's open house, Feb. 22. Artillerymen of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment, opened the armory doors and hosted friends, family and members of the community. Visitors were given a presentation on the history and lineage of the unit and its involvement in various conflicts throughout history, as well as a chance to view informational displays, tour the armory and visit with the Soldiers of A Battery. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Capt. Dustin Cammack, Public Affairs Office, Illinois National Guard)

Photo 3: Soldiers with Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment, answer questions from visitors at the unit's open house, Feb. 22. Visitors were given a presentation on the history and lineage of the unit and its involvement in various conflicts throughout history, as well as a chance to view informational displays, tour the armory and visit with the Soldiers of A Battery. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Capt. Dustin Cammack, Public Affairs Office, Illinois National Guard)

Photo 4: Capt. Joe Geiselman of Minooka, Illinois, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment commander, gives a presentation on the history and lineage of the unit and its involvement in various conflicts throughout history at the unit's open house, Feb. 22. Visitors were given a chance to view informational displays, tour the armory and visit with the Soldiers of A Battery. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Capt. Dustin Cammack, Public Affairs Office, Illinois National Guard)