Greetings Alpha Battery families and friends,

Throughout the battalion there has been a significant shift in personnel. In the month of January Alpha Battery said good bye to Marines moving on to different duties. Those Marines include 1stLt Dane Sagerholm, outgoing Guns Platoon Commander, has been replaced by 1stLt Clark Petersen; Capt Clayton Holland, outgoing Executive Officer, has been replaced by 1stLt Ryan Anness; SSgt John Kellam, who is attending the Warrant Officer Course in Quantico, Virginia; and Capt Rich Lee, who has been replaced by myself, Capt Justin Kennedy. Alpha Battery will surely miss them.

We at Alpha Battery understand the importance of family and friends as they are the primary network of support for our Marines. Being a Marine is a hard task and we often need someone in our corner pushing us along or providing words of encouragement. However, with that being said often times, usually during busy work weeks, Marines may take their families and friends for granted. When that happens unnecessary friction in our Marines personal life will result. I believe the key to avoid that is to promote a healthy balance between work and home. To achieve that balance we all need to be better communicators. The leadership at Alpha will be sure to inform families on what the battery will be doing. We also want to foster a comfortable environment where families can feel free to talk to us as well.

Currently, Alpha Battery is gearing up for a live fire artillery shoot at the Pohokuloa Training Area (PTA) on the big island for the month of March. While at PTA we will be demonstrating our artillery skills and ensuring that our unit will be ready for any task that our country asks of us. Unfortunately, there will be many long hours in preparation for this exercise, but the leadership here will ensure work is done efficiently so we can ensure that you get to spend as much time with your loved ones as possible. If we have your support Alpha Battery will be more effective in carrying out this task.

Congratulations are in order for Sgt Nicholas Lupo, from our communications section, on his recent promotion.

Respectfully,

Capt Justin Kennedy