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Delta Battery 1-62 ADA Earns “Top Notch” Streamer

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Ryan Thompson
  • Delta Battery, 1-62 ADA
SOUTHWEST ASIA- --  Soldiers of Delta Battery, 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, while forward deployed to Southwest Asia, were awarded the coveted "Top Notch Battery" streamer from 31st ADA Brigade, on Feb. 25, 2014 for achieving the highest score possible and being best deployed air defense battery.

Brig. Gen. James Dickinson, the commanding general of the 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command, presented the D Battery "Desperados" the "Top Notch" streamer during a small ceremony where Soldiers were also recognized for excellence in achieving a year-long successful mission in defending U.S. forces and host nation assets from aerial threats.

"This achievement was a true test to the Desperado's dedication and professionalism," said Capt. Andres Montenegro, commander D Battery 1-62 ADA. "We set out from the beginning to be the best and I think the Soldiers executed admirably."

Along with the "Top Notch" streamer, D Battery also received streamers for "Best Air and Missile Defense Battery", "Physical Fitness Excellence", "Maintenance Excellence", "Good Order and Discipline" and "Safety Excellence".

"Good things come to those who wait, greater things come to those who get off their rear ends and do anything to make it happen," said D Battery 1st Sgt., 1st Sgt. Raymond Lackey. Lackey has been in front of the formation as the Battery 1st Sgt. for over two years and has expected nothing less than excellence from day one.

"There are three types of workers; those who get things done, those who watch things get done and those who wonder how much got done," said Lackey. "This battery has proven that we are the ones who get things done."

Out of a possible 75 points that was used to tally the score for the "Top Notch" streamer, D Battery earned all 75 points.

"To receive accolades as the "Top Notch Battery" is something to be proud of in itself, but to earn it with a perfect score demonstrates the pride and dedication that the Soldiers and Leaders place into completing this mission," said D Battery Headquarters platoon sergeant Staff Sgt. Jason Peach. "It always feels good when higher echelons formally recognize something that we already knew about ourselves."

The awards and accolades that the "Desperados" received, is a testament to unit pride, dedication and confirmation of a goal they set out to achieve over 12 months ago.

1-62 ADA recently re-deployed back to their home station of Fort Hood, Texas. and re-joined their parent brigade, 69th ADA Brigade.