September 2008

 263d AAMDC awards Order of Saint Barbara to Joey R. Preston:
 Preston honored for years of dedicated “Above and Beyond” Service

 ANDERSON--— On Saturday, September 16th, Colonel Joey R. Preston was inducted into the Order of Saint Barbara, an honorary military society of the United States Air Defense Artillery and Field Artillery in both the US Army and the US Marine Corps. Brigadier General Floyd E. Bell, Jr., Deputy Commander of the 263d Army Air Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) presented Preston with the Order of Saint Barbara medal and a certificate signed by Herbert J. Newton, Major General and SC Army National Guard (SCARNG) Commander.

“Colonel Joey R. Preston has set the standard for active participation and support of our Soldiers and their families,” said Brigadier General Bell. “The National Guard is fortunate to have him as a friend. He was instrumental in helping the 263d AAMDC gain use of the Armory. Our soldiers rarely leave for mobilization or return home without a ‘send off’ or ‘welcome home,’ which he helps arrange. He has encouraged businesses and individuals to support our Soldiers with their donations of time, gifts and money. Colonel Preston’s dedication and steadfast service embodies the spirit of the Order of Saint Barbara.”

The Honorable Order of Saint Barbara recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and character; displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence; served Field Artillery with selflessness; and contributed to the promotion of the Field Artillery in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient's seniors, subordinates and peers, alike. Both US Marine and Army field artillery, as well as their military and civilian supporters are eligible for membership in the Order. The US Field Artillery Association manages membership.

The ceremony took place during the Joint Services Detachment (JSD) Drill at the Joint Forces Headquarters SC (also called the National Guard State Headquarters) in Columbia, SC. Colonel Preston serves as Adjutant for the JSD and assists in Governmental Directorate Affairs, including the Regiment Scholarship Family Care Association (RSFCA) and the Youth ChalleNGe project.

Legend of Saint Barbara
“In 300 AD, Saint Barbara was executed by her father after turning her back on her family’s pagan beliefs and expressing the Christian faith. Making his way down a hillside after decapitating St. Barbara, her father, Dioscorus, was struck by lightning and instantly killed. Due to the nature of Dioscorus’ death, St. Barbara became the artilleryman’s symbol of protection and is considered the Patron Saint providing protection from thunderstorms, fires and sudden death.

Early artillery pieces were often unstable, often leading to misfires, muzzle bursts and exploding weapons, which is why soldiers often invoked the protection of Saint Barbara.

Saint Barbara is usually represented standing by a tower with three windows, carting the palm of martyr in her hand and oftentimes cannons are displayed near her.

The Order of Saint Barbara medal has a representation of Saint Barbara on the front and Civil War-era cannon on the back. The medallion is worn with Saint Barbara facing out and the cannon facing toward the chest.”
Source:  sill-www.army.mil/pao/pabarbar.htm