Virginia Army National Guard
Battery E 111th FA
5901 Beulah Road
Sandston, Virginia 23150-6112
(804) 328 � 3023
CDR 21 August, 2000
MEMORANDUM FOR: Incoming soldiers of Battery E 111th FA, xxxx Beulah Road, Sandston, Virginia 23150-6112
SUBJECT: Welcome to Battery E 111th FA
1. As the commanding officer of Battery E 111th FA, I welcome you to the unit. You have joined one of
the finest and newest units in the United States Army National Guard. We will set the standards and
insure your time is both productive and rewarding. Attitude is the key to your success.
2. As a new member of this unit, a wide variety of new experiences and opportunities awaits you. When
you in-process in the unit, you will meet a number of people who will orient you to our battery. You
will be assigned to a squad and section. Your Section Leader will assist you in acquiring your uniforms,
equipment, identification card, dog tags, and everything else you will need. He or she will introduce you
to key sections such as Supply and Readiness as well as other member of the unit. Your Section
Leader will also help familiarize you with the chain of command, SOP's, and acquaint you with your
first job as a member of the battery. Above all, your Section Leader is here to answer your questions.
Please, do not hesitate to ask.
3. At present our unit has two missions:
A. FEDERAL MISSION: Is to function as a general support firing battery
B. STATE MISSION: Is to respond to the call of the Governor of the Commonwealth of the
Virginia as required.
4. More and more National Guard units are being called upon to perform their missions. As a fully
certified combat-ready organization, we are subject to mobilization for active duty or emergency state
duty at any time. As you integrate into the unit, you will learn more about our mobilization procedures
and timetables. We will be providing mobilization information to family members, also. As you learn
more about this aspect of Guard life, it is a good idea to discuss this with family members and
employer and to keep yourself ready. In order for us to respond to an emergency, it is imperative that
you keep the unit advised of your current home and work addresses and telephone numbers.
5. Attendance at unit training assemblies and annual training is a topic that I simply cannot
overemphasize.Insure that you have transportation to and from drill and so that you get to drill
ON TIME. Your attendance at unit training assemblies is critical in order for you to progress in your
military career and for this unit to maintain the capabilities to successfully function as a team.
6. Check carefully the strip map to the Sandston Armory. In the event you need additional directions
call the Orderly Room at (804) 328-3023. Anyone there will be happy to assist you.
7. Good luck in your military career. The officers and personnel of the Battery E 111th FA are
looking forward to working with you, and helping you develop into a strong, contributing member
of our team. With the right attitude and work ethic, we will be the finest unit in the Virginia
Army National Guard.
MATTHEW A. RITCHIE
CPT, FA, VaARNG
Commanding