152nd FA Guardsmen reunite and remember

13 years ago

Sept 11 BANNER
By Barbara Scott

Staff Writer

Members of the 152nd Field Artillery Association (Maine National Guard) met Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Solman Armory in Caribou, for their annual barbecue reunion. During the mid-day event, the former Guardsmen heard from Association members regarding the status of the organization as well as the seemingly depleting number of new guardsmen entering the Maine National Guard in Aroostook County.

The association, formed several years ago, serves as an opportunity for former Guardsmen and their families to maintain the lengthy legacy of the 152nd FA, which was established in 1922 in Aroostook County and grew to include armories located in Fort Kent, Caribou, Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield and Houlton. In the late 1960s a detachment was formed briefly in Millinocket and in the 1990s the battalion expanded to include Calais and Waterville.

The Maine National Guard 152nd Field Artillery Battalion was deactivated in 2007, when the battalion colors were retired during a ceremony held in Caribou’s Teague Park.  

The 152nd FA Association provides an opportunity for former/retired Guardsmen and/or their surviving  family members to reunite yearly and share the stories so familiar to many.

In order to continue the history of the 152nd FA, the Association is creating an archives of photos, news clippings, artifacts and other memorabilia relating to the battalion. Anyone former Guardsman ( or family) who would like to donate materials are encouraged to do so. Also all those who served honorably in the 152nd (and family members) are eligible for membership in the Association.

Those interested in becoming a member or in the history of this significant part of Aroostook County and Maine history can go the Association Website at www.125fieldartilleryassociation.org; e-mail 152ndfieldartilleryassociation@gmail.com or write the Association at Solman State Armory, Room 125, 120 Sincock St., Caribou, ME. 04736.

The former/retired Maine National Guardsmen, members of the 152 Field Artillery Battalion, Caribou, like most individuals, remember where they were and what they were doing on the morning of September 11, 2001.

152nd FA Guardsman