At 0900 on July 17th, 2026 at the Fort Sill Stables, the Artillery Half Section performed their last military ceremony on post, and we all said farewell to the unit that has brought a special spirit of tradition and history since 1963.
The ceremony was hosted by 2nd Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery (2-2 FAR), the 428th Field Artillery Brigade and the Fires Center of Excellence, to acknowledge this significant moment in history, and honor the incredible service of the Military Working Equines and their handlers.
The Artillery Half Section features 16 matched bay horses that have performed at military ceremonies on post, and community events both locally and nationwide. More than 60 years of entertainment and tradition included performances at presidential inaugural parades, the Rose Parade and Cheyenne Frontier Days, to name a few.
Chief of Section, Lara Armstrong was presented with a gift to commemorate her service as a DoD Civilian, before the ceremony began. She has led the Half Section as stable master and paired each soldier assigned to the unit with their respective horse for nearly five years. Armstrong gave an emotional thank you speech and indicated that it is a difficult moment for her and the soldiers who have worked with these horses for years, to say good-bye, while acknowledging how thankful she was for the opportunity and experience.
Brigadier General Patrick Costello, Commanding General of Fort Sill and the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence, gave the opening remarks and later received the Battery Guidon from Armstrong to signify the change of responsibility from the Half Section and final farewell.
Listen to the full story above as KCCU was on location for this ceremony and helped to say goodbye to the Half Section and these Military Working Equines, on behalf of our community and listeners.
Thank you to the soldiers, horses, and civilians who have helped keep the Artillery Half Section such a beautiful part of our local military traditions and customs for more than six decades!
