Historic 109th Field Artillery Disbands After 250 Years of Service

After an impressive 250 years of dedicated service, the historic 109th Field Artillery of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard will officially disband on September 14, 2024. This unit, one of the oldest military organizations in the United States, will retire its flag, marking a significant transition in its storied history.

As part of a restructuring plan, the 109th will transform into the 28th DIVARTY, short for division artillery, while continuing to operate out of its headquarters located in Wilkes-Barre, known as the “Kingston Armory.” Major Travis Mueller, public affairs officer for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, confirmed that the armory in Nanticoke will close and be sold, while the armory in Plymouth will serve the new unit.

Reorganization Aims for Modernization

According to Major Mueller, this reorganization seeks to modernize the 28th Infantry Division into a force better equipped for contemporary missions. “The preservation of the unit’s lineage and honors will continue with the 28th Division Artillery,” he stated.

The 109th Field Artillery’s origins can be traced back to May 1775, predating the establishment of the United States. Initially part of the Connecticut Militia, the unit has played a role in many of the nation’s significant conflicts, including the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the War on Terrorism. Notably, the unit was mobilized after the September 11 attacks in 2001, and the same date carries additional weight for members, as a tragic train crash in 1950 claimed the lives of 33 soldiers from the 109th.

Reflections from Former Leaders

The upcoming deactivation ceremony is an emotional moment for many associated with the unit. Rev. Kevin Miller, a former battalion commander who deployed with the 109th to Iraq and Afghanistan, expressed his deep pride in having served this historic unit. “It was one of the greatest honors of my life,” he remarked. “We are older than the country itself, originally militia men fighting for independence.”

Current soldiers assigned to the 109th will have various options following the unit’s inactivation. They can transfer to the new 28th DIVARTY, change their military specialty, or leave the service if their separation date falls within 90 days of the unit’s closure.

Retired Sergeant First Class Robert Dick, 47, from Forty Fort, emphasized the significance of the 109th in local history. “The 109th has been ingrained in the history of the Wyoming Valley,” he said, describing the restructuring as akin to a beloved sports team undergoing a name change. “You still love them, but it’s not the same.” Similarly, retired Captain David Kollar, 62, from Bear Creek Township, noted the unit’s integral role in the country’s military heritage. “It’s a proud tradition going back to the Revolutionary War,” he asserted, highlighting the rarity of organizations that have endured for so long.

The ceremony to commemorate the disbanding is set for September 14 at 11 a.m. at the Kingston Armory, a day that will undoubtedly resonate with many who have served or been connected to the 109th Field Artillery.