Utah National Guard Runs Live-Fire High-Explosive Mission at Camp Williams

BLUFFDALE, Utah – The 400 soldiers who make up the Utah National Guard’s 2nd Battalion came together to make a loud boom at Camp Williams Saturday.

After months of preparation, the 222nd Field Artillery Unit, invited their family members to watch a live-fire high-explosive mission using the M109A6 Paladin.

This Paladin is operated by a crew of five soldiers and weighs more than 28 tons.

2nd Lieutenant with the triple deuce, Chase Stilson, called commands over the radio.

His son, Maverick, squealed at the sound of his father’s voice.

“Yes, Maverick. That’s Daddy,” Steviee Stilson said. “It’s amazing to see what he does on the weekends, when he isn’t home with us.”

The M109A6 has 360 degrees of firing capability while also firing multiple rounds in many applications.

“The strength of our soldiers comes from our families,” Lt. Colonel Cody Workman the Utah National Guard’s 2nd Battalion Commander said. “We want those who love these men and women most to have a front row seat to this live-fire.”

In addition to family, employers of the soldiers came to cheer them on.

Rich McArthur, President of St. George company Rich Electric traveled with his wife to watch their lead electrician show off his soldier skills.

“He is an extremely patriotic and awesome man,” McArthur told KSL 5 TV. “It’s people like him who could be deployed anywhere, in a moment’s notice who are exceptional. If he had to leave us at Rich Electric, we would be supportive and guarantee he has a place to work when he returns.”

Military Officials at Camp Williams provided a place on Base for the McArthurs to stay this weekend.

The McArthurs were celebrating their wedding anniversary.

“Supporting our brave soldiers is a great way to celebrate our anniversary,” McArthur smiled. “This has been an eyeopening and positive experience.”

The soldiers from Utah’s 2nd Battalion all live surrounding the areas of Beaver, Richfield, St. George and Cedar City.