Can anyone point Remmel out to me?  LOL

SGT Joshua Brennan was a beloved son, brother, nephew and cousin who is missed by all who knew him and loved him.  SGT Brennan was shot multiple times on 25 October 2007 in an ambush during Operation Rock Avalanche.  He succumbed to his wounds the following day.

Josh's father, Mike Brennan, has told me about the day Josh and his Battle Buddies were ambushed.  It is one of the most harrowing stories I've heard.  During the ambush the Taliban attempted to drag Josh away.  His fellow Soldiers immediately came to his rescue.  SPC Hugo "DOC" Mendoza gave his life attempting to save Josh from the enemy.  Others on his team continued to fight the enemy and were successful in getting Josh back.  One of those men has been nominated for the Medal of Honor for his actions that day.

A family member made this incredibly moving video to honor Josh.  You'll need tissues to watch this.

 

My heart is very heavy today, on this second anniversary of Josh's death.  Please take a minute to pray for Josh and his family.  And say a special prayer for his cousin, PVT Joseph Brennan and his family, too.  Joseph recently completed basic training and Airborne School.  His family took him to the airport this morning (talk about timing) to board a flight to Italy where he will join Josh's unit, 173rd, 2-503, Battle Company and will deploy before the end of the year to Afghanistan.

So on this day of remembrance I send my love to the Brennan family.  They are some of the greatest people I have ever had the privilege to know.  Josh's father, Mike, and his mother, Janice, both served in the Army.  Their son, Josh, gave his life defending our freedom.  Now Joseph proudly wears the uniform of the US Army.

Rest in Peace Josh.  Keep Joseph safe.

  

 

Read more about Josh here, here, here and on his mother's MySpace page here

There is a story about his dad and one of his uncles here. 

And go here to read about and see photos of Joseph Brennan's graduation from Airborne School.

SPC Hugo "DOC" Mendoza died of wounds sustained when he came in contact with enemy forces using RPG, machine gun and small arms fire during Operation Rock Avalanche combat operations on Oct 25,2007 in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan.

SPC Mendoza's family recalls him as a very giving person; a man who treated everyone the way he wanted to be treated.  SPC Mendoza planned to become a firefighter once he left the Army.

He was laid to rest at Fort Bliss, TX.

We will NEVER forget you "DOC".  Rest in Peace brave warrior.

 

23 March 1978 – 25 October 2007

Battle Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SPC Hugo Victor Mendoza was born on 23 March 1978 in California and spent most of his childhood in El Paso, Texas.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 31 May 2005.

During his time in service, SPC Hugo Victor Mendoza completed Basic Infantry Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Medical Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia.  On 6 March 2006, SPC Mendoza reported to his first duty station at Caserma, Ederle, Vicenza, Italy.  He was assigned to the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry – The ROCK.  SPC Mendoza was then assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company with duty as a combat medic in Battle Company.  He immediately found his home among the combat warriors of 1st Platoon – The Celts.  SPC Mendoza trained, deployed and fought side by side with his band of brothers in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII.  SPC Mendoza distinguished himself in The ROCK as a heroic medic, charismatic Paratrooper, and an overall altruistic human being. 

SPC Mendoza’s awards include: The Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Medical Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.  SPC Mendoza has been submitted for the Bronze Star Medal for Service in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII.

Please go here and read more about what SPC Mendoza's family and friends had to say about this great American Hero.

My heart still aches for these American Heroes, their families and friends and their comrades in arms.

I've been trying to write this post for at least a week.  Nothing I write is enough but I want to remind anyone who reads here about these men and ask everyone to NEVER FORGET those who have died in service to this nation. 

COL Bill Ostlund who was the 173rd, 2-503 Commander during their deployment in OEF VIII posted these comments on his Facebook page:

ROCK Paratroopers- July is an incredible month for our great nation. We have a great nation because of the tens of millions who have volunteered to protect our great nation and for the millions that have bled and “lived their lives” for our great nation. In The ROCK, in OEF VIII in July 2007 we lost:

Chris Honaker and Joe Miracle on 5 July; Juan Restrepo on 22 July, and Ben Hall on 31 July. A year later we lost Sergio Abad, John Ayers, Jason Bogar, John Brostrom, Israel Garcia, Jason Hovater, Matt Phillips, Pruitt Rainey, and Gunnar Zwilling on 13 July 2008.

 

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

1LT Jonathan P. Brostrom was born on 22 August 1983 in Stuttgart, Germany.  He was commissioned in the U.S. Army on 15 May 2006.

1LT Brostrom participated in the ROTC program at the University of Hawaii and while a cadet, he attended Airborne School, Air Assault School, and the U.S. Navy Scuba Divers Course.  After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources in 2006, he received his commission as a U.S. Army Infantry Second Lieutenant. 

1LT Brostrom graduated from the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger School prior to reporting to Vicenza, Italy on 26 June 2007.  Shortly afterward, 1LT Brostrom deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII and was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment as a Rifle Platoon Leader.

1LT Brostrom served for eight months in Afghanistan as Platoon Leader for 2nd Platoon.  During his deployment, 1LT Brostrom led countless combat patrols and was responsible for the defense of Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.

1LT Brostrom’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge, Scuba Diver Badge, and Ranger Tab.

19 JANUARY 1984 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SGT Israel Garcia was born on 19 January 1984 in Nayarit, Mexico.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 23 October 2002.

After completing One Station Unit Training and Airborne School, SGT Garcia was assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 504th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division as a Rifleman and later as a Rifle Team Leader.  SGT Garcia deployed in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM twice before PCSing to Vicenza, Italy.

In July 2006, SGT Garcia was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment as a Rifle Team Leader.  He deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007.  During his deployment to Afghanistan, SGT Garcia participated in numerous combat patrols and helped defend Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.

SGT Garcia’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (2), NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Jonathan Ayers

4 MAY 1984 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Jonathan R. Ayers was born on 4 May 1984 in Atlanta, Georgia.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 26 April 2006.

After completing One Station Unit Training and graduating from Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, CPL Ayers reported to Vicenza, Italy and was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment where he most recently served as an M249 Machine Gunner. 

CPL Ayers deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007.  While serving in Afghanistan, CPL Ayers participated in numerous combat patrols and air assault operations.  He also helped defend Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.

CPL Ayers’ awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Jason Bogar

19 FEBRUARY 1983 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Jason M.C. Bogar was born on 19 February 1983 in Washington State.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard on 12 September 2001.

After completing One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, CPL Bogar was assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 161 Infantry Regiment (National Guard) as a Rifleman.  CPL Bogar deployed in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM twice before transferring to Active Duty and PCSing to Vicenza, Italy.

CPL Bogar was assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team in November 2007 and joined Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment in Afghanistan.  During OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII, CPL Bogar participated in numerous combat operations to include combat patrolling from Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.

CPL Bogar’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge.

CPL Jason Hovater

10 AUGUST 1983 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Jason D. Hovater was born on 10 August 1983 in Tennessee.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 9 February 2006.

After completing One Station Unit Training, CPL Hovater attended Airborne School and was subsequently assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment as an Automatic Rifleman.  While serving with Chosen Company, CPL Hovater deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII.

In Afghanistan, CPL Hovater participated in numerous combat patrols as an M203 Grenadier.  On one such patrol on 8 March 2008, CPL Hovater’s element came under heavy enemy fire from multiple locations.  For his bravery that day CPL Hovater was awarded the Army Commendation Medal w/ Valor. 

CPL Hovater’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal w/combat distinguishing device “V”, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Matthew Phillips

13 APRIL 1981 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Matthew B. Phillips was born in 13 April 1981 in Florence, Alabama.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 22 November 2005.

After enlisting, CPL Phillips completed One Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia.  Upon completion of Airborne School he was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment where he most recently served as an M240B Machine Gunner. 

CPL Phillips deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007.  During his time in Afghanistan, CPL Phillips participated in numerous combat patrols and helped defend Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.  For his outstanding service throughout the deployment he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

CPL Phillips’ awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Pruitt Rainey

21 FEBRUARY 1986 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Pruitt A. Rainey was born on 21 February 1986 in Rockingham, North Carolina.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 10 August 2005.

CPL Rainey graduated from One Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia.   He also attended the Ranger Indoctrination Program before being assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment on 28 February 2006.  CPL Rainey most recently served as an M240B Machine Gunner in 2nd Platoon.

CPL Rainey deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007.  During his deployment, CPL Rainey participated in countless combat patrols and air assault operations.  He also defended and conducted patrols from Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.

CPL Rainey’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Gunnar Zwilling

29 APRIL 1988 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Gunnar W. Zwilling was born on 29 April 1988 in Fountain Valley, California.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 15 February 2006.

CPL Zwilling attended One Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia.  After earning his Airborne Wings, he was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment as a Grenadier and later as an Assistant Machine Gunner.

While serving with Chosen Company, CPL Zwilling deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII.  Throughout his deployment, CPL Zwilling participated in numerous combat patrols and air assaults that disrupted enemy operations.  His actions brought security to the Afghan population in Kunar Province.

CPL Zwilling’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

SPC Sergio Abad

15 MARCH 1987 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SPC Sergio S. Abad was born on 15 March 1987 in Miami, Florida.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 17 January 2006.

SPC Abad completed training as an 11C Mortarman from One Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia.  He also attended the Ranger Indoctrination Program, 75th Ranger Regiment before being assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment in August 2006.

SPC Abad deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007.  He served with HHC for 10 months before being assigned to Chosen Company as a 120mm Mortar Gunner.  During his time with Chosen, SPC Abad participated in countless fire missions in support of friendly troops on the ground.

SPC Abad’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal w/ combat distinguishing device “V”, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

So I'm here in New Hampshire for the first annual BAMF Invitational.  Weather is perfect!  Couldn't ask for a better group of people to be sharing this particular weekend with.

Having fun

 

 

Force Protection:

 

 

Confirmed kill

From Stars and Stripes

Vicenza NCO receives Silver Star for saving lives in Afghan ambush

Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett pins the Silver Star on Staff Sgt. Conrad Begaye during a ceremony Tuesday on Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy. Begaye was honored for his actions in a battle near Aranas, Afghanistan, in which five fellow soldiers and a Marine were killed

 

SSG Sean Samaroo served with the 173rd, 2-503 during their recent 15 month deployment to Afghanistan.  He is now serving with the 4th Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment at Fort Jackson, SC.  SSG Samaroo was recently awarded the Silver Star for his actions at the Battle of Wanat.  He also participated in the ceremony to rename one of the ranges at Fort Jackson to the Wanat Range.

After he was wounded, Samaroo said goodbye to his wife and son aloud, according to a first-person account read during the ceremony by Lt. Col. Richard McDermott, 4th Bn., 10th Inf. Reg., commander.

"That's when I said, 'Man, this is it. You're gone,'" Samaroo said. "I really thought I was, but I just clicked like that and started focusing back on what I had to do."

From www.army.mil

Fort Jackson Soldier earns Silver Star

Jun 18, 2009

By By SUSANNE KAPPLER, Fort Jackson Leader

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Staff Sgt. Sean Samaroo, 4th Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, was awarded the Silver Star for his actions in Afghanistan in a ceremony June 11.

The ceremony took place at the newly designated Wanat Range, formerly known as Camden Range.

Samaroo received the award, the nation's third highest military decoration, for his part in the Battle of Wanat, which took place 2008 in the eastern province of Nuristan, Afghanistan. Samaroo is also a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient.

"There were a lot of heroes out there," Samaroo said. "Some maybe didn't get recognized as much as me. I'm pretty thankful and honored."

On the morning of July 13, 14 months into Samaroo's deployment, an estimated 200 enemy fighters launched a coordinated assault on a small vehicle patrol base manned by approximately 50 American and coalition troops.

As the battle began, Samaroo - then with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade - and his squad were manning a traffic control point near the base. Samaroo's squad successfully defended the traffic control point before reinforcing an observation point, which was under threat to be overrun by the attackers.

On his way to the observation point - an uphill climb through exposed terrain - Samaroo encountered three wounded Soldiers, whom he and his squad brought to safety.

Samaroo himself was wounded by shrapnel and was bleeding from the head and legs, but refused to leave his position until reinforcements arrived.

Nine American Soldiers were killed in the attack; 27 Americans and four Afghan soldiers were wounded.

Samaroo credited his training and instinct with helping him through the situation.

"There was a time that I did not want to go up that hill," he admitted. "I thought that it was too early. There's such a thing as tactical patience. You have to let the battle evolve.

Because of that, I believe we saved a (few) more lives that way."

After he was wounded, Samaroo said goodbye to his wife and son aloud, according to a first-person account read during the ceremony by Lt. Col. Richard McDermott, 4th Bn., 10th Inf. Reg., commander.

"That's when I said, 'Man, this is it. You're gone,'" Samaroo said. "I really thought I was, but I just clicked like that and started focusing back on what I had to do."

Samaroo admitted that the incident changed his life.

"Any time you have a near-death experience ... it changes you. It does. You think about the small things in life," he said.

Samaroo, who has been in the Army for nine years, came to Fort Jackson in January as a cadre instructor at Camden Range. The range, which has been undergoing extensive upgrades, was renamed "Wanat Mounted Convoy Live Fire Range" in honor of the Soldiers who died during the Battle of Wanat.

Brig. Gen. Bradley May, Fort Jackson commanding general, called the renaming a fitting tribute as the range will be used to train "skills that will allow (Soldiers) to thrive in combat, just as Staff Sgt. Samaroo did."

Samaroo said he hopes to pass on those skills and ultimately intends to become a drill sergeant.

"That's always been a dream of mine, being a drill sergeant," he said. "I want to be able to share what I learned as a combat Soldier."

I know I promised this post a few days ago but I've been so focused on COL Evan getting better that I just haven't wanted to post until today.  I am so thankful Evan IS feeling better.  I'm also thankful for all of the prayers that you all have been saying for him.

Now on to this post.

In October 2007 I wrote this post about Lakeland Elementary School donating socks for the Sky Soldiers of the 173rd, 2-503 who were deployed to northeastern Afghanistan.  I urge you to take the time to read the post and to learn about the amazing students, faculty and staff at Lakeland Elementary School.

For several months we've been attempting to put together a weekend when several of the 173rd, 2-503 Soldiers could come to Memphis to visit Lakeland Elementary School to say "thank you."  While I missed not getting to have a whole "Herd" of the guys here I was thrilled when SSG Ryan Pitts was able to come from Walter Reed Army Medical Center this past weekend.

Ryan arrived on Saturday.  That afternoon Frank and Nancy Rouse came over to meet Ryan and visit with him.  Frank is a Vietnam Veteran who served in the 173rd, 2-503.  If you don't know the history of the 173rd you can get a "taste" of the Brigade's storied past here.  Nancy is the principal of Lakeland Elementary School.  I won't bore you with the details of how I came to know Nancy and Frank but this is one tiny little world my friends.  Frank and Nancy are members of both the Patriot Guard Riders and Rolling Thunder.  They are wonderful, wonderful people and great Americans.

After a few hours of visiting, eating and hoisting a few beers Frank received a call from a Veteran friend of his.  Long story short it was soon after that call that Frank and Nancy loaded Ryan up in their truck for a quick 40 minute ride to Mississippi to "attend" a Hooters swimsuit competition.  I was invited but scantily clad young ladies prancing about isn't my idea of a fun evening.  I know, I'm old.  Seems a fine time was had by all.

One Sunday Ryan and I went to visit St. Jude patient Evan Pertile, his mom, Nana and some of their family friends.  We had such a wonderful visit with them.

Monday morning rolled around and we were off to Lakeland Elementary School.  We arrived in time for the morning Pledge of Allegiance, thought for the day and announcements which are done via the PA system from the principal's office.  Mrs. Rouse has students come to her office each morning to lead the pledge and to give the thought for the day.

The students did an EXCELLENT job!

After that was over Nancy escorted Ryan and me to the cafeteria where Ryan was scheduled to address and thank all of the fifth grade classes.  The reason for selecting that group is that one of the fifth graders (fourth grade last school year) raised the most money and/or collected the most socks for the paratroopers.  (More on that later in the post).  As we walked into the cafeteria I immediately noticed this:

 

I got a big lump in my throat.  Many thanks to the students and to the art department for such a wonderful "welcome" to Ryan.  Made me damn proud to be from this area.  There were other colorings and drawings on the walls surrounding the opening to the stage area:

 

After the students were settled in Mrs. Rouse introduced SSG Pitts

SSG Pitts spent a few minutes telling the students a little about himself. 

Then he told them how much he and his paratroopers appreciated the socks.  He explained about how they were in a location where they didn't have a way to wash their socks; how they hiked many days for miles at a time.  He even told them about one day when they hiked 15 miles up and down the mountains of Afghanistan. 

He told them the socks were a huge help to them when they were deployed and that all of the Soldiers with him were very grateful for the student's generous donation.  He then asked for Harper Wagner to come forward. 

SSG Pitts reminded the group that Harper had raised the most money/pairs of socks and had won a pizza party for his class by doing so.  Then he gave Harper a 173rd Brigade coin

 

And a 173rd Brigade flag

After Harper sat down SSG Pitts asked the students if they had any questions.  Boy did they have questions.  GREAT questions.  Question such as, "Did you get much sleep"  Ryan's answer was something along the lines of "somedays yes, somedays not so much."

"Did you see any cool animals?"  Ryan had to mention the Camel Spider.  He explained that it's not really a spider and showed (with his hands) how big they can get.  He also mentioned that he had seen a baby snow leopard. That brought ooohs and aaaaahs from the crowd

One student asked about whether Ryan and his buddies had survival training.  The student used the proper terminology.  I, of course, have no idea what that term is.  I don't remember what Ryan's answer was because I was still processing that a fifth grader would know that terminology.  Smart kids!

One question to SSG Pitts was if he had ever been shot.  Ryan told them he hadn't but that he had been blown up by RPGs and hand grenades.  Golly it seems so weird to type that.  I'm just amazed at how far along Ryan has come in his recuperation.

The most poplular questions were about jumping.  How high were you when you jumped?  What do you do if the chute doesn't open?  What happens if the reserve chute doesn't open?  Were you afraid to jump?  And there were questions about the food, why Ryan joined the Army, etc.  Really, really good questions all around.

After about 20 or so minutes Mrs Rouse wrapped things up and thanked Ryan for coming.  Ryan did an excellent job.  There were still probably 20 hands in the air for questions.  I'm sure they were good ones, too.  Mrs. Rouse then gave Ryan a huge bag of letters that the students had written to him and his buddies.

I had to snag a photo of Nancy, Ryan and Frank.  It was really nice of Frank to come out to support Ryan. 

Frank and Ryan did some of that man/Warrior/Paratrooper/Herd/Sky Soldier talk for a few minutes before Frank had to leave

After Frank left Nancy, Ryan and I were standing near the stage chatting.  The students were still in the cafeteria and were signing each others yearbooks.  One of the students approached Ryan and asked if he would mind signing the yearbook.  Ryan, of course, said he would

And then...............the line formed

Ryan signed and signed

And signed.  The line was from the stage all the way to the back of the cafeteria.  For the longest time it never seemed to get any shorter. 

After 30 minutes or so I told Ryan I would go stand at the back of the line and not let anyone else get in the line.  I tried.  I REALLY, REALLY tried.  But those kids are SO cute and I kept letting "just one more" get in line in front of me.  At one point Ryan looked up and asked, "is the line getting shorter or longer?"  So I only let two more in and then I finally said, "sorry, we have to go."  As we were walking out a little girl came up to Ryan and asked him to sign her yearbook.  Ryan looked at me and I grinned.  Of course he signed it!

I couldn't help but think to myself that those kids have no idea about the Soldier who signed their books.  I know that's just perfectly fine with Ryan. 

So we left the school and went back to my house.  Frank came over a couple of hours later and the two Sky Soldiers drank beer, told war stories and visited all afternoon.  What an incredible treat for me to be able to listen in.  Very few people can tell a story the way Frank Rouse can.  At one point Frank asked if I didn't have something to do.  I'm crazy about Frank so I took the hint and left "the boys" alone for a while.  After school was out Nancy came over and had dinner with us then I took Ryan to the airport.  I really appreciate Nancy and Frank spending so much time with Ryan during his visit.  I had to giggle to myself when they exchanged phone numbers. 

What a wonderful weekend.  God has given me more blessings than any one human deserves.  I am so thankful.

Uncle Jimbo at Blackfive has been at it again.