John Wayne Lives: We Trained And Had Lunch Together - Last Month
By Steven A. Castleton
May 7, 2009
Page 3 of 4
I also wanted to experience the type of training that the best equipped military in the world receives. So on I went.
Fort Bragg is the home of the famous 82nd Airborne. From Sergeant Alvin C. York, to Omar N. Bradley to Matthew B. Ridgway to Major General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, these leaders have led our fathers, uncles, brothers, cousins and now our mothers and sisters into battle.
From Camp Claiborne, Louisiana to North Africa, Sicily and Salerno, from Grenada to Panama to Iraq the 82nd Airborne was there. Taking part in Operation's named OVERLORD, MARKET-GARDEN, POWER PACK, JUST CAUSE and ENDURING FREEDOM, the real story about the 82nd Airborne is the thousands of unnamed paratroopers in jump boots, baggy pants and maroon berets, who have always been ready and willing to jump into danger and then drive on until the mission was accomplished. As Edward Magorium once said "Your life is an occasion, rise to it!", all of these heroes have continually risen to meet any and all challenges head on.
The Airborne jump tower training brought back memories of the first time I went skydiving a few years ago. After suiting up, I took one of the longest walks I have ever taken to the top of the jump tower. Surprisingly, jumping out held up by a single cable was easy as the last words I heard from a member of the 82nd Airborne were "don't worry, I got you". I would just like to know who was responsible for the sudden wind gust when I jumped...
All that was missing from the jump tower training was "Ballad of the Green Berets," being sung by Sgt. Barry Sadler.
Why are our Armed Forces the best in the world? Because they receive the best possible training. Our Military leaders know that even if a Captain can fly a Blackhawk Helicopter in combat, it does not mean she can keep the Humvee "wheels on the ground" instead of "wheels-up".
The realism in the Humvee convoy training is a wonder to behold. Just ask my shoulders after firing numerous rounds on the 50cal mounted on the back of the Humvee. When many of you tell your children that they should not be playing video games, remember, it is those children who grew up to design these real life "training exercises" that are saving numerous lives.
Next was the M4 and M16 training. Training so real down to the very last detail that I cannot talk about all of it. But let me say this to the dedicated trainers, thank you for training our heroes.
With the way we ate at the officers club one evening I was all ready for PT with Captain Mondido at 0530. But sorry Captain Mondido, I only made it in spirit.
Before departing Fort Bragg I had the chance to enjoy a dinner with many of the heroes I have come to know and train with. Jenn, Greg (aka Adrian Cronauer), Rich, Cory, Natalie, Townsend thanks for a great week. And Colonel Montera, beginning the dinner with your impassioned reading of the Pledge of Allegiance reminded all of us what this country is all about. Vinny, I proudly salute you!
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