August 2010
Vol.1 Issue 8
This month I am continuing my theme of resiliency. I first wrote about how we needed to know who we were in the past in order to bounce back. The following month I wrote on how we need to continue to talk about the changes that are happening in our lives in order to lessen the shock of redeployment. This month I wanted to talk about some ways to help us look toward the future. I know many of us are thinking a lot about the future these days. As we grow closer and closer to redeployment I know many of us are already making plans for what we want to do, where we want to go and who we want to see. It is really an exciting time for everyone who has been working so hard for so long. But this is also a great time to look at ourselves and try to dig deep into who we are and what we want to be, especially as we think about being together again with those we love. We know that we have all changed in small and large ways but what changes can we control for the better? How can I work to make myself a better person in general? What am I as a person? What am I not? How can a make myself who I want to be? I am not talking about weight loss, looks or accomplishments. I am talking about things like character, honor, integrity, selfless service and much more, the things that make us who we are at the core. It is a difficult question for us to ask ourselves and honestly evaluate. Over the years I have developed some questions that I like to periodically ask myself in order to assess my character. I have found that Character reveals itself in five main areas of our life: relationships, words, work, money and morality. Relationships are the biggest indicators of our character. How do I treat the people I love? How do I treat people I work with? How do I treat friends and people I simply meet on the street or in the grocery store line? Do I truly take an interest in their lives and am I willing to go out of my way to serve or help others? Am I faithful through difficult times or do I only contact family and friends when I need something?
August 2010
Vol.1 Issue 8
Words are the next big indicator. Am I a man of my word? We all like to say it, “my word is my bond,” but is it? Do I gossip or tell things that were told in private? Do I tell “white lies” to make myself look better or to cover up for something I did? Can I be counted on to show up when I say I will? Do I follow through with my promises? How we view our work is also an indicator of our character. Do I see the mission above my own needs or do I view the place as simply there to serve me? Do I think through how I can make things better or do I complain about how everything is wrong? Do I make the extra effort and see myself as a part of the team or is it all about me? Next is our money and things. How do I spend money? Do I spend more than I make? Do I often find myself in financial trouble or struggling? Do I take or borrow from others and not give back? Do I maintain the things that I own? Finally there is morality. Do I have a clear idea of right and wrong? Does my conscience stop me from when I am tempted or do I easily give in? Do I know when to draw the line and walk away or engage? Do I have the ability to do the right thing even when it is hard or may cost me? These are all pretty tough questions but I find that when I meditate on them I can find areas that I need to think about and work on. As we draw near to redeployment I would encourage you to take a look at these questions and think about who you are, who you are not and who you truly want to be. I will close with this thought. As a chaplain I get to see a lot of peoples character revealed. I am always encouraged at quality of Soldiers we have here in the BSB. We truly are blessed by a great group of Soldiers, Families and friends and I am honored to serve with each one. May God Bless You in every way!
OF THE 173D
173d Airborne Brigade Memorial Dedication
Dedication The 173d Airborne Brigade Memorial is dedicated with unwavering gratitude: To Sky Soldiers of all generations who serve with uncommon valor in response to our nation’s call. To the families of Sky Soldiers who sacrifice so much without recognition. To our Gold Star families whose personal sufferings defy description. To our gallant allies with whom we share the belief that our heritage and freedom must be protected regardless of the cost. May it stand as a stark reminder to the citizens of America that the democracy we cherish is purchased at considerable cost in terms of suffering and loss -- freedom is not free. 1 June 2010
One Flag, One Land, One Heart, One Hand, One Nation Ever More. – Oliver Wendell Holmes
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team FOB Shank, Afghanistan 09634 Sky Soldiers, Families & Friends,
On this day we recognize past, present and future Sky Soldiers – men and women who have proudly served in uniform and delivered for the United States of America each and every time they’ve been looked to. Their accomplishments are praiseworthy, their sacrifices immeasurable and with this memorial we honor all Sky Soldiers.
Our bond, as Sky Soldiers is being part of a proud and decidedly tough group of professional warriors who throughout our history have shown resolve and commitment to every mission. To our veterans, I salute you and recognize the tremendous commitments and sacrifices you have made. You have paved the way, set the standards of excellence and gave all that you had. You’ve lost comrades, served in distant locations, apart from your loved ones, given so much of yourselves that I write this letter humbled, glad for this opportunity to help announce the unveiling of this fine memorial and assert to all of our membership that this is your tribute – this pays homage to your service and will help say to any and all visitors that those who served shall forever be remembered. Yours is a lasting legacy now made tangible thanks to this fine memorial. To some this memorial will be a tribute, to others a gathering place when veterans reassemble far from the fields of combat, and still to others, sadly ‐ a final point of remembrance for a lost buddy. Whichever of these things the memorial will represent, it honors the proud paratroopers for which it is named.
Sky Soldiers are paratroopers, first and foremost. The men and women who have worn this patch, represent the epitome of Soldierly virtues that the Army has to offer. Our vision and mission statements are clear about the high standards that are expected from our Sky Soldiers on day one. And they have never let us down. It is the Airborne way. For any trooper who has worn the Sky Soldier patch, there really is no substitute for the kind of pride that is yours to claim – those who have served in this brigade or been members of our extended Army Families and friends, who have supported their Sky Soldiers over the last 50+ years.
On the occasion of this ceremony, the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team is serving once again in Afghanistan, in support of OEF‐X. The baton passes from generation to generation. Times change, but the high standards and traditions of fine units do not waiver. When our nation calls, “The Herd” is ready.
Intact today are the legacies forged by the Sky Soldiers, who have leapt from aircraft, grabbed their rifles and delivered on their commitments to this nation and all it stands for. I know the greatness of the Sky Soldiers, and it’s found in their hearts and souls; they are warriors who are battle‐tested professionals, hard‐working, dedicated troopers – those who have served in peace or war, those who have made history and those whose lives have made a difference. This memorial is yours. It pays homage to you, your comrades, our Fallen, and our future paratroopers.
Sky Soldiers! Colonel Jim Johnson Bayonet‐6
OF THE 173D
History of the 173d Airborne Brigade by North Vietnamese regiments into the Vietnamese Highlands, and participated in the fiercely contested 1968 Tet Offensive. In early 1969, Brigade elements conducted an amphibious assault against North Vietnamese/Viet Cong forces entrenched in the Bong Son Littoral. The Brigade then transitioned to platoon and company size operations for the duration of its service in Vietnam. The 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) was activated on 26 March 1963 on the Island of Okinawa. Commanded by Brigadier General Ellis W. Williamson, the Brigade was designated as the Pacific Command Rapid Reaction Force. Chinese Nationalist paratroopers nicknamed the unit “Sky Soldiers” as a result of their numerous parachute jumps around the Pacific Rim between 1963 and 1965. The Sky Soldiers were also nicknamed, “The Herd.” Lead elements of the 173d arrived in South Vietnam on 5 May 1965, the first major U. S. Army ground combat unit to deploy there. From 1965 until June 1967, the Brigade conducted combat operations against heavily entrenched enemy forces in War Zones C and D and the Iron Triangle. On 22 February 1967, Sky Soldiers conducted the only combat parachute assault of the Vietnam war as part of operation Junction City. During the summer and fall of 1967, the Sky Soldiers blocked repeated incursions
During its six year and four month deployment, the Brigade served in all four South Vietnam Corps areas. The longest serving unit in continuous combat in the history of the U. S. Army, Sky Soldiers earned 14 campaign streamers and numerous unit citations. 13 were awarded the Medal of Honor, 46 the Distinguished Service Cross and 1,736 the Silver Star. Numerous Sky Soldiers received the Bronze Star, and over 8,000 the Purple Heart. 1,641 paratroopers lost their lives. The last element of the 173d Airborne Brigade returned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky on 25 August 1971, and the unit was deactivated on 14 January 1972. On 12 June 2000, The Brigade colors were again unfurled at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, as the 173d Airborne Brigade was reactivated to serve as the European Command Airborne Strategic Reaction Force. During the next 30 months, Sky Soldiers conducted numerous training deployments to European Theater countries including Bosnia, Kosovo, Hungary, Morocco, Poland and the Czech Republic.
On 26 March 2003, The 173d Airborne Brigade added to its distinguished heritage by conducting a mass parachute assault into Bashur, Northern Iraq. Nine Sky Soldiers died during this year long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. One Sky Soldier was awarded the Silver Star. In February 2005, The 173d Airborne Brigade deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom VI. One Battalion operated along the Afghan-Pakistani border in the northeast, with the rest of the Brigade operating in the south. 17 Sky Soldiers died during this one year deployment. Five Sky Soldiers were awarded the Silver Star. In May 2007, the expanded 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, consisting of six battalions, deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VIII. The Sky Soldiers were repeatedly tested in battle but prevailed to bring security and economic development to the regional populace. The Brigade returned to Europe in late July 2008. 43 Sky Soldiers died during the 15 month deployment. To date, one Sky Soldier has received the Distinguished Service Cross and 29 have been awarded the Silver Star. During November 2009, the Brigade Combat Team began its third deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom X, with elements assuming areas of operation in Kunar, Logar and Wardak Provinces.