I was whisked down to Fort Bragg, NC – home of the 82d Airborne and Special Forces to witness and participate in a rather distinctive event of The Regimental First Formation of the Special Forces.
Three noted members of the Special Forces were inducted as “Distinguished Members of the Special Forces Regiment” and awarded plaques. These include:
- Colonel Ola Lee Mize – Medal of Honor Recipient
- Lieutenant Colonel Charles A. Aycock
- Command Sergeant Major Ronnie A. McCan
After the induction & awards, the soldiers who have been immersed in their Special Forces training reached the point where they were allowed to put on and wear their Green Berets for the first time. (The following day was graduation…)
I also reconnected with a General who I had met several years ago and I updated him on the progress I’ve made (he’s gone from 1 star to 3 stars … so I believe he’s making great progress!) When I showed him the array of offerings that I now have, he turned to his Aide-de-Camp. The next thing we were shaking hands and I found what’s below in my palm.
Thank you General for recognizing my work!
Later, I once again re-visited the JFK Warfare Museum and spent some time with the Director / Curator. It was a very informative several minutes which I wished would have never ended. She shared some rather interesting background on the development of uniforms and heraldry items that LTG Wm P. Yarborough orchestrated.
I later walked the halls where the General and those who have followed his footsteps have walked. It was a great feeling.
In the distance, I heard the echoing sounds of the GUNS… they were having live fire on one of the ranges on FT Bragg.
Posted 4 years, 3 months ago at 12:08 am. Add a comment
The details of this will follow — I just wanted to get this photo up on the blog — I’m still reeling from the awarding of it.
Posted 5 years, 5 months ago at 11:30 pm. Add a comment
It was early, and I needed more ink for the mailing I was doing, so off to Staples I went.
While waiting there for them to retrieve the ink cartidge for me, I spotted a man all adorned with his military insignia, so I engaged him only to find out that he was both a Korean and Vietnam veteran AND Special Forces, 5th Group to be exact … I know many who have served in that group and are headquartered at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
After I learned some of his service, I shared with him the way I’m “giving back” with the photography at Arlington National Cemetery and the final honors.
He reached into his pocket and then offered his hand for me to shake it… in his palm was his own personal challenge coin…
“Thank you sir… Thank you for your service.” I said to him.
Posted 5 years, 6 months ago at 12:00 pm. Add a comment
Since late June, I have been following and photographing the Presidential Salute Battery – “The Guns Platoon” of the 3d Infantry Regiment – “The Old Guard” The initial interest was to capture a few photos that would be inserted into an Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) Memorial Book that I’m preparing from the final honors of a noted General. After one mission, I was convinced that the men of this elite unit (the only one of its kind in the entire US Army) were really something else and the way that they performed their missions were just truly a spectacular event that unfurls with such precision.
Well today, the platoon sergeant, SFC Flinta, surprised me – awarding me the challenge coin of the platoon and making me part of the platoon – their photographer.
I’m truly honored and appreciative of this. Thank you!
Posted 5 years, 7 months ago at 10:00 pm. Add a comment
