Continuing a Legacy of Service

My grandfather was a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division. He served in the occupation of Japan in 1945. He was a huge influence in my life growing up, a big part of who I am today. Knowing my grandfather was a paratrooper was a big source of pride for me, even while I was a young man. When I finally made that decision to actually go in and join them, I wanted to do exactly what he did. I went to Fort Benning for a jump school. They asked us, you know, to volunteer if we wanted to. That was interesting and very challenging to be able to do that. So, you know, it made you want to be better than you were. Talk about things coming full circle. It was already incredible being able to go to the same school that my grandfather went to and, you know, jump off the same tower that my grandfather jumped off of. And then years later, able to serve in his same division. It's just, I mean, it almost feels like fate. Stand by. I was very proud to be a part of the 11th Airborne because they were outstanding as far as the paratroopers were concerned. And I was proud to be a part of it. He talked about the quality of NCOs that he had, the quality of officers. I want to be that leader to the young soldiers that are here in the 11th. So I feel a big responsibility serving in this unit because it is a part of my history and my family's legacy. Well, my grandson's a leader, and he looks after his fellow man, and I see the same thing. You know, you learn that in service is take care of your fellow man, and you got their back, and they got yours. So I was very proud of my grandson. He is a leader, and he does look after the troops, and he enjoys training them. Without fail, every time I'm getting ready for a jump, I always think of my grandfather. We take it for granted now. There's been millions of people who have earned the right to call themselves paratroopers throughout time. I think about that young boy from South Georgia, middle of nowhere, probably only seeing an airplane once or twice before he jumped out of one. I think about the courage and bravery that that took for him in 1945, and that really inspires me to do the best I can to lead my soldiers out the door.