Friends,

Just a quick note to let you know that my son Sean,  Pvt2, US Army has successfully completed Airborne School at Fort Benning and has returned to his unit in Germany. Sean is assigned to HHC, 173rd Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, in Bamberg, Germany. He's also been transferred from his job as a Humvee driver to the gunner's position, which he tells me he finds much more agreeable, and well as emotionally satisfying what with getting to play with his machine gun, putting rounds downrange, etc. Something I suspect we can all understand.

He's had his first jump with his company since returning to them a week ago, and says he cottons to the lifestyle a lot better now that he's actually with a unit rather than in training commands, etc. I had tried to tell him that, and point out that life would indeed be different once he got to his parent command, but when you are young and immortal, and crave the adrenaline fix that he does, time seems to never move fast enough.

Anyway, sorry to wax on. I'm very proud of what this young man has done. He's gone from being a high-school drop out and veritable scallywag and slacker, to getting his GED, joining the world's finest Army, and getting his jump wings, not to mention being assigned to a storied brigade. Now he's an airborne scallywag. heh. He tells me that his next goal is to become a fire team leader, make it to sergeant and become a squad leader. Wouln't surprise me if he did, either. But I told him to make certain he takes it one solid step at a time. Keep your eyes on the prize, but remember to make certain the ladder to success is firmly planted on a solid foundation.

Well, that's it from here. Trusting that this finds you and yours well and prospering, I remain,

Respectfuly,

AW1 Tim
 

And we'll add our own, Well Done, Sky Soldier!