82nd Division Review & Ranger School

This week was All-American Week here at Fort Bragg - a week that celebrates the troops that make up the 82nd Airborne Division both past and present. Since members of the Division came from all 48 states, the unit was given the nickname "All-American" in 1917 when it was formed - hence the "AA" shoulder patch. In 1942 it became the first airborne division in the US Army, and on June 5-6 1944, it was the Paratroopers of the 82nd that jumped into Normandy, France (D-Day) and were among the first to fight.

So what is a Division Review? Well, from my perspective as an Army Wife, it was around 18-19 THOUSAND Paratroopers in the 82nd Airborne Division (who had to be at work at 0345 all week) standing in formation in their respective Battalion's in a HUGE field for a long time - but looking VERY good. The band playing, Paratroopers jumping out of helicopters, the Secret Service making sure all is in order, and of course, the President giving his proud speech about the 82nd before he "passed & reviewed" the troops.

So what about us? Well, Ben successfully completed the 82nd's Pre-Ranger Course a week ago Thursday, and we have been trying to soak up every minute together before he leaves for Ranger School tomorrow morning at 0500. Please be praying with us. This is an extremely intense course, and we not only want him home in 62 days (there are 3 phases & we don't want him to have to repeat any phase!) but also in good health & with no injuries.

"Course Scope:

The U.S. Army's Ranger Course develops the combat arms related functional skills, of officer and enlisted volunteers who are eligible for assignment to units whose primary mission is to engage in the close-combat, and direct fire battle in order to return to the Army a mentally and physically tough leader capable of (planning, organizing, and executing) a small unit combat operation in any environment.

Special Information:

The Ranger Course consists of three phases. The first phase (Benning), is conducted at Fort Benning, Georgia for 20 days. The second phase (Mountain), is conducted near Dahlonega in the mountains of North Georgia for 21 days. The third and final phase (Swamp/Jungle/Urban), is conducted at Eglin Air Force Base in the North Western Florida for 18 days."

The first phase is the Benning Phase. There is a daily schedule if you are interested in following along with what he will be doing. Pray for strength & understanding both physically and mentally!

So what will I be doing? This is a good time for me to catch up with friends both here and in Canada :) I have been blessed to continue doing Portrait Sessions for the families of deployed soldiers here at Ft. Bragg - as well as some other sessions & weddings coming up this summer. Ben can see me only once for 8 hours during the RS - and I am going to be there for that one break!! And then I will be taking a trip to visit with some family & friends up in Canada before I will proudly go to his Ranger School Graduation.

We hope all of you are doing well and enjoy your summer. Please let me know if you want Ben's mailing address at RS. He has mentioned that getting letters from Family & Friends would give him a lot of encouragement to keep on keeping on!