I stood among Heroes.

JumpWing · Aug 16, 2008

I was invited to the Special Forces Assoc (SFA) Chapter XVI picnic today. Probably 120 people at this thing, and a host of old-timers (and their families) with service histories going back as far as Korea for some. At the picnic were also three CMH recipients, one from WWII. Great food, great beer, great stories. And some active members of the 1st SFG (Ft.Lewis) were on hand displaying some of their toys.

I'm proud of my wings, don't get me wrong, but standing in the midst of these guys was a VERY humbling experience.

Habu · Aug 17, 2008

What an awesome opportunity man. What a great place to be. Glad you had the opportunity.

Situations like that make me proud to be an American. I love it.

Oohrah · Aug 26, 2008

Not special forces, but Marines earn their wings or at least did
at Fort Benning, Ga. for recon. Do have a close friend and
neighbor down the road who maintains rightfully his pride in
being a green beanie. There not being many in this area, he
has joined the Marine Corps League where we find time to social-
ize over drinks and brewskis. Where mine is basic, I believe he
may have master jumper wings. Never asked, as we never get
past new ways of cooking snake, and turn to other endevors.
Don't know why but recon attended UDT (Navy) after army jump
back in those days. Still hate cold water !!!!! :s0112:

JumpWing · Aug 26, 2008

As far as I know, all branches earn jump wings at the Airborne School in Ft. Benning, GA. There were a couple of Navy SEALS in my class as well as Marines and I think a couple AF guys.

Oohrah · Aug 27, 2008

Okay explains a lot of things. Didn't have a lot of time to
mingle before it was double time to the next adventure!
Was able to use this later in life with USFS. Only worked a
couple of seasons as a hot shot crew leader. Almost starved
to death between seasons. Funny part was they didn't do
jumps, but Helo repels were mostly done. Found that fire
air currents were way too tricky I guess. Even Helo has its
drawback with the sad crash this year with nine killed from
oregon. The USFS jump school at Rough and Ready has long
been closed (outside of Cave Junction, Oregon).