tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3955593956514199702024-03-05T09:30:01.808-06:00From Cow Pastures To KosovoParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.comBlogger222125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-71614660564231886012016-10-04T13:52:00.001-05:002016-11-06T08:30:35.666-06:00173rd and 2-503rd Blanket/Throw Pre OrderUPDATE - The deadline for ordering has passed and the Paypal link has been removed. Thank you to those who ordered.
Ok folks. I've never used a Paypal link before so I hope this works. Fingers crossed I have this set up correctly. If not, please be patient.
Both of these blanket/throws are available for purchase. They measure 54 inches wide and 60 inches long. &ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-60923546212481553432015-08-11T14:33:00.000-05:002015-08-11T14:35:24.351-05:001st Annual New Hampshire 173rd Airborne BDE Association Foundation Charity Golf OutingA private residence in Amherst, NH and the Manchester Country Club located in Bedford, NH were the venues for an amazing weekend of camaraderie, golf and fund raising on August 2nd and 3rd, 2015. The purpose of the events was to raise money for the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association Foundation. The Association Foundation provides support for the Gold Star Families and the wounded fromParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-59639381679201194452014-06-24T21:00:00.002-05:002014-06-24T21:00:57.260-05:00Operation Enduring Freedom VIII, ROCK Paratrooper Medal of Honor Recipients and their Commander circa 2008, Vicenza, Italy
Back in 2008 when the 173rd redeployed from Operation Enduring Freedom VIII, a group of us came together to raise funds for a "Welcome Home" party for 2-503d. The group included folks who had family members and/or friends in 2nd Batt. The group included Gold Star families.
Over the years I have often gone back through the multitude of photos from that night. The memory is ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-38145942743693621872014-06-23T14:47:00.001-05:002014-06-25T20:55:01.909-05:00SSG (r) Ryan M Pitts to Receive Medal of Honor on 21 July 2014
SSG (r) Ryan M Pitts will receive the Medal of Honor in a White House ceremony on 21 July 2014 for his valorous actions at the Battle of Wanat, Afghanistan on 13 July 2008. Ryan, a Forward Observer, was serving with the 173rd, 2-503d, Chosen Company during OEF VIII at the time the Battle of Wanat occurred.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE &ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-71779033064194742372014-04-15T15:59:00.000-05:002014-04-15T16:18:48.244-05:00SGT (r) Kyle White to Receive Medal of Honor at White House Ceremony on 13 May 2014
On Tuesday May 13th, 2014 SGT (r) Kyle White will be awarded the Medal of Honor at a ceremony held at the White House. SGT White will receive the award for his actions on 9 November 2007 during an ambush near the village of Aranus in Nuristan Province of eastern Afghanistan. It's been such a long time coming.
I find it disheartening that if one searches the internet for ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-40272788307390102372014-04-15T07:47:00.000-05:002014-04-15T07:47:08.978-05:00SFC Chad Stackpole, Sergeant of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, makes his last walk and inspection
SFC Chad Stackpole
On Thursday, March 14, 2013, SFC Chad Stackpole made his last walk and inspection at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. I was privileged to be there to witness this event. I'm told that this event takes place about twelve times a year.
Many of you in the military community may recognize SFC Stackpole's name as the 2009ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-84246156505179239382013-04-01T20:38:00.001-05:002013-04-01T20:38:21.325-05:00Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the UnknownsI was in the DC/Virginia area for a couple of weeks recently. The more I visit there the more I wish I could live there for a few years because of all of the unique opportunities and events.
On Friday, March 15, 2013 I had the privilege of attending an Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. Vice Chief of Defense ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-69501946097663370752013-04-01T10:54:00.001-05:002013-04-01T10:54:16.733-05:00In the Farrier Shop with the Caisson Platoon of the 3d US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
The Main Caisson Stable at Fort Myer, VA
The Caisson Platoon is one of the Specialty Platoons of HHC Company of The 3d U. S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and is housed at Fort Myer in Virginia. I recently visited friends at Fort Myer and was able to experience several events and opportunities for which I am so grateful.
Those of you who follow me on facebook&ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-32260711251747149092012-12-14T11:20:00.000-06:002012-12-14T11:21:10.891-06:00Military Wife and Mom Asks That We Each Participate In "A Random Act of Kindness" For Her BirthdayI've been more than blessed with the folks I've met along the way as I've worked to help support the members and families of various military units the past few years.
One of my treasured friends is Angela Nestell. Angela is the wife of 1SG Michael Nestell, who is currently deployed (for the fourth time), and the mother of three fantastic children. She is one of the most ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-5901288913739041392012-12-03T11:21:00.001-06:002012-12-03T11:21:20.928-06:00"Living With Honor, A Memoir" by SSG Salvatore Giunta - Interview and Book Tour Dates
“Of course, I had no idea of the
cost that came with war. You have to be
there, and you have to see it for yourself, to fully understand it.” SSG Salvatore Giunta
When my advance copy of Living with Honor, A Memoir arrived it
took me a few hours before I finally sat down to read it. Since I know Sal and many of the men he
served with I was anxious as to what stories he ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-22614157946294200572012-11-18T11:04:00.002-06:002012-11-18T11:17:26.724-06:00Veteran's Day 2012 at Arlington National CemeteryJust as they have on most Memorial Day and Veteran's Day weekends for many years, a group of 173rd, 2-503d Vietnam Bravo Bulls Veterans gathered at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday November 10, 2012 to honor and remember the fallen from the 2-503d. They were joined by family and friends as well as other Vietnam Veterans and 2-503d Veterans of OEF VI and OEF VIII (Afghanistan) ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-9910620621268117432012-11-07T17:16:00.000-06:002012-11-08T08:20:23.779-06:00Remembering 1LT Ferrara, SGT Mersman, CPL Langevin, CPL Roque, SPC Lancour and SGT Bocks, KIA, Afghanistan 9 November 2007Five years ago tomorrow (9 November 2007) six American Warriors were killed in an ambush in eastern Afghanistan. Six family's lives were changed forever. Their battle buddies lives were changed forever. Legions of friends learned the news that these men had become American Heroes - Heroes to whom we owe so much we can never repay them.
Please take a few minutes to read about these men. HonorParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-53972547865086701622012-10-25T07:56:00.000-05:002012-10-25T07:56:24.563-05:00Remembering SGT Josh Brennan - Killed In Action on 26 October 2007 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan
SGT Josh Brennan
30 May 1985 – 26 October 2007
SGT Josh Brennan succumbed to his wounds on October 26, 2007 after being shot multiple times during an ambush on October 25th, 2007. Josh, a member of the 173rd ABCT, 2-503rd, Battle Company, was killed in action during Operation Rock Avalanche. SSG Sal Giunta was awarded the Medal of Honor for his action that day when he, among other ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-88362961749576604332012-10-24T16:06:00.000-05:002012-10-24T16:30:50.961-05:00Remembering SPC Hugo "Doc" Mendoza, KIA October 25, 2007 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan
SPC Hugo "DOC" Mendoza died of wounds sustained when he came in contact with enemy forces using RPG, machine gun and small arms fire during Operation Rock Avalanche combat operations on Oct 25, 2007 in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. He was serving with Battle Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment.
SPC Hugo Victor Mendoza was born on 23 March 1978 in California and ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-78731988959860504462012-10-22T18:15:00.002-05:002012-10-22T18:15:57.787-05:00Remembering SSG Larry Rougle - KIA in Kunar Province, Afghanistan 23 October 2007
SSG Larry Rougle
06 May 1982 – 23 October 2007
SSG Larry Rougle was killed in action five years ago. For those who knew and loved him the loss and pain doessn't seemed to get any easier. It never will.
SSG Rougle was on his sixth deployment when he was killed in action on 23 October 2007 during Operation ROCK Avalanche. SSG Rougle had deployed to Iraq three times and was on ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-44579214719559403942012-10-15T13:12:00.002-05:002012-10-15T13:12:28.445-05:00American Legion National Commander 2012-13, James E "Jimmy" Koutz
American Legion National Commander James E Koutz
It was both a privilege and a learning experience to witness the election of Mr. Koutz as the American Legion's Commander for 2012-2013.
I found the election process to be quite interesting. They began the process by nomination of Mr. Koutz. Once the nomination was complete they began the election process via an alphabetical "ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-31664744478407954362012-10-14T10:30:00.003-05:002012-10-14T10:30:40.875-05:00A Poignant Story About a WWII Veteran From This Weekend's Honor Flight Out of TexasOn Friday October 12, 2012 the tenth Honor Flight from Texas departed from DFW to Washington, DC. On board were many of our incredible WWII Veterans and a group of amazing Volunteers. Several friends of mine were volunteers on that flight. Donna was a volunteer for a Marine, Mr. S.
There are so many stories about our WWII Veterans that go untold. There are many ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-3656686240257850182012-10-02T21:53:00.001-05:002012-10-02T21:53:16.049-05:00Remembering the Fallen of COP Keating/Kamdesh October 3, 2009Three years ago today eight American Heroes gave their lives and 22 more were wounded when OP Fritsche and COP Keating were attacked by the enemy in Kamdesh, Afghanistan.
Today the pain is still so fresh for the families and the survivors.
Please take some time to read about the Fallen Heroes of COP Keating. Click on each link below to read more about what their families, friends, ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-49990091220674906602012-09-23T08:58:00.002-05:002012-09-23T08:58:41.973-05:00Remembering SFC Matthew Blaskowski - KIA COP Vegas, Afghanistan on September 23, 2007
Today is the five year anniversary of the death of SFC Matthew D. Blaskowski who was killed in action at Firebase Vegas in eastern Afghanistan. Not one day has gone by that I (along with MANY others) haven't thought about and deeply missed Matt aka Sergeant Ski.
I've written many times about Matt. Today I'd like to remember Matt by sharing an excerpt from a prior blog post,ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-41893457216906464342012-09-10T09:00:00.000-05:002012-09-30T11:25:27.501-05:00Sky Angels of OEF XIII - May They All Rest In PeaceI pray two things each day; that I never have to add another name to this post and that the families of these heroes find the way to work through their grief and loss.
Rest in Peace Heroes. We will NEVER forget your sacrifice nor will we EVER allow your lives to be forgotten.
SSG Orion Sparks, 29, of Tuscon, Arizona, died Sept. 26, in Pul-E Alam, Afghanistan, of injuries ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-33640471621848806852012-09-04T11:45:00.003-05:002012-09-04T11:45:23.561-05:00My American Legion Convention ExperienceI recently attended the American Legion's annual convention in Indianapolis. I was invited to attend as a guest of the American Legion. I really didn't know what to expect before I went but I sure left there with a new appreciation for the organization.
I thought I knew what the American Legion was but quickly realized that I didn't have a clue about the breadth of their programs.&ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-22356052580325956722012-09-02T10:03:00.002-05:002012-09-02T10:03:19.912-05:00173rd ABCT Commander Takes the Stars and Stripes to TaskIt's such a shame that the Commander of the 173rd ABCT had to write the following letter to the editor of Stars and Stripes but I give HUGE kudos to COL Andy Rohling for doing so. His letter is absolutely on point. Why is it so impossible for the staff and editors of the Stars and Stripes to celebrate the accomplishments of the majority of our men in women in uniform asParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-1868004699422457182012-08-30T09:27:00.001-05:002012-08-30T09:27:32.849-05:00American Legion Convention 2012 - Spirit of Service Award RecipientsFrom the American Legion 94th National Convention Program:
The Spirit of Service Award, now in its 13th year, is given to outstanding military professionals in each of the five service branches who are actively committed to volunteer community service during their off-duty hours.
Each service member is selected by his or her command office.
NOTE: Information below in italics was taken ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-34192394769634419772012-08-29T13:41:00.002-05:002012-08-29T13:41:16.102-05:00American Legion Convention 2012 - LTG Kelly's Speech (Linked from Ace of Spades)DrewM, a blogger at Ace of Spades wrote this excellent blog post about LTG John Kelly's (USMC) speech to the American Legion yesterday. Ace of Spades is an incredible blog. They get more hits in ten minutes than I get in a year. If you don't have them bookmarked you should.
I STRONGLY encourage each of you to go read Drew's post. More so I encourage you to listen to ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395559395651419970.post-43968171529813709502012-08-28T21:55:00.005-05:002012-08-28T21:55:43.796-05:00Mark Seavey "Does" the American Legion ParadeMark doesn't make any bones about the fact that he LOVES the American Legion Parade. After attending my first one this past Sunday, I understand why he does. I know I've already posted about the parade but while going through my photos and the ones that Donna Cranston took I felt like it was appropriate that Mark have his own post.
ParachuteCutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116825582306765686noreply@blogger.com1