Introduction - dad

[EXRUGGER45]

Hello,

My name is Jay. I live in Wisconsin, and my eldest is a Ranger in the 2/75. It's tough to describe to most folks what that means to me, but I'm guessing this is one place where it's understood. I remember when he came to live with me after deciding college wasn't for him. He worked a couple part-time jobs, but knew he was kind of twisting in the wind, not knowing what to do with his life. I suggested he might want to talk to a recruiter. When he got back from the Army recruiter he said, "Dad, I want to be a Ranger."

"Jeez, dude," I said with tongue planted in cheek. "Can't you aim a little higher?"

I and his family attended his graduation from Basic, and I already saw a difference in him - emerging leadership and a strength and patience I'd not seen from him before. Airborne was another test. He passed. Then R.I.P. I couldn't imagine putting myself through that. But he made it. He sent me a text when he graduated - no words, just a picture of his scroll. Now he's deployed and looking forward to Ranger School at some point.

I love to tell people I meet what my son does for "work." How do I respond, though, when they say: "Aren't you worried? Don't you fear for him?" Well… no. He has the best training, the best equipment and the best "mates" in the military. More importantly, he's doing what he LOVES! I usually tell them I'd rather have him in harm's way doing what he loves -- which just happens to be fighting for his country -- than be safe and sound and secure doing something with a weak and wilted heart. He's in the arena. He's shedding blood and sweat and tears with warriors/brothers. Why the hell would I "worry" about him? That's why God gave him a wild heart. I ENVY him.

When far too many people in this great land take it for granted or are openly hostile to the job you men are doing, just know there are a lot more of us out here who are thankful beyond words. Godspeed to my son and his mates.

[Nomad]

Welcome to ArmyRanger.com!

[Ranger Bill]

Awesome intro! Thanks for raising a warrior!

X2. If you have to explain it, they won't understand. If they understand, you don't have to explain.

[rgrwest]

Welcome and great intro.....

[Jim]

Excellent intro. You have reason to be proud of your son. I moved your intro to the right thread.

[garyedolan]

Welcome, justifiably Proud Dad. Thank you for your Patriotic values instilled in your Warrior Son. May he continue to make you proud and achieve all he sets out to accomplish.

[RANGER513]

Welcome here, Sir.

Thank you for joining our site, and for raising such a fine young warrior !

He is in THE best Ranger Battalion, ya know.

[Pop]

Welcome ......

Great intro. Thanks for raising a Warrior.

Always good to have another Parent on board.............

Especially another 2nd Batt Parent.

Look forward to seeing you on the Proud Parents Side.

[EXRUGGER45]

Thank you for the welcome and thanks to Ranger Jim for moving my intro to the right place. I'm kind of a luddite when it comes to 'puters and such.

[RRDTm3]

he said, "Dad, I want to be a Ranger."

"Jeez, dude," I said with tongue planted in cheek. "Can't you aim a little higher?"

Instant fucking classic, if your boy has your humor he should do well. Welcome

[Oto-Man]

Welcome here, Sir.

Thank you for joining our site, and for raising such a fine young warrior !

He is in THE best Ranger Battalion, ya know.

X2 Thanks.