Chairborne Ranger Introduction

[AirborneGeekRanger]

Greetings,

My name is Gary P and I'm a tabber from class 07-01. I served in the 101st Airborne (ASSLT) at Fort Campbell, KY from 1999 to 2002 as a 3-187th Infantry (Rakkasan) Rifleman/Team Leader. While at this duty station I earned my Air Assault Wings, Expert Infantry Badge, Ranger Tab, and Airborne Wings (in that order). I reenlisted and landed in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii with the 25th Infantry (Light) Tropic Lightning 125th Military Intelligence LRSD as an assistant team leader. During my short stay there I went through S.P.I.E.S and F.R.I.E.S training and Malaysian Man Tracker MTT school and logged 20+ jumps.

I volunteered for SF training and successfully passed SFAS in early 2003. Upon arrival to the "Q" course my youngest sister passed away and I left the course on a voluntary withdrawal. After taking some time to be with my family, I request to return to Fort Campbell, KY in August 2003, where I took a job with the 2-187th Infantry as a Scout Sniper/Recon Team Leader. My unit had already been deployed to Sinjar, Iraq. I joined them and "fought the war on terrorism". While deployed I conducted numerous reconnaissance missions and I earned my Combat Infantryman’s Badge in December of 2003 and was promoted to Staff Sergeant. We returned in January of 2004 and I took a job as the 3rd BDE Pre-Ranger Instructor for the 101st Airborne in March of 2004.

During my time at the Pre-Ranger camp, I attended and graduated from the DA Instructor Trainer’s Course and earned my Pathfinder torch while coaching and mentoring soldiers in preparation for the worst and best 68 days of their lives. I was student evaluated as the Instructor of the Cycle multiple times and earned the nickname from fellow instructors as the “Candyman”.

In June of 2005 I was riding my motorcycle to work to teach an OPORD class. I was cruising northbound and a woman traveling southbound decided to enter my lane while I was going 55mph. I hit her front right quarter panel and flew 100 yards from the point of impact. Wearing my ACU’s and helmet may have saved my life, but my legs were ruined. My left knee was hyper-extended and my foot was touching my helmet. All of the ligaments in both knees were torn. After many surgeries and many months of physical therapy, I was able to walk again with a cane.

My Brigade Combat Team deployed to Samarra, Iraq in November of 2005 and I was left behind as the Rear Detachment Commander of HHC while I continued physical therapy. In July of 2006, after many denied request to join my unit in theatre, my Company Commander authorized me to join my unit. When I arrived in-country, my legs were about 70%. I had a metal rod in my left femur, two screws in my left knee, two screws in my left hip, and all new cadaver ligaments in my right knee. My Battalion CSM decided that I was not to be placed back on the line and I was given an S-Shop position as the BN Civil Military Operations NCOIC. I felt like my “Hooah Days” were over. During the end of the deployment, I decided to reenlist and become a Drill Instructor. I took the 4 years and $20,000 bonus tax free incentive and chose Fort Sill, OK.

When we returned from Iraq in October of 2006, I started my physical training regimen to prepare for Drill Instructor training. My right knee began to pop out of socket and swell around the 4th or 5th mile on runs. I went to the doctors to have it repaired and was told that my knee could not be repaired and I had two choices; Re-class to a different MOS or Medical Board out of the Army. I chose the latter thinking that I would be better off (mentally) as a civilian rather than being sent to a POG (no offense to Personnel Other-than Grunts) unit. I assumed the Army would cut me loose and send me on my way. The MEDBOARD came back with Retirement and a 60% disability rating. I officially retired in June 0f 2007 with 8 years military service. I receive a VA check + Chapter 31 Voc-Rehab for college each month. Serving in the military was the greatest thing I could have every done. I am proud to be a Ranger and will never forget the life lessons learned.

Currently I work for the Army Corps of Engineers as an IT Specialist in Tulsa, OK. I am married with two girls 10 & 7 and a baby on the way. I grew my beard and hair long and most are shocked when they hear what I used to do for a living. It is quite a lifestyle change. That’s my story. Thanks for reading and Rangers Lead The Way!

[Jim]

I took the liberty of editing your message for OPSEC reasons. Welcome...

[CharlieRanger1FFV]

Welcome to the site . . .sit down and stay awhile.


RLTW!!!

[McD]

Welcome!

[Ranger Ron]

Welcome to ArmyRanger.com and thanks for your service to our great country!

[K.Ingraham]

Welcome Warrior!
Glad to have you here. Women drivers & two-wheelers do not mix...

[panthersix]

Welcome hippy! :)

[Slowpoke]

Holy shit!!! Great introduction youngster.....welcome!

[Rangerguru]

Welcome to the site.

[Steadfast]

Welcome Ranger.

PM inbound.

[RangerTee]

Welcome, Ranger...!!

... went through the same type of thing medically that you did (broken back, body cast, etc.), and made the same decision you made (just couldn't see myself as a supply sgt., personnel sgt., etc.). It gets easier to deal with in some ways over time... not that there's anything wrong with those MOS's, they are necessary and vital to the Army... just not my cup of tea...

One of my fellow Rangers from 1st Batt who had a similar experience and was also medically discharged described it as:

"I felt like a failure for fifteen years afterward because I couldn't hang physically anymore... it's that old ethic we all have... you ain't dead yet, Ranger, get up, take 2 salt tablets and drive on...!!"

Enjoy your family and your new profession (IT, huh...? ...been doing that for over 30 years now).

Glad to have you aboard!

[K.Ingraham]

Welcome, Ranger...!!

... went through the same type of thing medically that you did (broken back, body cast, etc.), a!

and you still have a brokedick.

[mortar_guy78]

Welcome. I feel your pain, bro. I had to choose between MEB and MMRB myself, but I chose to stay in. Now I am waiting on an answer for a 35L (Counterintelligence) packet. I could not see myself as a PAC clerk either, but I figured there's gotta be something less gay out there. Besides maybe it will give me a marketable skill other than blowing shit up and shooting people in the face.

Again, welcome to the site and thanks for serving.