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187th Rakkasans – part (3)
By the Persian Gulf War in 1990, the 101st Airborne, along with the Rakkasans of the 3rd Brigade had converted from airborne to air assault troops. During that 100 days of ground combat, the 1/187 Infantry conducted an air assault 155 miles behind enemy lines to Objective Weber capturing over 400 Iraqi soldiers on February 25, 1991. (48 years to the day after they were formed). The operation into the Euphrates River valley cut off the retreating enemy out of Kuwait. The Rakkasans had advanced further than any other Allied unit, proven the viability of the air assault on the modern battlefield, and did so without a single soldier killed in action.
As part of the Global War on Terror (GWT), the Rakkasans deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in December 2001. As such, the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne became the first Army brigade to deploy in the ongoing war on terror. The Rakkasans fought against the Taliban in eastern Afghanistan, which included Operation Anaconda in March 2002.
Rakkasans in the Gulf War
Seven months after their return from Afghanistan, the 3rd Brigade deployed to Kuwait for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF1). On March 20, 2003 the Rakkasans led the 101st Airborne Division into Iraq, establishing Forward Area Refueling Points (FARPs) to support deep attacks into Iraq. They seized the city of Hillah and participated in the liberation of Saddam Hussein International Airport before going on to occupy portions of Baghdad. The BDE then moved to western Ninewah province along the Syrian border for the remainder of the deployment, establishing fledgling governance and reconstruction projects for the betterment of the local population, while continuing operations against insurgents.
The 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division returned to Fort Campbell in early 2004 and was reorganized under Army Transformation as the 3rd Brigade Combat Team (BCT). The 3BCT then began a train up for returning to Iraq. They deployed in September 2005 for OIF rotation 05-07. During this year-long deployment the Rakkasans fought the growing Sunni insurgency in Salah Ad Din Province, which included Saddam Hussein’s hometown of Tikrit.
The Rakkasans deployed again to Iraq for OIF 07-09 as part of the Iraq Surge in September 2007. This rotation took the 3BCT to southwest and southern Baghdad between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. This time the brigade was deployed for 15 months and conducted operations against both Sunni and Shia insurgents.
The Rakkasans returned home in November 2008. After their fourth refit and re-training period since 9/11, the 3d Brigade Combat Team deployed again in January 2010. This time they went to Afghanistan in support of OEF 10-11 as part of Regional Command-East near the Afghan-Pakistan border. The Rakkasans were home in early 2011, but redeployed to Afghanistan again in September 2012. They came home to Fort Campbell in May 2013 and are again preparing for their next deployment.
The banner under the distinctive unit insignia of the 187th Infantry Regiment (Airborne) bears the Latin words Ne Desit Virtus, meaning “Let Valor Not Fail.” The soldiers of the 187 Infantry from every era have certainly upheld their motto.
To be continued………
Click on images to enlarge.
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Military Humor – 
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Farewell Salutes –
George C. Allen – Morgantown, WV; US Army, WWII, ETO, 7th Army
James Boak – Kosk-onong, MO; USMC, WWII
2020 POW/MIA poster unveiled
Glen E. Collins – Tucson, AZ; US Army, Korea, Pfc., Heavy Mortar Co/1/32/7th Infantry Division, KIA (Chosin Reservoir)
Hugh Dischinger Sr. – Chicago, IL; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, fighter pilot
John E. Gillen – Champaign, IL; USMC, WWII, PTO, Pfc., Co D/1/6/2nd Marine Division, KIA (Tarawa)
Mejhor Morta – Pensacola, FL; US Army, Pvt., mechanic, 1/5/2/1st Cavalry Division
Regis Philbin – NYC, NY; US Navy, supply officer / TV personality
John Haig Robinson – TeAwamutu, NZ; RNZ Navy, WWII, HMNZS Achilles
Roy Shibata – Denver, CO; US Army Air Corps, WWII, / Civilian, US Army
Charles Wood – Redwood City, CA; US Army, WWII, SSgt., HQ Battery/899th Field Artillery Battalion / actor
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US Air Force Birthday
Happy Birthday to all our Flyboys!!
Thunderbird pilots w/ their planes
The official birthday for the US Air Force is 18 September 1947 as enacted under the National Security Act of 1947.
See the video for the US Air Force 67th Birthday right Here!
HIGH FLIGHT
by: John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of – Wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flug My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delicious burning blue I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod The high untresspassed sanctity of space, Put…View original post 147 more words
Marine Dog – Lucca
Two Heroes!
Marine dog, Lucca, was given a wonderful tribute in the Parade Sunday magazine. After more than 400 missions in Afghanistan, no one had been hurt by an IED when they were with her. She was the only one that the Green Berets felt comfortable hugging after a tough day.
Mamma Lucca, as she is nicknamed, was injured herself. Handler Col. Juan “Rod” Rodriguez quickly applied a tourniquet and she was air-lifted to one veterinary team after another in all-out attempts to save her life. They succeeded, but Lucca lost her left-front leg in the action. You can see her honorary Purple Heart on her harness. Today she lives with her original trainer, Gunnery Sgt. Chris Willingham and his family. She continues to serve at VA hospitals and in schools.
Could someone please explain to me WHY this Hero’s Purple Heart is considered HONORARY??
If anyone is interested in adopting one of these dogs, check into – US War Dogs.org.
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Farewell Salutes –
Heroes R.I.P.
Stanley “Stosh” Bargy – Mattydale, NY; US Navy, Korea
G. Hayden Green – Anchorage, AK; US Army, Korea
Robert Harris – Plymouth, IN; USMC, Korea
Eugene Humphries – Shelley, ID; US Army, WWII, Aleutians & PTO
James Novak, Sr – Olathe, KS; US Army, WWII
Winfield Ruder – Wappingers Falls, NY; Merchant Marines, WWII
George Tillman – Perry, FL; US Army, WWII & Korea, SSgt.
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US Air Force Birthday
Thunderbird pilots w/ their planes
The official birthday for the US Air Force is 18 September 1947 as enacted under the National Security Act of 1947.
See the video for the US Air Force 67th Birthday right Here!
HIGH FLIGHT
by: John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of – Wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flug My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delicious burning blue I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod The high untresspassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
US Army Air Corps, “Hap” Arnold’s wings
From Andrew Reynolds in our comments, the Air Force Song –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl3I-fYYaoA&feature=youtu.be
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Air Force Humor – 
With all the cut backs – they need to test the new equipment
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Farewell Salutes –
Jay Angell – Wellsville, NY; US Army Air Corps, SSgt., WWII
May they soar w/ their fellow pilots forever….
John Archer – Boise, ID; US Air Force, Korea, (Ret. 20 years)
David Blatchford – Colorado; US Army Air Corps, WWII
Robert Morris – Glen Ridge, NJ; US Army Air Corps, 2nd Lt., WWII
Edwin Neff – Richmond Hill, NY; US Army Air Corps, WWII, Middle East
Homer Scales Jr. – Newburgh, IN; US Air Force, Korea
James Slayter – Topeka, KS; US Air Force, Korea
P.J. Thomas – Jacksonville, FL; US Army Air Corps, Col. (Ret.), Bronze Star
Leslie Utley – Mayville, NY; US Army Air Corps, WWII
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Pacific Paratrooper 