Screaming Eagles

It takes a lot of things to be part of the 101^st Airborne Division, Air Assault , but one of the hardest requirements is the 12-mile road march" announced the First Sergeant of one of the 101^st companies.  "When you are out there walking and you feel the pain that everyone of you will, think of all the Screaming Eagles from the June 5^th 1944 Airborne operation behind Nazi lines in France in preparation for the next day's assault, to Bastogne later that year in the Battle of the Bulge made famous recently by the Band of Brothers series, to the 7 years the 101^st fought in Vietnam, and then to firing the first shots after going further and deeper into Iraq than any other military division in the first Gulf War, but most importantly, think of the over 4,000 soldiers who have given their lives in this current war."  "At that point, it will be intestinal fortitude and mental toughness that will get you through but make sure that none of you suffer from tiny heart syndrome and quit."   It was 0530 on January 10^th, 2009 myself, SSG Kolar, and SSG Patterson were readying ourselves and our gear to see if we had what it takes to become a Screaming Eagle by participating in this masochistic event.  Loaded down with our body Armor with all the ceramic plates, our assigned weapon and full combat load of ammo, our rucksacks filled with all the required items walking was going to be difficult and 12 miles is a long way even in running shorts and shoes.  We started off pretty well and the three of us kept together for the most part.  Out here in the combat zone, noticeably absent are all the little pit stops with drinks and snacks that you find in civilian events.  Basically, if you wanted something you had to carry it.  My body felt pretty good up to about mile 8 and then my legs and feet started to hurt.  The pace is not extremely fast but not exactly comfortable either.  I remember doing this exact event at FT Campbell in 1995 to qualify for my Air assault badge and was motivated by my dad flying down to see me cross the finish line.  As I approached the final mile in 1995 there he was to cheer me on and I finished in 2 hours and 40 minutes.  Out here we were given 4 hours to finish and I ended up finishing 40 minutes slower than I did 13 years ago but then there was no body armor and I had a badge riding on it.  This time, no cheering section, more weight to carry, and no three hour limit to finish in led to my 3 hour and 20 minute finish time.  Easily still under the 4 hour limit but perhaps slower than my personal best.   Over all it was a fun start to my day out here.  Check out the before and after pics.