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Intro
Greetings all. My name is Randy. I retired from the Army Reserve Components after 34 years and 9 months. I served as both enlisted and officer. I began my part-time military career by signing up in a Louisiana Army National Guard SF Unit in 1972. I was in college, on our school’s parachute team, and learned of an SF Unit Breaux Bridge LA through a friend who was a member of that unit. I loved jumping out of planes! During my six months in the unit before I went to basic I was included in many activities including rappelling off interstate bridges under construction. I did not know that my unit would be deactivated while I was on IADT. To make a long story short, I ended up transferring to a Mississippi National Guard SF Unit where I was working on my “paper flash”. I had some great training, weekend drills, jumps and AT while I was there.
Fate would have it that in 1975 my civilian job moved me beyond the 5 hours I was driving to drills. As a corporal, I simply could not drive any further. I transferred to an Army Reserve Medical Unit and was trained as a medic. This got me interested in medicine and I ultimately went to medical school. So it wasn't all bad. I was commissioned as a Medical Corps Officer in the AR upon receiving my MD and served out the remainder of my service as such which included seven mobilizations.
I’ve always wished I could have completed my SF training. On one of my mobilizations I worked with a co-located ODA in Afghanistan, particularly their 18D. It reminded me of my earlier career plans. I admire all of the Quiet Professionals and am honored to be here. With participation in this site, I hope to increase my knowledge of SF topics, maintain situational awareness and maybe contribute to the shared information. I encourage all of these young guys here to pursue their dreams.
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