veteran’s corner
Tom Krabbenhoft
As you know I love military history anniversaries. I forgot and/or learned a new one today. Thanks to a reader for sending me this.
National Airborne Day, August 16, was chosen by former President George W. Bush back in 2002 as a day to recognize the past, present, and future contributions of American airborne troops in all campaigns, theaters, and peacekeeping missions. For example, the invasion of Normandy during World War II might have gone the wrong way and cost thousands more lives, if not for Allied soldiers dropping from aircraft behind enemy lines. From the first American use of paratroopers on August 16, 1942 to the 101st “Screaming Eagles,” airborne divisions are some of our best and bravest.
American Airborne forces have always set the standard by which the world measures their own airborne forces. America has had a proud airborne tradition since World War II. No other nation is able to wield an efficient fighting force vertically within hours. Airborne forces have always been some of the best trained and most capable fighters. All of American elite fighting forces are Airborne qualified. Rangers, Green Berets, SEALS etc. The US has always had the 82nd Airborne division at the ready. The 101st to a lesser extent and the 173rd Airborne Brigade which stands ready in Europe. Some regular Divisions will even have airborne elements with them organically.
So here is a salute to those baggy pant Devils.
Important information to share if you know some that served post 9/11.
Minnesota Statutes 2021, section 197.79, includes three tiers of service bonuses: $600, $1,200, and $2,000. Receipt of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, or Iraq Campaign Medal, or Afghanistan Campaign Medal is necessary to qualify for the $1,200 service bonus amount.
Apply here: https://vetservicebonus.mdva.mn.gov/Home
For more information contact your County Veterans Service Officer.
Ideas comments, suggestions or anything else contact me at 11btwk@gmail.com.