Trena Daignault

I along with other local business owners were recently invited to interact for a day with the US Army Special Forces Command (Airborne). Thanks to all who made this day possible; Brig. Gen. Edward M. Reeder, Jr. who is a wonderful speaker and outstanding leader, CSM Mario G. Vigil, CW5 Douglas D. Frank, Fayetteville Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce and anyone else I may have neglected to mention. Thanks so much for this event!

After a brief overview of both current and past operations of the Command we were off to the “field”. A group of America’s finest awaited our arrival with displays of each segment of their group operations. The presenters were very eager to share their job descriptions and each detailed a real life scenario encompassing their message.

First message ~ Two as one, one is none. Enough said!

SGT Hill, a combat diver demonstrated the propulsion device and mini sub. The suit provides 10-12 hours of dive time. Since I’m claustrophobic and limited in knowledge in this area... this is too deep for me! No doubt I can understand why he said this was the hardest military school he had ever attended.

Next up was SFC Jones who is a free-fall parachuter. OMG look at everything in that pack! Does it really matter that you can place it in on front or back, just shoot me now because I can’t carry that! Very interesting career choice but I think I might black out once they pushed me out of the plane … moving on.

Meet SGT Finn who is a sniper. Interesting gear. No doubt I don’t want to find myself on his bad side....”never knew what hit ya” kinda thing. Yikes!

SFC Estrada provided an interesting demonstration as a dog handler. They purchase their dogs from Holland and Germany because of the better behavior traits in their dogs. They use the dogs for detecting drugs, tracking explosives as well as patrols. It takes them 2-3 years to train their animals on explosives. The dogs cost $3000- $7000 each and by the time they are fully trained the investment is around $14,000. I’d say that’s a good ROI (Return on Investment) for a soldiers life saved!

Special Forces Intelligence was presented by SGT Roberts. Nice display but really over my head, LOL.

Ah the big boys, SSG Mikita on the Humvee. Did you know this vehicle can stop a 7.62 round? They come in so many variations to suit the conditions and needs, it’s mind boggling. These are massive machines.

I thought he was joking but SSG Shelton said the average soldier is 2” shorter over a 20 year period due to the compression from heavy equipment. These soldiers weigh in at an additional 75 pounds all geared up. Ouch!

Lunch was absolutely delectable ~ MRE’s! Yum yum. Okay you all know that’s not the best lunch around. I’ll think of the deployed soldiers more often as I enjoy my fresh sandwiches or local fast food.

The afternoon was action packed starting with shooting weapons. We had to don helmets and safety vests. It was the hottest day this spring. How befitting for us to get the real enjoyment of this; hot and heavy! Although they wouldn’t let us shoot the really big guns (they were afraid of us, think vests), we did shoot 9mm Beretta and an M4. It’s amazing how much better my aim is with a laser! Sweet!

I was impressed with the animal demonstration before now I am about to be amazed. The handlers put on a mock demonstration of attack only the animals don’t really understand “demo”. So we watched in lighting speed of how quickly the dog worked his was up to the “bad guy’s” neck. Funny thing though, he didn’t want to let go. Seems this is a common occurrence. Once they get going they are committed to seeing the job through. Great soldiers!

Final stop was the taking over of a building, room by room as we watched from the overhead platform. Precision, training and teamwork is key to the jobs these soldiers perform and they executed it flawlessly from the initial bombing the door open to their retreat.

Wow what a fantastic group of people and an awesome day! I’m exhausted and need air conditioning.

To the 7th Special Forces Group, I wish you the best at your new location. I’m certain you will be missed at Ft. Bragg.

And now more than ever I’m feeling very thankful for the men and women who serve our country. Not everyone will do it, not everyone can do it, not everyone wants to do it, but for the men and women who do it, I salute you. Thank you for your service.