lewis505 Posted June 28, 2014 #1 Posted June 28, 2014 As some of you know, I was stationed at Fort Bliss from 2008 to 2012 as a 1SG for HHC & B Co 1-36th INF, 1st BDE, 1st Armored Division. IN May 2012 I PCS'd to Bragg for a year & then went back to Fort Bliss in Aug 2013 for the 10 month Resident Sergeants Major Course. Finished up last month & finally graduated on 06 JUN. During the almost 6 years I spent in El Paso/Fort Bliss, I spent the majority of my "off duty" time at the Benavidez-Patterson Chapter of the 82d Airborne Division Association. One of the founding members of the Chapter is LTC(Ret) Bob Chisolm, 2-combat jump veteran of I Co, 508th PIR in WWII. He also served in the Korean & Vietnam Wars, and wears a Combat Infantryman Badge with 2 stars on it. After graduation on 06 JUN, my family & I went up to "the Chapter" to say hello, as they were holding an open house in recognition of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. Shortly after we arrived, LTC Bob asked me to go out to his car with him, as he had a gift for me - here's what it was: His 1943-dated Nash-Kelvinator M-3 Binoculars in M17 carrying case; lenses are as clear as a bell & also have the reticle Here's a photo of me & LTC Chisolm at the Chapter about a week after graduation; I gave him the repro M-42 jump jacket as a way of saying thanks for being such a good friend & mentor to me over the yeas - still looks pretty good in one at 89 years old!
David D Posted June 28, 2014 #3 Posted June 28, 2014 Very cool item, it must have been an honor to get it. -Dave
Rakkasan187 Posted June 28, 2014 #4 Posted June 28, 2014 Chris my Brother, That is a great memento, Congrats and again thank you for your friendship over the years.. Glad you made if safely back home brother.. Smitty
lewis505 Posted June 28, 2014 Author #5 Posted June 28, 2014 And thanks to you Smitty - you've taught me quite a bit about collecting & are a great American & Paratrooper - ALL THE WAY brother!
Rakkasan187 Posted June 28, 2014 #7 Posted June 28, 2014 And thanks to you Smitty - you've taught me quite a bit about collecting & are a great American & Paratrooper - ALL THE WAY brother! RAKKASAN
mdk0911 Posted June 28, 2014 #8 Posted June 28, 2014 awesome story and personal item from an American hero - Also - thanks for your service!!
Ronnie Posted June 29, 2014 #9 Posted June 29, 2014 Sgt Major what jumps did he make and did the bino's jump with him? Great stuff. Ronnie
m1ashooter Posted June 29, 2014 #11 Posted June 29, 2014 Great gift and I wouldn't want to piss him off. He looks like he can still crew nails.
lytec Posted June 29, 2014 #12 Posted June 29, 2014 That's awesome. Fantastic to know a true hero like him
lewis505 Posted June 29, 2014 Author #13 Posted June 29, 2014 Sgt Major what jumps did he make and did the bino's jump with him? Great stuff. Ronnie He jumped in to Normandy & Holland w/ I Co, 508th PIR, 82d ABN DIV - he thinks he "acquired" the binos for Holland but isnt 100% sure
The Meatcan Posted June 29, 2014 #16 Posted June 29, 2014 that's about as cool as it gets! excellent all the way around. Well done! Terry
lewis505 Posted June 30, 2014 Author #17 Posted June 30, 2014 http://www.theprospectordaily.com/showcase/2013/11/12/we-havent-forgotten-about-you-three-wars-one-story/
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