Congratulations to the soldiers of OSUT class 24-33 (Arma3) for successful completion of training! These soldiers have been awarded the Army Service Ribbon and have earned the right to be a full active member of their squad and the unit! This is merely the first step in your career here at 3rdID, we look forward to your continued success! Hooah

Graduates :

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            PFC D.Darga                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

PV2 M.Allen                 

Instructors:

SGT A.Shocked             CPL A.Zvik

             CW2 D,Lotus                 WO1 J.White         

                                                                          SPC D.Hughson          SPC N.McIntosh                                                                 

    WOC J.Fox

(Photo by PFC Benjamin Hale)

Maj. Gen. Christopher R. Norrie, Commanding General of 3rd ID, presided over the ceremony. He expressed his pride in Col. Stephen A. Fairless, the new chief of staff, amongst colleagues, Family members and fellow 3rd ID leaders who gathered at the division headquarters.

(Photo by PFC Benjamin Hale)

“It means the world that you're a part of our dogface Soldier family,” said Norrie. “I’m really proud of you and I’m so proud to be here with you today.”

In his remarks, Norrie reflected on 3rd ID’s storied history and the significance of Fairless' return to Fort Stewart.

“We’re so thankful for your steadfast endurance and support, and as you know, it’s no secret that this division bears a weight and a legacy that is not like any other division in the U.S. Army,” Norrie said. “We are different here, we are the hammer of America’s XVIII Airborne Corps and our history is bludgeoned in blood and steel and that's represented in this room.”

As chief of staff, Fairless assumes critical responsibilities including coordinating with the division's general staff, ensuring combat readiness across all units, and communicating Norrie's directives throughout the division.

(Photo by PFC Benjamin Hale)

Fairless, returning to the 3rd ID where he’s previously served, reflected on the significance of his new role and his reunion with the Fort Stewart community.

“I am proud to be called yet again a dogface soldier,” said Fairless. “Andrea [his wife] and I are thrilled to join this storied leadership yet again, this fantastic community, and this beautiful region.

(Photo by PFC Benjamin Hale)

“Our reception and integration into this Marne family has been truly amazing. We are grateful for this opportunity to live, work and grow with you yet again. Sir, thank you for trusting me to be your chief of staff.”

Previously, Fairless served with the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID as a brigade assistant operations officer for four months while deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn, from 2011 to 2013. He also served as the executive and operations officer of 3rd Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, 3rd ID, during which time deployed to Afghanistan for nine months.

Today, on the 16th of August, we celebrate National Airborne Day, recognized annually on this date.

The National Airborne Day was created in 2002 to honor the first airborne jump performed by the U.S. Army on August 16th, 1940.

The celebration was proclaimed by President George W. Bush, who stated: “Airborne combat continues to be driven by the bravery and daring spirit of sky Soldiers. Often called into action with little notice, these forces have earned an enduring reputation for dedication, excellence, and honor. As we face the challenges of a new era, I encourage all people to recognize the contributions of these courageous Soldiers to our Nation and the world.”

Each year, a ceremony is held at Fort Moore, formerly known as Fort Benning, to commemorate this day. Fort Moore is not only the site of the first official Army parachute jump but also the home of the Army’s Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade, where the legacy of these elite soldiers continues to thrive.

From World War II to the present, paratroopers have taken on some of the most dangerous missions, often far behind enemy lines. The 82nd Airborne Division made its mark during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, while the 101st Airborne Division famously defended Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. The 173rd Airborne Brigade played a crucial role in the Battle of Dak To during the Vietnam War. These legendary units have consistently distinguished themselves in dangerous campaigns.

The rigorous training, unparalleled skills and strong camaraderie of airborne soldiers have become defining traits of their proud tradition. These values continue to shape the airborne community today, ensuring their legacy endures.

Airborne, all the way!

Alpha co. opening notes
 

Anniversaries:

R.Ivanov - 3 yrs - Aug 7th 
A.Shocked - 2yr - Aug 21st
 

S3 - Force Improvement Training Classes

Squad Designated Marksman Course 24-01 - August 10th 1730 EST
Advanced Radio Communications Course 24-02 - August 17th 1100 EST
Airborne School 24-03 - August 31st 1100 EST

The following Soldiers are promoted to

E-3 Private First Class

PV2 J.Moffet is promoted to Private First Class
PV2 T.Lanza is promoted to Private First Class
PV2 E.Marsh is promoted to Private First Class
PV2 M.Marsh is promoted to Private First Class
PV2 T.Mensink is promoted to Private First Class
PV2 K.Slick is promoted to Private First Class

E-4b Specialist

PFC J.Anderson is promoted to Specialist
PFC K.Faraone is promoted to Specialist
PFC N.McEnheimer is promoted to Specialist
PFC W.Sadler is promoted to Specialist
PFC E.Gonzales is promoted to Specialist

E-4a Corporal

SPC Q.Clayton is promoted to Corporal
SPC G.York is promoted to Corporal
SPC P.Byrde is promoted to Corporal

E-5 Sergeant

CPL G.Nagy is promoted to Sergeant
 CPL B.Fitzgerald is promoted to Sergeant
 CPL J.Starling is promoted to Sergeant

E-6 Staff Sergeant

SGT J.Nicholas is promoted to Staff Sergeant

W-2 Chief Warrant Officer 2

WO1 D.Frost is promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2

O-2 First Lieutenant

2LT C.Winters is promoted to First Lieutenant

The following soldiers have been awarded:
 

Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal
MAJ J.LaFlash
PFC G.Poynor

Good Conduct Medal

MAJ J.LaFlash
1LT A.Vandle
1LT C.Winters
1SG V.Garcia 
SGT H.McMahon
SGT B.Fitzgerald
CPL T.Hunter
CPL A.Zvik
CPL G.York
CPL Q.Clayton
CPL P.Byrde
SPC J.Koe
SPC T.Anderson
SPC B.Montana
SPC D.Hughson
SPC S.Kidon
SPC A.Bills
SPC N.McIntosh
SPC X.Swoop
SPC J.Harro
SPC I.Bar-Ta
SPC E.Shmul
SPC N.Agricola
SPC W.Sadler
SPC J.Fuller
SPC E.Gonzales
SPC K.Faraone
PFC J.Grant
PFC S.Baker
PFC A.Panther
PFC K.Slick

Armed Forces Service Medal

1LT A.Vandle - 6 months in FIG as Admin Cadre
CW2 D.Lotus - 6 months in FIG as RSO
WO1 J.White - 6 months in FIG as RSO
CPL Q.Clayton - 6 months in FIG as Drill Instructor

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

SGT B.Fitzgerald 
CPL Q.Clayton 
SPC X.Swoop 

Army Achievement Medal

SPC T.Anderson
PFC T.Lanza

National Defense Service Medal

PFC D.Kova - US Army

Joint Service Achievement Medal

CPT G.Tucci - 35A (Intelligence Officer)
1LT A.Vandle - 35A (OIC)
1SG V.Garcia - 35A (Intelligence Analyst )
SPC D.Hughson -  (11B1H Range Safety Officer)
SPC M.Gregoire - 35A (Intelligence Analyst )

Joint Service Commendation Medal

SGT G.Nagy
CPL P.Byrde
SPC D.Hughson

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal + 3rd Infantry Division Combat Unit Patch

SGT A.Shocked
PFC R.Stricklin

Overseas Service Ribbon

CPL D.Schneider

North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal

MAJ J.LaFlash
1LT A.Vandle
1LT C.Winters
1LT N.Cooper
2LT E.Babol
CW4 A.Diomedes
CW2 D.Lotus
CW2 L. Poltorak
CW2 D.Frost
WO1 K.Hall
WO1 D.Smith
WO1 J.White
WOC S.Rogers
1SG V.Garcia
SFC D.Marsh
SSG J.Duck
SSG R.Ivanov
SSG J.Nicholas
SGT A.Shocked
SGT M.Donnelly
SGT W.Fives
SGT A.Byrd
SGT D.Smiricky
SGT G.Nagy
SGT J.Starling
CPL T.Hunter
CPL A.Zvik
CPL D.Schneider
CPL P.Byrde
SPC B.Montana
SPC S.Ohwo
SPC J.Erickson
SPC X.Swoop
SPC M.Gregoire
SPC S.Kidon
SPC A.Bills
SPC N.Agricola
SPC I.Bar-Tal
SPC E.Shmul
SPC D.Hughson
SPC N.McEnheimer
SPC W.Sadler
SPC K.Faraone
PFC S.Baker
PFC T.Mensink 
PFC F.Ramirezn
PV2 D.Cooper
PV2 Z.Rashda

Combat Infantry Badge 1

PFC H.Poynor
PFC E.Marsh
PFC M.Marsh
PFC T.Mensink

Combat Infantry Badge 3

SGT A.Shocked

Combat Action Badge 1

PVT L.Pengilley

Combat Medic Badge 2

CPL D.Schneider

U.S. Army Ranger Tab

SGT G.Nagy
SPC G.Plunkett
SPC B.Montana
SPC S.Ohwo

French Fouragerre

SGT G.Nagy
SPC G.Plunkett
SPC B.Montana
SPC S.Ohwo

Congratulations to the soldiers of OSUT class 24-32 (Arma3) for successful completion of training! These soldiers have been awarded the Army Service Ribbon and have earned the right to be a full active member of their squad and the unit! This is merely the first step in your career here at 3rdID, we look forward to your continued success! Hooah

Graduate :

 PFC J.Fox 

 PV2 A.Perez            

 PV2 K.Acampora     

 PV2 A.Bjurek             

Instructors :

 SGT A.Shocked              SGT W.Fives
 SGT B.Fitzgerald            CPL A.Zvik    
 CPL T.Hunter                  SPC S.Ohwo
  CW2 D.Lotus                  WO1 J.White