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A long-standing tradition celebrated at Fort Bragg and Fort Campbell was celebrated in Europe with the second annual 5th Quartermaster Company Airborne Ball Aug. 16 at the Ramstein Officers’ Club.
“We’re bringing the airborne tradition to Europe,” said Capt. Josielyn Carrasquillo,
commander of the 5th Quarter-master Company.
***image1***Paratroopers from all across the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Army Special Forces in Europe – SOCEUR, the U.S. Air Force 86th Contingency Response Group, German partners, 272nd Airborne Support Battalion and the 262nd Airborne Support Battalion came together to enjoy a fun-filled evening of dancing, tradition, skits and award presentation while they reflected on their achievements over the past year and history of the paratrooper.
After the entertaining tradition of mixing the “grog,” the paratroopers recognized the personnel who earned their Senior Parachutist and Master Parachutist Badge.
Dr. Robert Schloesser, retired colonel and the deputy commander of Hanau, proudly awarded the new badges to eight awardees as they rose to a new level in the
parachutist community.
The Master Parachutist Badge was awarded to Capt. Josielyn Carrasquillo, Chief Warrant Officer David Fabunan, Staff Sgt. Floyd Hill and Staff Sgt. Ronnell Gillespie.
The following individuals earned the Senior Parachutist Badge: Staff Sgt. David Doris, Staff Sgt. Dennis Smith, Sgt. Todd Harrell and Sgt. Jason Torres.
The ceremony’s guest speaker, Col. Sharon Duffy, 21st TSC deputy commanding officer, spoke to the paratroopers and their families during the ceremony.
“Today, airborne troopers continue the great traditions of your early brothers and sisters in arms,” said Colonel Duffy. “The 21st Theater Sustainment Command, the 5th Quartermaster Company, is one of the busiest and most strategically-oriented units in the command.”
Over the past year, the 5th QM Company successfully executed more than 50 Airborne operations throughout Europe, provided malfunction, rigger, jumpmaster and drop zone support, inspected and repacked more than 1,000 cargo chutes in the contingency warehouse in Livorno, and participated in German Airborne operations, earning the prestigious German Wings in order to enhance the 21st TSC relationship with our allies, said Colonel Duffy.
“All of you have extraordinary esprit de corps,” she said. “You are dedicated to the Army, your unit and each other. You are always ready.
“The last few lines of the Airborne Creed describe you best: ‘I am a trooper of the sky. I am my Nation’s best. In peace and war I never fail. Anywhere, anytime, in anything – I am Airborne,’” Colonel Duffy said.
