For CMS James Blankenbeckler

I got the Memorial Bracelet the other day and it looks great. I learned about you guys through a friend who also learned from another friend of his. 

The one I ordered was of CSM James Blankenbeckler who was my Cheif of Basic Non Commissioned Officers Course (BNCOC) as well as a former Skystriker, (3-4 ADAR). The last time I saw him was when I left BNCOC a week early to deploy to Afghanistan and he shook my hand and wished me well when I left. I learned that he had died in OIF a little over a year later and he was the first Air Defender to give his life in OEF/OIF. I think it's a great thing ya'll are doing and I'll be sure to pass the word along!

SFC Wesley "Tommy" Neel
EW Platoon Sergeant
E Btry (Airborne) 3-4 ADAR

"Life has a certain flavor for those who have fought and risked all that the shelterd and protected can never experience"