slotperfect 7 #1 May 30, 2004 PFC Joel K Brattain was killed in action in Iraq on 13 March 2004. Friday, Joel's parents Gary & Elaine came to Raeford to make a tandem jump to see what taking to the skies was all about. They were visiting Fort Bragg for the third time, this time as the guest of 1/504 PIR, who gave them a personal guided tour of Fort Bragg and the surrounding area so they could better understand the life their son led as a Paratrooper. When discussing parachute jumping with Joel's Platoon Leader, the Lieutenant (a student at Raeford) suggested adding a tandem jump to their itinerary. I took Joel's Dad Gary up for his tandem jump. He told me Joel's motto was "Go big, or go home." Gary and Elaine came out to do just that. It was an honor and a pleasure for me to share the world of parachuting with them; it was a perfect example of why I love to do tandems. Some of the benefits are worth much more to me than the money. Live in peace Joel, and know that you are not forgotten . . . -------------------------------------------------------------------- Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8 --------------------------------------------------------------------Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
band 0 #2 May 31, 2004 I'd say he went as big as anyone can. God bless him and all the others over there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
uncaged 0 #3 June 1, 2004 Joel still serves... I read these posts, and I feel like I've been hit in the chest with a sledgehammer, all I can do now is acknowledge the sacrifice, let you know that there are many of us who will always cherish the ultimate commitment that Joel and many before have made... God Bless When the going gets weird, The weird turn pro... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
