Photo By Sgt. Jonathan Thomas | Will Robinson, 11, from Homer, La., fires blank-rounds through a .50-caliber machine...... read more read more
FORT POLK, La. – Veterans from the Acadiana Chapter, of the Louisiana 82nd Airborne Division Association were invited to the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, La., March 17, to witness how modern-day soldiers prepare to go overseas.
For one veteran the experience was more than a reintroduction to the Army, it was a look back at his years in the service and a glimpse at what may hold for future soldiers.
“I thought the training was excellent, I went through basic training here in 1966 and I can assure you I’ve seen a lot of big changes,” said retired Col. Ted Cox, a veteran with the Acadiana Chapter, of the Louisiana 82nd Airborne Division Association.
Cox was drafted into the Army to serve in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was wounded during a mission and was medically evacuated to the United States. The Shreveport, La., native also served as a brigade commander in the Army Reserve and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“The training we received back then, I think, was good based on the time and the experience that we had, but the training today is so far superior from what I had when I was enlisted,” said Cox. “There’s no doubt in my mind that the young soldier today is the best trained soldier that we’ve ever had.”
Although Cox only visited JRTC to view the latest in Army training, he could also see a shared enthusiasm for the military in his grandson’s eyes.
“As I was watching the training I was thinking about my family,” said Cox.
Will Robinson, 11, came to the training event dress in the Army Combat Uniform complete with a Load Bearing Vest.
“It was awesome when the explosions hit and the guns were firing, I think it’s cool,” said Will Robinson, a Homer, La., native.
In addition to the training event, participants also had the opportunity to fire blank-rounds through some of the Army’s current weapons.
“Just to see him sit behind one of the weapons and see him take an interest in the military is heartwarming,” said Cox.
Robinson had the chance to firer several different weapon systems, but he took an interest in one weapon in particular.
“I like the [squad automatic weapon] because I’ve always wanted to shoot a fully automatic weapon so it was kind of fun for me,” said Robinson.
Cox’s service in Iraq and Vietnam has given him, what some would say is, a unique prospective on what it means to serve in the military.
“I am just so proud of the men and women that we have in the military today… excuse me, I’m just very proud to be associated with some of these young soldiers,” said Cox.
It may be hard for some to understand what it means to be a veteran and why it can be a touching experience to see Soldiers prepare for combat, but Cox tries to explain that event.
“Sorry about being emotional, but I guess when I see some of these Soldiers, knowing what they’re getting ready to go into, I wish them the best and I know they’re highly trained worriers and they’re going to be able to take care of themselves,” said Cox.
For Cox the training is not just a one-time event, it is a glimpse into a possible future for his grandson.
“I have my grandson with me and I want him to have the same love for the military that I have for 38 years, and I think he does,” said Cox.
Cox’s enthusiasm is not lost on his grandson and Robinson understands what it means to serve, better than most.
“I want to join the Army to fight for my country and be free,” said Robinson. “I want to be a sergeant or a general.”
| Date Taken: | 03.17.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.21.2012 11:58 |
| Story ID: | 85541 |
| Location: | FORT POLK, LA, US |
| Hometown: | SHREVEPORT, LA, US |
| Web Views: | 107 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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