KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Getting promoted is an honor in itself; it’s the next step in a soldier’s career and one step closer to becoming a leader.
As special as it is to get promoted by Army leadership, it’s even more special, not to mention sentimental, to be promoted by a father.
That’s exactly what happened March 1, when a father made a special trip to Camp Nathan Smith to promote his son to specialist.
“Having my dad pin me at my promotion was incredible,” said Spc. Casey Blood, military police officer, 511th Military Police Company, currently attached to 504th Military Police Battalion while deployed. “I never thought it would happen, especially here in Afghanistan.”
When not deployed, the 511th MP Company is attached to the 91st Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade out of Fort Drum, N.Y.
“Being able to promote my son was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Shawn Blood, supply and services officer in charge, 528th Sustainment Brigade, United States Army Special Operations Command. “It was like I was passing on the torch of the future of the Army to my son.”
Spc. Blood’s first sergeant e-mailed CW4 Blood before the company’s deployment and has stayed in contact since. It was because of these e-mails that this unique promotion ceremony was able to take place.
“I found out that CW4 Blood was coming to Kandahar – which was around the time Pfc. Blood was going to be promoted – so I coordinated to get him to CNS,” said 1st Sgt. Joel Zecca, 511th MP Co., attached to 504th MP Bn.
Zecca added, “A father promoting his son is such a rare opportunity; I thought it would be a great moment for both of them.”
After being promoted, Spc. Blood reflected on the bond between him and his father.
“My dad has always been proud of me, but him getting the chance to pin me was something that bonded us in a unique way,” said Spc. Blood.
CW4 Blood echoed his son’s sentiments, adding that, although he and his son had always enjoyed a great relationship, being able to share the battlefield promotion ceremony with each other added a new level and strengthen a bond to a relationship that can never be broken.