Blue Spaders gain 'G.I. Janes'

Photo By Capt. Daniel Johnson | Spouses of Soldiers in 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division are coached by their husbands on M4 rifle skills here, April 21,2016 This event was part of 1-26’s ‘GI Jane day’ where spouses of Soldiers were able to experience common Soldier tasks. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Daniel I. Johnson, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) UPAR)  

FORT CAMPBELL, KY, UNITED STATES

04.21.2016

Story by 1st Lt. Daniel Johnson 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

As part of the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division’s ‘GI Jane day’ conducted here on April 21, wives of the Blue Spaders were able to participate in a variety of different events throughout the day.

The ladies started their day at the Sabalauski Air Assault School, conquering the 40 foot rappel tower. Instructed by cadre from the school, spouses were walked taught on how to tie a swiss rappel seat and proper rappelling techniques. Though the weather turned a little wet, each spouse that went up the rappel tower successfully conducted a proper rappel off of it.

“It was exciting and nerve-racking,” said Casey Starnes, wife of 1st Sgt. Michael Starnes of Company C, 1-26 IN. “Still, I want to go off the tower again and try the Aussie rappel too.”
Although the height was adrenaline inducing for some, others were not bothered at all by the higher,

“I think the tower should have been higher,” said Kiera Woodruff, wife of Sgt. Joshua Woodruff of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-26, after she easily bounded down the rope. “The rappel would have been even better if it were a lot higher.”

“My wife doesn’t get scared easily,” laughed Sgt. Woodruff.

After all the spouses completed the rappel tower, they were transported to a nearby small arms range. Given a chance to fire both an M4 assault rifle and an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, spouses were first taught the basic characteristics of the weapons systems and how to properly use them. Also at the range were static displays and a medical class.

“I feel today brings us closer together,” said Spc. Alex Martinez of HHC. “Especially going to the rifle range. It gives the spouses a little feeling of how it is to be in our shoes.”

As part of the purpose of the day’s event, aside from good, clean fun, the Blue Spaders wanted to familiarize spouses with training that the unit regularly conducts.

“We planned these events to give an overview,” said 1Lt. Casey Horne, 1-26 IN family readiness liaison. “Spouses are getting to see pieces of our air assault operations, weapons familiarization, and physical fitness training.”

Wives were happy to have an opportunity to participate in challenges their Soldier faced. This is among the last events the battalion is conducting before part of the unit heads off to support Operation
Inherent Resolve overseas.

“I had fun,” said Keira. “I think events like these are great for units to do; this was my first time firing a rifle and machine gun.”

Though part of the event was rained out due to a storm system moving through the area, participants did not allow the inclement weather affect their enjoyment.

“I don’t think it would be ‘GI Jane day’ if it wasn’t raining,” finished Mrs. Woodruff.

• Date Taken: 04.21.2016
• Date Posted: 05.02.2016 13:16
• Story ID: 196923
• Location: FORT CAMPBELL, KY, US
• Hometown: BOWLING GREEN, KY, US
• Hometown: CLARKSVILLE, TN, US
• Hometown: HOPKINSVILLE, KY, US
• Hometown: NASHVILLE, TN, US
• Hometown: OAK GROVE, KY, US