Introduction

When daddy and I started Project Vigil in 2013 it was to say thank you to those brave soldiers who gave their lives for freedom. We did Project Vigil out of a genuine sense of gratitude. We wanted to give something back for the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families. I never imagined that one day anyone would recognize me for my efforts. It just wasn't a thought that ever crossed my mind.

If you would like to skip straight to the greatest surprise of my life, click here to watch the video.

If you would like to read the story, see the photos and the videos, please continue reading.

The Invitation

In mid June 2017, LTC Kurt J. Smith, Commander of "White Currahee," 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st ABN DIV (Air Assault), sent daddy a message. In the message Colonel Smith asked daddy if we would be interested in coming to Fort Campbell to attend an informal "Dining-In," an old military tradition that can be traced all the way back to the Roman Legions. (To learn more about the military tradition of the Dining-In please click here)

Thanks to Project Vigil, Colonel Smith and daddy had gotten to know each other and they had been in touch about possible visits in the past. The problem was the cost of making the trip from our home in Switzerland to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was very expensive and would be very long. In the past, daddy had to decline Colonel Smith's invitations due to these reasons. But now, for reasons I didn't really understand at the time, things changed.

On June 20th, daddy called me into his office and said, "Richie, we're going to Fort Campbell to see Kurt and the leaders of 2-506. You'll go for a ruck, then participate in laser tag and paintball with them, then we'll eat with them at a Dining-In. All you'll have to do is give a short presentation of Project Vigil. Nothing big, maybe ten minutes, tops. Kurt's command is almost up and he really wants us to be there. I don't care how much it costs: we're going for Kurt. You in?" I said, "I'm in. Let's go!" "Good!" he said. "Take a seat. Kurt needs us to put together a timeline of everything you've done for the 506th through Project Vigil. It's no big deal; just a little bit of Army red tape."

The idea of the timeline seemed a bit strange to me, but I was so excited about going to Fort Campbell that I didn't give it much thought. I sat down with daddy and we prepared the timeline together. Five weeks later, on the evening of August 2nd, that "little bit of Army red tape" would suddenly make sense to me.

In the five weeks between the invitation and the Dining-In there was one little detail that quietly gnawed at me. It was the fact that I'd have to make a presentation in front of the top 90 soldiers of the 2-506th (and the distinguished guests at the head table). I knew I could bank on my years of experience presenting Project Vigil, but still, this was special. These soldiers, to me, they were the best of the best and I didn't want disappoint them. So no matter how excited I was, from the moment I said, "Let's go!" to the moment at the Dining-In, when it was time for me to stand up to present Project Vigil, the nervous feeling inside me grew and grew.

LTC Kurt J. Smith in July 2014, before he was CO of 2-506, when he was Regimental Deputy Commanding Officer with The Old Guard. Photo by Rex Looney.

The Trip to Fort Campbell

On July 27th daddy and I flew from Geneva, Switzerland to Orlando, Florida. We stayed the night with my grandparents before starting our 840 mile road trip from Florida to Fort Campbell the next morning. I won't go into the details of our road trip here, but we had a lot of fun, stopping in Atlanta and Nashville for a few nights before reaching our destination on August 1st. When we arrived on Post, Colonel Smith and his awesome wife Amanda (Hi Amanda!) picked us up at the vehicle registration center and escorted us to our hotel. That evening they took us out to dinner and we had a great time. As I went to bed that night I couldn't believe I was finally at Fort Campbell and my big day with the 506th was just on the other side of a restless night's sleep (yes, I was starting to get almost as nervous as I was excited).

August 2nd, 2017: The Big Day

I was up at 0700. Daddy and I went down to the hotel's dining room and had a quick breakfast. Our hosts, Colonel Smith and Amanda, picked us up and drove us over to the Sabalauski Air Assault School, where at 1000, Colonel Smith gave a short speech to the graduating class of the Air Assault School. Immediately following the graduation we drove over to the 2-506th Headquarters. There, I was fitted out with an Army Combat Uniform (ACU), sunglasses, and my 30 lb. ruck. CSM Conn generously gave me his patrol cap, but Colonel Smith ordered no caps on the ruck. CSM Conn let me keep his cap anyway (Thank you, Sergeant Major!). Unfortunately they didn't have any size 13 boots for me, so I had to wear my blue running sneakers, it was a detail, but it still made me feel self-conscious for the rest of the day, as nothing stands out more from a crowd of khaki boots than a pair of bright blue sneakers. Also, as a 14 year-old civilian in the company of soldiers, I already felt enough like a tourist as it was, now my unbloused running shoes made me stick out like a sore thumb.

Colonel Smith addressing the graduates at the Air Assault School graduation.

1030 at 2-506 HQ, changed into my uniform and ready to go.

The Ruck

The five mile ruck started at 1100. The Kentucky sun was scalding hot, and a storm was brewing, so it was humid too. I enjoyed the ruck very much. I spent almost the entire ruck with CSM Conn. At one point I mentioned to Colonel Smith how hot it was. I'll never forget his response. He said, "It's hot, but it's not Africa hot." That instantly put things into perspective for me, and it was a subtle reminder of his service in the Horn of Africa, which is something I respect very much.

I'm in the back row between CSM Conn (L) and Colonel Smith (R). I was the only one wearing a reflective belt. It was useful in case I accidentally wandered off into the woods and got lost.

During the ruck we were stopped at two check points, where a Lieutenant quizzed us on the history of the 506th and the 101st Airborne. Then, about halfway through the ruck, CSM Conn gave me the honor of carrying the Regimental Colors. I found it surprisingly heavier than I originally thought it would be, considering the fact that no wind was blowing into it. I proudly carried the Currahee flag until we reached the paintball facility.

Paintball, Laser Tag and MREs

(Photo by SPC Patrick Kirby) Click to enlarge

When we arrived, we dropped our rucks and got out our MREs. This was the first MRE I ever ate in my life. I was lucky enough to land the pasta Bolognese, as I had been informed by the soldiers that the beef stew was barely edible. CSM Conn cut open my MRE and explained to me how it worked. Soon enough I found myself pouring water into powder and within 3 seconds I was looking at vanilla pudding.

After lunch, we were divided into two groups: one group for laser tag, one for paintball. Those groups were then divided into opposing teams. I was allocated to the laser tag section, where I was assigned to the yellow team (our opponents were the green team).

Laser Tag

We got our weapons and took off into the woods... Each team set up and waited for the "GO!" For a moment there was a silence and we waited to see movement in the distant bushes. It reminded me of the movie "The Lost Battalion," I first saw when I was six years old, and now I was in the middle of a forest surrounded by real soldiers. It was a very special moment for me-- a real dream come true. Suddenly battle broke out. And soon after that, we realized our weapons were fairly ineffective and our gear, well... just as ineffective. In fact, it was due to the rain that had started falling not long before. Unfortunately it rendered our equipment only semi-functional and we found ourselves shooting at each other from only several feet away, or maximizing the settings on our weapons to try to make ourselves invincible. All that to say, laser tag didn't work out as we'd planned, but nevertheless, it was still fun.

Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Conn, senior enlisted advisor, 2nd Bn. 506th Inf. Regt., assaults beside Richard M. McErlean III on Ft. Campbell laser tag field Aug 2. (U.S. Army photo by SPC Patrick Kirby. 40th Public Affairs Detachment)

Paintball

Fortunately, next on the day's agenda was paintball. We exchanged weapons with the soldiers coming off the paintball field and gave them our half-functioning gear. We cleaned our masks and filled the gas and ammo for our guns. The rule was simple: if you get any paint on yourself, you're out.

I couldn't see much through my foggy mask as we went into the woods. I went in alongside the Battalion Chaplain, who had just returned from Ranger School. We went to the upstairs level of a wooden structure, and set up at a window. Once again we waited. Out of nowhere paint-balls started raining in, hammering so hard against the thin wood of our tree-house that I thought they would break through the wall. I quickly turned into the doorway to shoot back but halfway through my movement a single paint-ball flew in and hit me in the pinky ("Gory gory, what a helluva way to die..."). More than a little bit ashamed of myself, I exited the game.

I remained optimistic that I'd do better in the coming rounds, as we still had another three ahead of us. Unfortunately, that's when the dark sky really opened up and the largest raindrops I'd ever seen in my life started to pour down on us. With the rain coming down in sheets, the organizer cancelled the next 3 rounds. It didn't matter, I was just thrilled to be there with the soldiers of the 2-506.

The Dining-In: From a Guest of the Mess to a Currahee of the Mess

My day out was coming to a close. Now, only one more thing remained on our schedule: the Dining-In. Most everyone left for the Joe Swing Event Center in the back of US Army trucks. I could not go with them as I didn't have a Kevlar helmet. Luckily, I got a ride in the pick-up of First Sergeant Morales, who'd been taking great care of me all day. On our way over, he asked me if I was nervous about having to talk in front of all the officers, and he asked me what I planned to say. I told him I hadn't prepared my presentation, as I preferred to improvise on the spot. I also admitted that I was quite nervous. The First Sergeant exchanged a low key smile with the Chaplain, who was sitting in the passenger's seat. Later, again, everything would make sense.

We arrived at the Dining-In earlier than most of the other soldiers, as they were busy climbing onto their trucks back at the paintball area. I was handed a Gatorade and I sat down. I listened to the officers joking about how during the paintball game one of them had gotten hit in the middle of the chest and walked off the field in shame, as he'd been hit right where they teach you to aim. During this time, a group of soldiers were practicing the Posting of the Colors. My Army combat uniform was soaked completely through, so I changed into my civilian clothes. A few minutes later daddy approached me and asked me to change back into my ACU. I didn't understand why then, but later, like everything else, it would all make sense. SPC Patrick Kirby ran out to his truck and generously gave me one of his dry uniforms (Thank you, Patrick!). I was good to go.

Soon the remaining officers arrived and got settled in. The soldiers sat as Companies, each Company with its own section of tables. At 1900, the Dining-In started. Colonel Smith gave an opening speech and then the color guard Posted the Colors. The Chaplain then said the invocation. Next, it was time to toast, but for this to happen one of the most important elements of the Dining-In needed to be attended to first--the Grog.

At the center of the 506th's Dining-In is the "Sink Grail." The Grail is named after Lieutenant General Robert Sink (1905-1965), USMA Class of 1927, and the father of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Legend has it that the Grail was made from Hitler's silver, "liberated" from the Eagle's Nest by the 506th in 1945. The wooden base also came from the same source. The handles were the handles from Colonel Sink's T-7 reserve parachutes from his jumps into Normandy (Operation Neptune) and Holland (Operation Market Garden) and the Jump Wings on the Grail were Colonel Sink's. The fact is that "According to Major General Salve H. Matheson (1920-2005) (HQ, 2n BN, 506th PIR and HQ (S-3), REGT, 506th PIR,1942-1945), the cup of the Grail is a spinner of a C-47 propeller, and the base is from wood procured in Toccoa, GA. The handles are from two T-7 reserve parachutes. The Sink Grail was present for the first 506th Prop Blast Ceremony, held on November 14th, 1942, in the Camp Toccoa Officers Club, a farmhouse north of the Camp. The Grail was hung with risers from the ceiling." *See source here

The Sink Grail. The "Rules of the mess" state in Rule #6. "Whenever making a point of order, all Currahees must address the Sink Grail."

November 14th, 1942, here we see the Sink Grail in action at the very first "Prop Blast Party" in the Officer's Club at Camp Toccoa, GA. In this photo, Lieutenant Ed Harrel is drinking the Grog from the Gail, while 3rd Battalion's Commander, LTC Robert Wolverton (seen just to his right), cheers him on.

Nearly seventy-five years after the first Prop Blast Party, I sat next to Colonel Smith at the head table and watched as several of the leaders of the 2-506th prepared the Grog in the sacred "Sink Grail." The Grog consisted of a different type of alcohol for each campaign of the 506th Infantry Regiment. The Grog was then served and the soldiers seated. Now the evening could really begin. Toasts were made by each Company, and then a very touching toast was dedicated to the table of the Fallen Soldier. I did not film this toast, but here is a video of a similar toast: Fallen Soldier Table.

For the Dining-In LT Perry had the responsibility of managing the madness in his role as "Mr. Vice." I admired his quick wit, sharp intellect and great sense of humor. He was clearly having fun entertaining the group, while fielding the onslaught of clever Point(s) of Order. Whenever someone raised a Point of Order, it fell upon "Mr. Vice" to consider it and then to dole out an appropriate (or inappropriate) punishment. This aspect of the Dining-In provided the bulk of the comedy for the night. The Points of Order were often very funny, and the punishments even funnier.

"Mr. Vice, point of order! In the presence of the Sink Grail..." This photo captures the spirit throughout the evening. Please click to enlarge.

Colonel Smith quickly raised a Point of Order that his Chaplain, CPT Robert Rayburn, had been gone far too long at Ranger School and now he wanted him to pay for his absence. It was decided the Chaplain should recite the Ranger Creed and that all others in the room who had graduated from Ranger School should also rise and recite the Creed along with him. Here is a video of that moment (I apologize for the shaky filming).

The Dining-In was one of the best evenings of my life. I felt blessed to be a civilian getting clear insight to what it's like to be a US Army soldier. I found the soldiers to be funny, smart, and all highly respectable. I loved the camaraderie and the goodhearted nature of their sense of humor. I felt humbled to be in their presence, as I realized I was sitting in the company of the modern-day Band of Brothers. Then, when I got on the buffet line, I got to meet Bradford Freeman of Easy Company, 1942... a true Toccoa man... one of the original Band of Brothers! I can't even begin to describe what an honor it was to meet him.

PFC Bradford "Brad" Freeman, E Company, 2-506 PIR, 101st Airborne.

All this excitement and awareness intensified the pressure I felt. Daddy noticed this, and several times throughout the evening he placed his hand on my shoulder and reassured me. He told me, "Don't worry, Richie. Relax, you'll do fine. You'll see, it's going to be awesome. Trust me." Knowing what I do now, I wish I had been able to listen to his reassurances, but having to present the lives of fallen Currahees to the 90 outstanding men and women in the room, was, I have to say, very nerve-racking.

In the meantime I enjoyed my dinner. LTC (Ret.) Dar Place had provided the catered food, which came from his son's Hawaiian restaurant called Kimo's Hawaiian Grill in Clarksville, TN. Daddy and I agreed it was the best meal we had eaten since we'd left home and it turned out to be one of the best, if not the best, meal we ate on our trip to America. While we ate, more Grog was served, which kept the general mood festive. The atmosphere was incredible. Colonel Smith was relaxed and was clearly enjoying his last Dining-In as Commander of the 2-506. It made me happy to see him so happy.

When the meal reached its conclusion, Colonel Smith brought everyone's attention to a video board at one end of the dining room. He introduced me and Project Vigil, and then played the video of "The Saluting Boy on Omaha Beach." This is it, I thought. It's time for me to present Project Vigil. That's when I got the biggest surprise of my life, and now I'd like to share it with you...

Watch this video to find out what happened next:

Saying a few words to the soldiers at the Dining-In after receiving my awards. (Photo by SPC Patrick Kirby)

LTC Smith and CSM Conn induct me into the 506th Infantry Regiment. (Photo by SPC Patrick Kirby)

Welcome to the 506th (Photo by SPC Patrick Kirby)

Dining-In group photo with Bradford Freeman, WWII veteran of Easy Company, 2-506 PIR, 101st Airborne. An original Currahee! (Photo by SPC Patrick Kirby)

The Awards

Honorary Member of the 506th Infantry Regiment (HMOR). Signed by Brigadier General Peter L. Jones, Chief of Infantry. For the rest of my life I will cherish this honor I share with so many great men and women. I am particularly proud, at age 14, to have been the youngest recipient of this honor in the history of the 506th. In return, I promise to uphold this honor through exemplary behavior as I go forward in life.

Commander's Award for Public Service: Signed by COL Craig J. Alia, AV Commanding.

The Commander's Certificate: Signed by Major General Andrew P. Poppas, Commanding Officer of the 101st Airborne Division.

Special Thanks

I would like to thank the following people for their kindness, hospitality and generosity.

LTC Kurt J. Smith for everything he has done for me, and especially for being responsible for creating the greatest surprise of my life. Amanda Smith and Zoe for making sure our visit was extra special.

COL (Ret.) Bob Seitz for helping to get my HMOR. Thank you, Sir.

LTC (Ret.) Dar Place for his hospitality, and for his personal gifts he gave me. I will always treasure your Currahee knife and St. Michael medallion (Daddy has taken over the Currahee coffee mug). Thank you and Currahee!

MAJ Joshua Schneider for taking good care of my father while I was busy on my day out with the 506th.

CPT Susan Redwine for everything she did for me behind the scenes. It did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Thank you for everything!

CSM Thomas Conn for your generosity and for taking such outstanding care of me, from the moment we met until the moment I left Fort Campbell.

To all the Company Commanders who spoiled me with challenge coins and other 506th gifts (Captain Bird, thank you for the Oakleys and water bottle!). To the leaders of the 506th who made me feel welcome and appreciated and who showered me with swag, hugs and handshakes. Thank you. Your shields and tabs are with me forever and I will always cherish them.

To First Sergeant Morales for taking good care of me during the team building exercises. Thank you.

To SPC Patrick Kirby of the 40th Public Affairs Detachment for his outstanding photography and generosity for gifting me with his uniform and the use of all of his photos. Click here to visit Patrick's website.

LTC Kurt J. Smith

LTC (Ret.) Dar Place

MAJ Joshua Schneider

Command Sergeant Major Thomas Conn (Photo by SPC Patrick Kirby)

Bradford Freeman, Easy Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, World War II veteran and original Toccoa man. (Photo by SPC Patrick Kirby)

The next morning. One last photo with Colonel Smith and CSM Conn right before we hit the road for our 840 mile ride back to Florida and our 4,800 mile trip back home to Switzerland.

Currahee!

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To read the DVIDS article click here