HERDWORD

1. Words for 2004; Starting a New Year with life changes ahead, here are some inspiration words;

http://www.inspiringthots.com/movie/f-destiny.htm http://www.inspiringthots.com/movie/follow-dreams.htm

2. 4th Battalion Roster: See who made the deployment from Ft Campbell to Vietnam back in 1966, Click on this link to see it; www.173rdairborne.com/4thbattroster66.htm

3. 534th Signal Company. Just received the history of the 534th Signal Battalion back at LZ English in 1969; Click on this link to see it; www.173rdairborne.com/534signal.htm

4. New parachute T-11, The new year bring the advent of a new parachute system for the Military called the Advanced parachute system. The T-10 system was designed in the 1950 now the New T-11 in just around the corner. Where the T-10 was round (parabolic) in shape and 35 foot, it held 300 pounds, the new T-11 is more square shaped and 28 foot, it will hold 400+ pounds and lower the soldier with 40% less impact. The new Reserve R-11 replaces the round 24 foot canopy with a conical 20 foot canopy, The same high tech design lowers the ground impact also. Read more about it;

5. Army 15 month enlistments moving along well with 52 recruits signed up. Available in Infantry and some medical jobs. The 15 months does not include training which can make service time up to 20 1/2 months. Enlistees occur a 8 year reserve obligation, two of which is in the national guard or reserve then they are transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve. After completing the duty assignment, enlistees get a $5,000 bonus and an educational allowance of $800 for 12 months or $400 for 36 months. What the program DOES NOT tell you is that in order to be eligible for care at the VA, the enlistee needs at least 2 years of active duty. Soldiers in this program would not qualify. Interested soldiers should consider the not much talked about 2 year enlistment program which would get them VA benefits!

6. KIA List update; Another Sky Soldiers pays the ultimate price; http://www.173rdairborne.com/kia.htm