10th Mountain, 33rd lost a good one today. This Soldier came to us as PV2 Jones. Straight from AIT, the Specialist Forces of Bradshaw and myself took this newly Private under our wing.

We made life hell for this Private when he got there, but he took it in stride, and we knew he was gonna be the real one. Jones went on to excel and became a true leader and asset to every unit he went.

In 2015, we reunited back at Drum where it all started for the both of us, but he was SSG Jones, battle-tested, airborne qualified, and had risen through the ranks. The Padawan became the Jedi master.

We were both SSGs, and it was one of my favorite times of my career. I was now asking him for support and guidance. I was asking him how I should handle certain Soldiers that he previously led and were now in my squad.

He was truly a battle buddy that I often called on for favors. We parted ways again, but we always stayed in touch.

I loved how he was PV2 Jones to SFC Jones!

Jones always asked about how my kids were doing and Tank!

Our last conversation was him asking if I could be one of his references. Not only did I say yes, but without hesitation, I drafted him a letter of recommendation and how he would just bring positive vibes and his work ethic is contagious to any organization he becomes a part of.

His laugh and his energy were like no other.

I haven’t really processed it until now that I can no longer talk shit about his Pittsburgh Steelers. I can’t text him about the upcoming Jordan drops and if he’s got a plug “Tu sabe” 10.5 bro!

You will be missed, brotha!

This one hurts…

To my fellow Soldiers, I know life gets in the way and our time on this earth is not guaranteed. Make the call, let your brothers and sisters know you are thinking of them. “Love now.”

Not a day goes by where I don’t think of all of you, how I miss the shit we went through, but we got through it together.

“I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget, we are professionals, noncommissioned officers, LEADERS.”

Love ya, man!

Ps. Wish I still had MySpace; that’s where our early pictures were at