Justin's Story                                      Class #23, Cycle 1-04

An update on Justin Garrison.  I am his mentor.  He graduated at 16-1/2 years of age from TYA in Dec 2004. Justin enlisted in the U.S. Army on his 17th Birthday in July 2005.  He completed Infantry Basic and Advanced training on 1 Dec 2005 at Fort Benning.
Justin was assigned to 2/16th Inf, 4th Bde, 1st Inf Div, at Fort Riley, KS.   He returned to Fort Benning in January 2006 where he completed Parachute School in February 2006.  He was "coined" by the CG, 82nd Airborne Division, for being the youngest in his class and for exceptional attitude and performance.
Justin was at Fort Riley from Feb 2006 to May 2006 when he went with his unit to the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, for desert warfare training.  He is a SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) gunner in Charlie Company of the 2/16 Inf.  Justin performed in an outstanding manner at NTC.  His squad was "captured" by the opponent but Justin evaded the "enemy" for two days and nights alone in the Mojave Desert... and "killed" several of the opponent force in the process.  Justin was "coined" once more for his soldier skills and his spirit.
Justin returned to Fort Benning in July 2006, when he turned 18-years old, for Ranger training.  In his third week he suffered potassium depletion through drinking too much water without electrolytes and was sent to the hospital.  He was treated and quickly recovered.  He has returned to Fort Riley and plans to re-apply for Ranger training.
As you can tell, he and I stay in touch.
Please share this with Major Tunnell and others of the staff.  Justin, his family, and I credit Thunderbird with shaping his life.  He has certainly matured a great deal and loves the Army.  We continue to pray for him daily... for his safety and his staying on track.
God Bless America, Starr and Walt Cassady, COL, USA Retired