24. Airborne Operation Photos - Sicily Drop Zone, Fort Bragg, NC - Thuresday, June 14, 1984

SSG Otten out on the edge of Sicily Drop Zone. On a good day, like this day, they had trucks, which we affectionately referred to as "Cattle Trucks" to haul us back to our barracks on post. On a bad day you had to march back from the drop zone. It was a long hot march, over 7 miles I think, which on warmer days had guys passing out and/or getting sick on the way back. On another jump day I (unintentionally) avoided the march back after almost passing out on the march down to Green Ramp from the barracks before the jump: I got dizzy and sat down. Moments later someone was pouring water on me and asking me if I was OK. I was OK. I did go on the jump, but just to be careful one of the officers made sure I didn't have to march back that night. I got a ride on one of the support vehicles. Everyone else marched. (Whew!)

"SSG Otten was "Our Fearless Leader", as Kevin Swalley would say. (Click photo for "Miller Time")