Windsor, VT Tactical

[Radar]

This was the first major tactical of the year.  Troopers; Potter, Nadeau, Mailman, Butler, Driscoll, Sampson, Hlavic, and Gioscia met in Northampton.  We then met up with Trooper Wooding, Martineau, and Patenaude in Greenfield to acquire rations for the event.  Trooper Gordon went right to the event.

Once all had gathered we set up camp and claimed the barn for shelter.  We geared up and headed out for a full immersion tactical.   I was dropped into the wilderness about 2 hours before dusk.  Trooper Mailman was first out the door.  I met up with him within a few min. after landing and cutting my 'chute.  We then met up with trooper Sampson.  Upon meeting up, we found a small group of 506th AB troopers and we then located the first objective; the German water supply.  We booby trapped it the following day.

The 101 AB troopers notified us where we could find the rest of our comrades.  We met up in some very thick woods where we rallied with the rest of the 505th, however TOP, Woody, and Sparky were all still missing.  About an hour from dusk they finally made their way from the DZ to the rally point.  We stayed in the woods for the duration of the night.  There was guns blazing until about 12:30 am when the allied commander said we had captured numerous objectives and we all deserved a drink.

Later that evening, trooper Mailman had a very small animal scurry across his body while trying to get some shut eye.  The flagellant air in the woods was because of the mass amount of beans consumed by The Hustler, Little Texas, Sampson, and myself.  Myself and Sampson we crunching so loud eating pretzels that TOP said, "What the hell are you two eating?  You sound like a couple of beavers gnawing on a tree!"  Our laughter almost alerted the Krauts to our position.

At 0330 hours, LT, TOP, and Woody started a small fire that kept us warm and heated coffee until dawn.  We then moved out to find the Germans.  After booby trapping the Kraut water supply, we came across the German lines.  We stormed the germans as they were eating their breakfast and slaughtered more as they were marching into their trenches. 

Later in the day, we found ourselves back at the German trench.  Woody heroically jumped into the trench and killed numerous Gerry before he was gunned down.  We were victorious.

That is my perspective on SOME of the days events.  I could go on, but I know there are more stories and this is just ONE perspective.

Next?

[littletexas]

Job well done Radar. I might add that while Friday proved to be a difficult night's rest, the 505th got through it well and maintained great spirits through Saturday. Mosquitos and tree roots may have been a pain in the neck (and butt), but canned beans, coffee and chatting with a good friend about "back home" made for a memorable night that makes you appreciate what you do have "back home." It also makes you appreciate what those men went through every night for four years (if they were lucky enough to get through it).

[Sgt. Hustler]

As one "good friend" to another...I concur.  It really did add something to the experience talking about the back story and so on I hope that the unit does more of this in any "acting" situations.  Cheers. Sarge.

[dogface2104]

yes, this event is always good for just sitting around chatting with fellow troopers and friends.
as a unit the 505ht hit the germans hard and completed what every was asked of them.

[Woody]

Had a great time with the team. Got over the dehydration and I'm finally pissing the right color. Germans were lame, and not enough in numbers. Sorry about leaving so early other duties call. Will wait to comment further until the LT releases the AAR.
Leaving for Ohio this upcoming weekend for Bandos Triggertime convention, will spend a couple of days at his house so i will take plenty of pictures.
Woody

[Woody]

Back from the triggertime convention. Awesome, 13 vets in attendance and a lot of people there. Great presentations and I got some good photos. Have some shots of Bandos collection that will have you creaming yourselves. Will bring them at the next gathering.
Woody

[Sparky]

It was just to damn hot.  I will forward the unit thoughts about the event to Paul and Eric.  Not enough Germans was a major problem.  If we are going to live in the "suck" overnight covered in bugs and shivering, there should be action.  We stayed in the field and the Germans retired to camp and acted like this was a usual event.  It was supposed to be full immersion.  Very disapointing.  Terrain tough.  I liked the misdrop when Glenn, Woody and myself where missing.  Windsor should go back to the way it was when we first started attending.  Go Back?  Yes of course.  The immersion failed.  I enjoyed the time spent with the members.  It's priceless.  Potter with the pig!! Oh my god.

Sparky