James E. Bryan
– PFC in Viet Nam –
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<<<Some of you will recognize the terrain.
I receive the Bronze Star with V for valor >>>
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– A Country Boy at College – The Army sent me back to school: the University of Georgia, the University of Maryland and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I finished the last two years at Embry-Riddle under the GI bill.
– Master Jumpmaster and other Qualifications – I learned a lot in college. I learned even more in an event-filled career in the U.S. Army. Among the interesting events – I taught a jumpmaster course that included a brilliant young lieutenant named David Petraeus. At Ft. Bragg and Ft. Sill, I qualified as Weapons Test Manager for DOD major weapons systems, Nuclear Weapons Test Manager, and Master Gunner. Based on university work, Army training and a tough examination, I was certified by the US Department of Transportation at Hazmat Level 4 for inspection and approval (or disapproval) of shipment of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical weapons by air, land or sea.
– Master Sergeant and First Sergeant – Master Sergeant is the next to highest enlisted rank in the Army. Believe me, I was proud of that promotion! I was even more proud of being made First Sergeant, which is the same pay grade, E-8, but has the responsibility of being the top non-commissioned officer in a Company. First Sergeant is always in a troop unit and demands the ultimate in organizational skills and and leadership.
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I was honored, as an officer of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 566, to help place this monument at Walton South Court Annex. Chapter 566 has placed monuments like this in all six counties of the First Congressional District.
[I asked the webmaster of my site to make the picture large enough to read the inscription and the donation credit. I hope he heard me.]
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I receive my second Purple Heart, Ft. Campbell, KY.
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You can read two meanings (at least) into this monument. The medal, it says, is my country’s way to show they care. Remember, America, most of these women and men are alive – but all of their lives were affected, some tragically. So the medal is also a symbol of America’s responsibility to provide adequate care for these veterans and their families. The inscription also reminds us that if all mankind could witness the awful cost, then peace might come.
War is not romantic. General Sherman was right. “War is Hell.”
How do my technical and military accomplishments qualify me for Congress? You might conclude that I am intelligent, and that I possess self-discipline and commitment to the mission. I’ve done a lot of work on issues unrelated to my military experience. Let me speak and question me. I know what I’m talking about.
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