RASP Graduation

Sterling is 5th from the left.

RASP: Ranger Assessment and Selection Program. Last August my cousin, Sterling, left home for basic training here at Ft. Benning. In November, I was proud to be able to attend his Basic Training Graduation before he began Airborne training. In December I sat on my car in my driveway and watched the Airborne planes fly over and knew that one of the tiny jumpers was Sterling doing his first jump. On Friday, May 4 he accomplished his ultimate goal: graduating from RASP and becoming an Army Ranger.

So, here's why I admire this guy so much. His dad found a letter that Sterling had written in second grade outlining his path to joining the Army. At 18 years old, only two months out of high school he embarked on the journey. It wasn't easy and he faced a lot of trials, but never gave up. In fact when many would have given up, and no one would have judged him for it, he persevered. The Seargant Major who spoke at the Rasp graduation gave a statistic that 65% of the people who start on the path to becoming a Ranger do not succeed. I also read in the Army Times that an average of only 37% of the initial RASP class will actually graduate. So, it was with a lot of pride and even more awe that I was able to see Sterling graduate. Notice above that they're wearing the typical Army cap and below they've made the switch to the tan beret worn by Rangers.

5th from left again

It's always great to be with family. Above from left to right are Christy and Jon (the proud mom and dad), my cousin David (who I was thrilled to see), me, Adam, and Lindsay (Sterling's girlfriend and the only one able to initially point him out in the crowd.) Unfortunately, Sterling was taken directly back to the barracks after graduation for a safety briefing, so I didn't get to congratulate him personally. 

Great job, Sterling! We love you and admire you so much!