Here I am getting ready for a parachute jump at Turner Drop Zone Ft Devens, Massachusetts. This picture was taken in 2005. I have been in Special Forces(Green Beret) for over 20 years. I still go back and train every few years. I have been in and out of this unit, the 20th Special Forces for a few years. When I get out of S.F. I really start to miss it, so I have to go back every few years. Being in Special Forces has always been a big part of who I am as a person. I am a Special Forces Medic, 18Delta. The Jumpmaster at my feet is SGM Dave Biron. Dave and I have been friends for more than 20 years. I really admire Dave. He has fought from Vietnam to our present war, The global war on terrorism. The first time that I jumped Turner Dropzone was over 20years ago. The drop zone hasn't changed much. I am probably going to start training again. I miss being in Special Forces. Its part of who I am as a man. I have been inspired by one of my friends who lost his life a little over a year ago in the middle East. His name was sgt Chris Piper. He was killed when an IED exploded near his hummer while on patrol. I think of him often. I think of his young son Christopher growing up in Marblehead, Ma without a dad. My heart breaks and I have shed more than a few quiet tears for young Christopher. I was Chris s Army Recruiter. I enlisted him into Special Forces. At the time Chris was almost 40years old and he wanted to go thru Special Forces school. I thought he was nuts. I was an SF baby and went thru the school at 19 and it kicked my ass. Anyone who knew Chris knew he was a stud. He smoked the training and came home a new Geen Beret. Even though a green beret is our head gear, im using the term that the rest of the army calls Special Forces soldiers. Most civilians confuse the word Special Forces. I knew he would pass the training .He called me after his first SF deployment with 20th group and asked me how he could go active duty. He said that SF was where he should have been his whole life. Chris told me that he wanted to go to Central America. I recommended 7th group. I have done time in both 5th and 7th group. My favorie was 5th group. Its my home. Chris was excellent at speaking Spanish. He learned after he left the Marines and was working as a carpenter in California. Chris was a great carpenter. He really wanted to go back onto active duty with S.F.. He didn't want to stay in Massachusetts. Like most warriors, he missed the military. After a few insisting telephone calls, I told him how to do it. A few months later, Chris was in 7th group. He loved being a Special Forces soldier. so I know, if he had to die in war, he died the way he wanted to....Fighting for this great country......I miss you buddy, the world was a better place with men like you in it....ps thanks for doing all that carpentry work aroung my house in Winthrop, Ma. I always walk in the back kitchen area of my house and think of you. I can see a flash of your big smile in the sun beeming thru the window that you put in. I look at the perfect job you did on framing out the trim around the window. In fact it was like your life simple and staight. Theres a right way and a wrong way, you always took your time and did it right... I am both happy and sad...I miss you buddy, it was my honor to know you.....De Oppresso liber . You have inspired my life Thank you, your friend always..... Bobby aka Ssgt Scalli 20thSpecial Forces Group airborne