Gunfire echoed from the hills as people on the firing line took aim at targets with their M4 rifles. Nearby, M249 squad automatic weapon gunners squeezed their triggers, sending bursts of lead downrange.
Such a sight is not uncommon at Fort Campbell, but as the smell of gunpowder filled the air it was clear that this day’s firers were not your average Soldiers.
As part of “GI Jane Day” hosted by 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, spouses of the Blue Spaders were able to participate in a variety of different events throughout the day on April 21.
The spouses started the day at The Sabalauski Air Assault School, conquering the 40-foot rappel tower. Instructed by cadre from the school, spouses were taught on how to tie a Swiss rappel seat, as well as proper rappelling techniques. Although the weather turned a little wet, each spouse that went up the rappel tower and successfully completed a proper rappel.
“It was exciting and nerve wracking,” said Casey Starnes, wife of 1st Sgt. Michael Starnes of C Co., 1-26th Inf. “Still, I want to go off the tower again and try the Aussie rappel too.”
Although the height was adrenaline-inducing for some, others were not bothered at all.
“I think the tower should have been higher,” said Kiera Woodruff, spouse of Sgt. Joshua Woodruff of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-26th Inf. Regt. “The rappel would have been even better if it were a lot higher.”
“My wife doesn’t get scared easily,” laughed Sgt. Woodruff.
After all the spouses completed the rappel tower, they were transported to a nearby small arms range. Given a chance to fire both an M4 rifle and an M249 squad automatic weapon, spouses were first taught the basic characteristics of the weapons systems and how to properly use each. Also at the range were static displays and a medical class.
“I feel today brings us closer together,” said Spc. Alex Martinez of HHC, 1-26th Inf. Regt. “Especially going to the rifle range. It gives the spouses a little feeling of how it is to be in our shoes.”
Aside from good, clean fun, the Blue Spaders wanted to familiarize spouses with the training that the unit regularly conducts.
“We planned these events to give an overview,” said 1st Lt. Casey Horne, 1-26th Inf. Regt. Family readiness liaison. “Spouses are getting to see pieces of our air assault operations, weapons familiarization and physical fitness training.”
Spouses were happy to have an opportunity to participate in the challenges their Soldier face. This is among the last events the battalion is conducting before part of the unit deploys in support Operation Inherent Resolve.
“I had fun,” Kiera Woodruff said. “I think events like these are great for units to do. This was my first time firing a rifle and machine gun.”
Although part of the event was rained out, participants did not allow the inclement weather to wash away the fun.
“I don’t think it would be ‘GI Jane Day’ if it wasn’t raining,” Woodruff said.
