Jerry is twenty-five, and from Kansas. He is the "deep-thinker" of the group, and more often than not the voice of reason. Both of Jerry's parents are deaf so he is extremely fluent in sign language. An extremely vigilant soldier, Jerry excels at everything he does. He is also my roomate, and I could not ask for a better one. Shoots expert, physical training stud, and a very good commo-guy.

The one thing Jerry is not good at is driving. God love him, the guy just cannot drive worth a flip. After a while we quit counting his fender-benders at Ft Hood. I remember one occasion when Jerry, myself, and a friend of mine named Trip were returning to post from eating dinner. Trip had left his military ID in his room on the base. To enter the base you have to have this. Jerry, being the great guy he is volunteered to drive on post, get Trip's ID, and come back to pick us up. So Trip and I got out at a seven eleven off the highway and waited for him to return.

After a while I saw a vehicle approaching that looked like my friend returning. I asked Trip "is that Jerry?" In that precise moment the car's brakes locked, white smoke appeared, and then a crash. Trip said "yup, thats him." Jerry had collided with another car. Trip and I ran the distance to the scene.The driver of the other vehicle was a small young female who was obviously shaken, and crying. Always the Southern gentleman, I tried my best to comfort the lady, but to no avail. Jerry then told me "dude, shes deaf." Trip was amazed at this and said "of all the people for you to hit, you hit a deaf person?" To which I said " Heck, hes hit everyone else! At least he can talk to her."

Jeff is twenty-one from Iowa and the "lady's man." He is the sharpest dressed and quickest tempered of the bunch. He is also the only father in the group. His son's name is Quaid, and he is just like his Daddy. Though Jeff is the youngest in the shop he is by far the most mature. I act his age and he acts mine. To provide a better life for his boy he gave up a baseball scholarship to join the Army. As a soldier Jeff could set the standard. As a commo-guy he can't be touched. A fierce competitor thats the best at everything he does. He is also one of the best friends I will ever have.

Darrel is twenty-six and from Texas. This guy is in a category all to himself. In ancient times he would be the court jester. In the United States Army he is a genius. Anytime we ever need anything we call on him, and he always comes through. Like myself, Darrel never meets a stranger. He is an extremely laid back soldier. Almost to the point of lazy. Yet, when he is given a mission you can take it to the bank that it will get done. As a commo-guy he too can't be beat.

Unlike Jerry, Darrel can drive. The guy loves it. A total speed freak. I remember once on FT Hood he made the mistake of spinning his tires in a parking lot. Actually, spinning the tires was not his mistake. Getting caught by a Leiutenant Colonel was. The incident was reported, and Darrel was punished. The punishment was five hours of "smoking." Smoking a soldier involves an NCO and all of the exercises he can think of. Part of Darrel's getting "smoked" was running from one end of our parade field to the other, picking up a small stone, and returning with it. He was made to spell the word SAFETY with the rocks. Too funny. Needless to say, Darrel learned his lesson: next time don't stop, just keep driving.

My commo-shop is perhaps the best in the theatre. All branches of our armed forces come to it for support. Even the special operations community look to us. The reason is we are the best at what we do. We are the best because we have had the honor and priviledge of having the best to teach us. Jay.

Jay is the same age as me at thirty-one. He hails from west-Texas, and has been my NCO and best friend since I met him two and a half years ago. He is one of the toughest and most intelligent men I have ever met, and absolutely fearless in combat. Jay has five American flags flying at his home in Texas. One for each of us. He was the first of us to arrive here, and he will be the last to leave. His mission in Iraq? To bring all of his soldiers home to their families.

As an NCO or non-commissioned officer, Jay is old-school. He was fortunate enough to be trained by the type of NCOs' that are disappearing from this Army. The kind that put their soldiers first. His door is always open, and if one of his soldiers need him he is there. No matter when or where. Even soldiers from other units come to him. They know he cares and that he always has an answer. A class act to say the least. There is no one more professional than him.

As a commo-guy I just cannot say enough about Jay. He is a legend in the 4th Infantry Division. The proof is in his soldiers.

"No greater love has any man than this: to lay down his life for a friend."