Devils,

We often spend New Year’s Day looking back on the last 12 months to see where we’ve come. That’s a smart thing. As the old professor said, “If you didn’t know history, you didn’t know anything. You were a leaf that didn’t know it was part of a tree.”

A year ago, the men and women of the Devil Brigade were helping Iraqis fortify polling sites for their second-ever national election, teaching their medics how to triage mass-casualty emergencies, helping their logisticians learn new software to improve the flow of parts and other materiel, and donating boxes of gifts from home to indigent borderland farmers.

SPAWARE, Skype and morale calls took the place of hugs and kisses over the holidays, and there was little doubt it was a year of sacrifice for our Paratroopers and our families.

Following block leave, reset and changes of command, fall was a whirlwind of airborne operations and preparations for the 2011 training calendar. Already, the Devils have been home five months.

2011 is going to be a great year here in 1st Brigade, but before we launch into it, let’s thank our families, for if soldiering is the noblest profession, then our families are the noblest of people. Simply put, we think you are the best.

Over the holidays, there will be Devil Paratroopers spending time with their families in nearly every state across the country (we are still the All Americans). Devils, be safe in your travels. Be prudent in your decision-making. Remember those who have passed before you, and decide how you are going to make 2011 our best year ever. Be ready to get after it January 4.

Airborne!

Strike Hold!

COL Mark L. Stock,

Commanding

PSA FROM COL. MARK L. STOCK COMMANDER, 1 BCT, 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION