The best part of everything was watching all of Dusty’s friends come up to him after the turning blue ceremony and especially after the graduation. turning blue was amazing. When they recited the Soldiers Creed I cried when they recited the Infantryman Creed I cried when the DS recited the Drill SGT Creed guess what ??? I cried
After the ceremony, before they went back to the barracks, they all hung out on the parade field. Many, many guys came up to Dusty and thanked him for all his help. Most of them called him Uncle Dusty.
Many guys signed Dusty’s unit photo. I’ll write what five or six of them wrote. I wont put their names because of privacy ...but here are a few
Uncle Dusty,
You my friend are one of the finest gentlemen in the platoon. Thanks for the many times you have handed out advice. Your experience has helped myself and others. Best of luck jumping out of Blackhawk’s, man.
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Uncle Dusty,
Well, to one of the greatest infantrymen I’ve ever had the privilege to know and my best friend. I’ll miss you brother. You’ve inspired me and everyone. I can’t thank you enough. Always keep your head up. Keep in touch. I wish you the best of luck in your career and life. Godspeed. Hooah!
Your friend,
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Uncle Dusty,
I knew since I met you, Chi-town, that you would be a cool guy. Thanks for being there for me. You are a good friend and one of the best. Keep in touch, Schmit.
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Uncle Dusty,
Dude, you rock. Your experience has been ginormously valuable, and your stories just rock. Of all the people in this platoon, I admire you the most, and I hope that there is another “Dusty †at my unit to square me away. You’re smart, you’re funny, but most importantly, you are an honorable man. You will make an awesome soldier.
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This next one was from a kid that Dusty used to say this to all the time when he would see him he would shout hey*********Women Want him.... the kid loved it His is short and sweet.
Uncle Dusty,
ROCK STEADY IN THE 101st!
Women want him, men want to be him
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Uncle Dusty,
Thanks for always watching out for me and answering all my questions, you’re the best. For the most part, thanks for always being there. The only thing that was/is hard about this training is having to say good-bye Uncle Dusty. I’ll miss you and you better come visit me. Anyway, my little girl paragraph is over, so here’s the manly sentence. Good luck over in the 101st Uncle Dusty
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You’re the brother I never had… *********