The boys of B Company, 507th PIR gathered for a rather unique event the evening of Sunday, April 24.  We assembled all six of our reinforced M42 jump uniforms to treat them with a canvas waterproofing solution called Canvak.  The whole purpose of this event was to get our jump suits to more closely resemble the gas impregnated uniforms worn by the real 507th guys on D-Day.  The CC-2 gas impregnating chemicals used on the uniforms would darken the color of the fabric, seal up the fibers making them less breathable, and most noticeably caused the uniforms to stink!  We used both a dunk tank technique as well as a hand-brushed method to really get the uniforms coated.  Once finished, we let them hang dry while we relaxed over some cool refreshments.  All of our hard work was supervised by our new unit mascot, our favorite Brittany Spaniel, Buzz.

On Sunday, April 10, the boys of B Company, 507th PIR met up at Ft. Atkinson, Nebraska for our April training event.  The weather was wonderful with periods of sun and clouds and temperatures pushing into the 60s.  Our training began with some good ole' fashioned rifle drill on the parade ground to loosen up the squad.  Luke then instructed us on the Douglas C-47 followed by Will teaching on the various classes of uniforms and headgear.  Matt quizzed us on the finer points of the M1 Garand Rifle and Jon gave us a quick refresher on first aid in the field.  Staff Sergeant Krelle led the squad in a rousing rendition of "Blood Upon the Risers" followed by a quick break for some K-Rations at the fort's flagpole.  Afterwards we did some field maneuvers around the grounds of the fort.  We stumbled upon an old barn that served as a really great backdrop for some unit photos and we visited the fort's Memorial to the Fallen.  We ran through a first person exercise that each trooper completed in advance to further explore the life they lived as a World War II soldier.  And finally, we ended the day making plans for the coming months.  We crammed a lot of great activities into five hours ​and really enjoyed our time together.  A final highlight of the day were the promotions of Corporal Hazard and Private First Class Hinz.  Congratulations paratroopers!