08-04-2005, 17:25
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#1
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Administrators
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Fayetteville, NC
Posts: 2,263
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7th SFG welcomes new commander, bids farewell to former commander
RELEASE NUMBER: 050804-01
DATE POSTED: AUGUST 4, 2005
Quote:
7th SFG welcomes new commander, bids farewell to former commander
By Sgt. Joe Healy
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Aug. 4, 2005) — The 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) inducted a new commander into their ranks and bid another farewell during an Aug. 4 change of command ceremony here.
With Soldiers standing in formation on Meadows Memorial Parade Field, Col. Jeffrey D. Waddell, the former 7th SFG commander, passed the unit’s colors to Col. Edward R. Reeder, Jr.
Reeder is a veteran of 7th SFG, serving first in 1987 as an Operational Detachment-A commander. He participated in Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama, and also served as a U.S. Army Advisor to the El Salvardoran national Civil Defense Forces.
Under Waddell’s two-year command, the 7th SFG deployed throughout Latin America and the Middle East, bringing freedom and democracy to all corners of the globe.
“Colonel Waddell and members of the 7th Special Forces Group deserve the love and thanks of America, a nation that you have served so well,” said Brig. Gen. Gary M. Jones, commander of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne). “I know you cherish your battlefield successes and honor your losses.”
“With deployments to Columbia, Iraq and Afghanistan, this formation has earned the respect of a grateful nation,” Jones continued. “This is how heroes are paid. Heroes are paid with respect from their fellows.”
Waddell's voice cracked with emotion when he began to address his comrades-in-arms.
“It was a fast and furious pace,” said Waddell, referring to his work since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Waddell thanked his parents, children and grandson for their continued support.
“To quote the famous baseball player Lou Gehrig,” Waddell said. “’Today I feel like the luckiest man in the world.’”
Waddell said he is confident Reeder, his longtime friend, will be a strong 7th SFG commander.
“We understand that vigilance at home, coupled with aggressive action abroad are key elements to U.S. foreign policy,” Reeder said.
Reeder's military and civilian education include the Infantry Officer’s Basic and Advanced Courses, Ranger, Airborne, Defense Language Institue, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He earned a Master of Science Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science Degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University.
His military awards and decorations include the Legion Of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Service Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (7th Award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal (5th Award) , Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award) , Joint Meritorious Unit Award (5th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2nd Award) Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge (2nd Award), Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger and Special Forces Tabs. Reeder received the Star of the Armed Forces Medal (Ecuador), the Honor and Merit Medal (Venezuela), and numerous foreign parachutist badges.
-usasoc-
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Dan is offline
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08-04-2005, 18:09
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#2
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 982
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Two great COL's back to back.
I believe TR was fortunate enough to attend the change of command ceremony. Both of these COL's are good friends of his.
Doc
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Doc is offline
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08-04-2005, 18:11
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#3
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: America, the Beautiful
Posts: 3,193
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Didn't know COL Wadell other than to see him coming and going,
but COL Reeder is a great guy and will do well.
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Warrior-Mentor is offline
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08-04-2005, 18:53
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#4
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: LA
Posts: 1,653
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I've known Colonel Waddell since he was a junior-assed Captain. Fine man.
__________________
Somewhere a True Believer is training to kill you. He is training with minimal food or water, in austere conditions, training day and night. The only thing clean on him is his weapon and he made his web gear. He doesn't worry about what workout to do - his ruck weighs what it weighs, his runs end when the enemy stops chasing him. This True Believer is not concerned about 'how hard it is;' he knows either he wins or dies. He doesn't go home at 17:00, he is home.
He knows only The Cause.
Still want to quit?
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NousDefionsDoc is offline
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08-04-2005, 19:11
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#5
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Free Pineland
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I was there, along with Peregrino. In fact, I just got in from JW's party at the GB Club.
COL Waddell and I were in 2/7 on teams at the same time, deployed together, and served together on some assignments over the years, he is a good friend.
COL Reeder and I were classmates at some schools, are long-time friends, and ride together when we can.
Both famous and great Americans.
May post pics later.
TR
__________________
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." - President Theodore Roosevelt, 1910
De Oppresso Liber 01/20/2025
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The Reaper is offline
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08-04-2005, 19:22
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#6
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Consigliere
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Free Pineland (at last)
Posts: 8,767
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by The Reaper
May post pics later.
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Please consider this an expression of interest should you need one. 
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Roguish Lawyer is offline
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08-04-2005, 20:08
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#7
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Free Pineland
Posts: 24,780
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I think that this is what you are looking for.
TR
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"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." - President Theodore Roosevelt, 1910
De Oppresso Liber 01/20/2025
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The Reaper is offline
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08-04-2005, 20:13
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#8
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Free Pineland
Posts: 24,780
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And these.
TR
__________________
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." - President Theodore Roosevelt, 1910
De Oppresso Liber 01/20/2025
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The Reaper is offline
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08-04-2005, 20:14
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#9
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Consigliere
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Free Pineland (at last)
Posts: 8,767
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by The Reaper
I think that this is what you are looking for.
TR
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Yes, sir. Thanks very much for sharing. I recognize the location! Not far from where the infamous Mary Poppins photos were taken!
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Roguish Lawyer is offline
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08-04-2005, 21:39
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#10
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: LA
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TR,
Great pics as usual. Thanks. How many times did Col. Reeder have to tug on the colors before Jeff let go? 
__________________
Somewhere a True Believer is training to kill you. He is training with minimal food or water, in austere conditions, training day and night. The only thing clean on him is his weapon and he made his web gear. He doesn't worry about what workout to do - his ruck weighs what it weighs, his runs end when the enemy stops chasing him. This True Believer is not concerned about 'how hard it is;' he knows either he wins or dies. He doesn't go home at 17:00, he is home.
He knows only The Cause.
Still want to quit?
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NousDefionsDoc is offline
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08-04-2005, 21:43
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#11
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Jan 2004
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by NousDefionsDoc
TR,
Great pics as usual. Thanks. How many times did Col. Reeder have to tug on the colors before Jeff let go? |
Look at the pic, BG Jones had to take them from him.
JW was having a good time at the GB Club tonight smoking a fine cigar, swapping lies with me and sipping beverages.
He did a great job during his tour. The boys were happy with him.
Speaking of the GB Club, they have a framed poster of your quote that a company is printing and handing out. Will try to get a pic later.
TR
__________________
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." - President Theodore Roosevelt, 1910
De Oppresso Liber 01/20/2025
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The Reaper is offline
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08-04-2005, 21:57
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#12
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: LA
Posts: 1,653
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I heard good things about JW's time from the boys. That quote sure gets around.
__________________
Somewhere a True Believer is training to kill you. He is training with minimal food or water, in austere conditions, training day and night. The only thing clean on him is his weapon and he made his web gear. He doesn't worry about what workout to do - his ruck weighs what it weighs, his runs end when the enemy stops chasing him. This True Believer is not concerned about 'how hard it is;' he knows either he wins or dies. He doesn't go home at 17:00, he is home.
He knows only The Cause.
Still want to quit?
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NousDefionsDoc is offline
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08-04-2005, 23:53
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#13
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Guerrilla
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: USA- the northeast
Posts: 372
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Excuse me, sirs.........
Quote:
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“With deployments to Columbia, Iraq and Afghanistan
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How can a press release from 7th SFG spell Colombia wrong ???
(asked the teacher, holding her red pen).
The pictures are great, TR. Thanks for posting them.
__________________
Roycroft201
"In a completely rational society, the best of us would aspire to be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something less, because passing civilization along from one generation to the next ought to be the highest honor and the highest responsibility anyone could have. " .....Lee Iacocca
I will cede that we frequently have to associate with people we may not respect. - The Reaper
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Roycroft201 is offline
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08-05-2005, 00:26
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#14
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Guest
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Wow.
Beautiful pics TR and Dan.
FrontSight
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08-05-2005, 03:35
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#15
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 982
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Roycroft201
How can a press release from 7th SFG spell Colombia wrong ???
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The press release was from a USASOC PAO SGT. He's across the street from 7th GP and a world away.
Doc
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Doc is offline
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