[blue02hd]

Was a PVT in the 2nd RGR Bn, we were doing Zodiac drills on the Nisqually River into the Puget Sound to hit something somewhere in typical Rgr Infantry fashion. At one point in the small channel we were navigating a bald eagle swooped our Zodiac by less than 3 feet, and continued to follow us through his AO until he either became bored with us or became satisfied we were not a threat. We would float on by his new perch, and he would swoop us again once we reached a small distance away. His wings span easily reached from one side of the Zodiac to the other, a beautiful and humbling first experience with a bald eagle. You couldn't help but to be awed.

During infils, we were trained that silence was golden, and I can't remember anyone breaking the silent (and solemn) encounter with this powerful and confident escort we picked up. SFC Rakow (Now Ret CSM) was in the boat ahead of me smacking his Squad Leaders with an oar if they lagged behind. Shalala was our boats personal "motivator", and I remember the swooping eagle even impressed them. Those eagles were a topic of conversation for a while when the NCO's weren't smoking the shit out of Pvt's for some unknown offense.

If you have never had the chance to witness their power first hand, you would be amazed. After that moment there was no doubt in my mind why they are a National Treasure. The Eagles, not Rakow or Shalala, but I to this day wouldn't want to piss them off either,,,

Thanks for sharing your story Tomahawk, it brought back a very nice flashback from when I was still able to wear size 32 UDT's,,,