SoldierLog

M. Night Shyamalan visits Valley Forge Military

2011-12-05T10:22:00.003-05:00

I had the opportunity to meet famous filmmaker and producer, M. Night Shyamalan (pictured here with Valley Forge President COL David Gray, USA Ret.) during our Crucible training at Valley Forge Military on Sunday, 25 September. Even more surprising, I was interviewed by a local paper and appeared in a news video about the event. Congratulations to all our cadets who participated in the Crucible and who were formally welcomed into the Corps of Cadets!

http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2011/10/01/main_line_suburban_life/news/doc4e823124778c2667339081.txt?viewmode=fullstory

Military Tattoo

2011-11-19T21:11:00.004-05:00

We just finished our annual observance of Military Tattoo at Valley Forge Military Academy & College. It was an outstanding event and everyone involved did an amazing job!

Heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to all the staff, faculty, and students who worked so hard and practiced so long for this event. Your dedication and hard work were evident to all.

Well done!

Another Jason Babin

2011-11-06T11:55:00.001-05:00

Since moving to Valley Forge, I had to find a new service location for my Jeep Wrangler. Took it in to a dealership nearby, and they suddenly rolled out the "red carpet" when they saw my name. I didn't realize what was happening at first, then I remembered ... a certain NFL player (Philadelphia Eagles) and I have the same name. Sorry guys, it's just me :)

2011

2011-11-06T11:08:00.001-05:00

What a year 2011 has been! Philadelphia almost never experiences earthquakes or hurricanes, but we've had both in the past few months. And, as if that weren't enough, we had a Halloween snowstorm. Not since 1979 has the Mid-Atlantic region had snow in October!

It's another exciting year at Valley Forge Military as well. My former boss, CPO Paul Green, moved to a new position in Georgia, and I assumed his position as lead officer at Martin Hall. I can't thank Chief Green enough for all that he taught me, or Valley Forge for entrusting me with such a great position. The cadets and staff of Martin Hall promise to make you proud!

Congratulations, Graduates!

2010-06-06T14:10:00.005-04:00

It's the time of year when students don caps and gowns to mark the end of an educational journey. Along with the pomp and circumstance come myriad emotions: joy at completing a major goal, sadness at leaving friends and schools behind and, certainly, anxiety about the future.

To all who graduate this year, congratulations and well done! I want especially to shout out to my fellow graduate students at West Chester University, and to all of the cadets at Valley Forge Military Academy & College where I serve as a staff officer. The journeys are long, the obstacles many, but together, we have persevered. May we use all that we have learned to serve others well!

The Long Road

2010-05-31T14:12:00.005-04:00

I keep promising myself that I'll update my blog more often, but things have been rather hectic since my undergrad days at West Chester!

In 2008, I spent the summer as in intern with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service as the final requirement for my bachelor's degree. Then, realizing how much I loved West Chester University, I decided to stay there for my graduate program. The only difference is that I would be working two jobs while carrying a full load of graduate courses. Finally though, after two challenging years, I'm about to receive my master's degree!

It's been a long road since starting college at LSU in 2001. Though detoured by deployments to active duty and other responsibilities, I wouldn't change anything about my educational journey. It's often said that life is what happens while we're making plans. But if we keep working toward our goals, we will get there eventually. It's not how long it takes; it's getting there that matters!

Graduation

2008-04-14T21:56:00.004-04:00

Time never moved this fast when I was on active duty! This past year, my final year as an undergraduate at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, has been a blur. After waiting and working for so long, I can hardly believe that graduation is next month!

After six years in the Army National Guard, two more years in the IRR, and two major tours of active duty, I'm finally about to receive a college degree. The path has been long and fraught with detours, but I wouldn't change a thing.

It's strange, but one of the reasons the military appealed to me at 17 was the prospect of funds for college. Of course, there were many other good reasons to join, but that certainly made the decision easier. Yet, as a member of the Louisiana Army National Guard, financial assistance was only available for schools in my home state. I moved to Pennsylvania in 2003, and even though I traveled back and forth to LA to drill with my unit, I was not eligible for any financial assistance beyond the MGIB.

So, I'll be paying back my student loans for many, many years, but my time at West Chester was definitely worth it. I will always treasure the friends that I made there, and I'll carry them in my heart wherever I go.

I'll be starting an internship this summer with a federal agency and, hopefully, I will be able to join that agency to begin my career. But, whatever God plans is ok with me. I really miss my family, my Mom and sister back in Louisiana, and I hope that I'll be able to move closer to them soon.

Through it all, I think of you, my friends, and thank God for such wonderful companions of the journey of life!

Love,

Jason

Updates

2007-05-18T11:07:00.000-04:00

Wow, I can't believe it has been so long since I updated my blog! I've been trying to finish my undergraduate program so that I can get my bachelor's degree before anything else happens.

I started at Louisiana State University, but my first semester there was interrupted for active duty in Afghanistan. When I returned home, I moved to Philadelphia to attend Widener University. After two semesters there, my unit was activated again, this time to help with relief efforts in my home state of Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina. When I got back to Philly, I realized that I couldn't afford the private college any longer, so I transferred to West Chester University. I've been there for three semesters and can finally see the end in sight! If all goes well, I'll be graduating this time next year :-)

In addition to school, I'm still working with Military Service Corps to help troops transitioning from active duty to civilian careers. You can find out more about us here: www.militaryservicecorps.com

More updates to follow. Please don't forget our troops!

Love,

Jason

Prayers for an Injured Soldier

2006-07-03T13:53:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

This is from my colleague at Military Service Corps ...

Thank you, everyone, for your continued prayers for Christopher Brennan. Chris, who is 20, grew up in New Jersey and joined the U.S. Army in August of last year. Unable to return home over Memorial Day weekend, he and some friends traveled from their military base in Texas to San Diego. The trip was to be an opportunity to see the Pacific Ocean and enjoy a brief rest before heading over to duty in Iraq.

Chris was about waist-deep in the ocean when he dove over a wave and struck his head in the suddenly shallow water. He experienced immediate paralysis and has been in the Surgical ICU at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla since the accident.

Over the past five weeks, Chris has experienced many challenges and some victories. He is finally able to breath on his own without a respirator and, for the first time since the accident, he has been allowed some normal food.

Please also remember in your prayers Chris' mom, Mary, his younger brother and sister, and Mary's seven wonderful sisters who have been helping the family through this difficult ordeal. We learned today from the Gloucester County Times that Chris' accident is not the first tragedy for the family. His older brother, Robert, died in 1997, twelve years after suffering brain injuries in a swimming pool accident. Two weeks after Chris left for boot camp, Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, having recently endured surgery and chemotherapy, she is at her son's side bringing a mother's strength and love.

It is hoped that Chris will be able to be transported to a military hospital here in the East by the end of this week. Being surrounded by other troops will surely help boost his spirits, and hearing from those who are praying for him certainly helps too. If you would like to send an email to Chris before his transfer, please click here. The nurses will make sure that he receives every message.

Several groups, including Families Support Our Troops, are raising funds for Chris and his family and other soldiers. If you would like more information, please visit this link: PVT Christopher Brennan.

Thank you to Chris' Aunt Catherine who has been keeping us updated on his progress, and to all of you who are joining our prayers for Chris and his family. As we celebrate this Fourth of July, may we remember with profound gratitude all of our soldiers whose sacrifices have purchased for us the blessings of freedom.

PHEAA - The Update

2006-04-25T16:46:00.000-04:00

Wow, I had just about given up hope of being considered for tuition assistance from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (see 25 FEB post below). After numerous letters and appeals, I finally received word today that I am eligible!

When the governor's office had no luck getting through to PHEAA, I thought that I had exhausted every last possibility. One last letter to Representative Tom Gannon, however, and the situation was completely resolved. I am so grateful to Rep. Gannon and his amazing office staff for making the seemingly impossible happen!

Maybe my adopted state of Pennsylvania wants me to stay after all :-)

A grateful soldier,

Jason

Easter and Passover

2006-04-14T13:41:00.000-04:00

As we celebrate these holy days, I wanted to let my fellow troops know how much they remain in my thoughts and prayers. I remember spending holidays in Afghanistan and, although it's never easy to be away from home and loved ones, it can be especially challenging at times like this.

Wherever we are right now, let's remember those who are still so far from home. Let's keep showing our support and gratitude, even if we only have time to send a quick note to a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine. The "AnySoldier" link on the side of this blog will help you connect with troops who are hoping to hear from you.

Most of all, we remember those who have given their lives in the service of their country. No matter what the circumstances - or how we feel about the war - we will never forget their sacrifice. Their names are written on our hearts.

Blessed Easter and Passover to all,

Jason

Patron of the Emerald Isle

2006-03-17T11:18:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to all of my soldier buddies, friends, and all who claim a bit of Ireland in their ancestry. May the prayers of St. Patrick, patron of the Emerald Isle, bring you joy and peace wherever you are!

I'm only a quarter Irish, but it's enough to appreciate the struggles of our ancestors, and to be grateful for all that Irish immigrants did to make America great.

With love from your slightly-Irish brother,

Jason

PHEAA - The Red-Tape Behemoth

2006-02-25T09:46:00.000-05:00

Has anyone recently had to deal with the red-tape behemoth known as PHEAA - the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency? If you have, you probably know where I'm going with this!

As I was coming to the end of my tour of duty in Afghanistan in early 2003, my relatives in Pennsylvania suggested that I consider moving here and, eventually, starting college again (I was in my first semester at LSU when my unit was called to active duty overseas).

I moved to Pennsylvania in May of 2003 and decided to work full-time at a civilian job for at least a year. Of course, I had to fly back to Louisiana - at my own expense - to participate in mandatory monthly drills with my unit.

In May of 2004, I began applying to several schools and to PHEAA. I was accepted and chose to attend Widener University in Chester, PA, in the Fall of 2004, not realizing that PHEAA would contribute nothing to my financial aid package.

Countless phone calls and letters to PHEAA resulted in different excuses each time for why I was ineligible for financial aid from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

- First, it was because I hadn't changed my driver's license to PA
- Then, because I was a member of the National Guard of another state
- Then, because military members can only claim their home state
- Finally, they said it was because I applied 13 days shy of one full year in PA

As each excuse was presented and resolved, PHEAA found another one. Finally, I wrote to Governor Rendell asking for his assistance in resolving the situation. Sadly, even the governor fared no better than I did with this state agency!

I thought about giving up and returning to Louisiana, but instead I transferred to a state university because I couldn't afford a private college's tuition any longer (I'm already almost $25,000 in debt and I'm only a sophomore).

I gave up my full tuition benefits in Louisiana - even though I remained a member of the National Guard unit - to move to Pennsylvania. Now, PA tells me that I am neither a resident of the state nor eligible for financial aid.

It would be nice if Pennsylvania would honor my decision to move here as well as my years of service in uniform. Instead, they have made it next to impossible to stay.

Jason

New Year, New Goals

2006-01-24T17:17:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm back from Louisiana again, and back in school (shhh, don't tell the Army! They like to call me back to active duty every time they realize that I've started a semester.)

My new school is great. I'm living on campus and discovering how really fast one matures when serving in the military. Coming back to college can be a challenge when so many students act like they're still in high school! Oh well, the late-night water pistol and silly string fights are ok as long as they let me sleep. Some of us - especially those like me who are paying for college by waiting tables - actually care about our GPA and future job prospects :-)

Time to run and read a few more chapters for tomorrow's classes. Thanks for stopping by and, if you get a chance, say hi!

Love,

Jason

Christmas Rush

2005-12-22T11:30:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe how fast the time is flying by. Since my six years of regular duty was up on 09 December, the National Guard released me from Operation Katrina. Now, as I return to Pennsylvania for school, I'll still have two years to fulfill in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Hopefully, I won't get called up again for active duty anytime soon.

I transferred to another college and start classes next month in a Criminal Justice program. The school seems really amazing, and I can't wait to get back to being a student!

While in the IRR, I'll also be a member of the Air Force ROTC. After spending the past six years in the enlisted ranks of the Army National Guard, I hope to fulfill my dream of becoming a pilot and an officer in the Air Force.

I'm back in Louisiana again to spend Christmas with family. I wish y'all the most wonderful and happy holiday, and please don't forget those who are still serving overseas. Our hearts and prayers are with them and all of their loved ones as we pray for their safe return.

Love,

Jason

Until Then

2005-11-16T14:40:00.000-05:00

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, please remember all of the troops who continue to serve overseas, and pray that they will be able to come home soon.

With love and prayers for all of my brothers and sisters in arms,

Jason

Until Then
A Video tribute to the troops by Todd Clegg from GCD Distributing

http://www.soldierworks.com/untilthen.htm

The music in the background is "Homeward Bound" sung by the choirs of BYU:

Homeward Bound

In the quiet misty morning when the moon has gone to bed,
When the sparrows stop their singing and the sky is clear and red.
When the summer’s ceased its gleaming,
When the corn is past its prime,
When adventure’s lost its meaning,
I’ll be homeward bound in time.

Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I’ll return to you somehow.

If you find it’s me you're missing, if you’re hoping I’ll return.
To your thoughts I’ll soon be list’ning, and in the road I’ll stop and turn.
Then the wind will set me racing as my journey nears its end.
And the path I’ll be retracing when I’m homeward bound again.

Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I’ll return to you somehow.

In the quiet misty morning when the moon has gone to bed,
When the sparrows stop their singing,
I’ll be homeward bound again.

-Music and Lyrics by Marta Keen

Veterans Day 2005

2005-11-11T17:15:00.000-05:00

On this Veterans Day, I'm thankful for all of the men and women who have ever served in uniform. I'm honored to be in your ranks and privileged to serve by your side.

May the people of this great country never forget your sacrifice!

All my love,

Jason

Hey Everybody! It's me!

2005-11-08T13:07:00.000-05:00

I finally got a moment to update my blog and wanted to say hi to y'all! Thanks so much to my friend, Chris, for keeping this updated while I'm on active duty. He's better at this than I am :-)

Things are dragging on here in New Orleans and the security details go by really slowly. We're doing 8-hour rotating shifts now, definitely an improvement over those long 12-hour overnight shifts.

When I went to PLDC (NCO school) last summer, I never thought I'd get the chance to use that training so soon. Being a sergeant is a lot more responsibility than I realized, but I like the opportunity to be a leader.

I want to thank everyone who has sent cards, letters, food - wow, especially food, lol - during our time here. It's been really hard seeing so much devastation in our home state, but your kindness and thoughtfulness made it a lot easier to bear. How can I ever thank you all? I wish that words were enough, but they aren't. Just know that you brought a lot of joy to this soldier and his unit during a difficult deployment. We'll never forget your kindness!

Well, gotta get everything ready for the next shift. Y'all are in my thoughts and I hope to see you soon.

Love,

Jason

PS: I love you, Mom!

Back to New Orleans

2005-10-21T10:02:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone,

After spending several weeks helping to clean up after Hurricane Rita, the troops of the 769th were given leave to visit family and loved ones. Jason has now returned to duty and is helping his unit prepare for redeployment to New Orleans.

This morning, he will leave as part of an advance team to set up base operations at the Convention Center. The rest of the unit will arrive over the weekend and begin their mission of providing additional security to the City of New Orleans.

Of course, the Posse Comitatus Act precludes the troops from being used for actual law enforcement, but they hope to serve as a visible presence and support for the regular police force. As the city remains a somewhat dangerous place, we continue to pray for the safety of everyone there.

Jason asked that I extend heartfelt thanks from him and his fellow troops to Leigh Ann, Larry, David and Casey for the wonderful letters, cards, and treats that you've sent! As the soldiers returned to duty this past week, they were understandably sad about being separated again from family and loved ones. However, when they opened the letters and boxes, everyone's spirits improved immediately!

Thank you for keeping Jason and all of the troops in your thoughts and prayers. May God continue to bless you abundantly for your kindness and love!

Gratefully,

Chris

Active Duty Extended

2005-09-19T16:44:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Jason continues his service in New Orleans with the 769th Engineering Battalion of the Louisiana Army National Guard. He has managed to place some phone calls to his family in Baton Rouge and to us, but the cell phone signals are not very good.

He served a brief tour aboard the USS Iwo Jima helping to escort dignitaries who had come to visit the hurricane-ravaged region. After a few days, he rotated back to regular duty with his unit.

Jason asked me to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, and he asked that you continue to remember him and his fellow soldiers. They have recently been told that their mandatory federal duty may be extended through February of 2006.

Jason is especially grateful to Fr. Mike and Leigh Ann and everyone who has sent treats for the troops! If you would like to send anything - especially a note of encouragement to the 1,200 soldiers at his location - here is the address:

SGT Jason P. Babin
Louisiana Army National Guard
A Co, 769th EN BN
2900 S. Magnolia Street
Baker, LA 70714-3300

Again, thank you for your prayers for our soldiers and especially for our neighbors in the South.

Gratefully,

Chris

Cleaning Up After the Storm

2005-09-11T14:08:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

We heard from Jason today. He has been assigned to temporary duty aboard the USS Iwo Jima which is currently deployed to New Orleans. His job is to help escort the politicians and other officials who come to Louisiana for a photo-op, I mean, visit.

When the President visits Louisiana, he is escorted by members of the 82nd Airborne, while the members of the Louisiana Army National Guard watch from the sidelines. In my humble opinion, just another direct slap from the federal government against one of the states that has already suffered so much.

If I'm sounding a little bitter, it's probably because I am! I wish that certain politicians - and yes, that means you, Mr. President - would spend their time and energy on actually helping the people affected by Hurricane Katrina, instead of trying to prove to us how much they're finally doing.

But I digress. Jason is holding up well. He is eager to rejoin the troops of the 769th and continue the actual work of cleaning up. I look forward to his eventual return to family and school, but we have no idea when that will happen.

Christopher
chris.tobin@comcast.net

A Tragic Storm

2005-09-01T12:29:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Jason reported today for active duty with the 769th Engineering Battalion of the Army National Guard. Although officially excused from service - he was about to return to classes at Widener University - he chose to voluntarily report so that he could offer assistance to his beloved Louisiana.

He asked me to update his blog while he's away, and I'm honored to share his thoughts with you. We expect to have only sporadic communication with him during the early stages of deployment, especially since the situation in New Orleans is still so volatile, but I will pass along all information as I receive it.

Please pray for Jason's safety and for all the troops and volunteers who are serving in the storm-ravaged region. May we do everything that we can to support their efforts, and may God help us all come to grips with this terrible tragedy.

Christopher

A Challenge: Go Beyond the Ribbons

2005-05-12T21:29:00.000-04:00

We've all seen them. Hundreds, thousands of magnetic yellow ribbons on the back of vehicles. They say "Support Our Troops" but I'm not sure what that really means.

I'm back in Louisiana now, and I had a lot of time to think today while sitting on planes and in airports. It's awesome that so many people support the military, but maybe there's a better way than buying a ribbon.

Please, when you have a chance, check out AnySoldier.com and SoldiersAngels.com. Both of these sites are making a huge difference for troops overseas. Buy the ribbons if you must, but please don't forget to prove your support by reaching out to those who are still in harm's way.

As I go to sleep tonight - and every night - I'll thank God for my brothers who sleep on the ground and dodge bullets and bombs for my sake. I'll beg God to keep them safe and let them see their loved ones again. And then, like most nights, I'll cry for those who didn't make it.

Off to the Airport

2005-05-12T09:07:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm off to the airport again. I always feel a little sad at airports because I'm saying goodbye. It's only a week this time, but I'll be leaving for another week in June, and three more weeks of training with the Army in July. I love to travel, but sometimes I feel like I live in airports!

I'm leaving from Philadelphia this morning, connecting in Dallas, then landing in Baton Rouge later today. It'll be good to see my family again!

I'll be thinking about all of you while I'm gone, and I'll definitely post some thoughts in between crawling around in the mud :-)

Love,
Jason

Cleaning out the dorm room

2005-05-10T17:58:00.000-04:00

Hey Y'all,

Well, it's clean out the dorm room day, and it's more than a little sad saying goodbye to everybody. I've met a lot of great people at school this year and I'll definitely miss them all.

My roomie left after the first semester so I had the room all to myself since then. Funny though, I never spent much time in it. With classes, work, and Godspell, there wasn't a whole lot of free time this past year. But it was all worth it.

As I pack up all my stuff at school, I'm also packing for a week of training with my unit back in Louisiana. I leave on Thursday, and return the following week. I'll try to update the blog from wherever it is they're taking us :-)

Love to all,
Jason

Godspell Photos

2005-05-03T21:02:00.000-04:00

Hey Y'all,

Godspell is over and it was awesome! Here's a photo of most of the cast:

P.S. I'm the one in the funny green pants :-)

Luv,
Jason

Godspell

2005-04-21T16:13:00.000-04:00

Hey y'all,

My college theater is doing Godspell, and I'm one of the ten cast members (the first play I have ever performed in). Last night was Opening Night and I can't believe what a challenge it was :-)

I'll post some photos as soon as we have them.

Love to all,
Jason

Photos from Afghanistan

2005-04-15T11:08:00.000-04:00

Here's a photo of me in Afghanistan where I was stationed with my unit of the Louisiana Army National Guard ...

And another one on my truck

The first time I ever saw snow was at the air base in Bagram. I'm still shivering.

A Soldier's Thoughts

2005-04-15T10:52:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody,

Thanks for stopping by! It's spring here in Pennsylvania, but I'm freezing my butt off :-) I guess I'm still used to my home in Louisiana where everyone is in shorts and t-shirts by now.

I found my way to Pennsylvania by way of Afghanistan (long story!), and I'm just finishing my freshman year in college here. It's just about time to put the uniform back on again for lots of training this summer.

Give me a holler and let me know if you want to know more :-)

Jason