Photo Gallery Of tough training, father says: “It has to be this way. It is designed to forge a warrior.”
In more than 30 years, three generations of Watsons have raised their right hand and volunteered to serve their country.
Jimmie Watson started the tradition. He spent six years in the Air Force before joining the Army in 1975. Watson retired as a sergeant first class after 20 years, three of them with the 2nd Battalion (Ranger), 75th Infantry Regiment, from 1980 to 1983.
Three of his five sons have served with the 75th. His grandson, Pfc. Donald Watson, was the honor graduate of the Ranger Indoctrination Program Dec. 20.
“I am comfortable knowing that my children and my grandchildren are in the Army today, because they are better trained Soldiers,” the senior Watson said. “They are very professional.
Graduation for Donny was a special day, he said, not only because his Family was here to share it, but also because the guest speaker was his dad, Command Sgt. Maj. Sean (Tim) Watson, the command sergeant major of the 165th Infantry Brigade at Fort Jackson, S.C.
Tim, who spent 10 years with the 75th Ranger Regiment, told the graduates they are now part of a brotherhood.
“Living as a member of the Ranger Regiment is a way of life,” he said. “Life in the regiment and living the Ranger Creed can be quite hard. The rigors, stress and pressures placed on you will be extreme.
“It has to be this way,” he said. “It is designed to forge a warrior to become an integral part of a fighting team that is asked to conduct some of the most difficult missions around the world.”
“These young men are in for a hard time, and I don’t mean just because of the war,” he said. “The big thing is for them to keep their heads up, keep working and training and keep building their skills. There are very few things that are more honorable than service to your nation.”
Donny, who was born at Martin Army Community Hospital, is the first member of his Family to be assigned to 1st Battalion. He said he’s happy to be a third generation Ranger.
“I think it makes it easier though, whenever I want to relax or slack off, I won’t because I don’t want to let anyone down,” he said.