Soldier of the Quarter, Q32023

[1st Lt. C. Henderson]

Quarter Three - June, 2023

Corporal James Archer
 

Corporal James Archer joined the 101st Airborne Division Realism Unit on December 13th, 2022 where he was first assigned as a Rifleman in First Squad, First Platoon. Since then, Corporal James Archer has made his expedient growth through active participation and involvement in our community: learning the ins and outs of ArmA III and becoming an example.

 

From the beginning, Corporal James Archer made an impactful, positive impression on everyone in the unit. He has demonstrated a love for the history of the 101st Airborne Division, and an appreciation for what our community does. He has had one of the highest attendance rates of any member within the 101st Airborne Division, and becoming the example of a professional and dedicated member of this community. Active participation in events, and for staff shops - going above and beyond.

Why did you join the 101st Airborne Division?

I have a deep love for both the history and aesthetics of World War 2. I stumbled across an advertisement for the 101st not too long after re-finishing Band of Brothers. I knew the combination of historical accuracy and my not having been in a WW2 unit before would ignite a passion in me.

Any favorite/funny/memorable moment throughout our whole time in the unit?

Every week is a memorable moment. However, my favorite thus far was Biazza Ridge during Husky. That was the first day I carried a BAR in an official operation and I fell in love with it.

Any advice to give to your fellow Paratroopers?

Develop relationships. Step out of your comfort zone and speak to your paratroopers like the humans they are. Understand their desires, dreams, goals -- not only within the unit, but in real life. Put in the effort to connect and establish esprit de corps. Additionally, ask your leadership how you can help the unit. Doing things like volunteering for special tasks or joining an S-Shop gives you a vested interest and purpose in seeing the unit succeed.

What value is the most important to you and why?

Integrity. A man is only as good as his word.

What motivates you? 

Waking up every day with a goal or project in mind, and not beating myself up for it if I don't make the progress that I want. Every day is progress, no matter how small.

What would you say about the progress of the unit, and how you've contributed to it?

I would say that the unit is on a fantastic trajectory. There's been growth in almost every department and plenty of people are stepping up where it counts. I'd like to think that my contributions in the S-Shops I am a part of allow those that are normally task-saturated to do more important and much more necessary things to grow the unit.

Any valuable lessons you have learned while being in the unit?

I have learned that I am notionally small and there is no shame in that. I cannot be a one man army and I depend heavily on my squad and those around me to do what is required. Coming to this understanding has helped me greatly in real life as well.

[1st Lt. C. Henderson]

Congratulations Archer!