Soldier of the Quarter, Q32025

[1st Lt. C. Henderson]

 

Quarter Three - June, 2025

Sergeant Aaron Shinks

Sergeant Aaron Shinks joined the 101st Airborne Division Realism Unit on October 13th, 2024 where he was first assigned as a Rifleman in First Squad, First Platoon. Since then, Sergeant Aaron Shinks has made leaps and bounds in propelling this community forward, and growing as a person. Over his stay Sergeant Aaron Shinks has been a critical instrument in positive change and stalwart devotion to the unit.

 

From the beginning, Sergeant Aaron Shinks l had a significant impact on the units trajectory. His dedication to the craft and learning was what set his trajectory forward. His growth as an individual and as a leader has propelled this unit far over time, taking on many responsibilities as a Squad Leader and now representing one of the few Maintenance Specialists for the Base Maintenance & Logistics. Alongside other dedicated members; his leadership, and dedication to improving the unit has been an amazing boon to our core members. To Sergeant Shinks!

Airborne!

Why did you join the 101st Airborne Division?

I originally joined the 101st because my friend Sledge told me about how much he was enjoying the unit. Then I joined and I saw first hand how much people really care about the unit and its members. It is more like a big friend group that plays Arma together on the weekends. I knew from that point I was going to love it here. 

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

One of my favorite moments in recent memory was when we were in the Okinawa Campaign. Briel, Ray and me were down in the catacombs when we found a room with all these artifacts and a bunch of weapons inside crates. I heard Briel say "Be careful they could be booby-trapped!" He unfortunately said that as I was already standing on a box. I heard them both start laughing immediately as I got knocked out from the explosion. That entire campaign I had a bunch of funny memories on. 

Any advice to give to your fellow Paratroopers?

Listen to your Squad Leaders. They were not just put into their positions to be the boss of you. They were selected to teach you how to be a better Trooper. A leader is someone who can motivate you and teach you at the same time. It is not just the tactical element of the firefight they have to worry about, but making sure everyone is receiving the proper training and knows what to do. 

What motivates you? 

I am motivated by success. Whether that is in the mission we are tasked with or in the real world. I want to see everyone succeed and strive for greatness

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

I joined at a time in the unit where the culture was completely different from what it is now. I have seen people come and go, I have been here during high times, and low. The one thing this unit has managed to do throughout the time of me being here is transition into something like I have never seen before. 

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

I’ve learned that failure is a part of growth as long as you're willing to learn from it. Whether it’s falling short on a mission objective or missing the mark as a leader to my squad, the key is in how I respond. If I don’t take the time to reflect, accept constructive criticism, and turn that failure into a lesson, then I’m holding back my own development.