The Bully brotherhood began in December of 2002. They were the first platoon filled with dynamic soldiers and leadership stood up in Chosen company. Roots in camaraderie and leadership go deep in the platoon. As a result, even today the Bullies are the tightest band of brothers in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. The platoon is the perfect combination of experienced leadership and highly motivated new soldiers; physical valor and mental toughness; intestinal fortitude and tactical patience; unrelenting desire to be the best and intellectual know-how. Many have said it, but you be the judge...explore this website and you too will come to realize that the Bullies are the finest Airborne Infantry platoon around.

PLATOON LEADER'S INTRODUCTION LETTER

29 June 2005

Dear Family Member,

I am Second Lieutenant Tate Jarrow, your soldier’s new platoon leader for 1st Platoon, Chosen Company, 2/503rd IN (Airborne). I am from Ithaca, New York and I graduated from the United States Military Academy in May 2004. I have also completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Air Assault, Ranger, and Airborne schools. I look forward to leading and mentoring your soldier as his platoon leader here in Afghanistan, and in Italy when we return there.

I am exceptionally proud to be taking over First Platoon. It is one of the best platoons in the best company in an outstanding battalion. There is no other unit I’d rather be in. All the members of the platoon are excellent soldiers, and I hope you are proud of what they have done, and what they will do in the future. Your soldier is truly fighting for freedom, and you should be proud of his service to our great nation. I am honored that I will be serving alongside your soldier.

Your soldier is in the Army’s most capable hands, those of the Airborne Infantry Non-Commissioned Officer. Sergeant First Class David Cavataio, your Soldier’s platoon sergeant and my right hand man, has over thirteen years of experience as an infantryman. His training includes the Ranger, Airborne, Air Assault, and Long Range Surveillance Leaders Course. Sergeant First Class Cavataio has been to combat twice and has one combat jump, a feat that very few soldiers in the active duty Army have accomplished. He is one of the most experienced, disciplined, and well trained leaders I have ever met. He is the quintessential enlisted role model for your soldier.

I will continue to update and maintain the webpage, as my predecessor has, so you will be able to see what 1st platoon is doing here in Afghanistan. If you haven’t visited it yet, I encourage you to do so. The address for the company webpage is www.chosen2503abn.com, and the link to first platoon is http://www.chosen2503abn.com/bullies.htm. It is a great site that has pictures and movies of all the missions the platoon has participated in, as well as pictures and bios of every member of the platoon. It is updated after every mission.

During this mission in Afghanistan, your soldier has accomplished great things. We are truly fighting for freedom in this country, and fighting the enemies of our nation. Please continue to support your soldier and our platoon with your thoughts and prayers.

My e-mail address is tate.jarrow@us.army.mil, which is the best way to contact me if you would like a timely response. Please feel free to do so at anytime with any issues or questions that you may have.

Sincerely,

Tate A. Jarrow
2LT, IN, USA
Platoon Leader, 1-C-2/503rd