Golden Knights say goodbye to a Teammate

It was another humbling and somber moment as the Team paid farewell respects to LTC Bean at McKellar’s lodge on Ft Bragg.

After lunch LTC Martin made opening remarks to open the gift exchange and boy were there plenty of presentations.

1st the Team was called to attention as he was awarded “Meritorious Service Medal” for his contributions to the Team during his assignment over the past two years. He pulled duties such as Executive Officer and Chief of Staff in Support of the Team’s Low Medium and High risk operations. LTC Jim Bean synchronized five distinct parachute teams and an Aviation detachment in executing hundreds of missions in support of the USAAC mission. He assisted with the coordination of the former President George H.W. Bush 85th birthday jump and hosted centers of Influence for the Accessions Command including Secretary of the Army, Mr Pete Gerin’s visit to the Team commemorating the GK 50th anniversary. These are just a few of his outstanding achievements and contributions to the Team. Without his unique skills and dedicated support the teams would not have been able to accomplish their missions. Jim will be moving on to USASOC, McDill AFB, Florida and we thank you for your many contributions and we wish you well in all future endeavors. -Spoken by LTC Martin

Other Presentations were made by SGM Eitniear as he awarded a Enlisted sword to commemorate one once carried by Jim’s father who was also a Virginia Military institute graduate. The he presented one Excalibur Sword as a gift from the Team and Alumni.

MSG Charles Cooley presented a Gold powder Coated Knight’s Jousting helmet as a token of appreciation from himself and civilians on the team. The 8 way team led by SFC Brian Krause presented him with an embroidered matted plaque and team color patch from he and his team.

Two Lithographs from Media Relations, one of his jump with the 8 way team, and one to commemorate his service on the team presented by Sean Capogreco

It should be plainly obvious that he will be sorely missed by us all.