We miss you, "CPT Bachelder"

Behold a picture of the notorious former Army JAG, CPT Tyler Bachelder, with that trademark look of mischief flashing across his face.  I'm sure you'll agree it's the most "Tyler" picture of all time.

Sometimes a Judge Advocate's commitment to the Soldier lifestyle goes so far that they, well... resign their commission to become aviation warrant officers and attack helicopter pilots. 

Ok then.  That happened.  But for those of us who knew Tyler, were we surprised?  Was there ever any doubt? 

[Same video, but with comments HERE.]

Tyler's veins were filled not with blood, but with unadulterated hooah.  And though his service in the JAG Corps was repeatedly lauded for the work he did as an attorney on behalf of his fellow Soldiers (scope the Fayetteville Observer's coverage of his tenure as the Fort Bragg Tax Center OIC), most of us remember him for his passionate commitment to the Soldier lifestyle.

There's another picture I have of former-CPT Bachelder upon his graduation from Fort Bragg's Air Assault School as the Distinguished Honor Graduate.  He's running towards the camera--having just been called out of ranks to receive his plaque--a determined look on his face as he passes between two rows of solemn Soldiers standing at attention, his airborne maroon beret obscuring one eye.

And in retrospect, it is THAT photograph that is the most "Tyler" picture of all time.  Because although his sense of humor was (in)famous, there was one thing about which Tyler Bachelder was deathly serious:  striving to be an elite American Soldier, regardless of MOS.

We miss you, dude.  This Corps was better with you, but even now strides in your example. 

There will always be a place for you in the JAGWAR.