Sgt. Jesse K. Murray earns EIB
Sgt. Jesse K. Murray, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 3d Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2d Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash., recently earned his Expert Infantryman’s Badge (EIB).
Moving to Cape Coral in 1992. Murray attended Cypress Lake High School and Cape Coral High School where he was a member of the ROTC.
Since joining the Army, he has served two separate extended tours in Iraq.
He is the son of Donna and Ray M. Murray of Cape Coral.
His father recently received a letter from H. Charles Hodges, Jr., LTC, IN, Commanding from the Department of the Army, Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 3d Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2d Infantry Division heralding Sgt. Murray’s accomplishments. The letter states:
“Dear Mr. Murray,
My name is Lieutenant Colonel H. Charles Hodges, Jr., the Battalion Commander of 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment – your son’s current unit. I wanted to take this time to inform you of your son’s recent Achievement.
In August, your son conducted testing for the coveted Expert Infantryman’s Badge (EIB) along with over 2,000 Soldiers from the Brigade. The Expert Infantryman’s Badge is one of the three badges that all Infantrymen strive to attain. The other two badges are the Ranger Tab and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. The Expert Infantryman’s Badge test is a series of mental and physical challenges that measure an Infantryman’s proficiency in skills needed to be successful in today’s Army. Very few in the United States Army have the privilege of wearing this Badge, as it is only reserved for the Infantry and only 50 percent historically are able to meet the test’s rigorous standards.
Before testing began, your son had to complete a series of grueling pre-requisites needed to be eligible to participate in testing. Those pre-requisites included a 12 mile foot march which had to be completed in less than 3 hours with over 35 lbs of weight, full body armor, and assigned M4 Carbine Rifle; the location of three of five points for the Day Land Navigation Course; two of three points for the Night Land Navigation Course; expert qualification on the M4 Carbine Rifle and finally the completion of the Army Physical Fitness Test with a score of 90% or better on all three fitness categories; push-ups, sit-ups and a 2 mile run.
When testing was finally completed, your son was able to successfully complete all 37 Infantry tasks to standard. Your son’s performance and dedication are truly a testament to you and your values. Please allow me to also take this time to thank you for your sacrifice and support for our Nation during this difficult time. I am sure you are as proud of your son’s service and his achievements as I am. I look forward to continued service with him in the future.
Respectfully,
H. Charles Hodges, Jr.
LTC, IN
Commanding”