Airborne Test Soldiers promoted
It was a day of celebration for the Airborne Test Force (ATF) Soldiers at Yuma Proving Ground.
Three Soldiers were promoted from Staff Sergeant to Sergeant First Class.
ATF Soldiers Cody LaValla, Cody Shew and Billy Vang lined up proudly to have their rank switched out on their uniform to bear the new rank of Sergeant First Class.
Lavalla’s family could not attend, and he asked ATF’s Test Parachutist Program Manager Joe Castillo to do the honors. Christie Shew and Ryoko Vang made the switch for their husbands.
They each said a few words about the honor.
“We are a very small MOS, we start to pyramid at the top. So, it was said if you made it to sergeant first class — that’s a successful career. To finally have made it feels really good. It’s bittersweet I don’t have my family to be there to share it with me. I know my Dad would have been proud. He passed away recently. I want to thank all of you,” said LaValla.
Shew said, “I want to thank my family, for always being there throughout the years during all the deployments and TDYs. It’s been hard but we made it. I want to thank my leadership for pushing me and having my back when a school slot opened last minute and making sure I got there. I want to thank my guys for having my back.”
Vang closed out the speeches saying, “To make it this far in our field is a rarity. Making this rank is a big honor. I would like to thank most importantly my wife. She’s been a big inspiration for me and has motivated me to better myself.”
Yuma Test Center Commander
Lt. Col. Shane Dering presented each Soldier with a coin and ATF Chief David Minnis congratulated the three along with their fellow Soldiers.