Working as an engineer supporting our soldiers, I met Command Sargent Major Ernie Tabata. Erine extended his hand to shake, and asked "What service were you in?". I replied, "None, but I was raised by an 82nd Airborne Master Jump Sargent Combat Engineer" Ernie stepped closer and we shook hands. Ernie said, "We are going to get along just fine".
Spoke with Erine about a month ago. He stated that he was 76 years old, still training the troops, and doing his monthly required jump with the troops.