Posted by Ivan Lantzky on March 3, 2013:

It was 1974. I had just graduated from the Infantry Advanced Course, and was very disappointed to be assigned to Fort Dix to command a BCT company. I so much wanted to return to Special Operations. But then I met COL William P. Grace III, and he said something that has forever been etched in my brain and heart. Being newly assigned, I reported to his office. He quickly detected my reluctance to this assignment and we simply chatted a bit. And then he asked, "Ivan ... what's our primary skill in Special Forces"? I responded, "To teach". To that he added, "If we in Special Forces are the best teachers and we are where the rubber meets the road ... then what better task then to mold that rubber here in BCT"? I sat for a long moment, digesting what he had just said. "Okay, Sir. I get it. Not a problem". I was given command of Charlie Company. Along with CPT Ed Delk, who was also Special Forces and who commanded Delta Company, we soon became known as the Snake Eater BN. For the next eighteen months Charlie Company and Delta Company won every testable area in BCT against every other company on Post. It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable assignments I ever had. Rest in peace Sir ... you led well.

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