Man With Molino Ties Competed For Title Of The Best Army Ranger

April 21, 2008

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The son of a Molino couple was in the running for the title of Best Army Ranger this weekend at Ft. Benning, GA. But a grueling 18 mile road march eliminated his team early in the competition.

carracino.jpgArmy Lt. Jason Carracino took on some of the U.S. Armed Force’s very best this weekend. Carracino is the son of Tommy and Kathy Godwin of Molino, and the grandson of Marvin and Elaine Wiggins also of Molino. Both couples were at Ft. Benning over the weekend to cheer on Carracino.

The 18 mile road march trek lived up to its reputation for being the event’s ultimate eliminator. Twelve teams, including Carracino’s, dropped out or were encouraged to do so by instructors. The march is normally about 30 miles, but was shortened this year after competitors began dropping out due to heat-related cramps, fatigue and illness. All participants were dressed for the march in “full battle rattle”, including gear and60 pound backpacks.

Carracino said he was in the grueling competition “for the once in a life time experience and the chance to challenge myself by proving that I can accomplish any task I put my heart and soul into.”

He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2002 for Operation Enduring Freedom and to Iraq in 2003 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He earned a bronze star for both deployments.

Besides the official Ranger handbook, there was one book Carracino said he wanted with him during the weekend competition…”the Bible, when the time comes and I need additional strength to carry on it would be great to read the Lord’s word to keep me focused and going strong.”

Carracino and his wife Tami have one son, Kyle, 3. He is stationed at Ft. Benning, GA. He has about 14 years in the U.S. Army.

Pictured top of page: Soldiers on the move during this weekend’s Best Army Ranger Competition at Ft. Benning, GA.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News