I don't own Band of Brothers or any of the amazing men who served in the military. The only things I own are Megan, Brian, and Jack.

The weather has turned cold, and we are currently posted at Fort Benning.

We arrived in December, after marching all the way from Toccoa to Atlanta, just to be able to say that the Americans can march further in 3 days than the Japs can. Seems stupid to me, but I guess image is everything these days.

It's the end of our first week at Fort Benning, and the men are restless.

"This is insane! We're in better shape than the instructors. Why do we have to go through physical training again?"

"Wynn, shut up! I know we're in good shape, and it'll get realized eventually. Till then, stick it out. ALL of you!"

"Yes, Lip."

Smothering a laugh that was threatening to break free, I turn around and head for Col. Sink. I may as well see what I can do. I find him talking to Sobel, who looks irritated. When Sink notices me, he breaks off his conversation with Sobel.

"Captain Kennedy. What is it?"

"Sir, it's about the men's training."

"Yes?"

"Sir, these men are in better shape than their instructors, Captain Sobel has seen to that. There is no reason that they should not go straight into jump training, sir."

"I see your point, Captain. I'll speak to the trainers about this.'

"Thank you, sir." I salute and leave, heading back to Easy to go on another pointless training run.

The next day, Sink orders the men to assemble. "Gentlemen, it has come to my attention that you are already in very good physical condition. After speaking with your instructors, it has been determined that you will move directly on to your actual jump training."

"Yes, sir!"

"Dismissed. Get into your formations for today's training and wait for your trainers." The company disperses to prepare for a new phase of training.

The next few weeks are very busy. We learn how to land properly so that we don't break our legs. We learn to pack our chute and then repack it. After a week, it feels like I've been packing chutes forever.

The last major part of our training to become fully qualified paratroopers was making 5 training jumps. Just before the planes went up for the first time, we all got one last piece of advice from the trainers.

"There will be a lot of men dropping from the sky today. Hopefully, under deployed canopies. Jumping from 1000 feet AGL in sticks of 12 jumpers per aircraft. All you have to do is remember what you were taught, and I guarantee you gravity will take care of the rest. And gentlemen, rest assured, any refusals in the aircraft or at the door, and I guarantee you, you will be out of the airborne."

I am assigned to a plane that includes Sobel, Luz, Malarkey, Guarnere, and Toye. Talk about a motley crew. The boys look like they are having the time of their lives. Sobel, on the other hand, looks really pale, which is really funny to me. I'm only thinking one thing – why the hell am a choosing to jump out of a perfectly good airplane?

Despite some people *cough* Sobel *cough* having issues with composure, Easy Company makes it through the training, and are celebrating at a party.

I enter a little late, because I was bandaging the ankle of a private in Dog Company who had sprained it badly on one of his jumps. When I get there, the first thing I see is Bill Guarnere gulping down a glass of beer. The whole table is cheering him on. Bill finishes the glass with his wings held in his teeth. For some reason, that strikes me as particularly funny and I laugh softly, before walking over to see John Martin.

I've gotten to know Johnny pretty well while here at the Frying Pan, since he's pretty laid back. Just as I get to the table, Perco walks over, showing off his shiny new jump boots and bloused trousers. "Now, just think, If you had any class or style, somebody might have mistaken you for somebody."

"Oh, yeah, like your fucking sergeant?" Johnny is showing off his stripes, which makes poor Perco a little nervous.

"I was only kidding." Johnny winks and we all start laughing, Perco and Johnny noticing me for the first time.

"Hi Miss Megan!"

"Hey Johnny, how's it going?"

"Well, I've got my jumpwings and a glass of beer. What more could a guy ask for?

"You guys are the craziest! I just wanted to congratulate y'all before I head to the corner to socialize with some other folks."

"What, you don't want to hang with us enlisted folk anymore?"

"Tell you what Frank, I will consider coming back over in a little bit, maybe even get up on stage and say hi to all of y'all together, if you leave me in peace to go get a drink."

"Deal." I leave them to their own devices, and head over to the bar, which I see is being tended by none other than George Luz tonight.

"Hey George, you got anything other than beer back there?"

"Sorry Miss Megan, just beer."

"Can I get a glass of water?"

Luz hands over my water. "Miss Megan, do you sing?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I was just wondering if you'd grace us all with a song, in honor of getting our wings."

"Maybe later, ok? I'm going to go sit and drink my water."

Just as I reach the table in the corner where Bull and Lip are sitting, Col. Sink comes in. We all come to attention immediately.

"At ease, paratroopers. Good evening, Easy Company."

"Good evening, sir!"

Sink begins a short speech. "Paratroops infantry is a new concept. But the 506th will forge that concept into victory! You all deserve this party! So have fun, and remember our motto: Currahee!"

:CURRAHEE!"

"Oh, and before I leave, you all should thank Captain Kennedy. She's the one who got the ball rolling to get you out of the physical training." Sink leaves amidst cheers and thanks flowing my way.

Of course, George Luz wouldn't dream of being upstaged, so he opened his big mouth. "Miss Megan promised that she'd sing us a song, in honor of our earning our jumpwings."

Cheers filled the room. "Fine. Just one song. I don't need Dog and Fox coming in, they're only next door. Any requests?"

Shifty speaks up. "Can you sing a hymn?"

"Sure, but does anyone want a specific one? Bill, you've got a look on your face. You have a song you want?"

"Ave Maria. I haven't heard it in a really long time."

Stepping to the stage at the front of the room, I take a deep breath and prepare.

"Ave Maria,
Gratia plena, Dominus tecum.
Benedicta tu in mulieribus,
Et benedictus, fructus ventris tui, Jesus.
Sancta Maria, sancta Maria, Maria,
Ora pro nobis, nobis peccatoribus,
Nunc et in hora, in hora mortis nostrae.
Amen. Amen."

The room remains transfixed in silence for several moments after I finish singing. Then they clap. Not quickly mind you, like after a show, but as though simply in appreciation for a beautiful performance that touched the heart of all the men in that room.

I look around the room, stunned at the fact that more men have crowded in. Looks like Dog and Fox came over after all.

Our quiet medic, Gene speaks up, which is a rarity for him. "Thank you, Miss Megan. That was the most beautiful rendition I've ever heard."

Embarrassed, I slip outside to get some air, never noticing the pair of eyes that follows my path out the door.

Thanks to the many people who have read this story. I'm really flattered. Please review and tell me what you think. Also, there is a poll on my profile for which Easy Company man will be Megan's big brother/role model within the company.

A link to one of the most beautiful renditions of Ave Maria: http:/ .com/ watch?v=6jD58Gu7fJ8&feature=related