Video by Capt. Jennifer French
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REEL: 173rd Airborne Remembers 1st Lt. Jonathan Brostrom’s Heroism at the Battle of Wanat
173rd Airborne Brigade
June 30, 2025 | 0:16
He led from the front — and never came back.

On July 13, 2008, 1st Lt. Jonathan Brostrom, a platoon leader in Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, was killed in action during the Battle of Wanat in Afghanistan.

Outnumbered and under fire, Brostrom moved without hesitation to reinforce his fellow paratroopers, directing their defense and returning fire. He gave his life trying to protect his Soldiers.

We honor his courage, his leadership and his sacrifice.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade serves as the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of rapidly deploying forces across the U.S. European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Music by “Lune” by Tony Anderson via Musicbed

(U.S. Army video edit by Capt. Jennifer French)
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Ready, Empowered, and Disciplined

Ready, empowered and disciplined, the 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, postured to deploy rapidly in support of operations across multiple combatant commands.

Based in Vicenza, Italy, and Grafenwöhr, Germany, the brigade is built to move quickly, strike decisively and integrate seamlessly with allied forces. Whether responding to a crisis, supporting NATO operations or reinforcing deterrence, Sky Soldiers deliver scalable combat power wherever it’s needed.

Over the past two years, the brigade has trained across Europe and Africa alongside more than two dozen NATO and allied partners in multinational exercises that reinforce interoperability and combat readiness.

Today’s fight takes more than just boots on the ground. That’s why the brigade continues to modernize at every echelon—adopting next-generation communications, sensor integration, and data-driven decision tools that empower leaders with enhanced situational awareness on the battlefield.

Unmanned systems also play an increasing role in reconnaissance and precision engagement. Through realistic training and rapid adaptation, Sky Soldiers are building new ways to pair emerging technology with tactical expertise—improving speed, accuracy and survivability.

On the sustainment front, the brigade is testing innovative approaches to resupply and medical support, ensuring forward elements can operate longer and with greater autonomy in contested environments.

With integrated communications and shared digital tools, the 173rd connects seamlessly with allied formations, accelerating the decision cycle and enabling multinational mission success.

Bottom line: The 173rd Airborne Brigade is smarter, faster and more adaptable than ever before. Whether deterring adversaries, reinforcing allies or leading the fight, Sky Soldiers are always ready—and always forward.