On 13 May 2014, LTC Ryan Dowdy met the final requirement to be awarded the Senior Parachutist Badge by performing a nighttime assistant jumpmaster duty.  In keeping with the airborne tradition, a ceremony was lead by SGM Thompson and MSG Ventura at Sicily Drop Zone immediately after the airborne operation.

To be certified as a Senior Parachutist, a jumpmaster must participate in a minimum of 30 jumps, at least 15 jumps with combat equipment, two mass tactical jumps, and two night jumps, one of these jumps must be as a primary or assistant jumpmaster.