Soldier inspired by grandfather's WWII service

Courtesy Photo | Pvt. Edward Robinson, a native of Saint Albans, W. Va., is assigned Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment 'Wolfhounds,' 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team 'Warrior,' 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad.  

TAJI, IRAQ

03.10.2008

Courtesy Story

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Spc. Brian Pierce
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Pvt. Edward Robinson, a native of Saint Albans, W. Va., had his grandfather in mind when he joined the Army in 2007.

Robinson's late grandfather, a World War II veteran, served in the Army as an infantryman. That service is what inspired Robinson to follow in his grandfather's footsteps.

"When you think of the Army, you think of the Infantry," said Robinson.

Robinson is currently assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. He is a member of the Brigade's tactical reserve which rapidly responds to significant activities and events within the brigade's area of operations.

The youngest Soldier in the Battalion, 18-year-old Robinson is helping his unit in ensuring security and stability in the northwest Baghdad area.

In addition to responding to activities on the tactical reserve, he has also provided security for the Brigade's Provincial Reconstruction Team, which assists the Government of Iraq with essential services, such as education for children.

"The Army has helped put so many Iraqi children back in school, and give jobs to the Iraqi people," said Robinson. "The Iraqi people really appreciate what we have done for them, and are starting to improve their lives on their own."

Robinson has quickly learned the Iraqi culture and what it takes to assist in continuing the stabilization of Iraq. His efforts in the area have been rewarded several times by local Iraqi residents. The Iraqi's have shown their gratitude to Robinson by offering him food and smiles.

Robinson said he demands nothing less than perfection from himself.

"As soon as he got to the unit, he worked hard to become a member of his team and his unit. He did everything to the best of his ability," said 1st Lt. Ryan Clay, a native of Durham, N.C. and platoon leader, Co. C, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt.

Robinson said his sense of perfection stems from his grandfather, who passed away when he was twelve. His grandfather's combat experience and stories help Robinson make it through his time in Iraq.

Robinson knows that even though his grandfather is no longer alive, he said he would be proud of all he has accomplished and all he will accomplish.

• Date Taken: 03.10.2008
• Date Posted: 03.10.2008 09:39
• Story ID: 17170
• Location: TAJI, IQ