Wolfhound pup fights terrorist activity

Photo By Pfc. John Ahn | Pfc. Robert Hatala, who hails from Ottawa, Ill., and Lt. Col. Richard "Flip" Wilson, a Brooklyn, N.Y., native, speak about the importance of adding to the more than 100 years of history their unit has served as he presents Hatala with a commander's coin for excellence. Hatala is a reconnaissance scout, and Wilson is the battalion commander, both assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warriors," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.  

TAJI, IRAQ

08.31.2008

Story by Pfc. John Ahn 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Pfc. John Ahn
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warriors," 25th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Known as "Havoc," he is the youngest Soldier in his company and is affectionately known as the company "pup."

Havoc's real name is Pfc. Robert Hatala, and he is a reconnaissance scout assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warriors," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division- Baghdad,

Hatala joined the Army in July 2007, just three days after graduating high school in Ottawa, Ill. His goal, he said, is to do his part and better his life and joining the Army is a stepping stone for future aspirations. Ultimately, he plans to pursue a career in special weapons and tactics law enforcement after using his college benefits from the Army.

In the meantime, he serves his country proudly.

"I knew it would come sooner or later," stated Hatala, in speaking about the inevitability of deploying to the warfront.

He rapidly deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in December 2007, where he is currently patrolling, securing and conducting reconnaissance missions in the Istiqlal Qada, to help ensure that the residents in this area, northeast of Baghdad, are free of criminal and terrorist activity.

Hatala has recently taken part in several successful missions that resulted in the capture of several of the brigade's and battalion's high-value individuals during a two-week surge to combat terrorist activity in the brigade area. Through the eight to 10 hour night missions, 'Havoc' continued to keep hi fellow Soldiers motivated through his jokes and uplifting personality.

"[Havoc] is the most high energy person I have ever met. It doesn't matter how tired everyone else is. He always has energy," said Staff Sgt. Michael Mucha, a Fairfax, Va., native, a section leader in the reconnaissance platoon.

The pace of missions is hard, but the reconnaissance platoon continues to stay motivated and detain terrorists who have hurt or killed innocent Iraqi people. Hatala rests a few hours and then continues to search for the enemy.

"It's a cool job," stated Hatala, "You go out on missions, look for the bad guys and provide accurate and timely information to other units to facilitate [future] operations."

Hatala was recognized by Lt. Col. Richard "Flip" Wilson, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., the task force commander, for being the youngest "Outlaw" soldier and was presented his commander's coin for his service.

He has a large family waiting and praying for his safe return home in 2009. His fiancé and sweetheart is raising their one-year-old son while he is deployed and is expecting twins in November. The young couple had planned to wed during his rest and recreation leave from combat, but the dates did not match up to include their Families. When he returns to Hawaii from combat operations, he said he plans to spend time with his children and get married as soon as possible.

In the meantime, 'Havoc' will keep the spirits up of his platoon. The 'pup' will continue the fight terrorism to keep Iraqis free of terror.

• Date Taken: 08.31.2008
• Date Posted: 08.31.2008 09:50
• Story ID: 23064
• Location: TAJI, IQ