The Dogs of War

Photo By Maj. David Albano | Sgt. Dennis Gravelle, photographs a member of Co. A prepares to search an Iraqi suspect during a movement to contact in the streets of Mosul.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

03.28.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq (26 Mar. 2006) - Soldiers do what Soldiers do; they fight wars. When they do, who better to tell their stories of heroism, commitment and sacrifice than a public affairs Soldier? Reporting and photographing combat Soldiers is the "Fighting" 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment's mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Capturing soldier's hearts and souls in a story or picture is a skill perfected over time. One must share the pain of loss, the bond of friendship, and the sense of commitment.

Sgt. Dennis Gravelle from Gansevoort, N.Y., performs this mission on a daily basis. On this day, Gravelle accompanied members of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team through some of the most dangerous streets in Mosul during a dismounted movement to contact.

He documents their war-time trials and tribulations as the Army trained him to do.

"I feel that every Soldier's story needs to be told. This is not just about combat operations. Everyone in this effort provides a means to an end. That end, is a free and democratic Iraq." Gravelle said. "I have covered civil affairs, [combat] engineers, food service workers, and many others. They all play their part to support the effort."

Weapons squad leader, and designated marksman, Staff Sgt. Paul Volino, with Co. A, from Fort Wainwright, Alaska, said of Gravelle, "When Sgt. Gravelle first came to support us, he was told it was necessary that we work in harmony together. We instructed him in dismounted and mounted operations, and he truly proved himself. He is a real Soldier and possesses the warrior spirit. He steps right up into the Stryker's hatch and pitches right in. As the old adage goes, we are soldiers first. Sergeant Gravelle brings truth to that."

Gravelle followed Volino's unit into raids and presence patrols throughout the war-ravaged streets of Mosul.

"I would follow Volino into any situation. He is a competent and professional Soldier. A true leader that makes you feel secure even in unpredictable situations." Gravelle said. "He always puts his Soldiers before himself and I admire that, so if I can return the favor, I will."

Gravelle has covered this unit many times, and the Soldiers know him well enough to trust him to provide rear security and ride the rear hatch of their Stryker.

"Gravelle has proven himself to be trusted. He is respected by the Soldiers of this unit." Volino said.

"Cry 'Havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war"; a Shakespearian quote from the play "Julius Caesar" that ordered the soldiers of the English army in the middle ages to viciously attack. Its soldiers were referred to as the "dogs of war."

Gravelle and other print and broadcast journalists in the 138th possess the same tenacity in their efforts to get the Soldiers story out. Making them truly, dogs of war.

• Date Taken: 03.28.2006
• Date Posted: 03.28.2006 09:59
• Story ID: 5889
• Location: MOSUL, IQ