Photo By Maj. David Albano | Staff Sgt. Paul Volino of 4th Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry...... read more read more
MOSUL, Iraq (Apr. 18, 2006) - Soldiers of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team are currently distinguishing themselves as part of America's premier fighting force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Colonel Michael Shields, Commander of this elite unit is a no-nonsense soldier who lives the warrior ethos and demands the same of his soldiers. He has proven that the brigade motto "Strike first, strike hard" doesn't always mean by force. His soldiers know how to use force, when to use it, and the appropriate proportion of force that the situation calls for.
Staff Sergeant Paul Volino, Platoon Sergeant, 4th Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment is one such professional soldier.
On a normal day, Volino leads his platoon on several security patrols through some of the meanest streets in Mosul. This has not tainted his view of the Iraqi people however.
"I had a very biased opinion of Iraqisâ?¦I feel that I was very close-minded. During the first couple of months in country, [however] I met some very gracious families. I realize that most Iraqis just want nothing more than to live in a peaceful world without oppression. These families have taken us into their homes and have made us feel that we are truly part of their family."
It is not uncommon to find Volino sitting in an Iraqi living room or kitchen drinking chia and eating the food offered to him by locals. His conversations generally migrate to serious business.
"Do you feel safe? Is there anything I can do to assist you and your family?" he asked over a hot cup of chia.
When it becomes necessary to search a home, Volino maintains the professionalism that contributes to his strong leadership. A soldier walks up to Volino, "Sergeant Volino, the door is locked, do you want me to kick it in?" the Soldier asked. "No, I have talked with the family and I am comfortable," Volino replied. Volino has entered so many homes that by looking in their eyes and observing their body language, he concluded there was no threat there.
"You can't win their hearts and minds if you're kicking down doors of regular citizens. Only if we have toâ?¦only if we have to," he said.
During many of the searches of Iraqi homes to find illegal weapons, it is not uncommon to discover an AK-47 assault rifle under a mattress or in a closet. Volino inspects the weapon.
"Ok, it checks out," he said and gave it back to the owner. "It is not uncommon for a family to possess an AK. When a family member gets married, they will all fire their weapons in the air to celebrate," he stated to one of the newer soldiers in the platoon.
Volino appears to have adopted the entire neighborhoods as his own and makes maintaining their safety his priority.
"Lets swing over to the west-side of the neighborhood and check on things," he said over the platoon net. Shortly after he made his statement, an IED loudly exploded not far from his location.
"Let's check it out and sweep the area," he said as the Stryker vehicle began to move. Once on the scene, Volino questions Iraqis in the vicinity of the explosion.
"No one saw anything unusual. I am just happy that no one was hurt." He said as he looked at his watch and yelled to mount the Stryker. "Our mission is done for the day. Time to get back."
It is not uncommon to find soldiers in the 172nd SBCT such as Volino within its ranks. Soldiers of Volino's platoon give new meaning to the motto, "Strike first, strike hard."
| Date Taken: | 04.25.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 04.25.2006 09:42 |
| Story ID: | 6108 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 1,249 |
| Downloads: | 434 |
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