Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Butler | Sgt. Aubrey Jollotta, a M2 .50 caliber gunner for the command element tactical...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Marcus Butler
4th BCT (Airborne), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs
BAGHDAD - As a young boy holds his mothers hand, the two watch as a UH-1 'Huey' Helicopter lands in the distance with its blades spinning, stirring dust like a scene from an old World War II movie. The boy's eyes fill with wonder as he watches camouflaged figures exit from its doors, seeming to him, in slow motion.
Even though these camouflaged figures were normal men, to this child they seemed like the Titans of Ancient Greece.
Tall, strong and god-like these men walked across the landing zone against the setting sun. The young boy stared in awe as they faded into the golden light until they were completely out of his sight.
At that moment, Sgt. Aubrey Jollotta, then 5-years-old, knew that he wanted to join the Army.
Growing up in Calais, Maine, Jollotta didn't have luxuries like so many other children.
"I had a really rough childhood," said Jollotta. "My family didn't have much of anything but each other. I guess when it comes down to it, that's all that I needed."
Being fourth generation Army, he had a decision to make after he completed high school in which direction he wanted his life to go.
Jollotta joined the civilian work force until he decided to go to college.
"My family was all for me joining the Army," said Jollotta. "But I had to make sure it was the right choice for me."
After completing a semester of college, he decided to make the move and enlist in the United States Army at 22 years old.
From then on, Jollotta has not looked back.
During his six years in the Army, Jollotta has been deployed four times – three with the 82nd Airborne Division. His most recent deployment is with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division (Airborne).
As far as making the Army a career Jollotta has not completely decided on that yet. His chance to reenlist opens up in April 2007.
Jollotta's military lineage dates back to WWII in which his great uncle and grandfather served.
Now during this deployment to Iraq, Jollotta is serving a M2 .50 caliber machine gunner as part of the tactical alternate command team for the command element of the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment (Airborne).
On the TAC, Jollotta works closely with a team that consists of at least four tactical vehicles with five personnel in each. Within his vehicle, the driver, Pfc. Albert Fambrough, speaks nothing but praises about Jollotta.
"Sgt. Jollotta is a great person to work with," said Fambrough. "He is a prime example for a good role model."
Fambrough has been in the Army for a little over 18 months and has worked with Jollotta for approximately 6 months.
"He has been on several deployments and he knows what he is doing when we are out on mission, so I have a lot that I can learn from him. He looks out for me in every way a non-commissioned officer can," Fambrough added.
Even people who do not ride with Jollotta can attest to the praises of his crew member Fambrough.
Pfc. David Lowry, who is also on the TAC team, does not work directly for Jollotta, but agrees that he is an outstanding person and paratrooper.
"He is the kind of sergeant that emulates the Army values and standards," said Lowry. "Especially the three core standards from the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment for Forward Operating Base Falcon leadership, standards and discipline," added Lowry.
Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, great uncle, uncle and father, Jollotta is well on his way to making his own legacy.
"A man must stay in his own orbit and take his directives from within. If through fear of loneliness, intimidation, or suggestion, he joins the marching groups of his time, he will not reach his best," from the Notebooks of Paul Brunton.
For Jollotta, reaching his best will not be a problem, what to do once it is surpassed will be the question for him.
| Date Taken: | 11.29.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 11.29.2006 16:15 |
| Story ID: | 8434 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 1,070 |
| Downloads: | 153 |
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