Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Butler | Sgt. Aubrey Jollotta, one of the M2 .50 caliber gunners for the command element...... read more read more
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by Sgt. Marcus Butler
4th BCT (Airborne) 25th ID
Holding hands with his mother, a young boy watches as a UH1 Huey Helicopter land in the distance with its blades spinning stirring up the surrounding dust like a scene from an old World War II movie. His eyes fill with wonder as he watches camouflaged figures exit from its doors seemingly in slow motion.
Even though these are 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. As they faded into the golden light, the child watched until they were out of his sight and said that's what I want to be.
Since 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 many of the luxuries and many other children.
"I had a really rough childhood," said Jollotta. "My family didn't have much of anything but each other. But I guess when it comes down to it, that's all that I needed."
Being fourth generation Army, Jollotta had a decision to make after he completed high school in which direction he wanted his life to go.
Jollotta joined the working 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, Jollotta 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 and his most recent deployment with the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.
As far as making the Army a career Jollotta has not completely decided on that yet. His window to reenlist opens up in April 2007.
Jollotta's family military lineage dates back too WWII in which his great uncle and Grandfather served.
Now during this deployment to Iraq, Jollotta is serving as 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).
Working on the TAC, Jollotta works closely with the all the members of the team which 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 form him. He looked out for me in everyway a noncommissioned 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, but does not work directly for Jollotta agrees that Jollotta 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: | 12.01.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 12.01.2006 08:22 |
| Story ID: | 8452 |
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| Web Views: | 162 |
| Downloads: | 86 |
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