Photo By 1st Lt. Brianne Roudebush | Spc. Joshua Zollo, a firefighter who serves with Alpha Company, 1st Special Troops...... read more read more
FAIRFIELD, Calif. – He’s a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, a water rescue technician, a husband and a student. He wanted to add one more title to that list – Soldier. Unfortunately, his autism diagnosis prevented him from enlisting in the Army. Not one to be deterred, Spc. Joshua Zollo began researching other avenues and came across the California State Military Reserve. In March 2013 he was granted a medical waiver and joined the SMR.
“The SMR has given me the opportunity to do what I can,” Zollo said. “This is how I am able to serve my community and my country.”
As a member of Alpha Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, Regional Support Command North, Zollo has been able to support the California National Guard mission in several ways. His medical background, hazardous materials training and knowledge of the Incident Command System have proved invaluable to the unit.
In his first 15 months of service, the 29-year-old has provided range support during weapons qualification at the CHP Academy, traveled to March Air Reserve Base in Southern California to work with the modular aerial firefighting system (MAFFS), and provided medical support to the 49th Military Police Brigade during their Homeland Response Force evaluation at Camp Roberts, to name a few. All this was done on his own time and at his own expense; the SMR is a volunteer force.
“The thing about the SMR is that we don’t get any of the [monetary benefits], so the people who are here really want to be here,” Zollo said. “It’s always nice to work with a group of people who are dedicated and driven.”
The Penryn resident said he really likes the camaraderie of his unit and their interaction with the National Guard components.
“I come every month because I made a commitment to be here and because I feel like I am making a real contribution and helping people,” he said. “I like being a part of something bigger than myself.”
His platoon sergeant, Sgt. Thomas Coyle, said Zollo always steps up in the unit.
“He’s a good kid and he brings a lot to the unit with his medical experience,” Coyle said. “He is very motivated and is always asking for more duties.”
Zollo has a lot on his plate already. In addition to his military service, he is a full-time firefighter with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in Butte County, is working on getting his master’s degree in military history and American history, and is looking forward to celebrating his one-year anniversary with his wife at the end of June.
The Southern New Hampshire University student said he has a lot of passions we wants to pursue.
“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher,” he said. “And I can always be a volunteer firefighter, so I can do both.”
Zollo said he tries to do everything he can to impart his skills so people can help themselves and help others.
“I’m not personally in a position where I am putting my life on the line,” he said. “But the standard of living we have in America comes at a cost and this is what I can do to support those who do put their lives on the line.”
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 06.08.2014 19:23 |
| Story ID: | 132504 |
| Location: | FAIRFIELD, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 682 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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