Soldier continues family legacy

Photo By Pfc. John Ahn | Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Palumbo, a native of San Diego, assists detainees being released off a bus at the Taji Sheik Support Center in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 17. Palumbo is a platoon sergeant assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad.  

TAJI, IRAQ

06.24.2008

Story by Pfc. John Ahn 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Pfc. John Ahn
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Palumbo wanted to do something exciting, serve his country and not walk too much. These requirements are what the San Diego native told his recruiter before joining the Army. That conversation led him to enlist as an armor Soldier.

His enlistment began another generation of military service for his family.

Today, Palumbo serves as a mobile gun system platoon sergeant assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

The seeds of service were planted by his grandfather, who served in the United States Navy during World War II, and his stepfather, who served in Vietnam.

"My stepfather has shrapnel in his legs from grenades and landmines," said Palumbo. "He's one of the toughest guys I know."

With these influences, Palumbo began his Army career as an armor Soldier, and is now responsible for 30 armor and infantry Soldiers in his unit.

Before deploying, Palumbo was a recruiter, where he inspired more than 60 regular people to become Soldiers. He then did his part to prepare other units to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom as a training non-commissioned officer at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. After those missions, it was finally time for him to deploy.

"I was ready to get over here," he said. "I was finally getting my chance to do my part."

He and his team now conduct regular patrols, search for enemy caches, conduct village assessments, and engage with the residents of the area.

Palumbo's commander said he is a good leader who is always concerned about his Soldiers.

"(Sgt. 1st Class) Palumbo always puts the needs of his Soldiers above his own," said Capt. David Uthlaut, a native of Charleston, N.C. "He is a humble and approachable leader who has demonstrated on numerous occasions that he is willing to expend significant personal effort to address his Soldiers' concerns."

In March, he re-enlisted for his final time, confirming that he is a career Soldier and will remain in the Army for the next eight years.

Palumbo said he hopes those eight years will allow him to reach all of his goals and continue to be an inspiration to his Soldiers.

• Date Taken: 06.24.2008
• Date Posted: 06.24.2008 14:16
• Story ID: 20810
• Location: TAJI, IQ