Soldier in Focus: Sgt. Samuel Silva

Photo By Staff Sgt. Ruth McClary | Sgt. Samuel Silva, of Troop A, 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, likes the adrenaline rush of tracking bad guys in Puerto Rico and Iraq. Silva was called in from the individual ready reserve to deploy for a second tour after four years of inactive duty. Troop A is based out of Williamson, W. Va.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.27.2009

Story by Spc. Ruth McClary 

30th Armored Brigade Combat Team

BAGHDAD — As a special operations police officer in Puerto Rico, chasing bad guys is nothing new for Sgt. Samuel Silva, of Troop A, 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

Now the chase has expanded to include terrorists in Iraq.

The native of Guayama, Puerto Rico, has prior deployment experience with the 101st Airborne Division and after four years in the inactive reserve, deployed with this squadron to Iraq.

"At first I was a little sad when I received a phone call telling me to report," said Silva. "I was thinking I finished my time; I'm out."

The sadness dissolved as Silva stepped right into a junior leadership role with detainee operations and vehicle search guidance to U.S. and Iraqi soldiers.

"We check to make sure Iraqi soldiers do search and seizure correctly and we give them pointers," said Silva.

Special operations police officers work in hostile and dangerous environments, the highest risk unit in the Puerto Rico police department. Silva combines his civilian and military training for missions here.

"He has an uncanny ability to draw from his civilian life and military experience to accomplish missions," said Sgt. Donna Smith, of Williamson, W. Va.

Whether he is working with Iraqi soldiers or going out on route clearance missions, Silva knows this it is risky business and he reacts accordingly.

"We trust the Iraqi soldiers, but at the same time we have to keep our guard up," said Silva.

After missions Silva works out with his roommate in his spare time.

"I go to the gym to keep in shape so if I need to run or carry someone out of battle, I have to be physically fit," said Silva.

Silva might stay in the military if he could obtain an airborne position but not without considering his family and consulting his wife.

"My wife doesn't like the risks, but she knows me," said Silva. "The adrenaline rush from chase to capture is what drives me."

• Date Taken: 09.27.2009
• Date Posted: 09.27.2009 12:25
• Story ID: 39325
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ