Passing the torch

Photo By Staff Sgt. Peter Ford | Sgt. Donovan J. Brunkalla, an ammunition specialist, from Covina, Calif., assigned to the 163rd Ordinance Company, 79th Support Sustainment Command, writes his schedule to ensure his Soldier is prepared for the USAR Best Warrior Competition. Soldiers in Brunkalla’s unit often refer to him as “Captain America.”  

FORT MCCOY, WI, UNITED STATES

07.15.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Peter Ford 

U.S. Army Reserve Command

FORT MCCOY, Wis. — Last year’s Best Warrior of the79th Support Sustainment Command, Sgt. Donovan J. Brunkalla, returns to the United States Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition, July 15, 2012, with a soldier he mentors.

Brunkalla, an ammunition specialist, from Covina, Calif., says he feels obligated to mentor motivated soldiers who join the unit. While reviewing the checklist for the soldier he mentors, he remarked, if a soldier is not led by someone, he will follow anyone.

“I saw Spc. Chacon was a motivated soldier, so I recommended he attend the Best Warrior Competition to challenge him,” said Brunkalla. “Soldiers I mentor are a direct reflection of me, so I didn’t choose just anyone; I chose someone who could meet the challenge.”

Brunkalla wanted a soldier from his platoon to represent the 79th Support Sustainment Command for the Best Warrior Competition 2012, as he did the year prior. Like Olympic torch symbolizes the connection between ancient games and modern ones, Brunkalla gives his tactical and technical knowledge to his mentee to carry on the tradition of representing his Command in the in the Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition.

“Because Chacon is here representing me and the unit, I feel I owe him one hundred percent of my support,” said Brunkalla. “I will do all I can to help him during this competition.”

Brunkalla said, sponsoring a soldier is more than being a good teacher.

“I care for my soldiers because I grew up watching my grandfather, Donovan J. Brunkalla, who was a turret gunner in the Navy during World War II, show compassion to others,” said Brunkalla. “I believe every leader should have some type of compassion for their Soldiers.”

Brunkalla’s grandfather passed him the torch of compassion and its importance as a leader. He now leads his troops with compassion, and teaches them technical and tactical skills he has gained from non-commissioned officers who have influenced him.

He said, knowledge is worthless unless it is shared.

• Date Taken: 07.15.2012
• Date Posted: 07.16.2012 18:03
• Story ID: 91642
• Location: FORT MCCOY, WI, US