Keep dreaming with Apache

Photo By Chung Il Kim | Spc. Charles Caraccilo, a pad crew chief from the 4-2nd Avn. Regt., 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, assigns jobs to the Soldiers under him in an effective manner at the Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) on the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex.  

POCHEON, 41, SOUTH KOREA

09.30.2015

Story by Chung Il Kim 

2nd Combat Aviation Brigade

POCHEON, South Korea - An AH-64 Apache hovered the sky of the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex while tanks covered the ground. Every time a helicopter and tank fired, the air and ground tremored due to the thundering fire power.

The 4th Attack Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade and the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team conducted a combined exercise Sept. 21 at the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex in South Korea. For a large scale exercise, the role of every single Soldier is crucial for its success. Spc. Caraccilo is one of the many essential Soldiers for the training.

Spc. Charles Caraccilo is a pad crew chief from the 4-2nd Avn. Regt. As a pad chief charged with maintenance and safety, Caraccilo has a lot on his plate to include keeping track of every detail of checks and assigning jobs to the Soldiers under him in an effective manner at the Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) on the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex.

"For gunnery, we thoroughly check oil level, transmission and overall maintenance of the helicopter,” Caraccilo said. “Attention to detail is the key quality for us because pilots’ safety depends on our work.”

Caraccilo’s experienced skill and professional attitude comes not only from his work experience in the Army but also from his age.

Caraccilo is a little older than most of his fellow Soldiers. He is 43 years old. Before joining the Army in 2011 with his older son, Caraccilo was a construction businessman.

“I was busy and did not have time and energy to have fun with my family,” said Caraccilo. “I find much better life and work balance here in the army and now my family is happier.”

Caraccilo is a relentless dreamer. He plans to re-enlist next year and hopes to become a first sergeant one day. He also plans to go to college and major in physical fitness or nutrition to further challenge himself.

• Date Taken: 09.30.2015
• Date Posted: 09.29.2015 21:01
• Story ID: 177542
• Location: POCHEON, 41, KR