Soldier brings Eskimo culture to Iraq

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Michael Noggle | Bavilla is a Yupik Eskimo from Togiak, Alaska currently deployed in Iraq with the 1st Bn., 297th Inf. an Alaskan National Guard unit from Nome, Alaska.  

UMM QASR, IRAQ

12.12.2005

Courtesy Story

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Spc. Michael R. Noggle
CFLCC PAO/11th PAD

CAMP BUCCA, Iraq- When the Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry, describe the personality of Sgt. Paul Bavilla, it can be summed up in one phrase.

"He is a shining star, a hero amongst his people," said Sgt. 1st Class Todd Patnode, 1st Bn., 297th Inf.

Bavilla is a Yupik Eskimo from Togiak, Alaska. At the age of 35 and with 15 years of National Guard service, he deployed to Iraq with the unit from Nome, Alaska.

Continuing the tradition of his ancestors, Bavilla is referred to as an Eskimo scout.

They are experts of surviving and living through harsh weather conditions and using their surrounding environment for resources.

The title Eskimo scout was given during World War II, when an invasion by Japanese forces caused America to call on Alaskan natives to help defend the land and allow time for the United States Armed Forces to arrive, Bavilla said.

The natives from Nome and other areas of the country patrolled more than 5,000 miles of Aleutian coastline and 200,000 miles of tundra, rescuing servicemembers and fighting the enemy. "Villages were organized into an Alaskan territorial National Guard," said Lt. Col. Chip Andrews, 1st Bn., 297th Inf. commander. "They served as the "eyes and ears of the Northwest" to protect the coast line."

While battalions were formed after the war to guard Alaska against invasion or intrusion by Russia, scouts have decreased in drastic numbers since the fall of the Soviet Union.

"When I first got in 15 years ago, there were around 300 Eskimo scouts still serving in the Alaskan National Guard," Bavilla said. "Now there couldn't be more than 30 scouts serving in the military."

Bavilla said the people of his Yupik culture, among Eskimo cultures, have a difficult time entering the military because of their inability to read, write or finding time to attend unit drills.

"It is hard to find recruits these days," Bavilla said. "It is slowly fading away."

Today's scouts continue to train in the conditions and environments once done by their ancestors, such as hunting wild animals, hiking through knee-high snow and living in huts during harsh winter conditions.

"This guy is as hardcore as they come," Patnode said of Bavilla.

"He goes out in 30 degrees below zero temperature and lives in the wilderness for months at a time," he said.

Bavilla recalled one incident with his uncle when they were lost coming back from their 50-mile hike to collect wood in the winter season. However, during the return trip home, his uncle lost the trail at which they first traveled.

"My uncle has taught me a lot and has been a great mentor, but during this occasion, I was the one who had to save him," he said.

"It has helped me a lot being a scout and serving in the National Guard," Bavilla said. "My training has enabled me to become a great Soldier."

"He has a good reputation with everyone in the unit and leads by example," Patnode said. "There aren't too many words that can describe how much this man has done for those around him."

During their upcoming deployment, many in the unit including Patnode are interested in learning more about Bavilla's language and culture.

"These are some excellent guys to be around," he said. "They respect me for my work ethic and want to learn to speak my native language."

Patnode said, "He carries a lot of pride as an American but has just as much for himself and his people."

• Date Taken: 12.12.2005
• Date Posted: 12.12.2005 11:24
• Story ID: 4025
• Location: UMM QASR, IQ