Photo By Cpl. Paul Zellner | Pfc. David J. Santapaola, a food service specialist serving as the chaplain's...... read more read more
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CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – Pfc. David J. Santapaola, 32, a food service specialist with Headquarters and Service Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), was a security officer for a private international company before he stepped on the famous yellow footprints just two years ago.
Although he’s a food service specialist by trade, he was selected to serve as the chaplain’s assistant and as her personal bodyguard during missions – military chaplains are not allowed to carry weapons as they are considered non-combatants under the Geneva Convention.
His new duties may be uncommon for someone in the food service military occupational specialty but are not unlike those of his past.
“I worked for a private security company doing identification checks, standing watch security, facility patrols, reception work and security supervising” said Santapaola, a native of Virginia Beach, Va. “Now I am more of an assistant and bodyguard, which plays into my strengths from my past career and personal experiences.”
Santapaola assumes the daily duties assigned to him by the CLB-3 chaplain, Navy Lt. Karen Rector, but it’s outside the walls of the compound where he excels and his past military and civilian training kick in.
“He’s good at making sure to stay within eye and ear shot,” said Rector. “I don’t have to ask him to do much, because he keeps himself busy.”
While some of his duties include maintaining and organizing the chaplain’s office, Santapaola also maintains a personal physical training plan that includes a strict diet and bodybuilding regimen, which he said helps him excel in Marine Corps physical fitness standards and prepares him for a future inside or outside the Corps.
For now though, Santapaola continues to better himself and remain prepared for whatever new challenges come his way.
"I hope to one day obtain a high-risk security type job, but right now I’m focused on my mission out here,” said Santapaola, “which is to accomplish any duties assigned to me as well as provide security for the chaplain in support of her mission here in Afghanistan.”
| Date Taken: | 12.04.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 12.08.2010 07:39 |
| Story ID: | 61553 |
| Location: | CAMP DWYER, AF |
| Web Views: | 163 |
| Downloads: | 7 |
This work, Former private security officer takes on new role as chaplain’s assistant, by Cpl Paul Zellner, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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