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U.S. Army Spc. Anthony J. Zavala, right, a stock control clerk with the Division Ammunition Office, Support Operations, Division Support Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, shakes hands with Chief Warrant Officer Rodney Goldman after Zavala's re-enlistment in March at Camp Taji, Iraq. Zavala, a native of Boston, re-enlisted for six years and plans to make a career of the Army.
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CAMP TAJI, Iraq, Aug. 16, 2005 — Fresh out of high school, Anthony Zavala had his pick of careers: a boxer, a chef or a soldier. Eventually he chose the Army and now serves in Iraq as a specialist with Division Support Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. But he hasn't left the kitchen or the boxing ring far behind.
The stock control specialist with the Division Ammunition Office, Support Operations, didn't even consider the Army as an option until someone he respected brought it to his attention.
“I was 16 when chef told me to join,” Zavala said.
Chef Brian Ferland, Zavala's instructor at Johnson and Wales Culinary College in Worcester, Mass., was fresh out of basic training for the Army National Guard.
Ferland was highly motivated about the Army and was able to encourage Zavala.
Zavala said he listened to the chef because he was one of the very few people in his life who he felt cared about his future.
It was caring people who were able to guide me, said Zavala.
Like Ferland, Big Duke also cared.
Duke ran a boxing club at Boston's Southeast Community Center. He literally pulled Zavala out of a street fight and taught him discipline in the ring.
Ferland felt the Army was a good way for Zavala to practice his passion for the culinary craft.
“On my 17th birthday, I went to the (Military Entrance Processing Station),” said Zavala, a native of Boston. “I tried to be a cook.”
Zavala said he was disappointed to find out he needed a driver's license to get that specific military occupational specialty. He didn't have his license yet and left MEPS without joining.
It was cooking or nothing, said Zavala.
Zavala said when he told Ferland what had happened, the chef redirected him back to MEPS and told him to join the Army for the college benefit and then pursue culinary education after his first tour.
Determined, Zavala said he was back at the MEPS a few days later and chose ammunition specialist as his military occupational specialty.
However, his determination started to fade at Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, S.C.
Zavala, a self-described hard-case, said he loved the physical training, but didn't care for the Army's discipline.
It was difficult adjusting to his drill sergeants, particularly, Drill Sergeant Phillips.
Ironically, it was Phillips who brought Zavala around.
Zavala said Phillips sat the platoon down for a “heart-to-heart.” Phillips spoke to the trainees about why they should be soldiers and showed a caring side.
Consequently, Zavala “turned a corner” and became dedicated to being the best soldier he could be.
Zavala, who was promoted to specialist in March, said the job he'd settled for became a real joy to him.
“He is a highly-motivated soldier who sets and achieves goals,” said Master Sgt. Thomas J. Rooyakkers, the noncommissioned officer in charge.
“He's been aggressive,” said Sgt. Richard E. Mantooth, an ammunition manager and Zavala's first-line supervisor.
He volunteered to be a squad automatic weapon gunner during convoy assault operations from Kuwait to the unit's area in Iraq, said Rooyakkers, who hails from Appleton, Wis. “He performed outstanding, never wavering during the intense 72-hour convoy through hostile enemy territory.”
Zavala has not wavered in his attempt to achieve his goal to make sergeant before his unit redeploys to Fort Stewart, Ga. He is focused on the sergeant's board.
Mantooth, from Biloxi, Miss., said Zavala always has a regulation in his hand and is begging, “Hey, sergeant, ask me some questions.”
He has taken the initiative by participating in practice boards whenever they're offered, said Mantooth.
“When the opportunity came to attend the soldier of the month board, Zavala jumped at the chance to represent 3rd Platoon with just a four-day notice,” said Rooyakkers. “Zavala performed outstanding, winning the company soldier of the month for July.”
Rooyakkers said Zavala was able to prepare even though he was working odd hours.
Working through adversity is what drives Zavala.
Zavala said he likes the “hard-earned rewards.”
He also prioritizes those rewards.
He loves boxing, but has put his eagerness to get back into the ring aside to pursue his military goals, said Rooyakkers. His immediate goal is Soldier of the Quarter. His mid-term goal is to be like the NCO who turned him around in basic training.
Zavala wants to become a drill sergeant where he can mold civilians into soldiers, said Rooyakkers.
His mark of success is having a soldier down the line say, “That sergeant helped me get where I am today,” said Zavala, who re-enlisted for six years in March.
Zavala's ultimate goal is to make sergeant major. He hopes to be able to improve the Army he's come to appreciate.
“I like what I'm doing,” said Zavala. “I like the Army.”
Mostly, Zavala said he likes what the Army has done for him.
Zavala said he's glad he's not dealing with the negative influences or getting into trouble.
“I don't know what I'd be doing if I was back there (home),” said Zavala. “I'm just glad I can be proud of what I accomplish here.”
© 2005 Defend America. All opinions
expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect
those of Military.com.
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