The United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War required many American males to be drafted for the war. One of these individuals drafted was John Pollara. John Pollara briefly attended Pasadena City College before he enlisted in the United States Army in 1967. Having great leadership skills, he was granted honorable military ranks that include Private First Class, Platoon Sergeant, and Staff Sergeant. Mr. Pollara served in Vietnam for two years and was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Silver Star. His outstanding achievement continued after his years of service in the military when he returned to become an accountant and became involved in his community. After graduating from La Salle High School in 1966, Mr. Pollara attended Pasadena
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Pollara entered the Army to receive basic combat training. He was sent to Fort Bliss for eight weeks, where the basic training consisted of physical, drill, and weapons training. Fort Bliss is a training facility for American soldiers located in El Paso, Texas, and New Mexico, and is named in honor of Lieutenant Colonel William Wallace Smith Bliss. (Military.com) His training was very exhausting, and his drill sergeants were tough on all the troops as they trained constantly in all weather conditions. His mental and physical tolerance was put to the test as he trained in both extremely warm and cold temperatures. After receiving his basic training, he became a PFC. PFC stands for “Private First Class” and this rank is achieved when a junior enlisted soldier transition from apprentice to journeyman by developing technical and leadership skills. (Military.com) He was then transferred to Fort Polk Louisiana for advanced infantry training. Fort Polk Louisiana became a major infantry training center for the US Army in 1962, and sent more of its trainees to Vietnam than any other military installation. (knowlouisiana.org) Advanced Infantry Training consists of advanced weapons training, map reading, fitness training, and tactics. Due to his high test score, Mr. Pollara was then sent to Non Commissioned Officer school at Fort Benning, Georgia. Fort Benning is home of the Best Army Installation in the world and is the corporate headquarters for many leading companies. (military.com) There, he thrived in excellence as he graduated at the top of his class of 160 candidates receiving the high rank of Staff Sergeant. At that time, he was the youngest staff sergeant in the United States army. This position consisted of leadership, advanced tactics, artillery support, air support, survival, and maneuvers. He then went to Fort Louis, Washington for three months for On-the-Job
Pollara entered the Army to receive basic combat training. He was sent to Fort Bliss for eight weeks, where the basic training consisted of physical, drill, and weapons training. Fort Bliss is a training facility for American soldiers located in El Paso, Texas, and New Mexico, and is named in honor of Lieutenant Colonel William Wallace Smith Bliss. (Military.com) His training was very exhausting, and his drill sergeants were tough on all the troops as they trained constantly in all weather conditions. His mental and physical tolerance was put to the test as he trained in both extremely warm and cold temperatures. After receiving his basic training, he became a PFC. PFC stands for “Private First Class” and this rank is achieved when a junior enlisted soldier transition from apprentice to journeyman by developing technical and leadership skills. (Military.com) He was then transferred to Fort Polk Louisiana for advanced infantry training. Fort Polk Louisiana became a major infantry training center for the US Army in 1962, and sent more of its trainees to Vietnam than any other military installation. (knowlouisiana.org) Advanced Infantry Training consists of advanced weapons training, map reading, fitness training, and tactics. Due to his high test score, Mr. Pollara was then sent to Non Commissioned Officer school at Fort Benning, Georgia. Fort Benning is home of the Best Army Installation in the world and is the corporate headquarters for many leading companies. (military.com) There, he thrived in excellence as he graduated at the top of his class of 160 candidates receiving the high rank of Staff Sergeant. At that time, he was the youngest staff sergeant in the United States army. This position consisted of leadership, advanced tactics, artillery support, air support, survival, and maneuvers. He then went to Fort Louis, Washington for three months for On-the-Job