BAGHDAD – If patriotism and heroics are in any way hereditary, 1st Lt. Michael Cirillo, EO with A Co, 46th Engr Combat Bn (Heavy), seems predestined for absolute greatness.
"I've heard the stories about how my late grandfather, CW3 (Ret.) Charles Fink, was a pathfinder who designated the drop zones for Dday," explained Cirillo. "The family also talks about how he fought courageously during the Battle of the Bulge during World War II and served as a 1st sgt during the Korean War." After becoming a warrant officer, Fink served as a SF Jungle Expert, completing 2 tours with 3rd SF Group during Vietnam. Although he now rests in Arlington National
Cemetery, his legacy lives on in his grandson.
1st Lt. Cirillo fulfilled a lifelong dream and successfully completed Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga. in August 1998. Incredibly, Mr. William "Red" King, the first enlisted Soldier to ever become Airborne qualified, was on hand to pin 1st Lt. Cirillo's Airborne wings. Following in the hallowed footsteps of his late grandfather, 1st Lt. Cirillo furthered his career by graduating the Army Pathfinder Course in 2001.
Cirillo deployed in June of 2008 and served as the plt leader for the security element of TF Gold Forward in Sadr City. Cirillo continues to make significant contributions in his current position as the company's EO. "Working with 1st Lt. Cirillo, has been a high point in my military career," said Sgt. 1st Class Harry Ritter. "In my 20 years of service, I've never met another officer with such drive and determination. He's a credit to the officer corps."
Although he was honor graduate of his Advance Individual Training, the 1st Corp Support Command Soldier of the Year in 1997, and the 2008 Forces Command runner-up for Engr Plt Leader of the Year, he credits his most notable achievement as marrying the former Jenny Dill in August 2007. 1st Lt. Jenny Dill also serves in the 46th ECB (H), and the Cirillos are scheduled to return to Fort Polk in early September.
