Lucas Hammerman ’11
News Editor

Brandon Arias ’06 grew up in Westport. He attended Long Lots Elementary School, Bedford Middle School, and then proceeded to graduate from Staples in 2006. Today, he has joined a larger community.

After attending two years in college, Arias enlisted in the Army as a medic, or in army lingo, 68W Healthcare Specialist. He recently received a promotion to the rank of specialist in his unit, the 411th Engineer Brigade Headquarters, Headquarters Company (HHC). He enlisted in February 2008 and is scheduled to deploy for a 12–month tour in Afghanistan.

 “My decision was heavily influenced by my brother, who enlisted in August 2001 as a human resources specialist with the 5th Special Forces group (Airborne) out of Ft. Campbell, Ky. As a result, I was able to get a first hand account of the army experience,” Arias said.

 Training and preparation are a large part of Arias’s job. Not only does he have to be trained in tending to wounds but in how to give them to the enemy. As an army reservist he is required to attend drill practice once a month.

“It is understood that we are soldiers first, and medics second, so if we take a casualty in a firefight, the first and foremost priority is to gain fire superiority. This way, we minimize the amount of casualties we take, and protect the ones we already have,” Arias said.

 Yet Arias believes that it is all part of the job.

“My job is unique in that we are trained to provide care not only in a battlefield setting, but in a clinical one as well,” Arias said.

As a medic though, Arias hopes he never has to do his job.

“The last thing I want to see are injured soldiers and innocent civilians alike—however, I understand that it is a combat zone, and these kinds of things are bound to happen,” he said. “The best things I can do are keep my skills sharp and my head screwed on tight.”

Those skills and his sanity are essential to the missions’ success, considering what he and his fellow soldiers are going against.

“The most dangerous part is having to deal with the IED’s (improvised explosive device) and mortar attacks,” Arias said. “We’re fighting a faceless enemy, so it’s very hard to predict when we might encounter a roadside bomb or barrage of mortars.”

Yet Arias does not feel nervous because of the men and women in his unit.

“There’s a great deal of camaraderie within our group, and I feel very confident going overseas with them,” said Arias. “I do believe that joining the army is like joining a family. Soldiers help soldiers. Bottom line.”

 Even with bombs that could explode at any moment, Arias remains true to his code of helping soldiers.

“My biggest fear is losing one of my brothers or sisters in arms,” Arias said.

Even with all these hazards, Arias doesn’t expect his work life to change too much.

“It’ll pretty much be just like going to work everyday, just with longer hours and in a combat zone,” Arias said.

 He joined the Army because he loves what he does.

“The best part of my job is treating soldiers… It is the most fulfilling and gratifying feeling when another soldier thanks you for what you did,” Arias said.

 At the same time, the Staples Alum comprehends the heavy responsibility he took on and understands its lack of appeal to most teenagers.

“The army isn’t for everyone, but that’s ok, because having the freedom to choose what you want to do is one of the things that defines this country. It’s a big commitment,” Arias said.

While in the country, Arias has another commitment, coaching the Staples Water Polo team. He does because he loves to give back to the community.

“It is a big passion of mine to give back, and it is fun,”  said Arias.