Corporal Vinny Garcia joined the 3rd Infantry Division Realism Unit on October 17th, 2020 where he was first assigned as a Fireteam Member in First Squad, First Platoon, Alpha Company. By mid April 2021 he was selected as Squad Medic in Fourth Squad, First Platoon, Alpha Company where he has been leading from the front ever since as a combat medic. 

Throughout his time here he has shown a very strong passion for our unit, dedication, patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. He shows these while excelling in the role of squad combat medic and showing excellence in DMOS such as a Senior Roster Maintenance Specialist within Base Maintenance Operations. This Soldier has also earned himself Army Achievement Medals with Valor, graduated Air Assault School, Airborne School and Ranger School, he has also earned the covenant French Fourragere Cord. In view of these qualities, his demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service, Corporal Vinny Garcia has been awarded the Soldiers Medal and selected as this Soldier of the Quarter.

Tell us a little about yourself.  My name is Vinícius, but people call me Vini/Vinny, I was born and live in Brazil. Also, I've served in the Brazilian Army for one year in 2017 and went to the reserves as a Corporal with an honor of merit certification for good behavior. I'm currently a student trying to pass a college entrance exam to do Law. One of my hobbies is travelling and knowing different places, but the pandemic showed up to stop me from doing that. So I had to adapt, and what I like doing when I'm home? Gaming, my other hobby. I play games of different genres, from MMORPGs to simulation. Currently, I'm playing a lot of Final Fantasy XIV, Flight Simulator and of course, ARMA III.

Why did you join 3rdID and what keeps you here? I have always participated in Brazilian milsim communities, more specifically for about 7 years. Due to several factors my English skills have been growing in recent years and I have always wanted to participate in an international unit and meet new people in the process. I started searching and found 3rdID. What keeps me here is the same thing that got me in: the structure, the professionalism and the time that this unit has been active in the community. These qualities showed me that there was no better place for me to start my journey in international units. And so far this journey has proven to be successful.

Any favorite/funny/memorable moment throughout your whole time in the unit? I have a few, like the creation of fourth squad in which I am still part of today and all the incredible people I've met there. But the most memorable moment was participating in Ranger School, which was one of the most challenging courses I took in ARMA III, lasting approximately 13.5 hours of continuous training. 

Any advice to give to your fellow soldiers? Be accountable and follow the rules of the unit. If you like what you see, help out in any way you can, either by participating in missions and helping with the numbers, or working in any DMOS, whatever you decide, the goal is to leave the unit better than when you arrived. And also, but not least, have fun!

What army value is the most important to you and why? Integrity. Without it, you fail in everything else. To have integrity is to do the right thing, to be respectful and honest with everyone around you. If you have integrity, you are more likely to succeed in all the other army values.

What motivates you?  The unit structure, the people in it and everything that is done here gives us a meaning to do what we have to do.

Any valuable lessons you have learned while being in the unit? Respect for other people's efforts. A unit of this size is not made by the actions of one person, but of dozens. Also, patience and resilience to get things done.