Duke reservist's son tackles reality TV challenge

  • Published
  • By Adam Duckworth
  • 919 SOW/PA
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  Army Capt. Nick Albini's family -- especially his father, Chief Master Sgt. Paul Albini of the 919th Special Operations Wing -- influenced him to develop an intense and serious attitude towards life. These attributes were beneficial to his success as a military officer.

They were also beneficial for him landing a key role on the reality adventure television show, "Out of the Wild: Venezuela," that airs on The Discovery Channel. On this eight-episode program, Capt. Albini is tested both physically and mentally as he and eight other cast members survive through the South American jungle.

The younger Albini, who now lives in Tarpon Springs, Fla., moved to Crestview, Fla. in 1984 when his father began his duties as a munitions specialist at Duke Field.
"He's been around the 919th ever since he was little kid," Chief Albini said.

From there, he joined the Army and entered officer training school, Ranger school and finally served on a 14-month deployment in Iraq where he became a platoon leader. After leaving the Army, Captain Albini wanted to continue his association with the military and joined the Florida National Guard. It was during this time that he saw a casting call while watching the Discovery Channel for "Out of the Wild" and decided to give it a try.

He and the rest of the cast and crew landed on Mount Roraima, which is part the Tepui Mountains on the western border of Venezuela. From there, they trekked about 70 miles to civilization. For assistance, they were given minimum supplies and a GPS device in case of emergencies.

"When it all started, it was cool to have the cameras around," Captain Albini said. "But then it became obnoxious because they were in your face and we were tired and starving. You really start to resent the cameras."

The journey was extremely tough as he faced stress, exhaustion and starvation. "It was not fake," he said. But it was the desire to not embarrass his father and the rest of his family that inspired him to keep going.

"My dad is a really good influence on me. He's real consistent and a really good father," Capt. Albini said. He went on to describe his father as a "no nonsense, get things done, hard worker." The captain said these qualities came out in him during production.

"He gets a real kick out of watching the show because our personalities are so alike."

Chief Albini agrees, but expressed doubt about keeping up with his son.

"He's gone far from being a chip off of the old block."