Courtesy Photo | Iraqi boys dive into a pool as they enjoy an opportunity to have fun beating the heat...... read more read more
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By 1st Lt. Michael Rutecki
1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMIYAH, Iraq – Citizens of Baghdad al Jadida in eastern Baghdad gratefully received a newly renovated swimming pool on June 7.
Opening just in time for the hot months of summer, the Baghdad al Jadida pool is the first of three to be opened in the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), operating environment.
"The attendance of so many members from both the community and security forces marks a big step forward toward the cooperation needed to establish a meaningful peace in this area," commented Lt. Col. Scott McKean, battalion commander for 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, attached to 4th BCT, 10th Mtn. Div., MND-B.
Many Iraqi government officials, religious leaders and Sheiks turned out for the grand opening, which signals the continued commitment from the government of Iraq to take responsibility for the betterment of its citizens.
"It was an excellent ceremony, and the sheiks (are) very appreciative of all the effort that went into the renovation of the pool and the ceremony," said Sayyid Abdul Hadi al Jazairy, a prominent Imam from Baghdad al Jadida, who was the featured speaker and plays a large role in reconciliation. "We hope for continued positive events in the future."
Local contractors and laborers worked together to revitalize the Baghdad al Jadida pool to provide the community a fun and safe place to socially interact. The grounds had been shut down for several years before an assessment of the swimming pool area was performed in March. The swimming pool contained many years of trash and debris, and the buildings that housed shower facilities, bathrooms, a cafeteria and locker room were decrepit. The pool's pump house also had several missing components due to looting.
"The renovation of the pool with Commanders Emergency Relief Program funds assists the government of Iraq in a return to normalcy for the civilian populace and, as a joint effort, became a major non-lethal offensive," said Maj. Jeffrey Smith, civil military operations officer in charge for the 4th BCT Patriot Brigade. "The brigade's objective is to ensure all remember and continue to look out for the kids of Baghdad: the future of Iraq."
As a testament to the progress of Iraqi security forces, security for the event was a combined effort between the national police, Iraqi police and the Soldiers of 1-66 AR.
During the event, national police Brig. Gen. Amer, the commander for 1st brigade, 1st national police Division, pledged to continue efforts to provide the people the safest neighborhoods in Baghdad.
"Over the past two months, we have observed the transformation of this site from an eyesore to a mark of pride in the community," said Capt. Roman Izzo, commander of Company C, 1-66 AR, which operates in the Baghdad al Jadida area. "There are many more children out in the area than there were before."
| Date Taken: | 06.15.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.15.2008 16:11 |
| Story ID: | 20497 |
| Location: | RUSTAMIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 318 |
| Downloads: | 270 |
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