Photo By Sgt. Rodney Foliente | Pfc. Anthony Romero, food service specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company,...... read more read more
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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq — In a deployment of multiple moves throughout central and southern Iraq, Warhorse Soldiers continue to show their resiliency and adaptability.
One such example is the recent move of Soldiers to Camp Shaibah and the building up of an empty space into a temporary home.
"When we first came here, there was nothing!" exclaimed Pfc. Anthony Romero, food service specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion. "We've got everything we need now."
He admits there is room for improvement, but he said things have improved drastically already and with additional projects underway, he feels confident that the camp leadership will continue to look out for the Soldiers' welfare.
"This was an empty desert space converted into a full living area," said 1st Lt. Shawn Peterson, camp commander, HHC, STB. When Soldiers began arriving at the end of May, they were crowded into an empty hanger and took showers by holding over their heads, a plastic water bag with a hose and showerhead. Soldiers ate packaged Meals, Ready to Eat, or drove to a neighboring camp on the installation for food.
Shower buildings were built, and include hot water, lights and power. The living tents are more comfortable and spacious and are air-conditioned and have power outlets for Soldiers to use for such things as their laptops and entertainment equipment.
Now there is also force protection surrounding the whole area and individual areas within, said Peterson. There is a Morale, Welfare and Recreation tent with internet café, a gym tent, a mobile kitchen trailer and a cafeteria tent. Soldiers are able to work in tents as well. All of the tents have air-conditioning and power.
The 10 computers and four SPAWAR phones are especially important to the Soldiers, said Spc. Jade Claybrook, military police, HHC, STB. The Colorado Springs, Colo., resident, said that being able to stay connected to his wife and infant son helps him focus on his mission and deal with the sacrifice of being apart from his family.
The gym tent currently has only dumbbells, a bench and dip bars, though there are plans to acquire more equipment.
It might not be much of a gym yet, said Romero, but he said it is adequate enough that Soldiers can still get a good workout.
Romero said he appreciates all the hard work that has gone into improving the camp, and the San Antonio, native said he in turn is glad to help with the quality of life as a cook, a job he said he thoroughly enjoys.
"We try to go beyond the standards to provide good food for the Soldiers and make everyone happy," said newly-promoted Cpl. Jonathan Rice, food service non-commissioned officer, HHC, STB. "I can't think of any other job that brings so much satisfaction when you see so many people appreciate what you do." Rice comes from Kansas City, Mo.
"Our goal is for the Soldiers to have everything they need so they can focus on their mission," said Peterson, who comes from Tacoma, Wash. "We worked hard to have an improved and higher quality of life for the Soldiers."
He applauded his Soldiers for the hard work and their dedication to their fellow Soldiers. "These guys have done an amazing job! They designed and built the entire camp in two weeks." He also said the work could not have been done so quickly without the partnership and assistance of their Iraqi neighbors from the 14th Iraqi Army Division.
| Date Taken: | 06.21.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.21.2009 01:56 |
| Story ID: | 35409 |
| Location: | BASRA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 479 |
| Downloads: | 405 |
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