Photo By Sgt. Dennis Gravelle | Spc. Tomothy Tamburello does a front flip at the Polar Bear Plunge on Forward...... read more read more
Story and photos by Spc. Timothy Tamburello
138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
MOSUL, Iraq (Jan. 1, 2006) -- "Three, two, one," was the countdown for the Soldiers and civilians of FOB Courage to ring in the New Year with a big splash - in an ice cold pool that is!
These brave Soldiers and civilians were taking part in the annual polar bear swim in the palace pool at FOB Courage. This was the first time these 15 "polar bears" took part in a tradition that tests one's daring with a jump into a swimming pool of frigid water.
"I heard they were doing the swim and I thought it would be an awesome way to start out my New Year," said Spc. Richard Vogt, print journalist, 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.
Before they jumped into the freezing water, they stood anxiously at the edge of the pool dipping their toes in to feel how cold the water actually was.
"I just want to get it over with already," said Vogt as he cringed waiting for the countdown to jump in. "It's probably colder out here than it is in the water."
When the countdown was finished everyone jumped into the pool without hesitation.
With just as much time that it took everyone to jump in, it also took only three seconds before they climbed out, running frantically to get their towels to warm up and dry off.
After the initial jump was over the bets started. Civilian contractors egged on their buddies to go in for a second dip. A couple of the contractors were up for the challenge and decided to submerge in the icy waters again.
"Who can turn down a dare like that," said one civilian contractor. "I would look bad if I didn't do it."
The palace pool, which Saddam Hussein reportedly swam in, is open to Soldiers and civilians during the summer months but tradition gives it one winter day for anyone who wants to start the New Year out with an icy cold dip.
| Date Taken: | 01.28.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 01.28.2006 13:08 |
| Story ID: | 5236 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 772 |
| Downloads: | 61 |
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