Soldier re-enlists atop Ziggurat monument

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers of the 60th Ordnance Company, 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), stand in front of the Ziggurat of Ur, Oct. 1,outside Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. David Hankins)  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IRAQ

10.10.2010

Courtesy Story

224th Sustainment Brigade

By Capt. David Hankins

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq— Sgt. Keith Kobylanski, movement control non-commissioned officer-in-charge with the 60th Ordnance Company, 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and a Harrisville, N.Y., native, took a unique opportunity to re-enlist atop the ancient Ziggurat of Ur, a 6,000 year old temple, Oct. 1 near Tallil, Iraq.

The occasion presented itself when the unit went to visit the Ziggurat as part of a cultural tour. The tour, coordinated through the 110th CSSB, was a good opportunity for the soldiers with the 60th Ord. Company to spend an afternoon away from work while learning a little bit about the cultural heritage of Iraq.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Kobylanski. “I only wish my wife could have been here to see it too.”

Capt. David Hankins, commander of the 60th Ord. Company, and a Bozeman, Mont., native, said the unit had been trying to visit the Ziggurat for several months. “It was a matter of good fortune that Sgt. Kobylanski’s reenlistment came through in time to do it while we were there.”

The Ziggurat of Ur, visible from Contingency Operating Base Adder, was built by the Sumerians more than 6,000 years ago, and was excavated only within the past century. In addition to visiting the Ziggurat, the soldiers with the 60th Ord. Company were also able to visit ancient tombs and what is believed to be Abraham’s house.

“I liked the fact that we could actually go into the tombs and the ruins,” said Spc. Joe Acevedo, ammunition handler with the 60th Ord. Company, and a Palmdale, Calif., native. “Everything was very open and accessible.”

Many soldiers felt that the tour guide was very informative, which provided an even more fulfilling experience.

“The guide and his family have been giving these tours for three generations ever since they helped with the excavation in the early 1900s,” said 1st Sgt. Stanley Bolton, first sergeant of the 60th Ord. Company, and a Beaumont, Miss., native.

• Date Taken: 10.10.2010
• Date Posted: 10.25.2010 09:54
• Story ID: 58747
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ