FOB Courage MWR, Mission Complete

Photo By Staff Sgt. Sj Duga | Workers at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center on Forward Operating Base Courage, Mosul, Iraq break down equipment as the rec center prepaares to close in the near future.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

05.23.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq (May 15, 2006) -- As Forward Operating Base Courage, Mosul, Iraq closes, so does the Morale Welfare and Recreation facility that provided Soldiers a place to relax and a place to exercise.

Later this summer FOB Courage will transfer from Coalition authority back into the hands of the Iraqi people.

The MWR has provided activities and relaxation for Soldiers that included a gym, video games, billiards, ping-pong, phones, Internet, and even an in-ground pool.

"I've enjoyed working here at FOB Courage. I know we've helped a lot of Soldiers relax and be able to come back to reality just a little bit" said Jim Coleman the MWR coordinator, and resident of Leesville, La.

The MWR workers dedicated themselves to providing Soldiers with a network of employee's that make the operation runs as smooth as possible.

"Soldiers need the MWR's to unwind a little over here in Iraq, especially after returning from some of the missions they do," said James Hennigan, technician and event coordinator. "They need a place to come back to reality and burn off some of their stress." Hennigan resides in Little Rock, Ark.

According to Hennigan one of the activities used most by Soldiers besides the gym is video games.

"Halo II is very popular with Soldiers, some of the runner ups are NASCAR racing and John Maddens NFL Football, but Halo II is played the most out of all the game titles we offer," said Hennigan.

Being in Iraq away from family and friends is difficult, and then add in continuous missions and the heat of the region, a MWR facility can be a welcome sight for a tired and homesick Soldier.

"It's going to be hard to say goodbye to this group," said Coleman. "You start to build relationships with the workers and Soldiers over time, and it is relationships like these that I will always remember."

According to Hennigan, he will be moving to FOB Marez to set up and run an exclusive gym that will be constructed for an element of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

"I'm in this for the long haul, so I'm here for as long as they need me to work at the MWR's," said Hennigan. "Its very gratifying to see the results of my efforts and the difference we make in the Soldiers lives that are serving here in a war zone."

• Date Taken: 05.23.2006
• Date Posted: 05.23.2006 09:34
• Story ID: 6479
• Location: MOSUL, IQ