Soldiers relax, enjoy breaks from missions in Iraq

Photo By 1st Lt. Janeene Yarber | Maj. Stephen Nitz (far left), 926th Engineer Brigade physician, along with other...... read more read more

Photo By 1st Lt. Janeene Yarber | Maj. Stephen Nitz (far left), 926th Engineer Brigade physician, along with other Soldiers and civilians participate in a fun run, Aug. 31, 2008. The 5.2 mile course took participants on a scenic route around the military post and around a palace belonging to former dictator Saddam Hussein.  see less | View Image Page

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.25.2008

Story by 2nd Lt. Janeene Yarber 

926th Engineer Brigade

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By 2nd Lt. Janeene Yarber
926th Engineer Brigade

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Recently family and friends have asked, "What do the Soldiers deployed to Iraq do in their spare time? Is there any downtime? What should we send in care packages?" Several Soldiers serving with Multi-National Division – Baghdad give us a glimpse into their downtime, and answer those questions.

As a break, the Headquarters and Support Company of the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion threw a party to let the Soldiers have an afternoon of fun.

Nothing reminds a Soldier of a summer back in the U.S. like eating a great grilled steak, burger or hot dog, and cold macaroni salad, while smelling the hot coals blowing in the desert wind. What's missing? Some Soldiers say a cold beer. There's beer to drink here, but only non-alcoholic varieties.

"The party was a good way to offer Soldiers a little time to relax and let their hair down," said Capt. Angela Smoot a native of High Point, N.C., and the HSC commander.

HSC went all out for the Mardi Gras-themed party, including tunes provided by the Soldiers, barbecue, card games, dominoes, horseshoes and other games; while each Soldier wore colorful beads around their necks.

For Soldiers with higher education in mind, they utilize Army distance learning, language courses provided by Rosetta Stone, or further their education via internet. Soldiers can also take advantage of classes taught by officers of the 46th ECB that will improve their military aptitude test scores.

The military complex in Baghdad also provides an education center for Soldiers.

"There are about 40 Soldiers that will be using the educational services here," stated Spc. Adam Isdale, administrative specialist with Company B, 46th ECB, and native of Broadview, Ill.

On Sept. 20, 2008, at a recent administrative conference held by Multi-National Division – Baghdad (4th Infantry Division), the importance of Soldiers improving their civilian and military education; as well as their promotion chances, was a main topic.

"There are certain hurdles a Soldier needs to go through to separate themselves from their peers," commented Sgt. Maj. Gregory Williams Sr., G1 sergeant major with Multi-National Division –Baghdad, speaking about Soldiers utilizing the extra training available at Camp Liberty. "If Soldiers can obtain these courses it will definitely take them to the next level."

Another group of Soldiers brush up on their Arabic, attending classes given by an interpreter, named Fatin. After living in the United States for more than 29 years, she returned to her native country to teach Arabic to Engineer Soldiers in 2003.

In the Arabic classes the Soldiers learn proper pronunciation, customs and courtesies, Iraqi history, and helpful phrases to communicate with the population. A big concern is making sure Iraqi children stay a safe distance away from the heavy vehicles rolling down city streets, and getting their attention with a few key phrases, makes all the difference.

"I can speak to the children in only Arabic now," stated Spc. John Gavitt, a native of Austin, Texas, and member of the Personal Security Detachment Team, 46th ECB. "When I'm out on a convoy I can get their attention better by talking to them in their language."

Gyms are packed with Soldiers using their free time to hit the treadmills, bikes, lift weights or use the full range of equipment provided. Army engineers even build smaller gyms on remote Combat Outposts so Soldiers can stay in shape while away from the main base camps.

"I usually use the elliptical machine and the free weights," commented Sgt. Shaun Cherry, a native of East St. Louis, Ill., Company B, based in Fort Rucker, Ala. "It makes time go by faster and helps relieve stress."

Another Company B Soldier comments on the gym's atmosphere.

"I like that there are mirrors in the gym," stated Spc. Jose Falcon, a native of Puerto Rico. "It's very motivating to watch myself working out in the mirrors."

Gyms offer a wide variety of individual and group activities from Salsa lessons to combatives training. There are even weight-lifting contests for both males and females.

Since the weather in the desert is pretty predictable – sunny and clear 99.9 percent of the time, a plethora of fun runs are offered.

"The runs are very fun," commented Staff Sgt. Dean Vaughn, a native of Blountville, Va. Vaughn makes it a point to participate in every run offered and normally finishes among the fastest runners. "You meet a lot of different people from all over the base and it's something different to do."

The "Sapper Series Runs," hosted by the 926th Engineer Brigade out of Montgomery, Ala., will lead participants up hills, over bridges, down trails, around lakes and one of Saddam Hussein's old palaces; on three, six, and nine mile courses. The final run will be a 21K, 1/2 marathon.

Sunday church services offer Soldiers different denominational options, while Bible studies, meetings, and fun activities hosted by Chaplains help Soldiers maintain their spiritual needs.

Last, but definitely not least, a majority of Soldiers frequent the Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities to use phones, computers, gaming systems, ping-pong and pool tables, reading material, board games, or to watch the televisions setup with movies or connected to the Armed Forces Network.

Now that the war has been on-going for several years there are many different avenues available for Soldiers to stay stimulated when not conducting missions. This keeps the morale high and boredom low.

And, the answer to the question: "What to send in care packages?" Ask any random Soldier and the answer will be the same, "Send baby wipes, cookies, gum, candy, and DVDs."

Many others say a simple letter saying hello would be nice also.