Construction for better living

Photo By Spc. Ryan Elliott | Construction workers lower a massive "T" wall out front of the Regimental Tactical Operations Center, June 25. The construction is part of a much larger effort to build upon existing defenses around Foward Operating Base Warhorse.  

BAQUBAH, IRAQ

07.05.2008

Story by Spc. Ryan Elliott 

14th Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Ryan Elliott
14th Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq - The electric buzz of construction equipment and clouds of dust have become common fixtures around Forward Operating Base Warhorse located in Diyala, Iraq, as the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Regimental Engineering Corps, undertakes multiple construction projects to better troop's living conditions.

"When we arrived at FOB Warhorse there was a lot of work to be done," said Command Sgt. Maj. Victor Martinez, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.

With an ambitious goal set, the Regimental Engineering Corps set out to build upon the existing foundation of security and conditions around the FOB.

"One of our primary focuses in the construction projects is to improve living conditions for soldiers," Martinez said.

Sticking to this focus, one of the first projects undertaken was the expansion of the Cash Gym, which nearly tripled the gymnasium in size and in the amount of equipment made available to 2nd SCR soldiers.

Improvements have also been made to the food court area that will allow for more shade for Soldiers.

There are a wide range of other diverse construction projects occurring across the FOB.

"A majority of the projects are to fix neglected issues," said Capt. Michael Wigton, Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and FOB Mayor Cell commander.

"We are moving truck loads of gravel around to try to help keep the dust down on the roads," Wigton said.

Another construction project currently under way is a range that will allow 2nd SCR soldiers to zero, qualify and practice firing in a safe environment up to Army standard.

Two other focuses are environmental and waste management as well as security, Martinez said.

There are plans to install two incinerators to minimize the amount of trash that is being buried, Wigton said. There is also a contract to recycle the acres of scrap metal at the dump.

"A lot of the sand bags and barriers on the FOB have been here sense Operation Iraqi Freedom One," Martinez said. "So we are replacing them with concrete which is cleaner neater and safer for soldiers," Martinez went on to say.

"We want to make FOB Warhorse a better place for Soldier to live," Martinez said. "We want to leave Forward Operating Base Warhorse better than how we found it for the next group of Soldiers who come."

• Date Taken: 07.05.2008
• Date Posted: 07.05.2008 05:51
• Story ID: 21204
• Location: BAQUBAH, IQ